🍹 Thai Drinks You Haven’t Tried Yet: From O-Liang Coffee to Butterfly Pea Tea

When you think of Thai beverages, chances are your mind goes straight to the iconic Thai iced tea—rich, creamy, and orange-hued. But Thailand’s drink culture is far more diverse, full of flavors that balance refreshment, wellness, and artistry. From the bitter-sweet punch of Thai iced coffee to the floral magic of blue butterfly pea tea, Thai drinks offer both taste and tradition.

Let’s explore a few unique beverages you might not have tried yet—and how they bring a refreshing twist to summer living in Brussels.

☕ O-Liang – Thai Iced Coffee with a Kick

If Thai iced tea is the smooth operator, O-Liang is its bold sibling. Made from strong roasted coffee beans, sometimes blended with roasted corn or soybeans for extra depth, O-Liang is brewed strong and sweetened generously. Traditionally, it’s poured over crushed ice and served in a simple plastic bag with a straw—a staple of Thai street corners.

✨ Why try it?

It’s less creamy than Thai iced tea but packs a stronger coffee hit—perfect for an afternoon energy boost on hot summer days. Pair it with Thai satay skewers or crispy spring rolls for a balance of bold and savory.

💙 Butterfly Pea Tea – Nature’s Color-Changing Drink

This stunning indigo-blue drink comes from the petals of the butterfly pea flower (dok anchan). Beyond its Instagram-worthy hue, it’s caffeine-free and praised for its antioxidant properties. Add a squeeze of lime, and watch the drink magically turn from deep blue to vibrant purple—a little chemistry trick that never fails to delight.

✨ Why try it?

It’s refreshing, floral, and naturally calming. In Thailand, it’s often enjoyed chilled on a hot day or used in desserts for its striking color. Try making a homemade iced butterfly pea tea and pairing it with light Thai salads like Som Tam (green papaya salad) to keep the meal fresh and cooling.

🧉 Nam Bai Toey – Pandan Leaf Drink

Pandan leaves, known as the “vanilla of Asia,” are beloved for their sweet, grassy, and nutty aroma. In Thailand, pandan juice (Nam Bai Toey) is a popular homemade drink, often lightly sweetened and chilled.

✨ Why try it?

It’s soothing, unique, and naturally aromatic. Plus, pandan is often used in Thai desserts, so sipping it feels like drinking dessert in a glass. Try it with sticky rice treats or coconut-based dishes.

🍯 Nam Matoom – Bael Fruit Tea

Bael fruit (matum in Thai) has been used in traditional Thai medicine for centuries. The dried slices are steeped in hot water to create a golden, fragrant tea with subtle caramel notes. Served hot, it’s warming and grounding. Served cold, it’s a naturally sweet and refreshing tonic.

✨ Why try it?

It’s considered good for digestion and cooling for the body—perfect after a heavier Thai curry or stir-fried dish.

🥭 Nam Mamuang – Mango Juice with a Thai Twist

Sure, mango juice is popular everywhere, but Thailand’s Nam Mamuang takes it to the next level by using ripe, fragrant Thai mangoes, often mixed with lime or chili salt on the rim for an exciting contrast.

✨ Why try it?

It’s like summer in a glass—sweet, tropical, and slightly tangy. Pair it with grilled chicken skewers or a spicy larb salad for a refreshing counterpoint.

🌞 Thai Drinks in Brussels – How to Bring the Experience Home

Even while Sukhothai is closed for summer, you can recreate these unique Thai drinks at home. Many ingredients—like butterfly pea flowers, pandan leaves, or bael fruit slices—are available at Asian markets across Brussels (check Marché du Midi or Asian supermarkets in Saint-Gilles).

Hosting a summer picnic or backyard gathering? Surprise your friends by swapping out soda for a round of homemade Thai beverages. They’re refreshing, conversation-starting, and deeply tied to Thai culture.

✨ Final Sip

Thai drinks aren’t just about quenching thirst—they reflect Thailand’s creativity, wellness traditions, and love of balancing flavors. From the strong kick of O-Liang coffee to the magical hues of butterfly pea tea, these beverages bring a touch of Thai sunshine to your glass.

Why not try one this week and transport yourself to Thailand—sip by sip?