7 Unusual Coffee Drinks From Around the World

You’ve tried cold brew, nitro, and maybe even siphon—but have you ever drunk coffee poured over melted cheese or served in a cookie? If you think you’ve tasted it all, there’s a whole world of bizarre yet beloved coffee drinks beyond the usual espresso or latte. These unusual brews reflect local ingredients, traditions, and bold creativity. Let’s take a closer look at seven of the strangest—and most intriguing—coffees from around the globe.

There are at least seven globally recognized unusual coffee drinks: egg coffee from Vietnam, edible coffee cups from the U.S., sea salt coffee from Taiwan, cheese coffee from Finland, butter coffee from Singapore, flaming waterfall coffee from Mexico, and civet coffee (kopi luwak) from Indonesia. Each offers a unique taste experience shaped by local customs or bold experimentation.

1. Egg Coffee (Vietnam)

Hailing from Hanoi, Vietnam, egg coffee is made by whisking sweetened condensed milk with egg yolks until thick and creamy—almost like custard—before pouring strong black coffee over the top. The result is a rich, dessert-like drink often compared to coffee-flavored custard. This preparation became especially popular in northern Vietnam, where it’s a beloved local specialty.

2. Edible Coffee Cups (United States)

In Los Angeles, Alfred Coffee & Kitchen serves coffee in edible chocolate cookie cups lined with chocolate. Once you finish your drink, you can eat the cup itself. It’s a fun, zero-waste way to enjoy your caffeine hit while indulging your sweet tooth.

3. Sea Salt Coffee (Taiwan)

This Taiwanese café favorite tops steamed milk foam with a sprinkle of sea salt. The salt is said to enhance the natural sweetness of the coffee, resulting in a smoother, more rounded flavor. It’s a simple yet effective hack that’s become popular across Asia.

4. Cheese Coffee (Finland)

This Finnish preparation involves lightly toasting a round, about 3 cm thick slice of cheese until slightly browned. The cheese is then cut into bite-sized pieces and dropped into a cup before pouring black coffee over it. The result is a savory-sweet combination that’s uniquely Finnish.

5. Butter Coffee (Singapore)

A simple home or café recipe where unsalted butter is added to regular brewed coffee. The extra fat lends a richer mouthfeel and more complex texture. It’s an easy way to experiment with coffee at home if you have butter and coffee on hand.

6. Flaming Waterfall Coffee (Mexico)

This dramatic drink combines coffee with spirits like tequila and Kahlúa, is set alight, and then poured from one vessel to another to mimic a flaming waterfall. Impressive to watch, but definitely a cocktail bar trick best left to trained professionals due to the open flame.

7. Civet Coffee / Kopi Luwak (Indonesia)

Kopi luwak is made from coffee beans that have been eaten, fermented in the digestive tract, and excreted by the Asian palm civet (locally called the coconut cat). The beans are then cleaned, roasted, and brewed. The digestion process is said to reduce bitterness and add a distinctive aroma. A single cup can cost around $30 USD. The beans are also known informally as “cat poop coffee.”

The unique processing begins when the civet consumes ripe coffee cherries. The beans ferment inside the animal’s stomach, where proteins are broken down. Since the beans remain intact, they’re excreted whole, cleaned, and roasted. This method is believed to yield a smoother, less bitter cup with a special scent profile. However, ethical and safety concerns exist regarding production, and it remains one of the most expensive coffee types in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is egg coffee and where does it come from?

Egg coffee is a Vietnamese specialty from Hanoi made by whipping egg yolks with sweetened condensed milk into a custard-like mixture, then pouring hot black coffee over it. It tastes like a coffee-flavored custard and is especially popular in northern Vietnam.

How is edible coffee cup coffee served?

In Los Angeles, some cafés serve coffee in edible chocolate cookie cups. You drink the coffee and then eat the chocolate cookie container, combining dessert and beverage in one.

Why is salt added to sea salt coffee?

In Taiwan, sea salt is sprinkled on top of the milk foam in coffee. The salt is said to enhance the coffee’s sweetness and create a smoother, more balanced flavor profile.

What is cheese coffee and how is it made?

Cheese coffee, originating from Finland, involves toasting a slice of cheese about 3 cm thick until slightly browned, cutting it into pieces, and adding it to a cup before pouring in black coffee. It creates a savory and sweet drinking experience.

Is flaming waterfall coffee safe to make at home?

Flaming waterfall coffee, which involves setting coffee mixed with alcohol on fire and pouring it between containers, is a theatrical drink best left to professional bartenders. It’s visually impressive but potentially hazardous to attempt at home.

What is kopi luwak and why is it so expensive?

Kopi luwak, or civet coffee, is made from beans excreted by the Asian palm civet after fermenting in their digestive system. The unique processing is said to lower bitterness and add a special aroma. Due to the labor-intensive production and ethical concerns, it can cost around $30 per cup.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Unique Coffee Experiences

For drinkers curious about unique coffee flavors, try FrontStreet’s Lintong Mandheling, known for its deep herbal tones, low acidity, and complex notes of spice, burnt toast, and caramel when roasted medium-dark. Or explore the Yunnan 2013 Ironica Typica, a balanced, medium-roast bean with nutty, chocolate, and black tea notes—great for exploring subtle profiles. Both offer distinct taste experiences without needing unusual preparations. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.