Ingredients
Syrup
- 60 mlsala syrup, the pink Thai red syrup
Milk
- 300 mlwhole milk, cold
- or 200 ml milk and 100 ml evaporated milk
To finish
- 3 tbspsweetened condensed milk
- plenty of crushed ice
Sometimes added
- a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- a spoonful of evaporated milk to float on top
Equipment
- tall glasses
- a long spoon
Directions
- Crush cubes in a bag with a rolling pin if you have no crusher.
- Fill the glass generously, since this is a very cold drink. Fill a tall glass to the top with crushed ice.
- Pour the sala syrup over the ice first. Pour the cold milk in slowly over the syrup.
- Spoon the sweetened condensed milk in on top. It is thick and will sink slowly through the glass.
- Reduce the condensed milk if you want it less sweet.
- Taste it before adding more of either. Serving it is done immediately. Serve it with a long spoon and a straw.
- Stir it once before drinking so the layers combine. It should be a uniform bright pink once stirred. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the glass.
Technique
- The pink colour comes from added colouring, and most sala syrup is artificially flavoured.
- Use crushed ice rather than cubes, which is what gives the drink its texture.
- Do not stir the condensed milk in fully; the drinker does that.
Substitutions
- Any Thai red syrup, sold as sala or nam daeng.
- Evaporated milk mixed with fresh milk for a richer drink.
Variations
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Made with the green syrup instead, as nom khiao.
- Blended with ice into a slushy drink.
History
A Thai street drink flavoured with syrup from the salak palm fruit, ubiquitous at market drink carts.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nom Yen?
Nom Yen is a drink from Thailand: bright pink milk with sala syrup, poured over ice with condensed milk. A Thai street drink flavoured with syrup from the salak palm fruit, ubiquitous at market drink carts.
How long does Nom Yen take to make?
Nom Yen takes 5 min of preparation and none of cooking. The recipe makes 2 glasses. It is rated easy to make.
What can I substitute in Nom Yen?
Yes, within limits. Any Thai red syrup, sold as sala or nam daeng. Evaporated milk mixed with fresh milk for a richer drink.
What is the most important thing to get right in Nom Yen?
Use crushed ice rather than cubes, which is what gives the drink its texture.
