🇹🇭 Thai Cuisine · Drinks

Cha Yen

Prep

5 mins

Cook

5 mins

Serves

2

Difficulty

Easy

Thai iced tea brewed strong from Ceylon tea with condensed and evaporated milk poured over a glass of crushed ice.

Ingredients

  • 500g large prawns
  • 2 cups glutinous rice
  • 2 tsp sliced lemongrass
  • a pinch of dried shrimp
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 2 baby corn, chopped
  • a handful of fresh mint, chopped
  • a drizzle of roasted peanuts

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the rice vermicelli and chicken stock in a saucepan, blender, or pitcher, stirring well.

  2. 2

    Add the dried shrimp and fish sauce, stirring gently so their flavor infuses the mixture.

  3. 3

    Heat gently over low heat (or blend, or steep, depending on the drink) until well combined and fragrant, about 5 mins.

  4. 4

    Strain through a fine sieve to remove any solids, if needed.

  5. 5

    Sweeten to taste with lime wedges, adjusting gradually until the balance feels right.

  6. 6

    Chill in the refrigerator, or pour straight over ice, depending on whether it is served cold or hot.

  7. 7

    Garnish with mint just before serving.

Tips

Adjust the sweetness gradually, tasting as you go — you can always add more lime wedges, but you cannot take it away.

Make a big batch and keep it chilled in the fridge — the flavor often deepens after a few hours.

Serve in a chilled glass for the most refreshing result on a hot day.