Coffee is a universal beverage – present in almost every culture, although it often takes completely different forms. In Europe, we most often drink espresso, cappuccino, or classic black coffee, but the world knows much more original and surprising ways of preparing and serving it. Discover extraordinary coffee-drinking traditions that can surprise not only with their flavor but also with their history.

Coffee with butter and salt – Tibet and Ethiopia

High in the Himalayas , in the harsh climate of Tibet, locals have been drinking po cha —a tea with yak butter and salt—for centuries. Interestingly, a similar tradition applies to coffee—in Ethiopia and parts of East Africa, it is added to it with clarified butter (niter kibbeh) . This drink provides energy, warmth, and satiation. It's an ancient version of today's bulletproof coffee, which has gained popularity among biohackers and keto diet enthusiasts.

Coffee with egg – Vietnam

Vietnamese cà phê trứng is one of the most famous, unusual ways to drink coffee. The drink is made with strong espresso, egg yolk, and condensed milk, all whipped together into a thick, sweet froth. The result? The coffee resembles a dessert—aromatic, creamy, and incredibly filling. Interestingly, the idea originated during a time of milk shortages and today is a national pride of Vietnam.

Coffee with cheese – Finland

Sounds strange? In Finland, there's a tradition of drinking coffee with leipäjuusto , a cheese made from cow's or reindeer milk. It has a consistency similar to halloumi and is lightly charred. The coffee is poured directly onto the cheese, which absorbs the infusion and gently dissolves. The drink is salty, creamy, and surprisingly tasty—an example of how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.

Coffee with spices - Middle East and India

In Arab countries, coffee is a ritual, and its brewing is often as important as the flavor itself. Qahwa —traditional Arabic coffee—is prepared with cardamom, saffron, cloves, and cinnamon . It is served in small cups, without milk or sugar, but often accompanied by dates. In India, filter coffee —coffee brewed with milk and sugar, often with cardamom—is popular. Oriental spices transform the drink into something reminiscent of an aromatic elixir.

Coffee with wine – Brazil and Scandinavia

In some regions of Brazil, coffee is brewed with red wine – this drink is known as café com vinho and resembles a mulled coffee version. Meanwhile, in Sweden and Norway, the so-called kaffeost and karsk are popular – in the latter, the coffee is mixed with… spirits. Tradition dictates that the alcohol is poured into the cup, then the coffee is poured over until the liquid is no longer clear. This is a drink for the adventurous!

Coffee with lemon – Italy and other regions

While classic espresso and cappuccino dominate in Italy , in some regions, coffee with lemon zest is popular , especially after meals. The drink is said to act as a digestif—aiding digestion and refreshing. Interestingly, a similar practice also occurs in Greece and Spain.

Coffee with ice cream – Australia and New Zealand

Cold brew coffee is a hot topic, but in the Land Down Under, the so-called affogato reigns supreme – espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Although Italian in origin, in Australia and New Zealand it's considered more of a dessert than a drink. The taste of hot coffee combined with cold, sweet ice is a contrast that has won the hearts of many connoisseurs.

Garlic Coffee – India and the Philippines

Some old traditions speak of coffee brewed with the addition of... garlic. In some regions of India and the Philippines, such coffee was considered medicinal – supposedly antibacterial and strengthening. Today, this is more of an ethnographic curiosity than a popular practice, but it demonstrates how broad the definition of "coffee" can be.

Coffee as an expression of culture

Unusual ways of drinking coffee are more than culinary curiosities. They are a testament to history, climate, available raw materials, and local customs. They also demonstrate that coffee can be a field of endless experimentation—from the ritual ceremonies of Ethiopia, through the sweet delicacies of Asia, to the minimalist approach of Scandinavians.

For coffee lovers, traveling with a cup in hand is a chance to experience the world through the prism of a cup – often full of surprises.