15 Must-Try Unique Coffees From Around The World
Being a coffee lover, this post is one of my favourites. Coffee, for me, is a soul soothing panacea – something that adds freshness to my mornings and charm to my evenings. And yes! It is an anytime welcome drink for me. A lot of coffee lovers may agree with me on this. My love for coffee has made me explore various coffee cultures around the globe and different ways of drinking the beverage. The result is a list of 15 must-try unique coffees from around the world. Hope you’ll enjoy reading this overdose of coffee as much as I enjoyed writing it.
1. South Indian Filter Coffee
Filter coffee is popularly known as ‘Kaapi’ in South India. Locally grown coffee beans are roasted, coarsely ground and brewed in a traditional metal filter. The decoction is then mixed with sugar and topped with boiled and frothed milk. It is then pulled between the cup and the saucer in huge arch-like motions of hands. This serves the purpose of aerating the coffee, mixing the ingredients and cooling down the drink to the sipping temperature. Served in a traditional metal tumbler, filter coffee is a perfect blend of soothing taste and heady aroma. Definitely a must-try!
2. Arabic Coffee
Arabic Coffee is an aromatic and flavourful drink made from Coffee Arabica beans that grow at a height of upto 2000 metres. It is prepared by lightly roasting the coffee beans and grinding them coarsely. The ground coffee is then boiled on low heat along with cardamom, cloves and a pinch of saffron. A teaspoon of rose water is optionally added. Arabic coffee is made and served in a traditional vessel called Dallah. Conventional way of drinking this coffee is without milk and unsweetened. It is fragrant, strong, robust and bitter and generally served with dates to balance its bitterness. This is the most flavourful version of coffee all coffee lovers must try at least once.
3. Kopi Luwak
Kopi Luwak is one of the most expensive coffees in the world. Luwak is a hyper-active nocturnal Asian civet cat that feeds mainly on berries and pulpy fruits. Luwak selects and eats the best coffee berries for their pulp. The berries undergo natural fermentation in the digestive tract of Luwak and are then defecated in clumps. These clumps are then collected and the coffee beans are separated from them. These beans are cleaned, roasted and ground in a fine coffee powder which is further used to make a heady cup of coffee. The ability of civet to select the best beans and the natural fermentation of the coffee beans potentially impact the flavour of Kopi Luwak.
4. Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)
Cà Phê Trứng is a clear coffee with unique taste and is one of the most satisfying snack on any day. Preparation includes brewing a cup of over-roasted Vietnamese Robusta coffee in a traditional Vietnamese filter. It is then poured in a cup and is topped with a mixture of beaten egg yolk, sugar and coffee. Egg coffee is the traditional drink of Vietnam and is known for its stronger taste. It is a bitter-sweet blend of clear coffee shot topped with mildly sweet egg cream.
5. Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee is a coffee-cocktail hybrid. It is prepared by pouring black coffee in a mug and mixing Irish whiskey and at least one teaspoon of sugar in it, stirring the liquid continuously till sugar is completely dissolved. Thick cream is then poured carefully in the cup and is raised a little. The cream is meant to float on the surface of coffee. The coffee is drunk through the cream. Irish coffee can be served as an after-dinner beverage to warm up a cold winter night.
6. Italian Coffee (Caffè Marocchino)
Marocchino is a delicious drink made with coffee, milk froth and cocoa powder. It is served in a small glass dusted with cocoa powder. Thick hot cocoa is optionally added to the drink for additional taste in some regions of northern Italy. Coffee and cocoa – a must-try heavenly combination!
7. Finnish Cheese Coffee (Kaffeost)
Kaffeost is one of the unique and weirdest coffees around the world. It is quite popular in Northern Finland and is prepared by pouring freshly brewed coffee on sweet and spongy cheese cubes. This cheese is traditionally made from reindeer milk and is baked until brown. Once the coffee is poured on the cheese cubes, they absorb it like a sponge. You can then take out these little sponges with a spoon and relish them with your coffee. What a combination!
8. Greek Coffee (Frappé)
Frappè is a yummy, frothy and iced drink from Greece. It is a hallmark of outdoor Greek coffee culture. The drink was accidentally discovered by a representative of Nescafe in 1957, when he was demonstrating a new product to children and used ice cubes and cold water instead of hot water for the preparation of instant coffee. Frappè is made by mixing instant coffee, water and sugar in a cocktail shaker or a hand mixer to form a foam. It is then poured in a tall glass and served chilled by adding cold water and ice cubes. Evaporated milk can be optionally added to the beverage.
9. Moroccan Spiced Coffee
Moroccan spiced coffee is one of the most flavourful coffees one must try in Morocco. It is a fragrant blend of strong coffee and warm spices- cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, black pepper, ginger and nutmeg. Sugar and cream can be optionally added to enhance the taste. The coffee is known for its distinctive fragrant aroma and health benefits.
10. Hong Kong Coffee (Yuenyeung)
Yuenyeung is a creamy, sweet and delicious drink made by mixing three parts of freshly brewed strong coffee and seven parts of Hong Kong milk tea. The drink can be served cold or hot. With a significant amount of caffeine, the beverage is known for its taste and energizing effects. This heady shot is definitely not to be missed on your trip to Hong Kong.
11. Spanish Coffee (Café Bombón)
Café Bombón is a delicious treat to your tastebuds. It is a mixture of expresso with sweetened condensed milk in equal proportions. The beverage is generally served with layers of expresso and condensed milk in a glass for visual appeal created by contrasting colours. It has to be ultimately mixed with the stirrer before drinking.
12. Expresso Romano
Expresso Romano is coffee with a twist of lemon. It is known to be the drink of sailors. Preparation includes mixing a shot or two of expresso with little lemon juice and sugar. The rims of a cup are rubbed with lemon and the freshly made coffee is then served in it with a slice of lemon. Lemon softens the bitterness of expresso and adds a distinctive taste to the drink.
13. German Coffee (Pharisäer)
Pharisäer is one of the most popular drinks of Germany. This variety of German coffee is prepared by mixing strong coffee, rum (ideally with 54% alcohol content) and sugar for taste. It is then served in a large tumbler or a high cup with whipped cream on top. While having the drink, you’re not supposed to stir it. You simply need to take sips of it. The taste of rum and coffee with whipped cream on top is definitely a worth try.
14. Portuguese Iced Coffee (Mazagran)
Mazagran is a light and refreshing drink on a hot summer’s day. It is a weird yet innovative combination of coffee and lemon juice. Cold sugar syrup, cold brew coffee concentrate, freshly squeezed lemon juice and sparkling water are mixed and stirred together. Some rum can be optionally added for flavour. It is then served in a tall glass with ice cubes and lemon slices.
15. Turkish coffee (Türk Kahvesi)
Turkish coffee is a surprisingly delicious version of coffee. Finely ground coffee beans are brewed black, thick and strong in a traditional coffee pot called Ibrik. Sugar is added before the brew. Cardamom and cinnamon can be optionally added for a flavoured version. It is then served unfiltered in small cups with some froth on top. The coffee sits for a few moments before serving so the grounds settle at the bottom. This heady drink from Turkey is something you must try for once.
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57 Comments on "15 Must-Try Unique Coffees From Around The World"
Wow, what a post! I have tasted Spanish coffee and first time without stirring with everyone eyeing us. But it tasted yum for sure. Also I thought Arabic and Turkish coffee are same so this proved to be an educational post too.
What a delightful post! I have heard of the most expensive coffee that you mentioned is naturally fermented in stomach of Luwak. But personally, would not go for it
Yay! The coffee lover in me really got excited reading this blog post. It’s awesome how much variety can one get out of coffee. Thanks for sharing this.
Coffee has captivated the imagination of Man from the day it was accidentally discovered. The aroma of coffee is what permeates into the conscience first thing in the morning. My favourite always if freshly ground and brewed filter coffee. A weakness fostered since childhood.
I LOVE trying different coffees around the world! I would have to agree with the animal feces though. That’s where I draw the line! But Italian is the only on your list that I’ve tried and absolutely loved it!
SO interesting! I think the Finnish coffee has to be the most interesting, but I guess I’ll have to try it first!
German, Irish and Spanish coffee are my top three picks. The others are interesting to try, others made my stomach churn. I would never, ever in my life drink something made from some animal’s feces. Oh no. sorry. That’s not going to happen.
Who would have thought there can be so many flavors of coffee as well. I have not tasted all of these, but amongst those tried, I like the South Indian Filter Coffee the most. But I also like to add a little bit of chocolate to my usual coffee and then it becomes an altogether different flavor.
I have just one more to add, the Aussie favourite Flat White LOL. Love this post and am off to put the coffee machine on right now, might sneak a biscuit too. Thanks for sharing
I have not tried many of these – they look irresistible! Maybe apart from the Finnish Cheese Coffee… does cheese in coffee really work?!
Wow, I didn’t know that there so many different kinds of coffee. I must travel the world one day and try them all. Maybe not the ones with lemon.
Great article! I have never tried any of those coffee types but I love trying new coffees and coffee shops when I travel.
I really like Arabic and Irish coffee… would love to try the rest!
I love coffee, and now it seems there are a few more I need to try. I am interested to try the Spanish Coffee and the Moroccan Coffee. I did not know that the Greeks invented the Frappe, one of my favorites !
Oh my gosh yes! I need them all! Yum! I love coffee!
Yummy you are talking my love language: COFFEE! I enjoy the Mediterranean style but when in France and Italy fell in love with the coffee served there. I love greek coffee too. My husband is Cuban so cafe bonbon is a must in our house. Loved this posting thanks!
I could seriously use all of those coffees right now, I’m so exhausted. Lol. But this is a great list! I’m in charge of a group trip next month and I’d love to offer a couple of these.
This is a great informative article! I’ve had the opportunity to try Luwak Coffee while in Asia, and I loved it! I adore coffee, and there are so many delicious coffees that I need to try. Turkish Coffee is high on my list. Cheers!
I love trying new coffees when I travel the world, so this is a great post, thank you! I tried the local coffee in Bosnia, and it’s truly an experience! You bite the sugar cube and then drink the coffee- interesting! Also, didn’t know Vitenam had egg coffee, that sounds interesting!
At first I had to wonder how coffee can be seen as unique in this point in time but you guy me with the cheese in coffee and lemon in coffee. Spicy would be interesting to try and well Irish coffee is quite famous. Way to open my eyes.
-Honey
Wow! Yum! Now I want some coffee!
I’m not a coffee fan but my husband is surely going to like this post. Wow, never knew about so many coffee types except for Turkish coffee. You really have done some good digging to get this info.
this looks like an amazing tasting. I love coffee and I’ve had my share of different ones. My favorite is the Turkish cofee
Thought I knew something about coffee but there you go, so many new things I want to try! Egg coffee for example, somehow it sounds delicious to me! I wouldn’t try the cheese one tho … too much 😀
I’m not a coffee drinker at all. But I AM a coffee smeller. I love the smell of freshly brewed coffee and based on your pictures, these look like they must smell incredible!
As someone from Indonesia, I am still yet to find out who’s exactly the first person who came up with the idea of drinking kopi luwak.
As for Vietnamese coffee, my favorite would be ca phe sua da instead. I’m not really a coffee drinker, but Vietnamese iced coffee really does the magic.
And now that I’ve read your list, I’m dying to try kaffeost because I figure if tea could come up great with milk, then why not coffee with another kind of dairy?
My hubby will absolutely love your post since he is the coffee drinker of the family. Although he’s not allowed to have at night because he becomes a squirmy thing in the bed all night afterward. I love to cook with it, but I’m a tea drinker. All these look delicious though!
How have I never heard of egg coffee!?! What an interesting combo! We LOVE Italian coffee when we visit Italy!
I have tried quite a few coffees from your list. Next time I am in Spain I will definitely order the cafe bombon as it reminds me of the tea tarik, from Malaysia. The only coffee on this list that I am not keen of is the finish cheese coffee. I am adventurous when it comes to food and drinks, but I am not sure I would be able to cope with cheese inside my cup of coffee.
Amazing read for coffee lover. I have tried Italian coffee and Arabic coffee (my husband is an Arab) but now found so many interesting tastes I want to try. For instance Vietnamese Egg coffee!
As a Turkish my eyes were looking for Turkish coffee:) And since it’s in the list, I’m glad:)
I am fan of Greek, Italian, Moroccan and Turkish of course. Good list! Thanks
Wow so many coffee varieties from all over the world. I have tasted around 5 to 6 but not all 15 varieties. Portuguese Iced Coffee looks unique and I would love taste it. There are so many different unheard combinations like egg with coffee or cheese with coffee. Loved to read about so many varied coffees.
I’m a coffee lover so this post is perfect for me! I have never tried these coffees but now that I know them I want to try them all! Your post made me want to have one of them now to discover how it is the taste!
Such an interesting post! Of these, I have only tried out the South Indian filter coffee. Got to check out the rest on the list! 🙂
Althought I am not a coffee drinker, I really enjoyed reading all about these different coffee from around the world! Really interesting! Some are more unusual than the other but if I get to taste them all I would! I have to admit though that I do love Irish coffee! Or coffee shots with Galiano!
Being a coffee lover, I simply loved the post, I have tried quite a few varieties out of these and totally love them. Out of the ones you mentioned and more so correctly Kaffeost seems weird, but still would love to give it a try. But something i am really craving to try is the Bombon, somehow love the idea of condensed milk and coffee together
As an absolute coffee fanatic, I really liked this post. Of the ones listed, Turkish coffee is something I adore a lot. I’m adding many I haven’t had so far like Vietnamese Egg Coffee to my bucket list. In addition to those in the list, I would also suggest adding Traditional Ethiopian Coffee to the list… the best I’ve ever had.
Huge coffee lover here and I loved this post! Love that vietnamese egg coffee with the meringue- I need to try that!
The Finnish cheese coffee is the most unusual of the bunch!
As a coffee-holic, this is definitely on my travel and eating bucket list! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I don’t drink coffee but these look really good! Sharing for my coffee drinking family and friends. They’ll love it for sure.
I don’t drink coffee but they all look very tempting and all very unique! which one is your favorite?
– Kam
Even though I am a big coffee drinker this is the first time I am hearing about egg and cheese coffee, two foods that I love and never realized could be combined together with coffee in such a manner. This is seriously going on top of my wishlist. Thanks for such a cool compilation.
What a great post! I’m a huge coffee fan, always seeking out the best third wave coffee places on my travels. I’d heard of the cat coffee, but the Finnish cheese coffee?! Mind blown! Would definitely give it a try though – cheese is my other love after coffee and I would never have thought to put them together!
The perfect post for a coffee lover like me! Some of them are even completely new for me. I must say, I would be most interested in trying the Finnish coffee KaffeOst, with cheese. That sounds very interesting. And also you gave me a great inspiration for my trip to Hong Kong, the Yueenyeung Coffee. This is something I definitely have to try there…
The Pharisäer from Germany has as far as I know a long tradition, when monks were secretly drinking alcohol, hidden in the coffee…
I absolutely love coffee, but have only tried three of these (Irish, Italian, and Vietnamese). I will have to try some of the others!!
I am a coffee lover through and through and it ws a delight to know tht i had tried at least some of these. Great list you have curated here. Thanks for sharing.
Some interesting coffee choices featured on the list. I’ve sampled about half of them but there still a few more I wouldn’t mind giving a go.
I love a good cup of coffee. I want to try all of these types now. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, I love this post! I’m a coffee lover too and I couldn’t pass a good coffee wherever I go. I’ve only tried the Irish coffee, Greek coffee, Spanish coffee, and Hong Kong coffee. I’m actually addicted to the last one! I would love to try the Italian coffee and German coffee. Their combinations sound delicious! I’m curious to try the Finnish cheese coffee too!