Nom yen

Nom yen (Thai: นมเย็น, pronounced [nōm jēn]) (also known as นมชมพู) is a sweet, iced beverage from Thailand. Known for its distinctive pink color, this drink is a fusion of milk and sala syrup made from salak fruit. It is widely enjoyed across Thailand and can be commonly found from street vendors and café, especially as a refreshing drink during the hot and humid months.

Nom Yen from a street vendor

Definition

The name Nom Yen translates to "cold milk" in Thai, with Nom meaning "milk" and Yen meaning "cold" or "iced." The name highlights the chilled nature of the drink. It is also known as Nom Chompoo, with “Chompoo” meaning pink from its color.

Preparation

The drink is typically prepared by mixing sweetened condensed milk with evaporated milk or using fresh hot milk, then combining it with salak syrup. This mixture is then poured over ice.

Variants

Nom Yen and its key components, particularly sala syrup, are also utilized in various Thai desserts to add flavor, color, and sweetness. Some common uses include:

Jelly and Agar Desserts (Khanom chan): Sala syrup is often incorporated into agar-agar or jelly-based desserts, giving them a bright pink hue and a fruity, floral flavor. These desserts may include layers of coconut milk or fruit.

Shaved Ice Desserts (Namkhaeng sai): In traditional Thai shaved ice desserts, Nom Yen is used as a topping or mixed with other syrups and condensed milk. It adds a creamy texture and sweet flavor to the shaved ice, which is often topped with a variety of toppings like red beans, sweet corn, and jellies.

Ice Cream Toppings: Sala syrup and condensed milk are occasionally drizzled over vanilla or coconut ice cream to create a colorful and sweet topping.

Popsicles and Frozen Treats: The Nom Yen mixture is sometimes frozen into popsicles or ice lollies, making it a refreshing frozen snack, especially popular during Thailand’s hot weather.

Cakes and Pastries: In some modern variations, Nom Yen flavors are used to infuse cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods. The vibrant color of the sala syrup can be incorporated into frosting or fillings, providing both a visual and flavor element to the desserts.