Discover the rich cultural heritage of Thailand through 10 traditional drinks that reflect the country’s history, flavors, and unique culinary traditions.
Thailand, known for its vibrant street food, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, offers a wide range of drinks that are just as fascinating as its culinary scene.
From refreshing fruit-based beverages to spicy herbal concoctions, Thailand’s traditional drinks are not just tasty—they also tell the story of the country’s history, its people, and the ingredients that have shaped Thai culture for centuries.
Whether enjoyed in the bustling streets of Bangkok or the quiet countryside, these drinks provide a unique glimpse into Thai traditions. Here are 10 traditional drinks in Thailand that offer a flavorful experience while sharing the deep cultural roots of the country.
1. Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen)
One of the most popular beverages in Thailand, Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen) is a sweet, creamy drink made with strong black tea, sugar, and condensed milk, served over ice.
The drink is typically made by brewing a rich black tea blend with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom, which gives it a distinct aromatic flavor.
The tea is then sweetened with sugar and topped with a generous amount of condensed milk, creating a creamy, flavorful drink that is perfect for Thailand’s hot weather.
Thai Iced Tea reflects the country’s colonial influence, where the British introduced tea to Southeast Asia. Over time, the Thai people adapted it into their unique beverage, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
2. Thai Iced Coffee (Oliang)
Oliang, or Thai Iced Coffee, is another refreshing beverage that shares many similarities with its tea counterpart. Made with a strong blend of coffee beans, sugar, and sometimes roasted corn or sesame seeds, Oliang is brewed to create a bold, rich coffee flavor.
The coffee is then mixed with sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk, and served over ice.
This iced coffee is a popular drink in Thailand’s street markets and coffee shops, and its origins are believed to date back to Chinese immigrants in the country who brought their coffee brewing techniques with them.
Oliang is a perfect example of how Thailand’s diverse cultural influences have shaped its modern-day cuisine.
3. Coconut Water (Nam Maprao)
Fresh Coconut Water (Nam Maprao) is a quintessentially Thai drink that perfectly encapsulates the country’s tropical climate.
Thailand is home to many coconut trees, and the water from young coconuts is a popular beverage enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
This refreshing drink is naturally sweet, hydrating, and packed with electrolytes, making it an ideal choice for rehydration during Thailand’s hot and humid days.
Often served directly from the coconut, it is a symbol of the country’s abundant natural resources and is widely available in street markets and beaches across Thailand.
Coconut water is also used in Thai cooking, adding a subtle flavor to both sweet and savory dishes.
4. Chrysanthemum Tea (Cha Hoa Mum)
Chrysanthemum Tea (Cha Hoa Mum) is a floral, aromatic drink made by steeping dried chrysanthemum flowers in hot water. This tea is popular in both Thailand and China, where the chrysanthemum flower is known for its medicinal properties.
In Thailand, it is often served chilled, and it’s typically sweetened with sugar or honey to enhance the floral flavor. The drink is refreshing and is believed to have health benefits, such as improving digestion and reducing inflammation.
Chrysanthemum tea offers a taste of Thailand’s herbal traditions, where natural ingredients are often used for both their flavor and their therapeutic properties.
5. Roselle Juice (Nam Krajeab)
Roselle Juice (Nam Krajeab), made from the calyces of the roselle plant, is a tangy, vibrant red beverage that is popular throughout Thailand.
The plant’s tart flavor is balanced by the addition of sugar, creating a sweet-and-sour drink that is both refreshing and rejuvenating.
Roselle, also known as hibiscus, is prized in Thailand for its high vitamin C content and its ability to cool the body, making it a popular choice during the hot summer months.
The drink is often served chilled and garnished with a slice of lime or mint leaves, and it’s commonly found in local markets, where it is enjoyed as a thirst-quencher after a day of shopping or sightseeing.
6. Thai Herbal Drink (Nam Gung)
Nam Gung is a traditional Thai herbal drink made from a mixture of various herbs and spices, often including ginger, lemongrass, and tamarind.
Known for its health benefits, this drink is typically consumed to help with digestion, improve immunity, and detoxify the body. The ingredients are boiled together to create a potent, flavorful liquid that is served either hot or cold.
Thai herbal drinks like Nam Gung are deeply rooted in the country’s long history of using natural remedies for health and wellness.
These drinks not only provide nourishment but also reflect the deep connection between Thai culture and nature.
7. Sweet Basil Seed Drink (Nam Bai Bua Bok)
Sweet Basil Seed Drink (Nam Bai Bua Bok) is a unique Thai beverage that features the seeds of the sweet basil plant, which swell up when soaked in liquid. These seeds give the drink a gelatinous texture that is both refreshing and satisfying to the palate.
The drink is often flavored with sugar, honey, or syrup and is typically served chilled with a hint of lemon or lime to enhance its refreshing qualities.
In Thailand, this drink is believed to have cooling properties and is often consumed during the hot season. It is a perfect example of how Thai beverages incorporate natural, plant-based ingredients into their daily diet.
8. Sticky Rice with Mango Smoothie (Khao Niew Mamuang Smoothie)
A modern twist on a traditional Thai dessert, the Sticky Rice with Mango Smoothie (Khao Niew Mamuang Smoothie) combines two of Thailand’s most beloved ingredients into a creamy, delicious drink.
This smoothie typically blends mango, coconut milk, and sticky rice together into a thick, velvety beverage that is both indulgent and satisfying.
The combination of the sweet mango and the rich coconut milk reflects the strong flavors of traditional Thai desserts, like sticky rice with mango, while the addition of sticky rice gives the drink an authentic, comforting texture.
This drink has become increasingly popular in Thai cafes and food stalls, showcasing the evolution of traditional flavors into new, creative forms.
9. Thai Tea with Lime (Cha Yen Manao)
A variation of the classic Thai Iced Tea, Cha Yen Manao combines the traditional strong black tea with lime juice for a zesty, refreshing twist.
The addition of lime balances the sweetness of the condensed milk and enhances the flavor of the tea, creating a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and creamy.
This variation is especially popular during the hotter months, when the tangy citrus flavor adds an extra burst of freshness. Cha Yen Manao reflects the Thai love for balancing bold flavors, combining the richness of tea with the tartness of lime in a perfect harmony.
10. Lemon Grass Drink (Nam Ta Khai)
Lemon Grass Drink (Nam Ta Khai) is a fragrant, citrusy beverage made by infusing fresh lemongrass with water and sweetening it with sugar or honey.
Known for its refreshing and soothing properties, this drink is often consumed to calm the stomach and improve digestion.
Lemongrass is a staple in Thai cuisine, used in both savory dishes and beverages, and its light, aromatic flavor makes it a perfect base for a cooling drink.
This herbal beverage, served both hot or cold, provides a refreshing escape from the intense heat of Thailand and offers a taste of the country’s emphasis on fresh, natural ingredients in their daily food and drink.
Thailand’s traditional drinks are as diverse and vibrant as its culture. Each drink tells the story of the country’s long history of using natural ingredients for flavor, wellness, and refreshment.
From the creamy richness of Thai Iced Tea to the herbal benefits of Nam Gung, these drinks provide a refreshing way to connect with the tastes and traditions that have shaped Thai cuisine for generations.
Whether you’re enjoying a cold glass of coconut water on a beach in Phuket or sipping a hot cup of herbal tea in Bangkok, these beverages offer a unique taste of Thailand’s cultural heart.
