Soy beans have long been known as a source of protein. But while Thais take this cheap drink for granted, in other parts of the world soy milk has evolved into a fashionable beverage. There’s soy latte and soy milk with hazelnut and other flavours. In addition, there’s bottled and canned soy milk.
Kantat sells around 200 bags of soy milk and 600 crullers every day. According to a research conducted by a leading beverage packaging company, Thailand is second in the world in the consumption of soy milk per head. Hong Kong is in first place. There people consume soy milk at the rate of 18 litres a year per head, while Thais drink 12 litres, a little ahead of Singaporeans. China, where soy milk is believed to have originated 2,000 years ago, consumes around 10 litres per head per year.
In Southeast Asia, people still prefer to buy freshly-made, hot or cold soy milk from street food hawkers. Consumers also buy ready-to-drink soy milk in UHT packages and bottles. In other parts of the world, ready-to-drink soy milk in UHT boxes, tin cans or bottles are popular.
Kantat believes that his customers love to see the hot steam evaporate from the soy milk pot.
“Perhaps they like to customise their drinks by picking various toppings to eat with pa tong ko,” he said. “It’s a comfort food that can fill up and warm your belly.”