Discover the Top 10 Unique Coffee and Tea Drinks from Around the World You Must Try on Your Next Adventure!

If you have a passion for coffee or tea and love to travel, you are in for a treat! Exploring different cultures through their unique beverages adds a fun layer to your travels. Each drink not only has a distinctive flavor but also a rich history that reflects the traditions of its homeland. In this post, we will uncover ten amazing coffee and tea drinks you must experience next time you roam the globe. These beverages are anything but ordinary and each one has unique characteristics that make them worth your attention.

1. Turkish Coffee – Turkey

Turkish coffee is more than just a drink; it is a symbol of culture and hospitality in Turkey. Prepared in a special pot called a cezve, this coffee uses very finely ground beans boiled with water. The key feature is that it is unfiltered, meaning the grounds settle at the bottom, enhancing each sip's intensity.

Often seasoned with cardamom, Turkish coffee can be enjoyed at traditional coffeehouses in Istanbul. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local scene and even explore the fascinating practice of fortune-telling using coffee grounds—a charming experience for many visitors.

2. Vietnamese Egg Coffee – Vietnam

Egg coffee, or cà phê trứng, is a delightful blend of Vietnamese coffee, egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk. This dessert-like drink was born in the 1940s when milk was hard to come by in Vietnam. The foam created from whipping the egg yolk gives the drink a creamy texture that is rich and delectable.

For the best experience, head to Café Giang in Hanoi, where this unique beverage was first crafted. The café has served thousands of satisfied customers, showcasing how one innovative solution can create a beloved national treasure.

Frothy Vietnamese egg coffee served in a cup

3. Masala Chai – India

Masala chai is a comforting and aromatic tea that forms an integral part of daily life in India. Made from a base of black tea, milk, and a blend of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, each cup tells a story of warmth and hospitality.

What makes masala chai particularly special is its role in social interactions. In India, offering a cup to guests represents a warm welcome. To taste the best masala chai, visit a local chai wallah in Mumbai. You will savor the flavors and feel the city’s vibrant atmosphere envelop you.

4. Kopi Luwak – Indonesia

Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, is not just one of the priciest coffees globally, but it is also one of the most unique. Made from beans that were eaten and digested by the Asian palm civet, it has a smooth, rich flavor created by the animal's digestive enzymes.

This exclusive coffee is labor-intensive to produce, making it a luxury for many. For a memorable experience, visit a coffee plantation in Bali, where you can see how this fascinating drink is made, from the civet to your cup.

5. Thai Iced Tea – Thailand

Thai iced tea, known as cha-yen, is a sweet and creamy drink made from black tea, sugar, and condensed milk. Its vibrant orange color and delightful flavor make it popular with both locals and tourists.

Infused with spices like star anise, this drink is a refreshing indulgence. Try it at one of Bangkok's bustling street markets, where the lively atmosphere complements the cool, sweet taste of this classic Thai beverage.

Colorful Thai iced tea with creamy layers

6. Chai Kuli – Myanmar

Chai Kuli is a specialty tea drink loved in Myanmar. This delicious mix features strong black tea brewed with condensed milk and various spices served in small glasses. The small serving encourages you to enjoy the complexities of flavors over time.

Chai Kuli is commonly enjoyed in lively tea shops filled with chatter. For an authentic experience, visit one of the local tea houses in Yangon to taste this remarkable tea while mingling with locals.

7. Boba Tea – Taiwan

Boba tea, or bubble tea, has roots in Taiwan and has exploded in popularity worldwide. This fun drink combines brewed tea with milk or fruit flavors and is topped with chewy tapioca pearls, offering a delightful texture.

From classic milk tea to inventive fruity blends, boba tea invites creativity. Discover your favorite at Taichung's Night Market, where the vibrant energy adds to the experience of sampling different flavors.

8. Lapsang Souchong – China

Lapsang Souchong is a black tea that stands out for its bold, smoky flavor, achieved by drying the leaves over pine wood fires. This unique process gives the tea a rich aroma and robust taste that's distinct among traditional Chinese teas.

To experience Lapsang Souchong at its finest, travel to the Fujian province. Here, you will find it served in its purest form, enriching your palate with its earthy complexity.

9. Hokkaido Milk Coffee – Japan

Hokkaido milk coffee combines rich coffee with the creamy milk of Japan’s Hokkaido region. This drink is known for its smooth, slightly sweet flavor, offering a different coffee experience than usual.

When visiting Sapporo, don’t miss out on trying this specialty in local cafes known for their quality products. Each sip reflects the rich dairy heritage of the region.

10. Yerba Mate – Argentina

Yerba mate is a traditional South American drink made from the leaves of the mate plant, typically shared among friends. The preparation involves steeping the dried leaves in hot water and drinking from a shared gourd with a bombilla, or metal straw.

This distinctive experience holds cultural significance, making it a social event. The flavor is herbal and earthy, often enhanced with sugar or citrus. To feel the true essence of yerba mate, connect with locals in Buenos Aires where the communal sharing fosters friendships.

Final Dreamy Drink

Thoughts

These ten unique coffee and tea drinks provide a glimpse into the vibrant beverage culture around the world. Whether you are drawn to the warming spices of masala chai or the luxurious flavors of Kopi Luwak, these drinks connect you deeper to their local cultures. Next time you travel, seek out these beverages and let your taste buds embark on an adventure alongside you.

Savor the aromas, enjoy the flavors, and cherish every sip of these extraordinary drinks. Safe travels!