FOOD & CULTURE
6 Must-Try Thai Drinks To Cool Down from the Bangkok Heat
Bangkok — the city of angels and also of prickling heat.
The city usually experiences hot weather from March to June, with temperatures reaching as high as 40°C (104°F). This prevents tourists from exploring the sites, experiencing the local customs, and relishing the taste of Thai cuisine.
However, you won’t have to feel stuck indoors or suffer from the heat. Most vendors selling refreshments line the city streets. Some go around the city selling drinks in their small carts.
Stop by a vendor, order a glass, and cool down with these must-try Thai drinks.
1. Nom Yen (Iced Pink milk)
As its name states, Nom Yen is literally pink milk. It’s every Thai’s childhood drink, which makes it popular with all generations.
It consists of fresh milk and Sala syrup, a red artificial flavoring that tastes like a mix between pineapple and mango. The red syrup blends with white milk, giving the drink its iconic pink color.
Order it with a handful of ice cubes, and you have a classic, sweet refreshment that will keep you coming back for more.
2. Oliang (Thai Iced Coffee)
“O” means black, while “liang” means cold, so ordering a cup gives you your good old cold black coffee with a twist.
Oliang is said to have originated in China and passed down to Thai-Chinese families who settled in Bangkok.
The Thai version is a pure brew mixed with sugar and local grains and seeds, such as cardamom, sesame, corn, and soybeans. This coffee blend produces a rich, smoky aroma that will quench your thirst at the same time.
3. Yok Lor (Thai Iced Coffee with Milk)
Do you want a milder variation of Oliang? Order a glass of Yok Lor instead. It has much more milk than Oliang, making it sweeter, creamier, and less acidic.
The name Yok Lor translates to “flying wheel.” It’s taken from the brand name of a canned evaporated milk with a bicycle logo. When pouring the milk into the coffee, the wheel on the can looks like it’s flying; hence, the name.
4. Cha Yen (Thai Iced Tea)
Cha Yen is the international representative of Thai drinks, and for good reason.
This emblematic drink has a vibrant and unique flavor, distinguished by its terracotta-orange color. It’s brewed tea spiced with star anise, cardamom pods, or cloves with milk and lots of ice. It’s the go-to refreshment when out in the hot streets of Bangkok.
5. Nam Oy (Sugarcane Juice)
Simple yet satisfying, Nam Oy is one of the Thai drinks you’ll instantly love. This sweet juice comes from natural sugarcane, which is abundant in Thailand. The juice is extracted through a machine and infused with a bit of sour taste to balance the flavor. If you want something organic and energizing, have a bottle of Nam Oy.
6. Singha (Thai Beer)
When the weather’s hot, sometimes all you need is a sip of ice-cold beer. One of the most popular beer brands in Thailand is Singha. It’s made from barley mixed with various hops, giving it its floral and herbal taste.
Since its conception in 1933, Singha has become known in Thailand and 50 other countries.
Find a drink that suits your taste
You can find these Thai drinks anywhere in Bangkok. Try them to find out what best suits your taste. This way, whether you’re munching at street food stalls or dining at restaurants, you know what to order to cool down from the heat.
