Thai Milk Tea Boba is also known as “Cha Yen” in Thai. It is a popular drink that has gained immense popularity worldwide in recent years. Originated in Thailand, is a sweet, creamy, and refreshing beverage. It is a blend of black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and spices.
People usually serve this cold over ice and topped with chewy tapioca pearls. Tapioca pearls also known as “Boba,” provide a delightful texture. Thai Milk Tea Boba has become a staple in many cafes and restaurants worldwide. It has a vibrant orange hue and creamy texture making it a fan favourite among tea lovers.
This drink was more popular in Thailand. It was often consumed as a refreshing drink during hot summer days. It’s a unique blend of black tea, spices, and condensed milk. It was a welcome alternative to the traditional hot tea in this country.
Over time, Thai Milk Tea Boba has become a beloved beverage across Southeast Asia and beyond. The popularity of the drink has even led to the creation of unique variations. For example, Thai Milk Tea Boba with cheese foam or coconut milk.
If you’re a fan of tea, or milk-based beverages, or love trying new and unique drinks, Thai Milk Tea Boba is a must-try. In this article, we’ll guide you to create your own tasty and refreshing Thai Milk Tea Boba from scratch. So that you can enjoy this beloved drink anytime, anywhere!
What Is A Thai Milk Tea Boba?
Thai Milk Tea Boba, also known as Thai bubble tea or Thai iced tea with boba. It is a popular beverage, that originated in Thailand. It consists of black tea, spices, and condensed milk, giving it a creamy and sweet flavour. The tea is usually mixed with ice and shaken to create a refreshing and frothy drink.
The “boba” in Thai milk tea refers to the small, chewy tapioca pearls. These pearls are usually black or translucent and have a mild sweet taste. They are drunk through a large straw, which allows them to enjoy both the sweet tea and the chewy texture of the boba.
Thai Milk Tea Boba is available in many speciality tea shops and cafes throughout the world. It has become a popular drink due to its unique flavour, creamy texture, and fun boba pearls.
Why This Recipe Works
- Thai tea: Includes strong, black tea, flavoured with star anise, cinnamon, and other spices. The tea has a distinctive orange colour and a rich, mildly sweet flavour that makes it perfect for the base of the drink.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The addition of sweetened condensed milk to the tea gives the drink a creamy, sweet flavour. It balances the boldness of the tea.
- Boba pearls: The boba pearls, or tapioca pearls, add a fun and chewy texture to the drink. First, cook the pearls in a separate way and then add them to the tea and milk mixture. It helps to create a unique and satisfying drinking experience.
- Ice: One can have Thai Milk Tea Boba over ice. It may not only help to cool down the drink but also adds a refreshing element to the beverage.
Ingredients Required to Make Thai Milk Tea Boba
- 2 Tablespoon Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is a thick, sweet milk usually included in desserts and beverages. It adds a creamy texture and sweetness to the tea and is a key ingredient in Thai milk tea.
- ¼ Uncooked Boba: Boba, also known as tapioca pearls, are small, chewy balls made from tapioca starch. They first cook in boiling water and add to the tea to create a fun and unique texture.
- ¼ Cup Milk: Add regular milk to the tea to balance out the sweetness of the condensed milk. It also provides a smooth consistency.
- 1 Teaspoon Thai Tea Mix: This is a blend of black tea and spices that gives Thai milk tea its distinctive flavour and orange colour. You can either use a teaspoon of loose tea leaves or a tea bag of Thai tea mix to prepare the tea base.
- 1 Cup Water: Cook the boba pearls in a separate pot by using water, and then brew the Thai tea mix.
- Ice: Add ice to the finished tea to cool it down and make it refreshing, especially on a hot day.
Tools Required to Make Thai Milk Tea Boba
To make Thai Milk Tea Boba, you will need the following tools:
- Medium-sized pot: You will need a medium-sized pot to cook the boba pearls in boiling water.
- Strainer: After brewing the Thai tea mix use strainer to strain the mix to remove the tea leaves or tea bag.
- Measuring spoons and cups: You will need measuring spoons and cups to measure out the ingredients in an accurate way
- Tall glass: A tall glass is ideal for serving Thai Milk Tea Boba, as it allows for a generous part of the boba pearls in the drink.
- Large spoon: You will need a large spoon to stir the ingredients together in the glass.
- Boba straw: A boba straw is wider than a regular straw and allows for the boba pearls to suck up along with the tea.
- Ice: You will need ice to chill the tea and make it refreshing.
Thai Milk Tea Boba Recipe
This flavourful recipe is made with simple ingredients. It’s incredibly easy to whip up and is a perfect recipe for the summer season. This tea not only tastes delicious but is also an absolute show-stopper with its gorgeous texture and bright colour!
Serves: 1 Course: Drinks Cuisine: Thai Calories: 353 kcal Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes
Firstly, to prepare tea, boil water and pour it over tea leaves, then let it steep for 5 minutes.
For cooking Boba, bring water to a near boil, add in the boba, and stir in a gentle way until they float to the top.
Reduce the heat, and set a timer for 10 minutes (adjustable for desired chewiness). Then strain and rinse the boba, then add them to your serving cup.
To mix the drink, combine sweetened condensed milk and your preferred milk.
Lastly, to assemble the drink, add ice to the cup with boba, pour in the tea, and top it off with the milk mixture. Observe the beautiful layers that form, and then enjoy!
Thai Milk Tea Boba: Nutritional Information
Calories: 353
Total Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Cholesterol: 42 mg
Sodium: 122 mg
Carbohydrates: 56 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 45 g
Protein: 7 g
Tips To Make The Best Thai Milk Tea Boba
- Use high-quality tea leaves: The tea leaves that you use will impact the flavour of your Thai milk tea. It’s best to use high-quality black tea leaves like Ceylon tea or Assam tea.
- Brew the tea: Be sure to steep your tea leaves for the right amount of time (around 5 minutes) to avoid bitterness. You can also add spices like cardamom or star anise to the tea for adding flavour.
- Sweeten the tea: Thai milk tea is well known for its sweetness, so be sure to add sugar or condensed milk to your tea while it’s still hot. Further, Adjust the amount of sweetness to your liking.
- Cook the boba: Cook the boba until it gets soft and chewy. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging. And adjust the cooking time depending on your preference.
- Rinse the boba: After cooking the boba, be sure to rinse it in cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. This will help prevent the boba from sticking together.
- Use the right type of milk: Evaporated milk or whole milk are the best options for Thai milk tea. You can also add some cream or half-and-half for added richness.
- Mix the milk and tea: Mix the tea and milk mixture well before pouring it over the boba. You can also add ice to the mixture to make it a refreshing drink.
Storing & Freezing
Thai Milk Tea Boba can be a great way to enjoy it later. Here are some tips on how to store and freeze Thai Milk Tea Boba:
Storing Thai Milk Tea Boba:
- Store the boba in a container with a lid: Store the boba in an airtight container with a lid. It will prevent it from drying out and absorbing any odours from the surrounding.
- Refrigerate the boba: Place the container in the refrigerator and store the boba for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to keep the boba covered in the milk-tea mixture to keep it from drying out.
Freezing Thai Milk Tea Boba:
- Freeze the boba in a separate container: If you want to freeze the boba for an extended period, freeze it separately from the milk-tea mixture. Place the cooked and rinsed boba in a zip-lock bag or an airtight container.
- Freeze the milk tea mixture: Pour the milk tea mixture into a separate container and freeze it separately from the boba.
- Thaw and reheat: Thaw the boba and milk tea mixture in a separate container in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat the milk tea mixture, you can either microwave it or heat it on the stove until it’s hot. Add the thawed boba to the hot milk tea and serve.
Follow these storage and freezing tips. You can enjoy Thai Milk Tea Boba even when you don’t have time to make it from scratch.
FAQs
What Does Thai Milk Tea Boba Taste Like?
Thai Milk Tea Boba, also known as Thai bubble tea or cha yen, has a unique and delicious flavour. It combines the creaminess of milk with the sweetness of black tea. And the unique blend of spices used in Thai cuisine.
The tea is usually brewed with a mixture of black tea leaves, sugar, and condensed milk. And also various spices such as star anise, cardamom, and tamarind. The resulting tea has a rich, creamy, and mildly spicy flavour.
Lastly, The addition of boba, also known as tapioca pearls, adds a chewy texture to the drinks. It complements the creamy and spicy flavours of the tea. Thai Milk Tea Boba is a delightful and refreshing drink that is perfect for any time of the day.
What Is Thai Milk Tea Boba Made Of?
The main ingredients in Thai Milk Tea Boba are black tea, condensed milk, and sugar. Some variations may also include spices like cardamom and star anise for good flavour.
The “boba” in Thai milk tea refers to the chewy tapioca pearls. These pearls are usually made from tapioca starch and have a gummy texture. They are then cooked and soaked in sugar syrup to give them a sweet flavour.
To make Thai Milk Tea Boba, first brew the tea and then mix it with condensed milk and sugar. It will create a creamy and sweet base. Pour the mixture over ice and top it with the cooked tapioca pearls.
What Is Thai Flavor Milk Tea?
Thai flavour milk tea, also known as “cha yen” or “Thai iced tea,” is a type of milk tea that originated in Thailand. It is a sweet, creamy, and refreshing beverage that is popular all around the world. Thai-flavoured milk tea includes black tea, condensed milk, and sugar. It also includes some spices such as cardamom and star anise.
After brewing the tea is then mixed with condensed milk and sugar to create a creamy and sweet base. The spices in the tea give a unique and distinct flavour. With Thai flavour milk tea, there are also variations that incorporate other flavours. Flavours such as coconut, mango, or lychee. These variations use the same base ingredients as traditional Thai flavour milk tea. But it adds fruit flavours to create a more complex taste.
Is Boba Milk Tea The Same As Thai Tea?
No, boba milk tea and Thai tea are not the same thing. Thai tea includes the brewing of a blend of black tea and spices such as star anise and cardamom. It sometimes includes orange blossom water. It is then sweetened with sugar and condensed milk, giving it a creamy and sweet taste.
On the other side, boba milk tea is a type of tea-based drink that originated in Taiwan. It includes brewed tea, milk, and sweetener, and is usually served with chewy tapioca pearls (boba). It adds a unique texture to the drink.
While there are many ways to make boba milk tea. By using different teas, including Thai tea, the two drinks are not the same. Thai tea has a distinct taste due to the spices and other items used. Boba milk tea has a creamy and sweet taste due to the milk and sweetener added to it.
What Type Of Boba Tea Is The Best?
The best type of boba tea is a matter of personal preference. There are many different types of boba tea available each with its own unique flavours. Some popular boba tea flavours include classic milk tea, green tea, fruit tea, and matcha tea.
If you enjoy sweet and creamy drinks, you might enjoy classic milk tea. It includes black tea, milk, and sweetener. For a lighter and more refreshing drink, you might prefer green tea or fruit tea. It includes green tea or fruit juice.
Matcha tea is a popular choice for those who enjoy the unique flavour of matcha powder. It includes fine ground green tea leaves. For the best boba tea, it’s important to consider your personal taste preferences and the quality of the ingredients used. Look for boba tea shops that use high-quality tea leaves, fresh milk, and real fruit juice. It will ensure the best flavour and quality.
Is Thai Milk Tea Very Sweet?
Yes, Thai milk tea is generally a sweet beverage. It includes black tea, condensed milk, and sugar, which gives it a creamy and sweet taste. Thai milk tea is usually sweeter than other types of tea and often has a caramel-like flavour. The sweetness level of Thai milk tea can vary depending on how much sugar is present in the tea. It also depends on personal taste preferences. Some people may find Thai milk tea to be too sweet, while others may enjoy the sweetness.
If you prefer a less sweet beverage, you can ask for less sugar when ordering at a boba tea shop. You can try making it at home with less sugar or a sugar substitute. Keep in mind that sweetness is a key characteristic of Thai milk tea. Reducing the sugar content may change the flavour profile of the drink.
In Conclusion
Thai Milk Tea Boba is delicious and popular. It has flavours of black tea, condensed milk, and sugar, with the fun texture of chewy tapioca pearls. This refreshing drink, also known as “cha yen” or “Thai iced tea,” is popular worldwide. It has a unique and distinct flavour that is both sweet and creamy.
Thai Milk Tea Boba is not only a refreshing beverage but also a cultural experience. It showcases the distinct and vibrant Thai culture. The traditional recipe for Thai Milk Tea Boba includes a blend of black tea, condensed milk, and sugar. But variations may include spices and fruits. Spices such as cardamom and star arise and fruit flavours like coconut or mango.
Boba milk tea shops around the world have innovated and created various takes on the classic Thai Milk Tea Boba recipe. But the chewy tapioca pearls, which are then soaked in a sugar syrup, remain a signature element. This element sets this drink apart.
Thai Milk Tea Boba is a drink that anyone can enjoy at any time of the day and is an old favourite for people of all ages. Its unique and sweet taste, paired with the texture of the tapioca pearls. It makes it a refreshing and satisfying drink that has become a favourite for many.
Did you like the recipe? What are your reviews about the same? Let us know in the comment section!
Thai Milk Tea Boba: Step-By-Step Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Sweetened Condensed Milk
- ¼ Uncooked Boba
- ¼ cup Milk
- 1 tsp Thai Tea Mix
- 1 cup of water
- Ice
Instructions
- Firstly, to prepare tea, boil water and pour it over tea leaves, then let it steep for 5 minutes.
- For cooking Boba, bring water to a near boil, add in the boba, and stir in a gentle way until they float to the top.
- Reduce the heat, and set a timer for 10 minutes (adjustable for desired chewiness). Then strain and rinse the boba, then add them to your serving cup.
- To mix the drink, combine sweetened condensed milk and your preferred milk.
- Lastly, to assemble the drink, add ice to the cup with boba, pour in the tea, and top it off with the milk mixture. Observe the beautiful layers that form, and then enjoy!
Notes
- Use high-quality tea leaves: The tea leaves that you use will impact the flavour of your Thai milk tea. It's best to use high-quality black tea leaves like Ceylon tea or Assam tea.
- Brew the tea: Be sure to steep your tea leaves for the right amount of time (around 5 minutes) to avoid bitterness. You can also add spices like cardamom or star anise to the tea for adding flavour.
- Sweeten the tea: Thai milk tea is well known for its sweetness, so be sure to add sugar or condensed milk to your tea while it's still hot. Further, Adjust the amount of sweetness to your liking.
- Cook the boba: Cook the boba until it gets soft and chewy. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging. And adjust the cooking time depending on your preference.
- Rinse the boba: After cooking the boba, be sure to rinse it in cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. This will help prevent the boba from sticking together.
- Use the right type of milk: Evaporated milk or whole milk are the best options for Thai milk tea. You can also add some cream or half-and-half for added richness.
- Mix the milk and tea: Mix the tea and milk mixture well before pouring it over the boba. You can also add ice to the mixture to make it a refreshing drink.
