Thailand Runs on Oliang
So, I just looked it up and contrary to what I thought, the Dunkin’ Donuts franchise does have some locations scattered throughout Thailand. But, if you’re there, you better not be searching for the closest Dunkin’.. I mean, maybe I’m biased considering I’m not even a huge fan of their coffee but Thailand offers something better and more unique to their culture!
It’s a scorching hot morning and you’re already sweating minutes after you’ve left your, sometimes, air conditioned room. You see a place that sells Thai iced coffee and you know that the morning is going to start off on the right foot! Unlike typical iced coffee in Western countries, Oliang is not only made with plain coffee poured over ice cubes. Instead, it’s a distinct blend of coffee and several other ingredients such as corn, soy beans, cardamom, sesame seeds and rice usually in the form of a powder.
A tea/coffee sock is used steep the powder with hot water. Then poured over ice, the Oliang is either served black or with condensed and/or evaporated milk. Warning, if you do actually like Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and take it black, I’m going to make an educated assumption that you won’t like this Oliang coffee black. It is far much stronger and bold tasting than the watered down whatever that Dunks is serving up. I usually drink my coffee black but here in Thailand, I always added a little condensed milk for fun. Most places will automatically serve it with the condensed milk in there in which case, any Dunkin’ drinker that orders the classic iced coffee “regular” should enjoy this Thai beverage. The condensed milk has a syrupy texture that adds a delicious sweetness to it and also is an ingredient I would never use at home so, when in Thailand..
You can find these Thai iced coffees in some restaurants but the best place to get one is at one of the coffee carts. Set up just like a street food vendor, these godly humans set up shop wherever they like and bless their customers with an ice cold cup of java. Which reminds me: if you get your hands on a coffee from the cart, sometimes it’s served in a plastic cup with a lid and other times, in a clear plastic bag. This seemed really strange to me but made it much more thrilling to get one. I think the rationale behind this is so people driving a motorbike can just hang the bag from their handles instead of having to hold a cup. Makes sense! Sipping coffee from a large plastic bag with a straw became a whole new coffee drinking experience I was never a part of before but I’m all about it!
Pretty cool. I still dream about these coffee bags.. It’s safe to say that Dunkin’ coffee is falling lower and lower on my list!
