Thai Iced Coffee (Oliang)

A Brief Overview

Thai Iced Coffee, known as Oliang (also spelled Oleang) in Thailand, is a popular and invigorating beverage that showcases a unique blend of flavors. This drink combines strong coffee with a mix of grains and seeds, sweetened with sugar, and often enriched with condensed milk or evaporated milk, served over ice.

Ingredients and Preparation

Coffee Base

Oliang starts with a special blend of coffee grounds and other ingredients such as cardamom, corn, soybeans, and rice. This mixture gives the coffee its distinctive, rich, and slightly nutty flavor profile. The blend is traditionally brewed using a coffee sock filter, which is a cloth strainer that helps achieve a robust extraction.

Sweetening and Cream

Once the coffee is brewed, it is sweetened generously with sugar. The sweetened coffee is then allowed to cool before being poured over a tall glass filled with ice. To enhance its creaminess and sweetness, many variations include the addition of sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk, poured on top to create a layered effect. Some versions also use coconut milk for a different flavor twist.

Flavor Profile

Oliang is known for its bold and aromatic taste, balanced by the sweetness of sugar and the creaminess of milk. The combination of coffee and grains results in a complex, deep flavor that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Cultural Significance

Oliang is not just a beverage but a reflection of Thai coffee culture. It is widely enjoyed at street stalls, markets, and cafes across Thailand, often served in a plastic bag with a straw for convenience. This drink is a testament to the innovative and eclectic nature of Thai cuisine, blending local ingredients and flavors into a beloved national favorite.

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