Egg, Salted Butter, Cheese or Spicy Pepper in Coffee? 10 Coffee Rituals that will SHOCK YOU.
Coffee, the aromatic elixir that kickstarts our mornings and fuels our afternoons, is a beloved beverage enjoyed globally. While many of us have our own routine coffee habits, there are some shocking coffee drinking rituals around the world that would leave even the most seasoned coffee connoisseurs wide-eyed. From unexpected ingredients to unique brewing methods, let's take a caffeinated journey around the globe to discover some truly surprising coffee traditions.
Egg Coffee in Vietnam:
Picture this – a cup of strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a creamy, frothy layer that isn't whipped cream or milk, but rather, egg. In Vietnam, egg coffee, or "cà phê trứng," is a popular and surprising delicacy. The creamy topping is made by beating egg yolks with sweetened condensed milk, resulting in a rich and unique coffee experience that's more dessert than a beverage.
Salted Butter Coffee in Tibet:
In the mountainous regions of Tibet, locals indulge in a surprising coffee concoction called "po cha." This beverage features strong black tea mixed with yak butter and salt. The combination of the savory butter and salt with the bitterness of the tea creates a hearty and energizing drink that helps locals combat the cold and high altitudes.
Coffee Cherry Tea in Ethiopia:
Ethiopia, often hailed as the birthplace of coffee, has a unique way of utilizing coffee cherries beyond just brewing the beans. Coffee cherry tea, known as "cascara," is made by steeping dried coffee cherries in hot water. The result is a fruity, tea-like beverage with a hint of coffee flavor, showcasing the versatility of the coffee plant.
Coffee with Cheese in Sweden:
Swedes take their coffee breaks seriously, and they've introduced a surprising twist to the traditional fika (coffee break). In Sweden, it's not uncommon to find coffee served with a side of cheese. The combination of strong coffee with a slice of mild cheese, often on a crispbread or sandwich, creates a savory and satisfying pairing that might raise eyebrows elsewhere.
Spicy Pepper Coffee in Turkey:
Turkish coffee is renowned for its strong and robust flavor, but in Turkey, some coffee enthusiasts take it up a notch by adding a surprising ingredient – black pepper. The addition of a pinch of ground black pepper to Turkish coffee brings a subtle kick and enhances the overall sensory experience, proving that coffee can be a canvas for unexpected flavors.
As we explore these shocking coffee drinking rituals from around the world, it's clear that coffee is more than just a beverage; it's a cultural phenomenon with diverse expressions. While some of these practices may seem outlandish to the uninitiated, they showcase the creativity and ingenuity of coffee lovers worldwide. So, the next time you take a sip of your favorite brew, remember that the world of coffee is vast and full of surprises waiting to be discovered. Cheers to embracing the unexpected in every cup!