2nd Annual Iced Tea Competition

[short 215]

It is time for the 2nd Annual Iced Tea Competition. (I don't scuba dive so gotta do something during the day after the massage.)

 

Entry into the contest is simple. If you advertise as serving American food you are automatically registered.

 

Also, if at any point your staff claims to know how to make American iced you are automatically registered.

 

 

Last year the clear winner was Sam's American and Mexican in Jomtien.

 

I am hoping for a good showing from Tequila Reef this year although they had some problems last year.

 

Bad for me but I can't remember how Mike's did last year.

 

 

Here are a few pointers for the competitors.

 

1. Lipton iced tea in a can is not quality tea.

 

2. American iced tea is served bottomless because when done right it is very cheap to make and is drank in large quantities specially after working outside all day.

 

3. In keeping with the difference between southern tea and southwestern tea, the tea should be served in a manner in which the customer can choose.

 

 

First up this year is Cherry's Restaurant off of 3rd road. Visited them for a late lunch today and the food was excellent at a very easy price. I highly recommend this restaurant. Unfortunately they thought Lipton in a can was good tea. I really liked this place and would be willing to pay for the tea pitchers and teach them how to make if they would be interested.

 

I am looking for new entries to the competition so please make suggestions.

[CheshireTom 1,377]

It is time for the 2nd Annual Iced Tea Competition. (I don't scuba dive so gotta do something during the day after the massage.)

 

Entry into the contest is simple. If you advertise as serving American food you are automatically registered ...

 

I am looking for new entries to the competition so please make suggestions.

 

7-11 and/or Family Mart. They both sell iced tea and hot dogs/hamburgers.

 

 

[MM 6,562]

Mistys Agogo makes the best iced tea I've had...probably depends on the bartender who makes it, but I've been lucky.

 

[jacko 8,815]

Mistys Agogo makes the best iced tea I've had...probably depends on the bartender who makes it, but I've been lucky.

Really, I must give it a go next time I am in there..........

 

(Just kidding... )

[steamer 158]

If you're ever in the Phills you should try Sola tea. One of the few things they make really well.

 

Edited December 17, 2013 by steamer

[RhinoTusk 4,901]

I had some Snapple Rasberry Tea from Topps but still much prefer Long Island Iced Tea. Who serves the best? The staff in M*A*S*H AGogo used to call me 'Long Island'.

[short 215]

Ok, guess I need to clarify a few things

 

Long Island Tea doesn't count in this contest although I do agree it would be something good to hold a contest on.

 

 

Tom, Lipton tea in a can is the same as Lipton tea in a plastic bottle. In general, any tea that is not fresh is not fresh.

 

I will however accept any tea that is sold by the gallon that is fresh.

 

 

A subcategory of the contest is Thai restaurants that allow you to make your own iced tea from hot tea. In the case, its a contest of which restaurants understand what you are trying to do and are the most helpful. Getting a restaurant to give you two tall glasses of ice to go with the hot tea you ordered can be difficult to explain to them why.

 

Right now the Continental Bakery on Soi XZite is in the lead for the subcategory. Also had some of the best bacon there today of just about anywhere including in the US.

[CheshireTom 1,377]

 

A subcategory of the contest is Thai restaurants that allow you to make your own iced tea from hot tea. In the case, its a contest of which restaurants understand what you are trying to do and are the most helpful. Getting a restaurant to give you two tall glasses of ice to go with the hot tea you ordered can be difficult to explain to them why.

 

I'm obviously missing something, but cha yen (ชาเย็น) and cha dam yen (ชาดำเย็น) are pretty standard fare for most Thai cafes (with or without various flavorings). What's different about your iced tea?

 

If you order iced tea, it normally comes with lashings of Carnation milk - you have to specify black iced tea (and tell them, "no sugar, please" - mai sai nam taan).

Edited December 17, 2013 by CheshireTom

[short 215]

Tom, are you saying that if I ask for black iced tea they will make it without the milk and other ingredients that go into Thai iced tea?

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Tom, are you saying that if I ask for black iced tea they will make it without the milk and other ingredients that go into Thai iced tea?

 

Yes, it's a pretty popular drink. Ask for no sugar - they tend to put a load in otherwise ...

 

Mod has the typical recipe ...

 

If you search "ชาดำเย็น" on Google, Images will show you what you get.

Edited December 17, 2013 by CheshireTom

[short 215]

Thanks Tom. This adds a new dimension to the contest.

[short 215]

Went to LK Royal for breakfast this morning. When I asked for "iced tea black" the response I got was "no hab".

 

Paid an extra 40 baht for 3 strips of bacon and it absolutely sucked!. I won't be eating at the LK Royal again.

 

 

Made it to Sam's American and Mexican for lunch. Had Tacos and Hot Wings. They were perfect. Washed it down with about a quart of iced tea that was perfect also. Staff kept my glass full without having to ask. Only setback was finding the place.

[MM 6,562]

Glad you found Sam's. The food there is nearly like home.

[BeerBelly 1,026]

 

I'm obviously missing something, but cha yen (ชาเย็น) and cha dam yen (ชาดำเย็น) are pretty standard fare for most Thai cafes (with or without various flavorings). What's different about your iced tea?

 

If you order iced tea, it normally comes with lashings of Carnation milk - you have to specify black iced tea (and tell them, "no sugar, please" - mai sai nam taan).

 

I was wondering what the difference between American Iced Tea and cha dum yet was as well. Personally, I like cha manao. I thought his distinction was the unlimited refills. Does Carl's Jr have freshly brewed iced tea? I think they stopped making it fresh in my home town and resort to the premixed crap.

I, like short, also don't understand why places don't serve freshly brewed iced tea. It is much cheaper than the canned crap.

[jacko 8,815]

 

 

I, like short, also don't understand why places don't serve freshly brewed iced tea. It is much cheaper than the canned crap.

Perhaps too time consuming.

In the USA you can't get a cup of hot tea!

Edited December 19, 2013 by jacko

[BeerBelly 1,026]

Perhaps to time consuming.

In the USA you can't get a cup of hot tea!

 

In general, I find things that are too time consuming in the States are available here because of the lower cost of labor.

 

Not sure what you mean by the statement that you can't get a cup of hot tea. I've never experienced this. Unless you are saying that in the States they bring you a cup of hot water and a tea bag because it is too time consuming for them to steep it for you.

[steamer 158]

If I want Thai pork I find it to be quite nice overall. If I want a western version it sucks like nothing else to the point of it being not worth consuming, It takes a while to learn what to order and what to give a pass to. I've tried Swiss and German places and I can't imagine that they'd put up with the crap that is on offer in Patttaya. Just because the Russians frequent the Hopf Brew House doesn't mean that it's good. I'm happy when tinned beans are not included in a meal that otherwise seems quite palatable. Even getting eggs done properly is a big fucking challenge unless you prefer the combination of toilet tissue and unwashed socks.

Edited December 19, 2013 by steamer

[CheshireTom 1,377]

If I want Thai pork I find it to be quite nice overall. If I want a western version it sucks like nothing else to the point of it being not worth consuming, It takes a while to learn what to order and what to give a pass to. I've tried Swiss and German places and I can't imagine that they'd put up with the crap that is on offer in Patttaya. Just because the Russians frequent the Hopf Brew House doesn't mean that it's good. I'm happy when tinned beans are not included in a meal that otherwise seems quite palatable. Even getting eggs done properly is a big fucking challenge unless you prefer the combination of toilet tissue and unwashed socks.

 

Tea? Cha? Chai? Tee? Thé?

[papillon 695]

steamer, on 19 Dec 2013 - 11:52 AM, said:

If I want Thai pork I find it to be quite nice overall. If I want a western version it sucks like nothing else to the point of it being not worth consuming, It takes a while to learn what to order and what to give a pass to. I've tried Swiss and German places and I can't imagine that they'd put up with the crap that is on offer in Patttaya. Just because the Russians frequent the Hopf Brew House doesn't mean that it's good. I'm happy when tinned beans are not included in a meal that otherwise seems quite palatable. Even getting eggs done properly is a big fucking challenge unless you prefer the combination of toilet tissue and unwashed socks.

 

Another one of those posts!

 

BeerBelly, on 19 Dec 2013 - 11:24 AM, said:

 

cup of hot water and a tea bag

 

Tea bag? That's for lazy people.

[jacko 8,815]

 

In general, I find things that are too time consuming in the States are available here because of the lower cost of labor.

 

Not sure what you mean by the statement that you can't get a cup of hot tea. I've never experienced this. Unless you are saying that in the States they bring you a cup of hot water and a tea bag because it is too time consuming for them to steep it for you.

Yes, you have been delivered a cup of hot water, and frequently not hot enough to make the tea well.

That is why I drink more coffee now.

[short 215]

Jacko, hot water brews tea faster but it also burns it giving it a bitter taste. If you have the time to brew it slower it tastes much better and doesn't require any sugar to kill the bitter.

 

Some of the best tea in the US is called "sun tea" and it is made by setting a pitcher of water with tea bag(s) outside on the patio ledge to brew for several hours. Only place to get this is at a 6* restaurant known as momma's.

 

On a side note, Nee of FLB now knows what to do if you order "iced tea black" (although she only has yellow tea to work with).

[jacko 8,815]

Jacko, hot water brews tea faster but it also burns it giving it a bitter taste. If you have the time to brew it slower it tastes much better and doesn't require any sugar to kill the bitter.

 

Some of the best tea in the US is called "sun tea" and it is made by setting a pitcher of water with tea bag(s) outside on the patio ledge to brew for several hours. Only place to get this is at a 6* restaurant known as momma's.

 

On a side note, Nee of FLB now knows what to do if you order "iced tea black" (although she only has yellow tea to work with).

Yes, we used to make 'sun tea' when I was in Saudi, a place where a cold one was savoured.

Copied from our American friends there.

 

But I still found a cup of tea (hot) was something to be avoided in the USA.

Probably like a cup of coffee in the UK.

 

I should make some 'sun-tea' here in Thailand, it is the season for it now, but I don't have a big glass jug..... would a clear plastic one work?

[steamer 158]

 

Another one of those posts!

 

 

Tea bag? That's for lazy people.

no, just western expectations in the LoS.

 

American iced tea or a pork chop cooked beyond recognition falls into the same category afaic.

Edited December 20, 2013 by steamer

[short 215]

Yes, we used to make 'sun tea' when I was in Saudi, a place where a cold one was savoured.

Copied from our American friends there.

 

But I still found a cup of tea (hot) was something to be avoided in the USA.

Probably like a cup of coffee in the UK.

 

I should make some 'sun-tea' here in Thailand, it is the season for it now, but I don't have a big glass jug..... would a clear plastic one work?

I used a plastic jug I bought off of a small store on pattaya klang just east of the 2nd rd intersection. Sorry don't remember the name of it. Make sure you use sterile water and not tap water.

 

 

 

The results of the 2013 2nd Annual Iced Tea Competition is in.

 

Once again Sam's American and Mexican restaurant in Jomtien soi 3 won hands down.

 

Tequila Reef did even worse this year than last year and even worse than several Thai restaurants.

 

 

Honorable mention goes to Misty's agogo which can make it if you show them a photo of them having made it before. They put a little more lime into it than I care for but that is a regional preference.

 

Also, after an extensive training program, if you ask Nee at FLB for iced tea she will bring you not only hot tea, but also a very large glass of ice to work with.

[Tilacno1 23]

Who wants iced tea?

OK if a double shot of vodka in it LOL