Korat Thai Tea shop – a hidden gem of 50 yo.
This is a small place in a soi that a Thai friend of mine showed me. It’s located directly in the soi beside Klang Plaza 1 or in front of Korat Hotel. The shop is closed on Sunday. It normally opens in the morning (not sure what time) and closes around 3:30pm.
The Thai Tea is delicious, sweet, 15 baht for a bag. What a treat!!! I was told this place is opened for more than 50 years and it is so good, you might see a line up in front of this place. A must try in Korat because you won’t see much of these places in the future.
Location: 14.976069054399941, 102.10160372069731 on google maps. Just paste these numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is traditional Thai tea and how is it different from regular tea?
Thai tea (cha Thai) is made from strongly brewed Ceylon-style black tea blended with spices (star anise, tamarind seeds, orange blossom water), sweetened with sugar, and served with condensed milk and evaporated milk over ice. The result is a rich, sweet, creamy orange drink that is instantly recognizable. It is the national casual drink of Thailand.
How old can a tea shop business be in Thailand?
Family-run tea shops in Thailand can operate for generations — 50-year-old establishments are not unusual in Thai cities with a strong Chinese-Thai heritage. These shops often pass from parent to child, maintaining recipes and preparation methods unchanged for decades. This longevity is part of their appeal and authenticity.
What makes a 50-year-old Thai tea shop special?
A multi-generational Thai tea shop typically uses a proprietary blend of spices developed over decades, filtered through the same cloth strainers, brewed with the same technique. The result has a consistency and depth that newer shops struggle to replicate. In Thai food culture, longevity is a mark of quality — locals vote with their feet over decades.
What other traditional Thai drinks should visitors try?
Beyond Thai tea: nam manao (fresh lime juice, the great Thai thirst quencher), oliang (Thai iced coffee, strong and slightly spiced), chrysanthemum tea (cha dok mai, floral and cooling), coconut water (ma prao), and fresh sugar cane juice (nam oi). Nam Tan Sod (fresh palm sugar juice) is harder to find but extraordinary when fresh.
