Koh Lanta flavors
Nam Anchan (Butterfly Pea)
A vivid sapphire-blue iced tea steeped from dried butterfly-pea flowers. A squeeze of lime turns it magenta before your eyes and balances the floral sweetness; sweetened with honey and poured over ice, it's the island's most photogenic and refreshing cooler.
About this dish
Nam anchan is the drink that seems made for the island's Instagram era, though it is rooted in long Thai tradition. The butterfly-pea vine (anchan) grows readily across Southern Thailand, and its deep cobalt-blue flowers have long been used as a natural food colouring and herbal tonic. To make the drink, the dried flowers are steeped in hot water, releasing a startling sapphire-blue infusion that is then chilled and lightly sweetened with honey or sugar syrup. Its party trick is chemical: because the blue anthocyanin pigments are pH-sensitive, a squeeze of lime juice swirled in turns the whole glass from blue to vivid purple-magenta in seconds, while sharpening the gentle, earthy-floral flavour. Served tall over ice, sometimes layered over lime soda, nam anchan is cooling, mild, caffeine-free, and beautiful — the most refreshing and photogenic thing to order at the cafés and juice stalls scattered across Koh Lanta.
Allergen information
Preparation methods may vary by restaurant. Always confirm with staff if you have severe allergies.