Pandan Drink: A Simple Recipe with Big Health Benefits

Executive Summary

Pandan leaves — known as ใบเตย (Bai Toey) in Thai — are a staple of Southeast Asian cooking, prized for their sweet, fragrant aroma. Making a pandan drink is easy: simmer 5–6 fresh leaves in 4 cups of water for 10–15 minutes until the liquid turns a soft green, then sweeten with palm or coconut sugar and a pinch of salt. Serve chilled over ice.

Beyond its refreshing taste, pandan offers real health benefits. It's rich in antioxidants, supports digestion, may help regulate blood sugar, and its calming scent is known to ease stress and anxiety. It's also traditionally used for pain relief and skin care.

A simple drink with deep roots in Thai culture — and your garden.

How to Make Pandan Leaf Drink (น้ำใบเตย)

A simple and refreshing Thai-style drink:

Ingredients:

• 5-6 fresh pandan leaves (washed and tied into a knot)
• 4 cups water
• Sugar (palm sugar, coconut sugar, or white sugar – adjust to taste)
• A pinch of salt (enhances flavor)
• Ice cubes

Method:

1. Boil the Leaves – Bring water to a boil, add pandan leaves, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the water turns light green and fragrant.
2. Sweeten – Add sugar (start with 2-3 tbsp) and a pinch of salt. Stir until dissolved.
3. Cool & Serve – Remove leaves, let the drink cool, then serve chilled with ice.

Variations:

• Pandan Latte – Mix with coconut milk > Making coconut milk at home for a creamy version.
• Pandan Lemonade – Add lime juice for a tangy twist.
• Pandan & Butterfly Pea Flower – Combine with blue pea flower for a colorful layered drink.

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Health Benefits of Pandan Leaves

Pandan is not just aromatic but also offers several health benefits:

1. Rich in Antioxidants – Helps fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
2. Natural Detoxifier – Supports liver health and aids in flushing out toxins.
3. Lowers Blood Sugar – Some studies suggest it may help regulate glucose levels.
4. Relieves Stress & Anxiety – Its soothing aroma has a calming effect.
5. Aids Digestion – May help with bloating and indigestion.
6. Pain Relief – Traditionally used to alleviate headaches and arthritis pain.
7. Good for Skin & Hair – Applied topically, it may help with dandruff and skin irritation.

⚠️ Note: While generally safe, excessive consumption may cause mild laxative effects.

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Pandan in Thai Culture

• Used in desserts like khanom chan (layered pudding) and sticky rice.
• Often paired with coconut milk for a classic Thai flavor.
• Believed in traditional medicine to have cooling properties.

Thanks to Thailand’s year-round growing magic, our garden is overflowing with fresh goodness. 🍆🌿 Each harvest inspires us to cook traditional Thai dishes straight from the heart. Discover the recipes we cherish