Spoiler: It’s not Thai iced tea with a mountain of condensed milk.
If you’re visiting or living in Thailand, chances are your first “Thai drink” was that iconic orange Thai iced tea (cha yen), sweet enough to knock you into a sugar coma. It’s Insta-famous, yes—but ask any Thai local what they actually sip on a sweltering Tuesday afternoon, and the answers might surprise you.
Let’s pull back the curtain and talk about what’s really in the cups of everyday Thais. Bonus: You’ll get smart recommendations for drinks that actually beat the heat, plus some hidden gems to seek out.
1. Nam Manao (Fresh Lime Juice) — The Ultimate Heat Beater
Think Thai lemonade, but more lime-forward and sharp. Locals love this drink because it’s ultra-refreshing, easy to find, and not overly sweet unless you ask for it that way.
Where to try it:
Any street vendor or food court will usually have this. Ask for “nam manao mai waan” if you want it not too sweet.
Pro tip for expats:
Stock up on limes and make it at home—just lime juice, a dash of sugar, water, and ice. Done.
2. Nam Kra Jeab (Roselle Drink) — Tart, Pretty, and Totally Underrated
Made from hibiscus-like roselle flowers, this deep red drink is tangy, slightly floral, and sometimes sweetened. It’s packed with antioxidants and often enjoyed chilled.
Locals love it because:
It helps cool the body and is believed to reduce blood pressure. Not bad for a street drink!
Look for it:
Markets and mom-and-pop stalls. Bonus points if it’s in a reused whiskey bottle (seriously).
3. Oliang (Thai Black Iced Coffee) — No Froth, No Fuss
Forget flat whites. Thai iced coffee (oliang) is robust, roasted, and sometimes brewed with chicory, corn, or soybeans for a nutty depth. It’s typically unsweetened when first brewed—then you choose your own sweetness adventure.
What makes it different?
It’s served over loads of ice and often in a plastic bag with a straw. Street coffee culture is still alive and thriving.
Best for:
Expats tired of overpriced café coffee. You can get a strong, satisfying brew for under 30 baht.
4. Nam Bai Toey (Pandan Drink) — Light, Fragrant, Totally Thai
This pale green drink made from pandan leaves is subtle, fragrant, and incredibly cooling. It’s not very sweet—more like a light floral tea.
Why it’s a local favorite:
It’s calming and “yin” in traditional Thai wellness terms, often served with herbal meals or rice dishes.
Great for:
Hot afternoons when you want something hydrating but not sugary.
5. Coconut Water (Straight from the Nut)
Yes, this one’s known internationally, but in Thailand, it’s next-level fresh. We’re talking chop-the-top-off-with-a-cleaver kind of fresh.
Locals drink it for:
Natural hydration, electrolytes, and the satisfying scoop of jelly-like coconut meat at the end.
Pro tip:
Skip the bottled versions at 7-Eleven—go for the real deal at a market stall.
6. Nam Matoom (Bael Fruit Tea) — The Ancient Digestive Tonic
Sweet, amber-hued, and slightly woody in flavor, this drink is made from dried bael fruit and is prized for aiding digestion and reducing body heat.
The vibe:
Your Thai grandma’s favorite wellness hack. And kind of addictive once you get used to it.
Find it at:
Health food stalls or temples. It’s often sold chilled in old-school herbal shops.
7. Street Herbal Drinks (Ya Dong Mixes, Butterfly Pea, and Friends)
Beyond the flashy cocktails, Thai street culture has dozens of herbal concoctions. Butterfly pea tea (anchan), lemongrass infusions, chrysanthemum tea—these are quiet heroes in locals’ daily routines.
Health bonus:
Many are caffeine-free, naturally sweet, and believed to balance the body’s “hot-cold” energy.
Don’t miss:
A chilled butterfly pea tea that turns purple when you squeeze lime into it. Science and refreshment.
For Tourists & Expats: What to Actually Order (Without Sounding Clueless)
| Drink | Order Like a Local | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Lime Juice | Nam manao, mai waan | Lime juice, not too sweet |
| Iced Coffee | Oliang, mai wan mak | Thai iced black coffee, less sweet |
| Roselle Tea | Nam kra jeab, sai nam kang | Roselle drink with ice |
| Bael Fruit Tea | Nam matoom | Bael fruit drink |
| Pandan Drink | Nam bai toey | Pandan leaf water |
Drink Like a Local, Live Like One
The next time you’re melting in Bangkok traffic or lounging on a Chiang Mai rooftop, skip the sugary clichés and go for what Thais actually drink day-to-day. These aren’t just beverages—they’re part of the rhythm of Thai life: cooling the body, balancing the heat, and keeping it simple.
So yes, enjoy that iced Thai tea. But then—grab a bael tea, smile at the street vendor, and sip into something more local.