10 Weirdest Coffees Around the World, Ranked

You’ve tried cold brew, nitro, and maybe even mushroom coffee — but have you ever sipped a drink that looks like a houseplant, or one made with raw egg yolk? Around the world, coffee culture has spawned some truly bizarre creations. Some are delicious, others are daring, and a few are downright hard to stomach. But which ones are actually worth trying?

From China’s plant-shaped latte to Indonesia’s infamous civet coffee, here are the 10 weirdest coffees in the world — ranked by strangeness, ingredients, and cultural impact.

1. Potted Plant Coffee – China

This isn’t a terrarium — it’s a drink. Originating in China, potted plant coffee looks exactly like a small indoor plant. The “soil” is made of Oreo cookie crumbs sprinkled over steamed milk and espresso, and a sprig of mint poses as the greenery. It’s a playful, Instagram-friendly presentation with a rich coffee and milk base. No actual plants are harmed — or consumed.

2. Egg Coffee – Vietnam

Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, famous for its strong black coffee. But in Hanoi, locals sip egg coffee — a sweet, creamy mix of black coffee poured over a frothy mixture of egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk. The result resembles a custard or crème brûlée in a cup. Only fresh raw egg yolks are used, making it one of the more daring coffee drinks on the list.

3. Cheese Coffee – Finland

In Finland, coffee meets dairy in an unusual way. A slice of roughly 3cm-thick cheese (often Leipäjuusto or juustoleipä) is lightly grilled until the surface browns, then cut into bite-sized pieces and dropped into a cup of black coffee. The heat melts the cheese slightly, creating a rich, savory coffee experience. It’s a traditional Finnish winter warmer — if you can get past the cheese chunks floating in your cup.

4. Butter Coffee (Bulletproof Coffee) – Singapore

Also known as bulletproof coffee, this Singaporean trend involves blending 1–2 tablespoons of unsalted grass-fed butter and 1–2 tablespoons of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil (sometimes substituted with coconut oil) into a cup of black coffee. The result is a high-calorie, fatty coffee said to suppress appetite, boost energy, and enhance mental clarity. At around 460 calories per serving, it’s more of a meal replacement than a beverage.

5. Sea Salt Coffee – Taiwan

Taiwanese cafes popularized this sweet-and-salty combo by sprinkling sea salt on top of the foam of a milk-based coffee. The salt is said to enhance the natural sweetness of the coffee and balance the bitterness. Often served with a sweetened milk foam, it’s a simple yet effective flavor twist that’s spread across Asian café culture.

6. Edible Coffee Cups – USA

At Alfred Coffee & Kitchen in Los Angeles, coffee comes in an edible vessel. The drink is served in a chocolate-covered cookie cup that you can actually eat once you finish the coffee. It’s a fun, functional dessert-coffee hybrid — perfect for those who want to skip the wash-up.

7. Coffee (Yuan Yang Coffee) – Hong Kong

A classic Hong Kong creation, this drink is half coffee, half black tea. The name means “mandarin duck,” symbolizing a pair that sticks together through thick and thin. The coffee should be brewed to medium strength, and the tea must steep for no more than three minutes to avoid bitterness. It’s often served with evaporated milk, fresh cream, or even floral garnishes.

8. Green Tea Coffee – Japan

This drink blends the boldness of coffee with the earthiness of matcha. A single spoonful of green tea powder is sprinkled over a dollop of whipped cream that sits atop a cup of regular-strength coffee. A touch of sugar can help bring out the tea’s aroma. It’s a harmonious mix of Eastern flavors in a Western format.

9. Blazing Waterfall Coffee – Mexico

This theatrical drink combines coffee with liquors like Tequila or Kahlúa, then set aflame before being poured dramatically from one vessel to another, mimicking a flaming waterfall. It’s a bar stunt best left to professionals — don’t try this at home. Best enjoyed in a Mexican restaurant under expert supervision.

10. Kopi Luwak (Civet Coffee) – Indonesia

Made from coffee beans eaten and excreted by the Asian palm civet (a small mammal), kopi luwak is infamous for its bizarre production process. The beans ferment in the animal’s digestive tract, which supposedly reduces bitterness and adds a unique aroma. A single cup can cost up to $30 USD. The ethics of civet farming have drawn widespread criticism, and the drink remains one of the most controversial in specialty coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular weird coffee in the world?

Kopi Luwak (civet coffee) is the most famous unusual coffee, though not necessarily the most popular due to its high price and ethical concerns. Egg coffee from Vietnam and potted plant coffee from China are also widely recognized.

Which country has the strangest coffee?

While subjective, many consider Indonesia’s kopi luwak the strangest due to its production method involving animal digestion. China’s potted plant coffee and Finland’s cheese coffee also rank high on the unusual scale.

Is egg coffee safe to drink?

Yes, egg coffee is safe when made with properly pasteurized or fresh raw egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk. It’s a traditional drink in Vietnam, especially in Hanoi, and has a custard-like texture.

What is butter coffee made of?

Butter coffee, also called bulletproof coffee, typically includes black coffee blended with 1–2 tablespoons each of unsalted butter and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. It’s high in fat and calories, and often marketed as a weight-loss aid.

Has anyone tried all 10 of these coffees?

It’s unlikely anyone has tried all 10, especially kopi luwak due to cost and availability. Many of these coffees are regional specialties and not widely exported.

Why is civet coffee so expensive?

Kopi luwak is expensive because of its rare production process — beans are eaten by civets, fermented in their gut, and then collected from their feces. Limited supply, labor-intensive collection, and novelty contribute to the high price.

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