Thai lime iced tea or cha manao is the forgotten and totally underrated sister of the popular creamy Thai iced tea. I really don't know why it hasn't made it big beyond our borders because it's my personal fave, especially when it's hot out. it's tart and refreshing, but still has the distinct flavour of the beloved Thai tea...and with less calories!
So make this cha manao if you need a cool down, but if you're in the mood for something creamy and luxurious, then a homemade Thai iced tea will be your best friend. You can't go wrong!
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Thai Lime Tea ชามะนาว (cha manao)
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 1
Description
The lighter, more refreshing version of Thai iced tea. Tart, fresh and dairy free, this tea is a personal favourite of mine!
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Thai tea leaves
- 1 cup of off-the-boil water
- 4-5 teaspoon sugar
- Juice from half a juicy lime
- A lot of ice
Instructions
Let Thai tea leaves steep in the hot water for 3-5 minutes and strain. You can steep the tea in a cloth filter or just in a cup and then pour it through a paper filter. To the strained tea, add the sugar and stir to mix. Let the tea cool off for a few minutes; or you can add an ice cube if you're in a rush. Note: If you're making a big batch, you can mix the tea up to this point ahead of time and store in the fridge.
When ready to serve, fill your glass with ice, squeeze the lime over the ice, and pour in the mixed tea. Taste, and add more lime if needed. Enjoy!
Cha Cha says
What part of Thailand does this drink originate from? Is it a recent recipe or old?
Samantha says
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
Pailin Chongchitnant says
Yes, but that would be Thai lemon tea 😉
Pailin Chongchitnant says
Unfortunately no. The colour is part of the identity of the tea!
Ludmilla says
My favorite when I was in thailand!
Does manao mean lime/lemon or lemonade?
David says
Manao means lime (okay, they will often tell you lemon, but they don't have lemons in Thailand, so really it's lime). And, it's my favourite drink too! 😀 I have a couple of favourite sellers, they have been making it every day for decades, they get the flavour to another level! I just wish I knew their secret...