World’s Weirdest Coffee Drinks You’ve Never Tried

You've heard of espresso, cold brew, and maybe even nitro—but have you ever sipped coffee poured from a cup you can eat, or stirred a spoonful of soft cheese into your brew? While most of us stick to the usual suspects, there’s a whole world of coffee that takes the daily ritual way off-script.

In total, The Courier Mail documented at least six globally recognised 'weird' coffee types, ranging from edible vessels to high-fat additions like butter and cheese. These aren’t just regional quirks—they’re full-blown coffee formats that challenge what we think coffee should be.

Edible Coffee Cups (USA)

One of the more practical oddities, edible coffee cups are exactly what they sound like—cups made from cookie-like dough that hold your coffee and can be eaten once you finish drinking. Typically flavored with chocolate or spices, these biodegradable cups eliminate the need for paper or plastic while offering a sweet snack to pair with your brew. They originated in the United States as a sustainable and fun twist on traditional takeaway cups.

Egg Coffee (Vietnam)

Vietnamese egg coffee (cà phê trứng) blends strong brewed coffee with a frothy mixture of whipped egg yolks, sugar, and sometimes condensed milk. The result is a rich, dessert-like drink with a texture similar to custard or tiramisu. Though unusual to Western palates, it’s a beloved specialty in Vietnam, especially in Hanoi, where it was invented during a time of milk shortage. It combines robust coffee with a creamy, velvety topping for a uniquely balanced cup.

Sea Salt Coffee (Taiwan/International)

Sea salt coffee is made by adding a small pinch of sea salt to either black coffee or a coffee-milk mixture. The salt enhances sweetness, balances bitterness, and smooths out the overall flavor profile. Popularized in Asia but now found globally, it’s usually served with condensed milk or cream. Despite its simplicity, the addition of salt creates a more complex and rounded taste experience, challenging the idea that coffee should always be purely bitter or acidic.

Soft Cheese Coffee (Finland)

This Scandinavian take on coffee involves stirring a spoonful of soft cheese—typically a mild, spreadable type like leipäjuusto—into hot black coffee. The cheese melts partially into the brew, creating a creamy, slightly tangy texture. Often eaten with a spoon after drinking, the combination of savory cheese and bitter coffee is surprisingly harmonious. It reflects Finland’s tradition of combining dairy with hot beverages for a hearty twist.

Butter Coffee (Singapore)

Butter coffee in Singapore refers to coffee blended or stirred with solid butter, often coconut oil or ghee as well. Popularized by bulletproof-style coffee trends, it’s typically made with a base of espresso or black coffee combined with a spoonful of unsalted butter. The result is a rich, frothy drink with added fats intended to promote energy and satiety. While polarizing, it has gained a niche following among those seeking high-fat, low-carb coffee options.

Other Notable Mentions

The original report also highlighted other curious coffee styles including:

• Black coffee served in ice bowls
• Coffee mixed with cheese curds
• Drinks incorporating unexpected grains or spices

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 sometimes condensed milk, then layering the frothy mixture over strong brewed coffee. The result resembles a coffee custard and was created during times when milk was scarce. It’s rich, creamy, and distinctly different from standard coffee preparations.

Why would anyone put salt in coffee?

Sea salt is added to coffee to balance bitterness and enhance sweetness. Just a small pinch in black or milk coffee can smooth the flavor and make the drink taste less harsh. This trick is especially common in Asia and has gained international popularity as a simple way to improve cup quality without altering the base ingredients.

Is cheese really added to coffee in Finland?

Yes. In Finland, soft cheese like leipäjuusto is sometimes stirred into black coffee. The cheese melts slightly, creating a creamy and mildly tangy addition to the brew. It’s typically eaten with a spoon after the coffee is drunk. This tradition highlights the Nordic habit of blending dairy into hot drinks for a hearty flavor.

What’s the point of an edible coffee cup?

Edible coffee cups, usually made from a cookie or waffle-like dough, serve both as a container and a snack. Flavored with chocolate or spices, they’re biodegradable and eliminate the need for disposable cups. Originating in the United States, they offer a fun, eco-friendly alternative to traditional takeaway options.

Is butter coffee healthy?

Butter coffee—usually made with espresso and unsalted butter or coconut oil—is high in fats and calories. Advocates claim it boosts energy and keeps you full longer, especially as part of low-carb or ketogenic diets. However, it’s not necessarily 'healthy' for everyone and remains a niche trend rather than a mainstream recommendation.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Unique Brews

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for fruity complexity, perfect for experimenting with butter or salt accents. Their Yirgacheffe offers bright acidity and floral notes, ideal for contrasting with creamy elements like soft cheese. For a richer base, their PWN Golden Mandheling brings heavy body and chocolate tones—great for egg coffee or salted milk styles. All are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.