Introduction

As coffee connoisseurs and enthusiasts at Levista, we are always fascinated by the diverse and vibrant coffee cultures around the world. From the ubiquitous espressos and cappuccinos to unique brewing methods perfected over centuries, there are so many ways to enjoy the beloved cup of joe.

In our travels and endless conversations with fellow coffee lovers, we have come across some particularly unusual and intriguing coffee-making techniques. These age-old practices impart distinct flavors, textures, and experiences that delight and surprise.

Here Are 7 Unusual Ways Coffee Is Made Worldwide

In this blog, we take you on a whirlwind tour of 7 unusual ways of making coffee from around the globe that every coffee fiend should know about. Read on for a glimpse into lesser-known coffee traditions as we walk you through what makes these brews special.

1). Kaffeost - Sweden’s Cheese Coffee

Our first stop is the land of the midnight sun and smorgasbords- Sweden. Alongside their love for cinnamon buns and sweet treats, Swedes also have an affinity for kaffeost- an utterly unique way of making coffee. Translating to “coffee cheese,” kaffeost is coffee brewed inside a cheesecloth bag immersed in water or milk.

The cheesecloth bag contains finely ground coffee beans and sugar. As the bag soaks, the hot liquid slowly extracts the coffee compounds and sweetness. The results- a smooth, rich concentration of coffee with a luscious texture reminiscent of cream cheese. The coffee is often served as a dessert, with sweet crackers or pastries like kringles.

Kaffeost highlights the Swedes’ knack for innovation and their ability to transform coffee into a sweet confection. The indulgent coffee cheese reflects flavors that complement the Swedish palate. Next time you’re in Stockholm or Malmö, be sure to try this coffee style for a truly novel experience.

2). Cà Phê Trứng - Vietnam's Egg Coffee

In Southeast Asia, Vietnam stands out for its bustling coffee culture with countless street-side cafes or quán cà phê. Coffee is treated with reverence here. The Vietnamese have mastered ways of slow-dripping coffee using their iconic phin filters. But what immediately grabs our attention is the classic Vietnamese egg coffee or cà phê trứng.

As the name suggests, egg coffee incorporates egg yolks in its preparation. Beaten egg yolks are whipped with condensed milk into a heavenly, meringue-like foam. This luscious egg cream is then poured over dark, black coffee.

The result is a skillful balance of flavours and textures- the intense coffee base harmonises with the sweet, soft egg foam. Each spoonful gives you an experience that’s bitter and sweet, hot and cold, silky and rich. It’s the perfect pick-me-up drink with an element of decadence.

Egg coffee emerged in Hanoi in 1946 when milk became scarce during the war. The innovative egg cream stepped in as a luscious substitute that elevated the coffee-drinking experience. Today, it remains an iconic Vietnamese specialty that every visitor must try at least once.

3). Kopi Luwak - Indonesia's Unique Brew

On our coffee adventures, one of the most intriguing discoveries has been Indonesia’s wildly popular Kopi Luwak coffee. What gives this brew its mystique? Well, its key ingredient is the Asian palm civet!

Kopi Luwak refers to coffee beans that have been eaten, partially digested, and then excreted by the Asian palm civet. The small cat-like creature selects and feeds on only the ripest, reddest coffee cherries. Its digestive enzymes impart subtle changes to the bean, mellowing its flavors. 

Plantation workers then collect these civet droppings, thoroughly wash, sun-dry, roast, and grind them to produce a smooth, full-bodied coffee with notes of chocolate and a lingering sweetness.

While this method of coffee production raises important ethical concerns today, there’s no denying the beverage itself has an intriguing backstory. 

Coffee lovers across the world still seek out this rare brew to experience its singular aroma, depth, and complexity. From Indonesia to the Americas, Kopi Luwak continues to fascinate- a testament to the coffee world’s spirit of innovation.

4). Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony - More Than Just a Drink

No discussion about unique coffee traditions is complete without the legendary Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Ethiopia is revered as the birthplace of coffee. Its verdant forests gave the world its first Arabica beans. 

The country’s deep-rooted coffee culture is beautifully encapsulated in the ceremonial Ethiopian coffee-making ritual passed down through the generations.

An authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony is an intimate affair, bringing people together over coffee’s story of origin. It highlights some of the most unusual practices around the world in coffee preparation.

The ceremonious process involves the roasting of green beans over an open flame in a pan called moke, followed by grinding roasted beans with mortar and pestle. The coffee is then brewed three times- each pouring yielding more diluted brews called abol, tona, and baraka. 

Participants sit around a common table for hours, taking in the aroma, enjoying the company, and exchanging stories as they sip from tiny, handleless porcelain cups.

The leisurely ceremony represents the quintessential Ethiopian coffee experience centered around warmth, kinship, and connection in reflection of the country’s spiritual traditions.

5). Turkish Coffee - A Testament to Patience and Skill

Turkish coffee embodies a rich legacy that gives the brew its distinctive identity. Coffee was introduced to Istanbul in the 16th century, and the Turks embraced it with their own unique brewing style that became an integral part of their culture.

To make Turkish coffee, finely powdered coffee is simmered with water and sugar in a narrow-topped small copper or brass pot called cezve. The mix is brought to a boil several times till a thick, frothy foam rises. Served in petite cups with heavy sediment, Turkish coffee is smooth, thick, and strong.

But more than anything, preparing Turkish coffee is an art requiring meticulous attention, care, and skill. One must patiently keep an eye on the pot, occasionally removing it from heat while avoiding spillover. The practice and pace of brewing reflects Turkey’s sumptuous culture lovingly steeped in tradition.

6). Café de Olla - Mexico’s Piquant Surprise

Mexicans begin their day with the comforting Café de Olla - coffee brewed with cinnamon and raw cane sugar in an earthen clay pot bearing the same name. The clay pot is lined with herbs and spices, adding subtle nuances to the brew. This infusion imparts a wonderful spiced sweetness to balance the coffee's natural bitterness.

The origins of this brew can be traced back to indigenous peoples across Mexico who would use hollowed gourds as vessels to mix ground coffee with brown sugar and spices. The pre-Hispanic beverage evolved over time into Café de Olla drunken from the ubiquitous clay pots.

This traditional coffee holds much significance in Mexican culture. The familiar aroma and flavors evoke nostalgia, the warmth of home, and the celebrating community. Café de Olla is the perfect fireside companion for languid conversations with family and friends.

7). Flat White - Australia and New Zealand’s Pride

Our tour across the globe's coffee cultures concludes in the Southern Hemisphere, highlighting Australia and New Zealand's signature coffee- the delicious flat white. As leaders in specialty coffee, Australians and Kiwis take their coffees very seriously.

The flat white stars espresso topped with silky, finely textured warm milk and a thin, frothy layer of microfoam. This results in a luxurious creamy coffee beautifully balanced in flavour and texture while letting the espresso retain its presence. The flat white reflects Antipodean tastes- uncomplicated, down-to-earth, yet absolutely satisfying.

Cafes across Australia and New Zealand showcase signature flat whites, each with their own interpretation while retaining the drink's core ethos. From the cosy cafes of Wellington to the sunny street-side ones in Sydney, there's no better way to kickstart the day than with a flat white in hand!

Across the globe, there are many unusual cafes that have sprung up celebrating these unique coffee traditions. 

Conclusion

Our world tour across seven unusual ways of making coffee has highlighted the astounding diversity in global coffee culture. From Swedish kaffeost to Mexican cafe de olla, coffee continues to intrigue us with its many avatars.

At Levista Coffee, these revelations reaffirm our enduring fascination with the world of coffee. It inspires us to continuously explore, experiment, and innovate while staying true to the core tenets of great coffee- responsible sourcing, ethical production, and craftsmanship.

Just like these unusual brews rely on local palates, customs, and ingredients, we believe specialty coffee needs to champion sustainability, forge connections, and nurture coffee communities around the world.

Which of these lesser-known coffee styles has piqued your curiosity? We hope our blog post helps guide your next coffee adventure wherever it may take you. 

We raise a toast with our daily flat white -to these creative coffee traditions around the world! Do share with us your own encounters with unique coffee experiences.

We look forward to bringing you more stories, perspectives, and dispatches from the vibrant world of coffee- the brew that brings us together every day.

So stay tuned, and keep brewing!

Try Levista coffee to lift your day!

A cup of our premium coffee is sure to energise your senses. Our beans are selectively sourced from the lush plantations of Coorg, ensuring a rich taste in every sip. Through our specialised roasting process, the natural flavors of the coffee are brought to the fore. 

One cup of Levista in the morning is all you need to feel motivated and productive throughout the day. 

So try our coffee and see how it lifts your mood and boosts your energy levels.

FAQs

What are the different ways of making coffee?

The main methods of making coffee are using a drip coffee maker, French press, pour-over (using a filter over a coffee cup or carafe), espresso machine, and cold brew coffee.

Which method of making coffee is healthiest?

French press and pour-over methods are generally considered the healthiest as they don't use paper filters that can remove beneficial oils from the coffee.

Are there any ways to make coffee without a machine?

Yes, it's definitely possible to make coffee without a machine. The French press and pour-over/filter methods require just a kettle or pot to boil water.

How to make coffee the old-fashioned way?

The old-fashioned way to make coffee is using a percolator, where water is boiled through grounds directly in the serving pot.

How to create my own coffee?

To create your own cold brew coffee at home, simply coarse-grind coffee beans and steep them in room temperature or cold water for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator. Then filter and enjoy!