Green Tea vs. Thai Tea

Green Tea

Green tea is a type of tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Unlike black or oolong teas, green tea is made by heating the leaves soon after picking to prevent oxidation. This keeps the leaves green and gives the tea its fresh, grassy taste. It originally came from China but is now popular across East Asia, especially in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. There are many kinds of green tea, depending on where it's grown, how it's processed, and when it's harvested. For example, Japan’s sencha is steamed, giving it a bright green color and a sweet flavor, while China’s longjing is pan-fired, making it more toasty and mellow. Making a cup is simple: just steep the leaves in hot water, but not boiling—usually around 70–80°C (160–175°F)—for a couple of minutes. If the water is too hot or you steep it too long, the tea can taste bitter. Green tea has been linked to many health claims, but the evidence is mixed. It does have some caffeine, though less than coffee, and contains a...

Thai Tea

Thai tea is a sweet, creamy drink made from strong black tea, usually Ceylon or a local version of Assam. It’s brewed with sugar and often flavored with condensed milk, giving it that rich, smooth taste and signature orange color. When served cold, it’s poured over ice, sometimes with a splash of evaporated milk on top for that creamy swirl. In Thailand, you’ll find it in tall glasses at restaurants or in plastic cups or bags from street vendors. Some places even turn it into a blended drink, like a frappé. There are variations too—like a version without milk called “dark Thai iced tea,” or one with lime for a citrusy kick. People drink it hot in the mornings as well, often with fried dough sticks.

Reviews

Reviewed on 3/2/2024

Too much caffeine for me :(

Reviews

Reviewed on 2/23/2025

The Thai staple. What can be better than a cold iced tea on a hot afternoon in Chiang Mai? Although they often make them too sweet so I always ask for no added sugar.

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Pros
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Delicious and refreshing2
Cons
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Really sweet1

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