Thai Tea in Waikiki: Two Ways to Get Your Orange Fix
A sealed Thai tea boba can for the beach or a blended Thai tea smoothie for the walk — both on Kalākaua Avenue.
Thai iced tea — cha yen in Thailand — is strong black tea, spiced and sweetened, finished with milk and poured over ice. That bright orange color is the giveaway, and it is one of the most-ordered boba flavors anywhere. At Kona Coffee Donut on Kalākaua Avenue you can get it two ways: as a Thai tea boba milk tea sealed in a can ($8.95) or as a blended Thai tea smoothie ($10.95). Here's what each one is like, how much caffeine to expect and what to eat with it.
Thai Tea From $8.95
Thai tea boba can $8.95, Thai tea smoothie $10.95 (add boba +$1.95). 2142 Kalākaua Ave, about 5 minutes from Waikiki Beach, open 7 AM to 9 PM daily.
What Is Thai Tea?
Thai tea starts with a strongly brewed black tea, usually blended with spices, then sweetened and mixed with milk. It tastes like a richer, sweeter, slightly spiced milk tea — creamy, a little caramel-like, never bitter. The orange color usually comes from the tea mix itself, not from fruit.
Two Ways to Order It
Every price below is from our register this month:
- •Thai Tea boba can — $8.95: milk tea with boba, sealed in a can at the counter, so it travels in a beach bag
- •Thai Tea smoothie — $10.95: blended icy and thick; add boba for +$1.95
- •Want a different milk tea? The cans also come in Classic, Brown Sugar, Ube, Coffee and Matcha
Caffeine and Sweetness
Thai tea is made with black tea, so it does contain caffeine — less than a coffee, but enough that it is not a late-night drink for everyone. It is also a sweet drink. If you want something without tea or coffee, a fruit smoothie ($10.95) or a lemonade ($8.95) is the better pick.
What to Eat With It
The sweet, creamy tea pairs well with something chewy or savory: a mochi donut ($3.95), a Korean rice corn dog (from $6.99) or a Spam musubi ($2.95).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get Your Thai Tea on Kalākaua
Thai tea boba can $8.95, Thai tea smoothie $10.95. Open 7 AM – 9 PM daily.