Chai Tea Versus Thai Tea: 32 Carefully Steeped Points To Gulp Down

Chai Tea or Thai Tea which way to go? If this is a choice that has confused you read my blog about 32 characteristics that will not only show you similar aspects but, will also reflect on the polarity.

I am a self-proclaimed tea lover and a blogger who also runs her own tea cafe in Kolkata city. I love the nuances of the beverage and thus, I thought of writing about the two most loved varieties of this amazing drink we call tea. 

Chai Tea Versus Thai Tea: 37 Stirring Polarities That Should Be Considered

Let us know compare chai tea and thai tea based on 37 attributes that set them apart and also make them similar in some ways. I have drawn a table so that you know what to expect.

CLASSIFIED AS
Chai Tea A hot beverage	Thai Tea A hot and cold beverage
ORIGIN
Chai Tea India	Thai Tea Thailand
SOURCE
Chai Tea Camellia Sinensis	Thai Tea Bai Miang
TYPES
Chai Tea Masala Chai Bombay Cutting Chai Honey & Ginger Tea	Thai Tea Dark Thai Tea Lime Thai Tea Thai Tea with tapioca
CAFFEINE
Chai Tea 20 mg approx.	Thai Tea 47 mg approx.
COUNTRIES WHERE POPULAR
Chai Tea India Sri Lanka Malaysia	Thai Tea Thailand USA Singapore
CALORIES
Chai Tea 4.9 mg	Thai Tea 131.7 mg
BREWING TIME
Chai Tea Variable	Thai Tea Variable
DIFFERENT NAMES
Chai Tea Masala Chai or Spiced Tea	Thai Tea Cha-yen
BEST TIME TO DRINK
Chai Tea Any time	Thai Tea All day
CAN BE CONSUMED DAILY?
Chai Tea Yes	Thai Tea Yes
UNIQUE FLAVORS
Chai Tea Spicy Turmeric Latte Roonga Shah Tandoori Chai	Thai Tea None
TOPPINGS
Chai Tea Chocolate Wafers Cinnamon  sticks	Thai Tea Tapioca Pearls Coffee jelly Taro balls
COMMON ACCOMPANIMENTS
Chai Tea Wafers Pancakes Sandwiches	Thai Tea Cookies Salads Avocado Toast
OPTIONS TO SERVE HOT OR COLD
Chai Tea Yes	Thai Tea Yes
CONSISTENCY & TEXTURE
Chai Tea Smooth & Light	Thai Tea Smooth
KEY INGREDIENTS
Chai Tea Spices Milk Tea Leaves	Thai Tea Spices Sweeteners Tea leaves
CUSTOMISATION LEVEL
Chai Tea High	Thai Tea High
WAYS TO MAKE
Chai Tea Undefined	Thai Tea Undefined
VEGAN FRIENDLY & LACTOSE INTOLERANT
Chai Tea Yes	Thai Tea Yes
SUGAR USAGE
Chai Tea Varies	Thai Tea High
CELEBRATORY DAYS
Chai Tea 21st May	Thai Tea 30th April
NUTRITIONAL VALUE(with milk & sugar)
Chai Tea 30 calories	Thai Tea 263 calories
HERBAL & HEALTHY OPTIONS
Chai Tea Yes	Thai Tea Yes
GLUTEN-FREE
Chai Tea Yes	Thai Tea Yes
POPULARITY REASONS
Chai Tea Is an all-time drink Boosts Mental Health Keeps Warm	Thai Tea Option to drink hot and cold Orange Color Use Of Spices
UNDERRATED FLAVORS
Chai Tea Lemongrass Tea Tulsi(Mint)Tea Noon Chai	Thai Tea Thai Lattes Thai Boba Dark Thai Latte
USAGE OF SPICES
Chai Tea Yes	Thai Tea Yes
SERVING STYLE
Chai Tea User Dependent	Thai Tea 350-400 ml
MILK DEPENDENCY
Chai Tea High	Thai Tea Low
TEABAGS USAGE
Chai Tea High	Thai Tea Low
BENEFITS
Chai Tea Reduces Stress Cures Anxiety Boosts Immunity	Thai Tea Helps stay hydrated Keeps the body cold Instant energy booster
UNIQUE FEATURES
Chai Tea A perfect blend of sweet and spice	Thai Tea Bright orange color

Now that we have an idea about what all aspects would be covered from the above table, let us examine each point closely.

1. Knowing The Meaning Of Chai Tea and Thai Tea

A drink is known by a particular name for a reason and getting to know how the two beverages got their names is a very interesting aspect to consider.

Chai tea literally means a spiced tea mixture that is brewed by adding milk and a sweetener to it.

Thai Tea on the other hand is a drink that is made with milk, sugar, tea. It is a tea that can be enjoyed both as a hot and cold version.

2. Getting To Know The Origin Of Both The Drinks

The origin of how the drinks came into existence is a worth-knowing attribute.

Chai is the Hindi term for tea and we know the meaning behind the drink. Let me tell you another secret and that is, Chai is the Hindi word for Tea(also pronounced as Cha). Its history can be traced as early as 5000 or 9000 years ago when it was discovered by an Indian king as an Ayurvedic drink. 

Thai Tea can be traced back to Thailand during the 1980s when tea was first imported to Thailand from China. Thai Tea is known for its bright orange color that is derived by mixing spices or food coloring to a strong black tea base.

The latest trend to follow in Thai tea is Thai bubble tea & if you are wondering what bubble tea is all about read my blog about 27 reasons why bubble tea is so special. 

3. The Source Of The Two Drinks Always Fascinates Me

The source is another interesting and is also a crucial way to see how different Thai tea and Chai Tea are.

Chai tea is derived from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant like any other teas(except herbal or tisanes).

Thai tea is sourced from a locally grown tea known as Bai Miang( tea similar to Ceylon Tea). Spices are added to it to give it its stand-out orange color.

4. Getting To Know The Types That Chai Tea & Thai Tea Offer

Let’s explore the varieties of both drinks now. Do share your favorite variety in the comments section below.

The options available when it comes to tea can be quite overwhelming. The largest tea society in the world, India, has its own state- and region-specific version. Some varieties that the beverage boosts include Kahwa and Noon Chai (found in Kashmir valleys), Nembu Cha (Kolkata), and Cutting Chai (Mumbai).

Among the many variants of Thai tea are bubble tea (the latest fad that has the world talking), iced tea, hot tea, and dark Thai tea.

5. Comparing Them For Their Caffeine Content

Tea and coffee both contain caffeine as it helps to stay awake and aid in opening groggy eyes by giving an energy booster. Thus, comparing them for their caffeine content becomes important.

There is approximately 20 mg of caffeine in one cup of chai tea, which is much less than a cup of coffee. 

The caffeine content of Thai tea is approximately 47 mg, which is higher than that of chai tea, but still lower than that of coffee.

6. Did You Know That Chai Tea and Thai Tea Are Both Loved in Different Parts Of The World?

The history of Chai tea dates back 5000-9000 years, while Thai tea is a trend that has only recently caught on. Let us compare the two based on their popularity.

Thai tea originated in Thailand, so it comes as no surprise it is very popular there. Apart from Thailand, the drink is popular in countries like the USA, Hongkong, Bangkok, Singapore.

Chai Tea owing to its discovery in India is no surprise that the tea is popular here. Besides India, the drink is also enjoyed in Malaysia, Nepal, China, Sri Lanka, France, and Poland.

7. Let Us Consider The Calories The Drinks Offer

Let us now weigh the two drinks based on the calories they offer without milk.

A typical serving of Chai tea without milk or sugar doesn’t add to the waistline as it ranges from 2.5 – 4.9 mg depending on the tea leaves used.

Thai tea on the other hand has 131.7 mg calories which is quite high when compared to Chai tea.

8. Let us Now Take The Brewing Time For Both The Drinks

Brewing is the process of making a drink by infusing its leaves with spices in hot water and then adding milk to it. Let us now see how they sum up based on the brewing time.

Chai tea is generally brewed for 5 minutes but it depends on the consistency you prefer. If you are making herbal tea the ideal time is 15 minutes.

Thai tea depends on the kind of tea you like and can range anywhere between 3-5 minutes. I would recommend an overnight brew for the cold version.

9. Some Names By Which They Are Popularly Called

The next point I would like to talk about is the names by which both the teas are fondly called across the world.

Chai tea is also called Masala chai or spiced tea in India, Tae(Ireland), Tee(Finland) to name a few popular ones.

Thai tea isn’t far behind. Cha-yen(Thailand) for the cold version or simply Thai tea to name how it is commonly called.

10. Comparing Them Based On The Best Time To Drink

Too much of anything is bad, but how much Chai Tea and Thai tea is bad? Let us consider their daily drinkability quotients.

Chai tea is an all-day and anywhere drink. The Britishers love their morning, afternoon, mid-day, evening, and after supper tea. For Indians, it is an excuse to conjure a cup and can practically drink it throughout the day. Each season has its own take too and thus, one can say that any time is tea time. 

Thai tea like Chai tea can be drunk anytime and depends on the type you prefer. I advise drinking the tea with spicy food to balance the flavors perfectly.

11. Considering The Daily Consumable Level of Chai Tea and Thai Tea

Let us now compare the two drinks based on whether they can be drunk daily.

A vast majority of the world drinks Chai tea on a daily basis. In fact, black tea, Indian masala chai, Matcha tea, green tea, herbal teas are some types consumed on a daily basis.

However, Thai tea cannot be drunk on a daily basis and its high-calorie content is the main reason. I advise drinking a glass or two a day.

12. Let Us Now Compare The Two Drinks Based On Some Unique Flavors Offered

Every beverage has some flavors that people haven’t heard about leave alone drinking them and we will compare them based on some never heard before flavors offered.

Chai Tea boasts flavors like Adrak Pudina chai, Apple Cinnamon Tea, Vanilla Chai Latte Yellow Tea(deserves a special mention for being amongst the rarest tea).

Thai tea has only Thai bubble tea to boast of apart from the usual flavors like Thai cold tea or iced tea and hot tea.

13. Comparing Chai Tea and Thai Tea for Toppings 

I love the cute little additions called toppings that sit so comfortably on a drink and I recommend trying them with your teas.

Wafers, chocolate powder, cinnamon sticks, coffee powder(in chai lattes), vermicelli, maple syrup, caramel syrup are some preferred toppings that chai tea offers.

While on the other hand Thai tea has tapioca pearls as the latest addition, taro balls, coffee jelly, brown sugar syrup, basil seeds are some commonly used toppings.

14. Chai Tea and Thai Tea Have Some Desirable Accompaniments That Are Worth Comparing

Accompaniments make for a great pairing with tea and we shall compare them on this basis.

Thai tea offers avocado toast, salads, cookies, tea cakes, popcorn, scones, crumpets to name a few food items.

Chai tea tastes great when paired with wafers, pancakes, teatime cakes, sandwiches, bagels, fruits, fritters are some highly reckoned pairings.

15. Chai Tea V/s Thai Tea: Ways To Serve

An important aspect that I would like to discuss is the options to serve.

Chai tea is best enjoyed when served hot and steaming. This is my favorite tea to drink and is something which is close to my heart. Also, hangout moments are more special with the tea and if you want to make precious moments more special, feel free to choose any captions from my blog 91 alluring ea with friends captions. Do mention me.

Thai tea tastes good both as a hot and a cold tea with each having its own fan base. Thus, it won’t be wrong to say that Thai tea is one variety of tea that tastes great irrespective it is drunk hot or cold.

16. Consistency and Texture Are the Defining Factors That Differentiate Chai Tea From Thai Tea 

The most important factors that differentiate chai tea from Thai tea are its consistency and texture.

Chai tea offers a smooth consistency with a light texture infused with spices, milk, and sugar. The drink is best enjoyed as a hot cup.

Thai tea has a smooth texture and if I am to imagine myself drinking Thai tea the cold version often comes to my mind with milk and a sweetener.

17.  Considering The Key Ingredients That Form The Crutches Of Chai Tea and Thai Tea

Let us weigh the base or the core ingredients that form the basis of the two drinks.

Chai tea is an infusion of spices, milk, sweeteners(optional), and any strong black tea leaves.

Thai tea has spices, sweeteners, food coloring, milk, and sweeteners as the base.

18. Comparing Them On The Level of Customization They Offer

Let us scale them up based on the level of customization the drinks offer.

Imagine walking into a tea cafe and ordering your first tea. The experience can be quite overwhelming.  From choosing your own base to the flavor or even the toppings can seem like running a marathon if you are a newbie.

Thai tea on the other hand offers syrups, whipped cream, toppings and at times you can choose your base. So, when compared to chai tea, ordering your own Thai tea can be quite calming.

19. Distinguishing The Two Drinks Based On The Varied Ways Of Making

Let us analyze the making methods of the two teas.

Chai tea is one of the most versatile drinks that I have come across and the options to make a perfect cup is as varied as the drink itself. I made my first cup of tea when I was 10 years old and since then the drink has me wrapped around its stout.

Thai tea on the other hand has its staple hot tea, cold version, dark iced tea, and the latest is Thai tea infused with tapioca pearls(called Thai bubble tea).

20. Measuring Chai Tea and Thai Tea Based On Lactose Tolerant and Vegan-Friendly

Let us get familiar with the vegan friendly and the lactose tolerance level the two drinks offers.

Chai tea is well prepared to hop onto the band and options like hazelnut, soy milk, coconut milk(for Vegans)are some available options. For lactose intolerants, it has black tea, green tea, matcha tea, mushroom tea, lemongrass tea, star anise tea to name a few.

Thai tea offers herbal teas, fruit-based and plant-based varieties for vegans and lactose intolerants.

21. Let Us Now Compare The Usage of Sugar or Sweeteners

This section will cover the sugar usage or sugar dependency nature of the two drinks.

Chai tea uses milk that is naturally sweet and many drink it without any sweeteners added.

Thai tea on the other hand is dependent on sugar or sweeteners to give it an amazing taste.

22. Chai Tea & Thai Tea, Are Celebrated on Different Days

Have you ever considered days when chai tea and Thai tea lovers world over rejoice? If your answer is no, let us see when you to can join the celebrations.

For Thai tea lovers, 30th April is the day when all come together and showcase their love for the drink.

Chai tea lovers revel on 21st May as this is when we chai lovers showcase our love for the drink.

23. Comparing The Nutritional Value Of Both The Drinks With Milk and Sugar

Let us check the calories offered when milk and sugar are added.

A typical serving of chai tea has 30 calories with milk and sugar which when compared with that of Thai tea is minimal.

Thai tea on the other hand has 263 calories with milk and sugar which makes it higher when compared with the non-milk and sugar version.

24. Checking The Herbal & Healthy Options That The Two Drinks Offer

Let us now compare the herbal and healthy options that chai tea and Thai tea offer

Chai tea is available in a variety of herbal and healthy options and green tea, matcha tea iced tea are some crowd-pleasers.

Thai tea lovers can opt for low-fat milk versions or low-calorie versions.

25. Let Us Get To Know The Gluten-Free nature of The Two Drinks

Let us compare them based on their gluten-free nature.

The basic version of Thai tea has tea leaves, milk, sweeteners, and spices as the base. None of these ingredients have gluten and so they are completely gluten-free.

Chai tea too is known for its gluten-free nature & as a result, it is loved by all.

26. Knowing What Chai Tea and Thai Tea Popular

Let us examine the factors that have made the two drinks so popular.

You walk into a chai cafe and a bright orange drink immediately catches the eye. That is Thai tea for you. The orange color is a result of the heavy usage of spices and food coloring. Apart from the color, it can be enjoyed hot or cold, keeps hydrated are some ruling reasons.

Chai tea is an all-time drink, helps curb stress and anxiety, nothing warms the body better on a cold day than tea, the level of customization it offers are some pivotal reasons that have paved the way for its popularity.

27. Considering Some Underrated Flavors That Chai Tea and Thai Tea Have To Offer

Chai tea and Thai tea both have some flavors that have been there for a long time but, are yet to see the limelight and we are going to see what these flavors are.

Chai Tea offers lemongrass tea, noon chai, Youthberry tea, moringa, yellow tea, Pu-erh tea, Chrysanthemum tea are some flavors that are worth a try.

Thai tea has Dark Thai Latte as the only underrated flavor. Made with milk and brown sugar this is one hot option that is worth sipping.

28. Taking The Usage of Spices in Chai Tea & Thai Tea

Let us now compare the two drinks based on their usage of spices.

Thai tea gets its taste profile mainly from spices infused with milk at the time of making. Cardamom, star anise, are some spices used.

Chai tea isn’t dependent on spices unless of course, one is making Indian Masala Chai. So one can say that the usage of spices in chai tea isn’t high as compared with Thai tea.

29. Looking At The Serving Style That Is Synonyms With Both The Teas

The serving style is another differentiating aspect to consider in chai tea versus Thai tea.

A traditional cup of Thai tea is served in plastic cups that hold about 350-400 ml. Sealed with a plastic cover it is best enjoyed by piercing a straw through the middle.

Chai tea is served in different sizes and is enjoyed with a straw when served cold or in the case of hot tea it is best enjoyed sipping from a cup or glass directly.

30. Comparing Chai tea and Thai Tea For Milk Dependency

By now you already know the various aspects in which the two drinks differ. We have reached the end of the blog with a few more points to cover and comparing them based on the milk dependency is a key point that cannot be missed out.

Chai tea can be made with or without milk and is dependent on the way you like it, My favorite option is obviously milk tea and for me, milk forms an integral part of the beverage. However, you may love its other varieties that aren’t dependent on milk.

Thai tea on the whole is highly dependent on milk irrespective of whether you are drinking the cold or the hot version. Milk along with sugar and tea leaves forms the base of Thai tea. This makes milk an important component.

31. Tea Bag Usage in Chai Tea Vs Thai Tea

Teabags are small pouches filled with tea and are used in most tea-loving countries. All you need to do is just dip it in hot water till the desired color is reached.

Chai tea is highly dependent on teabags.  They are a boon for tea lovers like me who cannot imagine a day without my milk tea. No matter where I am teabags ensure I am always tea ready.

Thai tea, on the other hand, is a tea that is generally preferred when made fresh and thus we can say that unlike chai tea it isn’t dependent on teabags.

32. Learning About The Unique Features That Sets The Drinks Apart

Let us consider the last but important point that raises the bar when it comes to the uniqueness of the drinks.

Chai tea is a perfect blend of sweet and spice and when mixed with warm milk increase the drinking quotient.

The bright orange color of Thai tea is what sets it apart from other drinks and makes for a perfect blend of milk that has been tweaked with spices and sugar.

This concludes my blog. I hope I was able to bring some clarity about how chai tea and Thai tea differ. Well, let me tell you that tea isn’t just restricted to this blog and if you want to check out other amazing tea facts do read my blogs.  I hope you enjoy reading my blogs as much as I love coming up with interesting topics each time. Do feel free to reach out to me via the comments section and I will gladly answer your questions/queries.

Happy Sipping!