Thai tea is a Thai version of milk tea. The dominant taste of sweetness mixed with a tad of bitterness is what makes Thai tea different. This is achieved by mixing brewed black tea with condensed sweetened milk and sugar, usually served cold. The drink has a solid brick brown to orange color and a milky texture.

Thai tea is among the top 50 most delicious drinks, according to CNN. (Source)

However, you might wonder what makes this simple menu different from other milk teas. Read on to find out the delicacy of Thai tea VS Chai tea and the like.

Why does Thai tea taste so unique?

In the most basic sense, Thai tea or Cha-yen is a simple milk tea. There is nothing complicated about this menu at all. But despite its simplicity, it still tastes unlike anything else you used to drink, thanks to 3 factors: ingredients, recipes, and concocting technique.

The ingredients:

Thai tea only has a handful of ingredients: tea leaves, water, condensed sweetened milk, sugar, and condensed milk. As you can probably tell, the most vital is the tea leaves. And Thai people choose black Ceylon tea to make Thai tea. (Source)

The quality of Ceylon tea is critical. Generally, the higher the quality means a stronger and bitter taste. However, the main flavor of Thai tea is sweet, so most Thai baristas opt for a lower-quality black Ceylon tea. It lets the striking sweetness take over and lowers the production cost.

The recipe:

As mentioned, Thai tea’s dominant flavor is sweet. So, you shouldn’t be surprised to see 3 tablespoons of sugar on top of 4 tablespoons of condensed sweetened milk in a liter of Thai tea.

Of course, the sweet level depends on the barista’s personal preference. But it’s rare to find unsweetened Thai tea. If you really want a low-sugar drink, you are better off drinking something else.

Sweetness isn’t the only flavor of Thai tea. There is a tad of bitterness too. This bitterness comes with the tea aroma that mixes well with the sweetness.

With such a sweet-focused flavor, Thai tea is usually served cold. Hence the name Cha-yen (ชาเย็น), which translates to “cold tea”.

The concocting technique:

This is arguably the most significant factor that separates Thai tea from other milk teas. (Source)

Traditional Thai tea requires almost an hour to make. The barista has to fill the tea-leave powder in a cloth filter and dip the whole package into boiling water. Then, lifts it up and dips it down again over and over. This process alone can take even half an hour, depending on volume. The longer the process is repeated, the more fragrant the tea is.

After that, the barista has to repeatedly pour the tea through the cloth filter filled with already wet tea leaves powder. This is done so you can extract the most tea from each leaf. It also enhances the aroma further.

Repeat the dip and lift, and you will get quality hot black tea. The rest of the process is easy. 

Mix the black tea with the condensed sweetened milk and sugar. This is where the color changes from dark brown to the signature brick orange. Add a bit of condensed milk and your Thai tea is ready.

Some baristas use a Malaysian pouring technique called Cha-Chuk to add an extra flare to the menu. It involves pouring Thai tea from one container to another from a great height. The process is repeated several times to add air to the drink and create a bubbly texture. It also helps mix the drink similarly to the bartender’s shaking tin.

Thai tea variations

Aside from Cha-yen, Thai tea has other variants that offer different textures and tastes.

Dark Tea or Cha-dum (ชาดำ):

This is basically Thai tea without all the milk. Only black tea and sugar. However, it doesn’t mean that the menu is less sweet. The barista simply adds more sugar instead of condensed sweetened milk. 

Cha-dum usually has its name from its dark brown to almost black tea. It has a lighter texture than Chayen due to the lack of milk. Usually served cold. (Source)

Lime Tea or Cha-Manao (ชามะนาว):

This drink is arguably the most popular tea drink among Thai people. Cha-Manao can be a lifesaver on a hot day, thanks to its refreshing quality

Cha-Manao is basically Cha-dum with a bit of lime. It is a simple drink. However, many baristas struggle to find the balance between sweet and sour. Not to mention the undesirable bitterness that comes from the lime skin. It is actually a difficult drink to master.

Thai Tea Frappe or Cha-yen Pun (ชาเย็นปั่น):

Throw a glass of Cha-yen in a blender. You will get Cha-yen Pun.

Thai people love blended Cha-yen because of the country’s heated weather. Nothing is more refreshing than icy cold smoothies. Even though the crushed ice diluted the sugar, Cha-yen Pun is still a sweet drink. So, drink it in moderation.

Overview of Thai tea VS Other teas

Thai tea VS Chai tea: Are they Different or the same thing?

What is Chai tea?

If you have been to India, you must have tried Masala Chai or Chai tea. It is among the most unique drinks India has to offer. And it tastes fantastic.

The most striking feature of this tea is the spicy aroma filled in each sip. These fragrances come from spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, clove, and much more — depending on the recipe. The aroma mixes well with the milky brick orange tea, creating a surprisingly pleasant combination of taste and touch.

The brewing method is what distinguishes Masala Chai from other milk teas. (Source)

Usually, you make milk tea by mixing brewed tea with milk. In the Masala Chai case, you brew the tea with milk and water from the beginning. You boil the water, add the spices, pour the milk, and put in the tea powder. It is usually served hot.

Most Indians use Assam black tea to concoct Masala Chai. It has a rich, strong, and bitter taste loved by tea fanatics. Of course, there are alternatives since each household tends to have different recipes. But the resulting taste would be similar: milky, fatty, and fragrant.

Masala Chai is arguably the least well-known milk tea in Thailand. The reason could be that the Indian community in the country is small (compared to the Chinese). So, only a handful of locals know what Masala Chai is. You need to do your research to drink one in Thailand.

Comparing Chai tea with Thai tea

Cha-yen and Masala Chai are a complicated pair to compare. Why? Because even though they are both brick orange milk teas, they aim at different drinking experiences.

First, Cha-yen is best served cold, while Masala Chai is best when hot. It is said that the heat in Masala Chai helps bring out the scent of spices and herbs, enhancing the effect of each ingredient. 

Second, Cha-yen is all about sweet, but Masala Chai pays more attention to soft spiciness. You could say that Masala Chai is more delicate in its taste. It is not necessarily sweet since it emphasizes the right combo between flavor, scent, and texture. Cha-yen has a simple yet effective flavor that can surely refresh you.

Finally, Cha-yen packs way less “tea-ness” than Masala Chai. Generally, Thai people don’t order Cha-yen to experience “tea.” They just want a sweet cold drink to mitigate the heat. Masala Chai, however, offers a more genuine tea-tasting experience. This doesn’t mean that Cha-yen is a bad tea. It just has a different purpose.

Anyhow, you can enjoy both teas any time you want. They both offer different tastes, but in the end, they can definitely refresh you in their own ways.

Thai Tea VS Taiwanese milk tea

What is Taiwanese milk tea?

Everyone knows Taiwanese Milk Tea. Thanks to the boom of boba tea, Taiwanese milk tea’s popularity has risen.

Of course, Thailand has tons of boba tea shops. You can find them on most streets in urban Bangkok and other major cities — franchise or not. And most of these shops use similar recipes.

As the name suggests, most Thai baristas use “Taiwanese tea” leaf powder to make Taiwanese milk tea. Of course, there is no such thing as Taiwanese tea leaves. It is a species of Chinese red tea that offers a natural spicy sting. Some baristas use Ceylon tea, but in the end, it’s up to their recipes.

Generally, when mixing “Taiwanese tea” with condensed sweetened milk, the color will change from dark brown to pale brown. The amount of the milk, again, depends on the recipe. However, they usually don’t make the tea too sweet because they have to consider the sweetness of the boba too. They are usually served cold.

If you ignore the boba, Taiwanese milk tea has a spicy sting in its flavor. Not as strong as Masala Chai, but still noticeable. This spiciness is thanks to the tea leaves. And it blends nicely with the sugar content of the drink.

Comparing Taiwanese milk tea with Thai tea

Cha-yen and Taiwanese milk tea are similar in both taste and texture. They offer a sweet flavor and have a solid milky touch. But generally, Cha-yen is a bit sweeter and richer. Taiwanese Milk tea is spicier and has a sharper bitterness.

However, the similarity in texture would end if you add boba to the mix. The chewy gelatin gives more dimension to the Taiwanese milk tea experience. And to many people, that chewiness is the reason they order Taiwanese milk tea in the first place.

You could say that nobody in Thailand drinks Taiwanese milk tea without boba. Of course, you can add boba to Cha-yen too, but you can’t deny that it lacks the satisfying blend of the original.

Thai tea VS milk matcha

What Is milk Matcha?

“Matcha” (抹茶) is a Japanese term for green tea. Milk Matcha, however, has nothing to do with the Japanese or Japan.

Traditionally, Japanese people drink hot Matcha purely in a cup. They have a one-of-a-kind brewing method for a perfect green tea, bringing the most flavor and fragrance out of each tea leaf. (Source)

Many consider this tea brewing method an art form and even a ritual. So, adding milk to a Matcha could be seen as sacrilegious.

On the other hand, adding milk to Matcha is a common practice in Thailand — especially when served cold.

The Thai Milk Matcha has, obviously, a light green milky color. It tastes sweet and has a herbal scent — characteristic of most green teas.

The ingredient and concocting method is quite simple. You brew the green tea powder in boiling water, then mix the tea with condensed sweetened milk. Sugar and condensed milk can be added, depending on the recipe.

This menu is quite popular in Thailand because of its sweet taste and herbal scent. Many people even prefer Milk Matcha to Cha-yen.

Comparing milk Matcha with Thai tea

In Thailand, Cha-yen and Milk Matcha have surprisingly similar tastes and textures. You can almost say that Milk Matcha is Cha-yen but green. Their sweetness is at the same level, and they both have a thick milky texture. And they are usually served cold.

The only noticeable difference (apart from the color) is the subtle “green tea” scent you get from the Milk Matcha. But this little subtlety takes over the heart of many Thais and brings this drink to fame.

The secret to Thai tea’s beauty

After reading this far, you might think Thai tea is inferior to other milk teas. It doesn’t have the spiciness of Masala Chai, lacks a complementary partner like the boba of Taiwanese milk tea, and also misses the subtle charm of milk Matcha.

Overall, Thai tea is bland by comparison.

However, the true beauty of Thai tea lies in its simplicity. The sweetness will always bring that sugary pleasure to your brain. The cold milky texture will surely bring you back to life. This straightforwardness makes Thai tea a brilliant drink you should try and fall in love with.

Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.

The post Thai Tea VS Chai Tea: Why Does Thai Tea Taste Different? appeared first on ThaiGuider.

Local Thai people love drinking Thai beer on many occasions, such as festivals, parties, celebrations, and Thai beers are well-known among foreigners too. There is a wide range of Thailand beer brands with different tastes and price points.

If you are looking to find the right Thai brew for you, this article serves as your ultimate guide on how to drink Thai beer just like the locals.

What Are the Different Thai Beers?

There are many Thai beer brands available everywhere in the country, from convenience stores to high-end bars. Each beer brand can be different from the other in terms of price, taste, and style.

Here’s a list of the most 5 well-known Thai beers sure to wet your whistle:

1. Leo

Currently occupying almost half of the market in Thailand, it’s fair to say that Leo is the most admired beer by the locals (1). The bottles of Leo have their signature Leopard staring on the logo, making it fitting for such a name like ‘Leo.’

Leo beer was introduced to the Thai market more than 20 years ago, and since then, it has quickly established itself as the no.1 best-seller. It is a premium lager beer made from Thai rice, Australian spring barley, imported German hops, and artesian water, with 5% alcohol by volume (2).

Fans of Leo beer describe it as smooth and easy to drink. One of the lesser-known facts about Leo beer is that it is also brewed by Boon Rawd Brewery, which is also the brewery for Singha beer. This may be the reason why Leo tastes similar to Singha. However, the price of Leo beer is lower than Singha, only costing around 40 baht per bottle (1).

For those who want a stronger and more sophisticated taste, Leo also has another version called Leo Super which has 6.5% ABV (3).

Bar Tip: How to order Leo Beer in Thailand

Rather than pronouncing the name like how it is spelled, switch the sound for the ‘e’ with the sound of ‘i’. Then pronounced it by extending the end words like “Lii-Ooooo,” and there you have it! (4)

2. Chang

Known for its intense flavor and the subsequent ‘Changover’ the next day, Chang beer is another one of the most consumed and popular beer brands in Thailand, with over 30% of the Thai beer market.

Launched in 1995, Chang is a lager beer type known for having a pleasant, full flavor with the subtle aroma of fruit and hop, making it taste natural and easy to drink (5).

Chang beer also has various versions; Chang Classic has 5.2% alcohol content per bottle (brewed from rice) and Chang Export, a lager type beer with 5% alcohol (brewed from malt.) Chang Draft beer is another variety of Chang beer and has an alcohol percentage of 5%, while Chang Light has only 4.2% alcohol by volume (1).

The famous emerald green color with the two elephants’ logo symbolizes Chang beer, which is present on both bottles and beer cans. It is manufactured by ThaiBev, one of the biggest breweries in Thailand.

One of the cheapest Thai beer brands, a can of Chang usually costs around 30-35 THB when bought at stores (1). Chang’s popularity goes further than inland Thailand. It is available globally in almost 50 countries, including the US, the UK, and Central Europe (6), proving its status on the world stage as one of the iconic beer brands in Thailand (1).

Recently Chang beer Thailand won the Gold award for the flavored-beer category at the 2021 World Beer Awards for its Espresso Lager Beer (7).

Bar Tip: How to order Chang Beer in Thailand

Contrary to how it’s spelled, Thai people do not pronounce it “Chang.” The way locals called this beer instead sounds like “CHAAANG,” with the ‘a’ sound being brought down and then up again to a cosmic level (4).

3. Singha

Another famous Thai beer would be Singha, which is highly regarded as the original Thai beer. Singha beer has been around for a long time, entering the Thai beer market in 1933 as one of the first 3 beer brands of Boon Rawd Brewery (8).

Singha’s logo has a Garuda and a golden mystical Lion on it. The reason behind these symbols is also quite interesting. The Garuda logo was first given permission to be used by King Rama VIII to Boon Rawd Brewery. At that time, it was only permitted for financially stable and trusted companies for their quality goods.

The iconic lion symbol of Singha was inspired by one of the four great lions in Thai literature, which the locals believe to be the Himmapan forest’s king (9). From the logos alone, it is evident that Singha has a long-standing history as a Thai beer, and it’s still loved by the locals today.

Singha is a pale lager beer, and its taste profile is said to be well above average. Singha is crafted using Saaz hops and barley malt. The lager beer version has 5% ABV, while the Singha Light version has 3.5% ABV and has a slightly more bitter taste than the original version (1).

As for the price, Singha is slightly more expensive than Leo and Chang, costing around 35 baht for a single can in stores.

Bar Tip: How to order Singha Beer in Thailand

Locals do not tend to order Singha as ‘SingHA’ beer. Instead, they just pronounced it as ‘Sing,’ without the ‘ha’ sound at the end (4). But even if you pronounce it as ‘Singha,’ everyone will still get it as everyone knows the brand.

4. Archa

Archa is a newer Thai beer brand compared to original ones like Singha and Chang. So, it should be no surprise that it is also brewed by the ThaiBev, the house of Chang beer.

Archa was first launched in 2004, marketed as a beer to suit the demands of the new generation of beer fans who prefer the smoother taste and lower alcohol content (10). That’s why the taste of Archa is sweeter than Singha beer, with a bubbly texture that is comparable to champagne.

Initially, Archa beer had a 5.4% alcohol percentage (1), but it was reduced to 5% in 2014 (11). Archa beer is intended for the local market and budget drinkers, so it’s even cheaper than other Thai beer brands. One can of Archa beer only costs less than 30 baht when bought at stores (1).

And since it is intended for a low-cost market, it is not usually found in bars where foreigners are frequent. But if you want to try Archa beer, they are easily available in convenience stores like 7-Eleven and supermarkets, such as Lotus (Tesco.)

5. Phuket Lager Beer

Named after the famous party island, Phuket beer is the first Thai beer brand to receive a gold medal for its taste at an international beer competition held in Belgium (12). The taste is light and sweet, with an aftertaste aroma of tropical fruits, making it perfect for sipping when lazing around on the beach or poolside (13).

Phuket beer used premium German hops and high-quality Thai jasmine rice to brew. Fans of Phuket beer said that it also smells similar to a European lager due to the aroma of cereal grains, sweet malts, and grassy hops (14). It has 5% ABV.

Although it is named after Phuket island, its brewery exists in Pathum Thani province in the northern part of Bangkok and is available in every part of the country (13). On the bottle of the Phuket beer is the logo of the famous tropical bird – the toucan. One can of Phuket beer usually cost around 50 baht when purchased at convenience stores (15).

Imported Beers in Thailand

Apart from the local Thai beer brands, imported foreign beers can also be found everywhere in Thailand. However, these beers are usually more expensive due to Thailand regulations that impose import duty up to 60% to protect the local brands’ market share.

Below are some of the most favored international beer brands that can be found in the Thai beer market:

Tiger Beer:

Among the imported beer brands, the most famous one is the Tiger beer due to its international popularity and awards winning products (1).

While originating from Singapore, the Tiger beer found in the Thai market is actually brewed in Thailand by the Thai Asia Pacific Brewery. Known for its crisp, full-bodied, and smooth taste brewed from high quality, natural ingredients, Tiger beer is easy to drink and tasty favorite (16).

In 2009, Tiger Crystal Light, which has a lower alcohol percentage at 4.2% ABV, was launched in Thailand to attract consumers who prefer lower alcohol content. A 330ml of Tiger Beer is usually sold at around 40 baht and can be found in every store and bar across Thailand (17).

Heineken:

Rooted in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Heineken is another international brand that has been brewed in Thailand since 1995 (18). It has a 5% alcohol volume, made with 100% barley malt, choice hops, and pure water to get the unsurpassed clarity taste (19).

Recently, Heineken has launched a non-alcoholic malt beverage called Heineken 0.0 for those who want to enjoy a beer without having to deal with hangovers.

Although there is no import duty tax on Heineken as it is brewed in Thailand, the price is still higher than the local Thai options. One bottle of a 330ml Heineken beer costs around 50 baht (20) and can be found in many stores and bars, especially in the big cities like Bangkok and Pattaya.

(Note, other international brands such as Budweiser, Carlsberg, San Miguel, Corona, and Tetleys are also favorites among the locals.)

Now that you know more about the famous beer brands in Thailand, it’s time to familiarize yourself with some drinking tips and etiquettes in Thailand. This would undoubtedly make your Thai beer experience more enjoyable and wholesome.

Beer Drinking Etiquettes in Thailand

Sharing is Caring:

Thai people love to share when they go out together, whether it’s for food or beer drinking. Usually, Thai people will share large bottles of beer or beer towers when they go out drinking. They will also order a lot of snacks for everyone to share.

So, if you go out drinking with Thai people, you will get offered various drinks and food from everyone. There is an expectation that you will do the same in return. Plus, it is a polite gesture to fill everyone’s glasses with ice from the shared ice bucket, especially if you are drinking with your seniors or people who are older than you (21).

As for the bills, it is kind of an unspoken rule that the elder may pay the bills, but it is not mandatory. When going out with a group of friends, normally, everyone splits the bills evenly.

Make it Icy, Make it Cool:

Local people usually enjoy their beer served with a glass of ice. They believe that it makes the beer taste more refreshing. This makes sense as the weather in Thailand is usually humid and hot.

Nothing tastes better than a glass of cool beer when chilling on a beach or a poolside. Whatsmore, it goes well with Thai cuisines that are spicy. As the taste of cool beer can help wash down those heavy spices.

Another way to enjoy cool beer without the ice melting would be to use the ‘beer holders.’ This will keep the temperature of beer cans or bottles colder and for longer. That way, one won’t need to worry about watery beer from melted ice. These beer holders are cheap and make good souvenirs from Thailand (13).

No Drunk Antics in Public:

Thai people do not like making a scene in public. The same applies to their drinking culture. Getting drunk and being loud in the pub may be more acceptable in western culture, but it is frowned upon in Thailand.

Thai people hate losing face so if you are drinking with your Thai friends, make sure not to get too drunk and change character. If you are on a big one, be mindful that some bars can even charge you extra fees if you throw up on the floor.

Drinking on the streets is usually acceptable, especially in the beach areas like Pattaya and Phuket, but some places do not allow drinking on the streets. Such as in the public parks or near the school areas and pagodas.

Saying ‘Cheers’ in Thai Style

There are several ways to make toasts in Thai. The simplest way to say ‘cheers’ in Thai would be to raise your glass (or jars, or bottles) and offer a smiling ‘Chone Gaow’ – which literally means ‘touching glasses’ (22).

Alternatively, you can also say ‘Chai Yoo,’ which can be loosely translated to ‘Cheers’ in English, as it is used to celebrate. You can also propose a toast by saying ‘Chok Dee,’ which means ‘Good luck’ in Thai.

As for clinking the glasses together, take the age and status of the people you are drinking with into consideration. If they are older than you or have higher social status, it is polite to hold your glass slightly lower than theirs as a way of showing respect (22).

The 10 Best Bars to Grab a Thai Beer in Bangkok

You can get Thai beers easily, almost everywhere. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Family Mart sell both Thai beers and imported ones. It is usually cheaper to buy there than to buy from the bars and restaurants.

However, do note that convenience stores near schools, universities, pagodas, or temples are not allowed to sell alcoholic beverages. So, if you are staying near those places, the chances are that you will need to go to the stores in other areas if you want to buy alcohol.

Also, since Thailand is a Buddhist country, selling alcohol is banned on holidays related to Buddhism, such as Full Moon day and Buddha’s birthday. Alcohol sales are also not allowed during provincial and national elections and on certain public holidays, such as the King’s birthday. As for any other days, convenience stores can legally sell alcohol from 11 am to 2 pm and then from 5 pm to midnight (22).

As for those who want to try craft beer in Thailand, here are some of the best beer bars in Thailand that you can visit during your stay.

1. Brewski Craft Beer Bar

Address: 489 Sukhumvit Road Soi 27, Bangkok

This popular sports bar offers 100 craft beer brews, ranging from Trappist beers to Belgian ales. It is also a rooftop craft beer where you can enjoy your beer while taking the impressive city skyline view.

Located on the 30^th floor of Radisson Blu Plaza in Sukhumvit Soi 27, this craft beer bar is a must-visit for those who want to try craft beer and mouth-watering bar snacks (23).

2. CRAFT Silom

Address: Holiday Inn Silom, Silom Road, Bangkok

CRAFT is located on the ground floor of Holiday Inn Silom and is a 100% craft beers bar. This bar offers over 20 beers on tap, on a monthly rotation basis. It also has over 50 bottled labels from all parts of the world on rotation.

A unique aspect of this beer bar is that it also has a specially designed snack menu that is made to go well with each craft beer (24).

3. House of Beers

Address: 522/3 Thong Lor, Sukhumvit 55, Soi 16, Bangkok

This popular beer bar serves several Belgian ales and classic snacks, like fries with mayonnaise and steamed mussels dishes. It is a perfect place to spend some rewinding time after a day spent in the scorching heat of Bangkok’s traffic.

This stylish bar is really popular among young urban professionals and upscale locals, so be prepared for the place to be crowded (23).

4. Dock no.13

Address: 47 Phra Arthit Road, Bangkok

If you are looking for a place to chill by the famous Chao Phraya River, this is the place for you. As the name implies, Dock no.13 sells 13 different Thai craft beers. It is known as one of the best-stocked bars in Bangkok. It is also located very close to Koh San Road, a backpackers’ favorite (23).

5. Hair of The Dog

Address 1:  888/26 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok

Address 2: 593/27 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok

This bar was started by a couple of beer lovers from Canada who wanted to bring something new to Thailand’s craft beer scene (23). This bar has two different locations, one at Phloen Chit and another at Phrom Pong.

Both branches are known for their decorations, inspired by the styles of operating theaters. Phrom Pong branch has two floors; the first floor sells 13 rotating craft beer options (just like the Phloen Chit branch does) while the second-floor houses the ‘The Clinic,’ a gin & tonic bar decorated in Victorian style (25). Due to its interesting concepts and decors, Hair of the Dog is popular among young ex-pats (23).

6. Mikkeller Bangkok

Address: 26 Ekkamai Soi 10, Bangkok

Mikkeller is the first craft beer bar opened in Thailand by two former employees from Carlsberg (25). The bar houses dozens of beers on tap and a huge range of bottled beers from breweries all over the world.

Mikkeller is located on the quiet Ekkamai Road and operates in an old Thai house dating back to the 1950s. The bright open air-bar makes Mikkeller a favorite among couples for its romantic and quiet atmosphere (23).

7. WISHBEER Home Bar

Address: 1491 Sukhumvit Soi 67, Bangkok

This home bar started as an online beer shop that delivered beer specialty across Thailand. Now, it’s the house for over 500 beers and ciders from all different parts of the world. It is regarded as having the largest selection range in Thailand and offers local Thai craft beers.

The inside of the bar is huge and can seat up to 200+ people, ensuring that it never feels over-crowded or noisy, even on the weekends (25).

8. Tawadang Pub

Address 1: Rama 3 Road, Bangkok

Address 2: Leang Mueang Road, Nonthaburi

Address 3: Pradit Manutham Road, Bangkok

Originally starting as a German beer hall, Tawadang pub is one of the few licensed microbreweries in Bangkok. Suitable for a night out in large groups, Tawadang pub is a lively entertainment venue with live music, performances, and a large dance floor.

It sells locally brewed craft beer with reasonably priced Thai dishes to pair with the drinks (23). Currently, it has 3 branches so you can choose whichever location is the most convenient (25).

9. Beer Belly                                

Address: 72 Courtyard, Sukhumvit 55, Bangkok

Located in Thonglor, Beer Belly is a funky beer bar that houses an extensive range of beer collections. Their 20 taps range from common beer brands to craft beers and even seasonal brews.

It’s a beer lover’s heaven and certainly deserves a spot on the list of best beer bars in Thailand. Beer Belly also has a pool table, ping-pong table, dartboard, and board games for those who want to play some fun drinking games. This quirky beer bar operates every day from 5 pm to 2 am (23).

10. Golden Coins Taproom

Address: Ekkamai Soi 10, Bangkok

If you are looking for a nice little bar that doesn’t get too crowded (even on a Friday evening), then Golden Coins Taproom will be ideal for you. This bar serves only homebrew beers on 12 taps and has a dedicated group of craft beer enthusiasts as its regular patrons.

In addition to its serene atmosphere and tasty beer, the customers might even get to listen to the owner doing solo pop covers on the piano (23).

Conclusion

There you have it; the ultimate guide to experiencing Thai beers. From the different types of Thai beers and how much a bottle of beer costs in Thailand to drinking etiquettes and best craft beer bars list, now you have everything you need to satisfy the thirst for Thai beers! Happy drinking and ‘Chai Yoo!’

Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.

Thai Beer FAQs

What is the famous beer in Thailand?

The most famous beers in Thailand (i.e., the big 3) are – Leo, Chang, and Singha. They have the biggest market share among the Thai beers in the market.

What is the best-selling beer in Thailand?

Leo beer is the best-selling beer in Thailand with approximately 53% of the market share. Chang is the second biggest seller with 34%, while Singha is in third with 7%. Heineken is in fourth place with 4% (26).

What is the strongest Thai beer?

Chang beer is the strongest Thai beer as it has a version that is brewed in Thailand with 6.4% ABV (27).

What does a beer cost in Thailand?

A bottle of beer usually costs around 60 baht when bought at convenience stores, while a can cost around 40 baht. If bought at a restaurant or a bar, prices increase to around 80-140 baht per bottle for the Thai beer brands.

Who makes Chang beer?

ThaiBev is the brewery for Chang beer in Thailand.

How strong is Chang beer in Thailand?

The strongest version of Chang is said to have 6.4% ABV, while Chang lager beer has 5% ABV and Chang Cold Brew has 4.8% ABV (5).

Is Singha better than Chang?

It’s a personal preference. In Thailand, the hi-so people usually prefer Singha as it is more expensive and known as the ‘rich man beer’. Also, many beer lovers are fans of Singha as it’s made with 100% barley malt beer and comes with a rich body and a strong flavor. Those who like a stronger taste and more body would prefer Chang beer as it has more alcohol content (28).

Who owns Leo beer and where is it brewed in Thailand?

Leo beer is owned by the same brewery that makes Singha beer. Both beers, Leo and Singha, are brewed by Boon Rawd Brewery in Thailand.

Is Heineken brewed in Thailand?

For the beers distributed in Thailand, Heineken is brewed by the Thai Asia Pacific Brewery in the Nonthaburi province of Thailand.

Is Guinness brewed in Thailand?

Guinness beer that is available in Thailand is not brewed in the country. It is imported.

References

1. Monaworld. Thai Beer: Local Brands & Beer Price in Thailand. Thai Est. [Online] August 19, 2020. https://thaiest.com/thai-food/blog/thai-beer/.

2. Louis Glunz Beer Inc. Leo Premium Lager Beer. Louis Glunz Beer Inc. [Online] [Cited: January 8, 2022.] https://www.glunzbeers.com/beer/boon-rawd-brewery/leo/.

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The post The Thai Beer Drinking Guide That Will Leave You Thirsty appeared first on ThaiGuider.

Contrary to all assumptions, street food in Thailand is no riskier than eating a famous cuisine. You are just as likely to get food poisoning from a luxury restaurant. The only difference with street food is that you can see the food being prepared right before you.

This article will discuss why Thailand’s street food is safe to consume, as long as you follow a local guide to healthy eating.

Thai street food is cheap yet incredibly delicious; a typical Thai meal will cost you around 30-100 baht ($1-3). Walking around the city, you will come across various street vendors servicing snacks, drinks, and meals; noodles, grilled pork, fried dishes, smoothies, and fruits are some of the popular options.

Is Street Food Safe? Watch Your Food Being Cooked

One of the essential elements of the culinary world involves sanitary precautions and ingredients. As humans, we strive for food that not only makes us complete but is healthy for us to consume; allergies, diseases, and even pandemics are factors that have us second-guessing our meal choices. One of the most significant advantages of street food is that we can see what is happening before our eyes.

High-end restaurants are well-known for meeting the standards of the elite class; air-conditioning, a pleasing aroma, classical music, luxurious menus, expensive cutlery, and food presentation are elements that qualify to be pristine. The only difference is that we cannot see how the food is prepared and whether or not we will get what we asked for until it reaches our table.

In Thailand, most street vendors make fresh food that is made just before us. All food is cut, grilled, and seasoned right in front of the customers. This way, locals and tourists can see the ingredients used and whether or not the worker took precautionary measures, washed their hands, or touched something terrible. Additionally, this allows the customer to see if the dishes and utensils being used are clean.

Street vendors in Thailand usually consist of 1-2 people per stall, so it is essential to witness how the worker interacts with other customers; do they touch the money with the same hands that were preparing the food? Small interactions like such can give context to how cautious the street vendor is.

What You Should Stay Cautious Of When Eating Street Food

Although most street vendors provide healthy alternatives such as ice cream, waffles, crackers, and chips, vegetables and fruit can easily carry bacteria. It is safer to buy fruits that come with a peel; dragon fruit, mangosteen, and pineapple are examples.

Another essential element is the temperature; you must adequately heat all meals to avoid uncooked food. The longer you wait, the larger the risk; eat cooked foods as soon as they come off the heat, near or above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tourists are also quick to question the spiciness of Thai foods, which is why street vendors make it more easily convenient for the customers to tell the server what level of spice they prefer.

Additionally, it is better to avoid juices and smoothies commonly made of tap water; factory-produced ice is available at some stalls. Moreover, sauces are additional condiments offered at stalls; these are not always fresh as they are meant to be refrigerated.

Lastly, you should consider eating small amounts or simple dishes if you worry about getting sick. Street vendors have a variety of options and size requirements, such as snacks, appetizers, and meals. You can always opt for a smaller meal when taste-testing; some might offer you a taste of their food anyways.

Stay Safe by Finding Popular Stalls That Specialize in Dishes

Locals are experienced in knowing the best and safest places to eat. You will find that thousands of people prefer street food; it is one of the most convenient places to eat, especially for lower-income or employees who only have short lunch breaks from work.

Many are quick to know what dishes have been sitting there for hours or those made fresh. It is best to follow in their footsteps and see what most locals prefer to eat on a daily basis.

When looking for street vendors in Thailand, consider the local time that people generally go to eat. If you are a tourist looking to experiment, you might have the freshest food during those three meal periods – keeping in mind that Thai’s eat rather early.

Another essential element is looking for street vendors that specialize in one to two dishes. This means that they will be working with the same ingredients and materials throughout their business; food will be made fresh and healthy, and full attention will be given to those specific meals.

Remember that not all food vendors are the same; if you go to the more poor areas of the city, you will not find the same attraction as those who specialize in the tourism business.

Popular tourist food vendors are found in Khao San Road, Soi Cowboy, and Patpong. Some of these even offer you the opportunity to cook the food on your own. However, many of these markets are famous for providing unique foods such as scorpions, crickets, and forms – not an option for the faint-hearted.

8 Famous Street Food Dishes You Should Try

With a bewildering variety of food options, Thailand is the world’s top destination for street food. Thai’s are well known for incorporating ingredients such as lemon grade, fish sauce, and using a lot of limes and chilies within their meals. If you are a tourist looking to try some of the best dishes, here are just a few promising options:

1. Papaya Salad

Papaya Salad is a spicy salad made from shredded unripe papaya. It originates from ethnic Lao people and is a common Thai cuisine. Known as one of the healthiest foods in the country, it contains a large number of vegetables, fresh herbs, spices, and lean proteins. Regardless, Thai dishes are always high in defined cards, sugars, and salt.

Som Tam is a popular green papaya salad; it has the benefits of any vegetable salad and is full of fiber and minerals.

2. Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a traditional meal consisting of fried Thai noodles. This is the most famous street food made of stir-fried rice noodles, tamarind, tofu, shrimp, shallots, fish sauce, palm sugar, lime, red chili peppers, peanuts, and vegetables.

The flavor of the dish is centered around a sweet-savory fusion. It is salty, nutty, and sweet. They also come in different varieties with some using fish, others chicken, and even tofu.

3. Khao Pad

Kaho Pad is famous Thai jasmine rice; it includes meat, soy sauce, fish sauce, salt, sugar, chili, and vegetables. Known as a famous side dish, it is a typical restaurant and street food; it is a blend of seafood, meats, and rice cooked in oil.

4. Khao Soi

Khao Soi is a bowl of egg noodles, served with children in a curry soup. This is a unique dish that Myanmar has influenced across the border. It is popularly eaten in the roadside stalls of Chiang Mai.

5. Thai Omelette

A super simple dish is the breakfast Thai omelet; it is also eaten as a snack. While adding fish sauce and sweet chili for more flavor, this is one of the country’s most popular and cheap breakfasts.

6. Poh Pia Tod

Poh Pia Tod is Thailand’s most popular spring roll; they come in various fillings like vegetables, rice noodles, and meat.

7. Guay Tiew Nam Kohn

Guay Tiew Nam Kohn is Thai beef noodles. Served as a mixture of light broth and egg noodles, these are famous all across East Asia. It was adapted from a Chinese cuisine that Thai’s recreated with their own style; they also use meatballs, dumplings, roast pork, and egg pastry as their essential components.

8. Mango Sticky Rice and Coconut Ice Cream

If you are looking for something sweet, mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream are the two top traditional desserts for those with a sweet tooth. Mango sticky rice originated from Thailand, where South and Southeast Asians enjoy the conventional meal, also referred to as Khao Neow Ma Muang; a traditional summer dessert made of coconut milk, sugar/palm sugar, mangoes, and rice.

Coconuts also contribute to Thailand’s economy and are used in a variety of dishes and drinks. They also served as an essential economic crop in Thailand for centuries; the milk refreshers are known to provide essential fiber.

How the Government is Working to Make Street Food Even Safer

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations recently worked under the World Health Organization (WHO) to discuss the improvement of Thailand’s street vendors. It was found that most locals do not have the time to cook home meals or commute long distances during work hours. For this reason, thousands of locals are dependent on street stalls. This is a plus for the tourism business, where foreigners can get a taste of Thailand’s unique culture while walking down the streets.

The international help ensures that there would be good sanitation of all street vendors in Thailand, especially since its initiation in 1989. The Department of Health and Ministry of Public Health, alongside the Tourism Authority of Thailand, is working to initiate the “Clean Food Good Taste” project.

The project is designed to:

• Reduce the risk of food-borne diseases
• Promote clean and sanitary food services
• Support local authorities and tourists in managing safe food to be consumed

The project also provides a few safety tips for tourists and locals who regularly visit or are new to street food.

1. Always visit busy restaurants: stalls with more attention are also quick to finish with their food supply, so they always come with fresh ingredients.
2. Ask questions before you order: mention any allergies, spiciness levels, or whether you require something to be without MSG, halal, less sweet, or not sweet.
3. Aim for stalls that are not crawling with flies.
4. Avoid drinking water other than bottled water with the concern of poorly produced ice or use of tap water.
5. Pick clean stalls; do not risk unsanitary precautions for the sake of a quick bite.
6. Always bring medicine from home. Additionally, Thai pharmacies offer cheap alternatives, but this can become difficult to ask for with the language barrier.
7. Maybe don’t go for food experimentation right before a flight!

Conclusion

All in all, street food can be a questionable option, but ultimately it’s mostly safe, as long as you take the proper precautions. Like many other countries, Thailand is not the cleanest in the world; however, they are working under initiatives and challenges to adapt to the changing generation.

Especially since the rise of the pandemic, it has been an immense challenge for the government to make street vendors even cleaner than they were before. As street vendors continue to fight for their place, they are working to improve their sanitary standards.

As the tourism business is soon to open up again, all food must be tasty and presentable. It all depends on picking the right stall and being open to communication and change. Ultimately, it comes down to making intelligent decisions for food choices. One wrong decision can get you sick from anywhere!

The post Is Street Food Safe to Eat in Thailand? (8 Popular Dishes) appeared first on ThaiGuider.