From cheese-dipped brews in Sweden to foamy indulgence in Vietnam, the world drinks coffee in ways you never imagined

It begins with a hiss of steam, the earthy aroma of roasted beans, and that first sip that somehow steadies the soul. Coffee is never just a drink-it is ritual, comfort, and conversation. On October 1, as the world raises its mugs for International Coffee Day 2025, it’s worth remembering that coffee doesn’t wear a single identity. From the highlands of Ethiopia to the bustling streets of Hanoi, this humble bean has been transformed into brews as diverse as the cultures that cherish it.

Here are some of the most unusual—and unforgettable—coffee traditions from around the globe.

Kaffeost in Sweden — cheese meets coffee

In Sweden, coffee is paired unexpectedly with cheese. Known as kaffeost, the beverage is made by dunking cubes of squeaky, firm cheese into hot coffee. As the cheese softens, it absorbs the coffee, resulting in a drink that is smooth, nutty, and strangely comforting. For many Swedes, it is less about caffeine and more about indulgence—a dessert-like ritual savored slowly, often accompanied by pastries.

Cà phê trứng in Vietnam — silk in a cup

If there is one drink that surprises visitors to Hanoi, it is the egg coffee or cà phê trứng. A wartime innovation when milk was scarce, this brew combines whipped egg yolks with condensed milk, creating a thick, meringue-like foam poured over strong black coffee. The result is a cup that is at once bitter and sweet, velvety and robust. Today, sipping egg coffee at a streetside café feels like entering a world where history, resilience, and indulgence swirl together in every spoonful.

Kopi Luwak in Indonesia — the controversial classic

Perhaps the most talked-about coffee in the world, Kopi Luwak is made from beans that are eaten and then excreted by the Asian palm civet. Once cleaned, roasted, and ground, these beans brew into a cup renowned for its smooth, chocolatey profile. Yet, beyond its novelty, the method raises ethical questions about animal welfare and sustainability. For enthusiasts, however, Kopi Luwak remains a symbol of coffee’s eccentric extremes.

The Ethiopian coffee ceremony — brewing community

Ethiopia, the birthplace of Arabica, elevates coffee into a ritual with its ceremonial brewing. Green beans are roasted over an open flame, pounded by hand, and brewed three times, each batch lighter than the last. Guests gather in intimate circles, sipping slowly from handleless cups as stories and laughter unfold. More than a drink, the ceremony affirms kinship—a reminder that coffee’s true power lies in the people it unites.

Turkish coffee — patience in a pot

In Istanbul, coffee is an art of patience. Finely ground beans are simmered in a narrow-topped copper pot, known as a cezve, until a rich foam forms. Served unfiltered in tiny cups, Turkish coffee is dense, bold, and sometimes even used for fortune-telling. The tradition reflects centuries of hospitality: a strong brew shared in small doses, savoured sip by sip.

Café de olla in Mexico — spiced and soulful

For Mexicans, comfort often comes in an earthen pot. Café de Olla is coffee brewed with cinnamon and raw cane sugar; its flavors are enhanced by the clay vessel itself. Once a fireside favourite for farm workers, today it sparks nostalgia, warmth, and community. The first scent of cinnamon and piloncillo is enough to send drinkers back to childhood kitchens and long family gatherings.

The Flat white — Australasia’s creamy pride

Finally, in Australia and New Zealand, coffee culture has its modern icon: the flat white. Espresso topped with finely textured milk and a whisper of foam, it is smooth yet strong, elegant yet unpretentious. Whether in a bustling Sydney café or a quiet Wellington street corner, the flat white embodies a way of life—simple, refined, and deeply satisfying.