Don’t read this before you’ve had your morning coffee! Not because it’s a snooze but because you won’t be able to stand the temptation to get right up and grab a cuppa!
In honour of International Coffee Day, celebrated annually on 1 October, Expat Explore has compiled this list of the weirdest and most wonderful ways coffee connoisseurs enjoy their java around the world.
Related: Explore European coffee culture in winter!
So, take a quick break to grab a cup if you haven’t already, and get ready for an exploration of the best coffee the world has to offer! Plus, who knows, you might even find an excuse or two to pay these destinations a visit.
Take a look at the top unique coffee drinks around the world:
Egg coffee
Vietnam is the first stop on our java journey and it sure is a memorable one! Born from necessity and innovation, Cà phê trứng originated during the Vietnam War when low dairy supplies meant they needed an alternative for their coffee. Today, it’s still served across Vietnam in one café after another. Give it a try and you might just understand why!
The eggs add a silkiness that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the condensed milk, both of which cut through the acidity and slight bitterness of the Robusta that’s often used. Sip your afternoon away as you watch the people go by and order refill after refill.
Related: While visiting Vietnam, don’t miss out on these things to do in Hanoi!
Türk Kahvesi
Up next on the unique coffee train is Turkey! Türk Kahvesi is a Turkish staple, made by taking the finest hand-ground coffee (Arabica, Robusta, or both) and adding it inside the cezve (a special Turkish “kettle”) along with sugar. Then, it’s boiled over a heat source like hot sand until it froths. After letting it cool down, the boil-to-froth process is repeated twice more.
Served in small porcelain cups, patrons can then enjoy their Türk Kahvesi with some extra sugar to taste but never, under no circumstances, add milk or cream. After all, Turkish coffee drinkers might still believe that the hot beverage should be “black as hell, strong as death, and sweet as love”.
Related: Here’s why shoulder season is the best time to visit Turkey!
Kaffeost
If you’re ready for something truly one-of-a-kind, head to Sweden for the next coffee drink on our weird and wonderful list! We won’t blame you if you don’t, though. Especially once you hear that Kaffeost, our next global coffee treat, is essentially hot coffee poured directly over rich juustoleipä (a type of cheese curd).
We’ll give you a moment to process that you read that right. But before you knock it, consider that many coffee beverages contain or are even based on dairy products such as milk, cream or condensed milk. If you think about it, juustoleipä is just another version of that.
Related: Apart from coffee, explore more reasons to visit Sweden!
Wiener Melange
Austria is the next destination to serve up a deliciously unique coffee treat! Wiener Melange is deceptively similar to a latte in that it’s primarily made with a double espresso topped with steamed, frothed or texturised milk. However, what makes this coffee creation unique is the fully loaded version you can order if you’re in the mood to indulge.
Enjoy the even richer version made just the same but including egg yolks and brown sugar and topped with whipped cream and cocoa or chocolate shavings. It sure is a mouthful and an indulgent one at that! Order this if you’re feeling a little thirstier (or hungrier) than a normal coffee can satisfy.
Related: Discover the best things about Vienna according to a travel expert!
Café Con Miel
Trust Spain to introduce some spice to our list of unique coffee creations around the world! This delectable after-dinner treat is made by taking a standard coffee and adding a variety of yummy enhancements like milk, honey and vanilla extract, as well as a dash of spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, before reheating it on the stove.
Café Con Miel is packed with sweetness and flavour despite being incredibly easy to prepare. It’s no wonder that it’s remained a classic favourite since long before modern concoctions have emulated the blend of sugar and spice in over-the-top ways.
Related: Continue your tasty tour with the top Spanish tapas and restaurants!
Cafezinho
Rounding up our list of weird and wonderful ways to enjoy coffee worldwide, Brazil enters a simple yet mighty contender – Cafezinho. At first glance, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for a classic espresso as it’s also a small coffee served black. However, what makes this staple unique is that it’s pre-sweetened, meaning the espresso is brewed with sugar already added.
So, if you like your coffee stronger than most and sweeter than most, Cafenzinho is a must-try! This thick, strong and sweet drink is often served to visitors in any home. Once you’ve experienced and savoured this caffeine hit for yourself, you won’t wonder why.
Related: Taste Cafenzinho in Brazil on a breathtaking trip to South America!
We hope the cup you made at the start has held you off until now, otherwise, your craving for a cuppa could be off the charts by now! If that’s the case, fear not because Expat Explore offers guided group tours to all the destinations on our unique coffee list.
With so many coffees to try and bucket-list attractions to experience, you’re ready to start your java journey. Book a trip with Expat Explore, and get ready to jump for java!