6 Unusual Coffees From Around the World

Ever wondered if there’s more to coffee than your morning black or milk-based espresso? From creamy coffee desserts to drinks that literally catch fire, global coffee cultures have dreamed up some seriously creative ways to enjoy caffeine. If you’re curious about the stranger side of coffee, here are six truly unusual—but very real—coffee drinks from around the world.

In short, there are at least six globally recognised ‘weird’ coffees: Vietnam’s egg coffee, Taiwan’s sea salt coffee, Finland’s cheese coffee, the US’s edible cookie coffee cups, Singapore’s butter coffee, and Mexico’s flaming waterfall coffee. Each one brings a surprising twist to your cup—sweet, savory, boozy, or even edible.

1. Vietnam’s Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)

This rich Vietnamese drink originated in Hanoi and swaps milk for a frothy mixture of egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk. The yolk and cream are whisked into a thick, custard-like consistency, then poured over a shot of strong black coffee. The result tastes like a coffee-flavored crème caramel—thick, sweet, and surprisingly balanced.

2. Edible Coffee Cups (USA)

Coffee lovers in Los Angeles can sip their drink and eat the cup too. Alfred Coffee & Kitchen serves espresso drinks in cookie-based cups lined with chocolate. Once you finish the coffee, you’re left with a sweet, edible vessel—ideal for those who want a dessert with their caffeine fix.

3. Sea Salt Coffee (Taiwan)

Popularized by Taiwanese café chains, this drink takes a simple twist: a pinch of sea salt is sprinkled on top of the foam in a milk-based coffee. The salt is said to enhance the coffee’s natural sweetness and smoothness, creating a richer, more rounded flavour profile without being overly salty.

4. Cheese Coffee (Finland)

Finland offers one of the most savoury coffee experiences: a slice of mild, round cheese (about 3cm thick) is lightly grilled until just golden, cut into pieces, and dropped into a cup before pouring hot black coffee over it. The result is a creamy, umami-laced coffee experience that’s uniquely Nordic.

5. Butter Coffee (Singapore)

Adding butter to coffee isn’t just a bulletproof trend—it’s also common in Singapore. Here, people stir unsalted butter into their coffee to create a richer, fuller-bodied drink. It’s a simple way to add texture and mouthfeel, especially if you enjoy a luscious, unfiltered coffee experience.

6. Flame-Throwing Waterfall Coffee (Mexico)

For the daring, Mexican bartenders and baristas sometimes mix tequila and Kahlúa with coffee, set the liquid on fire, and pour it dramatically between containers to mimic a flaming waterfall. Visually stunning and boozy, this drink is best left to professionals—definitely not one to try at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is egg coffee and where does it come from?

Egg coffee, or cà phê trứng, is a Vietnamese drink originating in Hanoi. It’s made by whipping egg yolks with sweetened condensed milk into a thick custard, then pouring strong black coffee over the top. The result resembles a coffee-flavoured custard and is rich, sweet, and uniquely textured.

Can you really drink from an edible coffee cup?

Yes. In Los Angeles, some cafés serve coffee in edible cookie cups lined with chocolate. You drink the espresso and then eat the cookie cup afterward. It’s a fun, dessert-like way to enjoy your coffee.

Why do Taiwanese people put salt on their coffee?

Taiwanese sea salt coffee involves sprinkling sea salt on the milk foam of a coffee drink. The salt is said to enhance the natural sweetness of the coffee and create a smoother, more balanced flavour without making the drink taste salty.

Is cheese coffee safe to drink?

Yes, cheese coffee is safe—and a traditional drink in Finland. A slice of lightly grilled cheese is placed in the cup before hot black coffee is poured over it. The heat melts the cheese slightly, infusing the coffee with a savoury, umami-rich note.

Why would anyone put butter in their coffee?

Adding butter to coffee, known as butter coffee, is common in places like Singapore. The butter adds richness and texture, creating a creamier, fuller-bodied cup. It’s especially popular among those who enjoy unfiltered or high-fat coffee drinks.

Can I try the flaming coffee drink at home?

No—it’s strongly advised against. The flaming waterfall coffee, made with tequila and Kahlúa, involves setting alcohol on fire and pouring it between containers. It’s a theatrical drink best left to trained professionals in controlled environments like bars or restaurants.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Unique Coffee Creations

Try these FrontStreet Coffee beans to explore bold, distinctive flavours that stand up to creative preparation. The Lintong Mandheling features herbal notes with medium-to-dark roast complexity—think toasted bread, spices, and caramel—perfect for those who enjoy richer, spiced profiles like cheese or egg coffee. For a brighter contrast, the 2013 Yunnan Ironica offers balanced chocolate and nutty tones with a medium roast, ideal as a base for butter or salted coffee experiments. Both are expertly roasted for clarity and depth. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.