Udon Thani Hosts CHONG AROI 2026 by Drip Aroi Thai Tea-Matcha Contest 4-5 Dec, Boonthavorn
Udon Thani prepares to host CHONG AROI 2026 by Drip Aroi, a Thai tea and matcha contest on 4-5 December 2026 at Boonthavorn Udon Thani, with total prize money over 40,000 baht.
Udon Thani province has joined hands with the Drip Aroi, Chokdee Caafe and Option2 Studio teams to prepare for the CHONG AROI 2026 competition, a stage for contesting Thai tea and matcha skills under the concept TEA BRINGS US TOGETHER from 4 to 5 December 2026 at Boonthavorn Udon Thani. Taking place as part of the 2nd Chong Aroi event within the 4th Udon Coffee Family event, it opens a space for tea and café lovers to meet and exchange knowledge, while further developing tourism and the economy in the area.
Competition Format and Judging Criteria
CHONG AROI 2026 divides the competition into 2 categories over 2 days. The first day is THE SOUL OF THAI TEA, a Thai tea competition on 4 December, and the second day is THE ART OF MATCHA, a matcha competition on 5 December. The event accepts a total of 32 competitors, using a head-to-head format one pair at a time based on menu assignments set by the organisers, to find a single winner who performs well in both Thai tea and matcha.
The judging panel is drawn from café owners in Udon Thani province and figures active in the beverage industry, awarding scores across taste, balance, aroma, tea character, texture, drinking sensation and the creativity of the competitors. In addition to the competition, the event also opens a space for local operators to meet consumers and interested visitors from other areas, which can build into collaborative networks and trade opportunities in the future.
Prizes and Application Channels
The winner will receive a cash prize of 10,000 baht along with the Champion Trophy and other prizes worth over 40,000 baht in total. TIMEMORE Thailand, a coffee and tea brewing equipment brand, together with several Thai tea and matcha brands, is sponsoring equipment and prizes. Those interested in entering the competition can apply via the Drip Aroi Facebook page.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Name | CHONG AROI 2026 |
| Event Theme | TEA BRINGS US TOGETHER |
| Event Dates | 4 to 5 December 2026 |
| Venue | Boonthavorn Udon Thani |
| Competition Categories | 4 December: Thai tea competition (THE SOUL OF THAI TEA), 5 December: Matcha competition (THE ART OF MATCHA) |
| Number of Competitors | 32 people, head-to-head format |
| Prizes | 10,000 baht cash prize with the Champion Trophy and total prizes worth over 40,000 baht |
| Application Channel | Facebook page: Drip Aroi |
This event is supported by the Udon Thani Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports to stimulate the local economy and create trade opportunities for local operators. As the timing coincides with the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo, visitors travelling to see the horticultural expo will have an additional activity to choose from during the same period.
This news is of interest to café operators and brewers seeking a stage to demonstrate their skills, travellers planning a trip to Udon Thani in late 2026, as well as hoteliers and event organisers in the area looking to link their activities with the International Horticultural Expo taking place during the same period.