Experience bona fide culture with Sawatdi Cha’s authentic Thai milk tea
We’ve all been inspired by something — a book we’ve read too many times, a person we’ve met, or a drama series we’ve watched. The last thing closely relates to Sawatdi Cha’s founder Gener N. Marinas. Watching a lot of Thai drama series, especially SOTUS: The Series, inspired and influenced him to create Sawatdi Cha.
With a little wordplay, the brand manages to say a cheery hello and offer a beverage with its name. Spending almost an entire week in Thailand, Marinas and his family carried out and discovered the country’s one-of-a-kind culture. Of course, this includes tasting genuine and authentic Thai food and drinks.
Experience authentic Thai milk tea with Sawatdi Cha
With the pandemic trying to hinder his plan in opening a physical mini-cart, Sawatdi Cha decided to show its presence online. Currently, the brand has four flavors that you can choose from: Nom-Yen (Pink Milk), Cha Yen (Thai Milk Tea), Cha Kao (Green Tea Milk), and Gafae Yen (Thai Coffee).
The iconic pink milk — Nom Yen — remains their best-seller. Understandably, it’s probably because of its Instagram-worthy bright pink color. The Nom Yen gets its delightfully tangy and floral notes from sala syrup, a magenta-colored sweet, artificially flavored syrup that approximately gets the taste of the fruit of a branchy palm three that remains native to Thailand.
Gafae Yen – a personal favorite
Although the pink milk sells the most, the Thai coffee — Gafae Yen — is undeniably my favorite. I have always been a coffee person. For the past week, I have become desperate for a deliciously sweet, make-you-hyper type of coffee. Sawatdi Cha saves the day with Gafae Yen, a beverage you can only find on just about any street corner in Thailand.
Even though it’s the start of the -ber months and I should probably start drinking hot coffee, I’m always in the mood for iced coffee. The Gafae Yen remains refreshing and flavorful, especially when it’s served with ice. You can definitely taste its caffeinated kick, mixed with creamy and sweet condensed milk, and the semi-thick texture.
Business as usual amid a pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all kinds of occupations in the country — especially, freelance workers and small businesses. However, that doesn’t stop Gener in striving hard to provide people with authentic Thai drinks.
“This pandemic really affects a lot of businesses… Luckily, I have… savings to create this business [opportunity] during the pandemic. But to be honest, as a business owner, my struggle is how will my brand be different from the others…”
Sawatdi Cha’s online presence
Ever since the lockdowns started becoming lenient, buying, and selling things online became prevalent. That’s how Sawatdi Cha planned to conquer their lane.
“Most small businesses use online presence to do their business [marketing]. Just like them, we are focus on selling online. We make sure that all of our online content remains accurate, easy to understand, and honest.”
Find out more about Sawatdi Cha on their social media accounts: Facebook and Instagram. They deliver via Grab Express, Lalamove, Angkas Padala, and other online delivery services. Payments should remain deposited and transferred through GCash, Paymaya, Unionbank, and ING Philippines.
