A Tea Lover’s Guide to Bangkok’s Best Thai Milk Tea

Thai milk tea, or cha yen, is a delicious and refreshing drink made from black tea, milk, and sugar, served either hot or cold. It is one of the most popular drinks in Thailand, and you can find it almost everywhere, from street stalls to fancy cafes. But not all Thai milk tea are created equal. Some are too sweet, some are too bland, some are too artificial. So how do you know which ones are worth trying? In this blog post, , we will cover some of the recommendations for the best Thai milk tea in Bangkok from the locals. Whether you like it classic, creamy, fruity, or bubbly, there is a Thai milk tea for you!

What is Thai Milk Tea and Why is it Orange?

Before we dive into the list of the best places for Thai milk tea in Bangkok, let’s first understand what Thai milk tea is and why it has a distinctive orange color.

Thai milk tea, or Cha Yen, is a popular beverage in Thailand. It is made by combining strongly brewed black tea, condensed milk, sugar, and ice. Some variants may include evaporated milk, coconut milk, spices, or food coloring to enhance the taste and appearance of the drink.

The exact origins of Thai milk tea are somewhat unclear. However, some sources suggest that it was influenced by Field Marshal Pibul Songkram, a Thai leader who had an affinity for Western culture. He introduced the concept of adding ice and milk to the traditional tea, contributing to the creation of Thai milk tea. Over time, this delightful beverage became a staple of Thailand’s street food culture.

The distinctive orange color of Thai milk tea is primarily achieved through the addition of food coloring. This was done to make the drink more appealing and easily recognizable to American customers when Thai cuisine gained popularity in North America. Interestingly, the food coloring used is typically the same kind found in Kraft macaroni and cheese, giving the tea its vibrant orange hue.

The Best Places for Thai Milk Tea in Bangkok

Now that you know what Thai milk tea is and why it is orange, let’s explore some of the best places for Thai milk tea in Bangkok. These places are chosen based on their quality, popularity, and uniqueness of Thai milk tea:

The Classic: Cha Tra Mue

Location:

Terminal 21
BTS Chidlom
Siam Paragon

Cha Tra Mue is one of the most famous and oldest brands of Thai milk tea in Thailand. It has been around since 1945 and is widely recognized as the Number One Brand. The secret to its unique taste lies in the special combination of tea leaves and spices used in their recipe, resulting in a truly distinctive aroma and flavor.

If you happen to be in Bangkok, you’ll easily spot Cha Tra Mue kiosks situated in various locations like shopping malls, BTS stations, and airports.

In addition to their famous Thai milk tea, they also offer a variety of other exciting teas like green tea, rose tea, and lemon tea. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you simply must try their delectable Thai milk tea soft serve ice cream, which is a must-try!

KOI Thé

Location:

Siam Square One 3/F
991 Rama 1 Road
Pathum Wan

KOI Thé, a well-liked Thai milk tea brand originally from Taiwan, offers exceptional quality and creamy milk tea. They are famous for their distinctive golden bubbles, which are both chewy and bouncy.

At KOI Thé, you have the freedom to personalize your drink by selecting your desired level of sweetness, ice, and toppings. With numerous branches throughout Bangkok, particularly in Siam Square, customers eagerly wait in long queues for their beverages.

Apart from their renowned milk tea, KOI Thé also offers a variety of other tea flavors, including matcha, oolong, and earl grey. Additionally, they serve coffee and yogurt-based drinks.

Brown Café

Location: 2nd Floor, Siam Square Soi 4

Brown Café is a Thai milk tea brand that prioritizes using fresh and organic ingredients. The drinks at Brown Café are made with organic coconut sugar, fresh milk, and northern Thai cacao and tea.

One distinctive feature of Brown Café is its boba, which is combined by boba and Thai milk tea in a large cup, and top it with whipped cream and brown sugar syrup, the result is a bubbly and delicious Thai milk tea that is satisfying and addictive.

In addition to their delicious beverages, Brown Café offers a cozy and trendy atmosphere, perfect for indulging in your drink alongside some delectable snacks and sweets. Brown Café has multiple locations in Bangkok, including Siam Square and Central World.

Double Dogs Tea Room

Location: 406 Yaowarat Road, Chinatown Bangkok

If you’re up for trying a fruity twist on Thai milk tea, you should definitely check out Double Dogs Tea Room. This cozy spot can be found in the heart of Chinatown and specializes in top-notch teas sourced from China, Taiwan, and Japan.

They’ve got an exciting range of fruit-infused Thai milk teas on offer, featuring mouthwatering flavors like mango, lychee, passion fruit, and strawberry. By using fresh fruits and natural sweeteners, they skillfully blend these with their homemade Thai milk tea, resulting in a delightful and fruity concoction. It’s not overly creamy, but instead it’s bursting with the authentic flavors of the fruits.

As an added bonus, you can complement your Thai milk tea experience with a variety of snacks and sweets such as tea eggs, toast, and cake. Double Dogs Tea Room is a true hidden gem in Chinatown, offering the perfect sanctuary to unwind and savor a refreshing and fruity Thai milk tea.

Kamu Tea

Location:

Within BTS Asok Station
Terminal 21 Mall (near BTS Asok station)

There is no doubt that Kamu Tea is where a milk tea lover should never dismiss. Kamu Tea is an awesome Thai milk tea brand that has been around for nearly 10 years. They’re famous for using top-notch tea leaves and spices sourced from Japan, along with fresh milk and coconut sugar.

What’s more, Kamu Tea offers a wide range of flavors and toppings like cheese cream, milo, and soft pearl. Their brand image is super friendly and fun, featuring an adorable logo and vibrant cups.

No wonder Kamu Tea is a top pick for Thai milk tea enthusiasts seeking a tasty and invigorating beverage!

Thai milk tea is a drink that can suit any mood and occasion, and it is a must-try when you visit Bangkok. I hope you enjoyed this blog post, and let me know in the comments what is your favorite Thai milk tea in Bangkok.