World’s Weirdest Coffees: From Salt to Cheese

You’ve had your espresso, Americano, and cappuccino—but have you ever sipped coffee from an edible cup or stirred a spoonful of soft cheese into your brew? If not, you’re not alone. Most coffee drinkers stick to familiar territory. But around the world, some baristas and cultures have taken coffee far beyond the ordinary, crafting drinks that challenge both flavor and form.

From the United States to Singapore, we’ve rounded up the world’s strangest coffees, including six notable examples that range from bizarre to brilliant—and explain what makes each one so unusual.

1. Edible Coffee Cup (United States)

One of the more practical oddities, the edible coffee cup is exactly what it sounds like: a cookie-like vessel that holds your coffee and can be eaten once you’ve finished drinking. These cups are typically made from a grain-based dough, often with added flavors like chocolate or gingerbread, and hold hot beverages without leaking. While not a drink itself, the edible cup changes how you experience your coffee—from first sip to final bite.

2. Egg Coffee (Vietnam)

Vietnamese egg coffee, or cà phê trứng, is a rich dessert-like drink where a whisked egg yolk is mixed with sweetened condensed milk and poured over strong Vietnamese-grown robusta coffee. Originally created in Hanoi during the 1940s as a cream substitute, this drink now features a velvety foam top thanks to the frothed egg. Though not to everyone’s taste, it’s beloved in Vietnam for its creamy texture and bold coffee contrast.

3. Sea Salt Coffee (Taiwan, Popularized Globally)

This sweet-and-salty combination blends hot black coffee with sugar and a sprinkle of sea salt, stirred until the salt dissolves. The result is a smoother, less bitter cup where the salt enhances the coffee’s natural sweetness. Often served with whipped cream, sea salt coffee became a global trend after gaining popularity in Taiwan. Its appeal lies in the surprising balance of flavors that many find moreish.

4. Soft Cheese Coffee (Finland)

In Finland, some cafes serve a coffee with a dollop of soft cheese—typically a mild, spreadable variety—mixed directly into the cup. The cheese melts slightly into the hot coffee, creating a creamy, savory-sweet profile. While polarizing, this combination is said to offer a rich mouthfeel and a unique taste experience. It reflects Finland’s experimental approach to traditional drinks.

5. Butter Coffee (Singapore)

Butter coffee, also known as bulletproof coffee when branded, is a blend of hot black coffee, grass-fed butter, and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. Popularized by health-focused communities, this drink is emulsified until smooth and aims to deliver sustained energy. In Singapore, it’s found in specialty and health cafes as a creamy, high-fat alternative to regular coffee. The butter adds a richness while the MCT oil is said to boost focus.

6. Cheese Coffee (Taiwan)

Similar to Finland’s soft cheese coffee but with a different execution, Taiwanese cheese coffee involves brewing coffee over a layer of melted cheese—often cheddar or a local variety—resulting in a cup where the cheese forms a foamy layer on top. The heat of the coffee melts the cheese slightly, and drinkers often stir it in. This style gained traction in Taiwanese night markets and specialty shops for its indulgent texture and bold flavor mix.

Why Do People Drink Such Strange Coffees?

Unusual coffee drinks often emerge from cultural experimentation, local ingredient availability, or a desire to innovate beyond traditional flavors. Some, like egg coffee, started as practical substitutions, while others, such as salt or butter coffee, are driven by trends in flavor enhancement or functional benefits. They reflect how diverse the world’s coffee culture can be beyond the standard espresso-based drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is egg coffee and where does it come from?

Egg coffee, or cà phê trứng, originates from Vietnam, particularly Hanoi. It’s made by whipping egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk, then pouring the mixture over strong brewed coffee. It became popular in the 1940s as a cream substitute and is known for its thick, creamy foam and rich taste.

Why would anyone put salt in coffee?

Sea salt is added to coffee to balance bitterness and enhance sweetness. The small amount of salt reduces the perception of acidity and makes the coffee smoother, especially in black coffee. This combination became trendy in Taiwan and spread globally as “sea salt coffee.”

What is butter coffee and is it healthy?

Butter coffee combines hot black coffee with grass-fed butter and MCT oil, then blended until smooth. It’s popular in health circles for providing long-lasting energy and mental clarity. While not a health food on its own, it’s often consumed as part of ketogenic or low-carb diets.

Has edible coffee cup coffee been around for long?

Edible coffee cups, made from grain-based dough and often flavored, have gained attention in the U.S. and other markets as a novelty and eco-friendly alternative to disposable cups. They’re designed to hold hot drinks and be eaten afterward, though they’re more about the experience than being a mainstream coffee style.

Why do people put cheese in coffee?

Cheese is added to coffee in countries like Finland and Taiwan either melted into the drink or as a foamy layer on top. The result is a savory, creamy coffee with a unique texture. It’s an acquired taste, often found in specialty or experimental cafes.

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