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If you’re a regular patron of Thai restaurants, you likely know that Thai iced tea is a mainstay beverage. While certainly delicious, this sweet milky drink is not actually Thai in origin. But it’s still a beloved beverage at Thailand Cuisine 2 in Kahului, HI, along with many other dishes that exemplify the very best of Thai cuisine. Learn more about this tasty drink and how it managed to capture the taste buds of people all over the United States.

The Origins of Thai Iced Tea

Thai restaurantThe Thai version of sweet iced tea originated in the 1980s as more and more tea was ferried into the country. This led to the creation of Thai street tea, which was a chilled mix of black tea and condensed milk. In some cases, preparations also included flavoring, either star anise, which is reminiscent of black licorice, or orange blossom water.

Of course, this simple preparation differs greatly from what many Americans are used to. To ramp up the appeal, Thai restaurants in the United States added even more spices as well as orange food coloring to make the beverage stand out. The American version also tends to be much sweeter thanks to the liberal helping of sugar.

How This Beverage Is Received in Thailand

While the beverage has grown in popularity in recent years because of the influx of American tourists, Thai iced tea is often viewed as a type of junk food. However, many people in Thailand have become fans of the beverage, viewing it as a refreshing dessert that also offers a boost of energy. It’s quite a unique dish in that it incorporates the culinary input of two different countries.

When you’re in the mood for a sweet, cool drink, stop by a Thai restaurant for the signature iced tea. At Thailand Cuisine 2, you can expect an amazing dining experience from start to finish. Classic dishes like pad thai and red curry make for a tasty lunch or dinner, and you can finish off your meal with a delicious Thai iced tea. To reserve a table at Kahului’s best Thai restaurant, call (808) 873-0225 today. Visit them online to see their full menu.

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