By Kim.
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#1 Japanese Iced Coffee Is Cold Brewing Made Easy
Let’s start with the basics. No, Japanese Iced Coffee is not a cold brew.
It’s even simpler than that.
To make this drink, you only need some strong drip coffee and ice.
Simply make a cup of hot, black coffee and then pour it into a glass filled with ice. Done!
The ice will melt and dilute the coffee, making the otherwise strong coffee much smoother and easier to drink.
I recommend trying it with some Dark roasted Ethiopian Yirgacheffe.
You’ll find Japanese Iced Coffee in most family restaurants as an alternative to soda or drinks.
If you, like me, can’t stand the summer heat, this is a must-try Asian coffee drink when navigating the busy streets of Tokyo.
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#2 Matcha Espresso Latte; A True Japanese Fusion
Now that we have the simple black coffee out of the way, let’s get into the more locally popular drinks, and first up is another Japanese drink; Matcha Espresso Latte.
Few Japanese drinks are as iconic as matcha green tea.
If you’ve ever had matcha from Uji, you know how good it can be.
Matcha Espresso Latte can be had either hot or cold, making it a perfect choice year-round.
To make it, simply make a cup of matcha latte and then stir in some espresso.
There are many different recipes out there for you to get all fancy with it.
Just be careful with the ratios so that neither side overpowers the other.
#3 Dalgona Coffee Doesn’t Actually Contain Dalgona
On to a weirder (but equally tasty) drink, Dalgona Coffee from Korea.
The name Dalgona refers to an old Korean candy. You might have seen it in the popular Netflix hit; Squid Game.
However, you generally won’t find any Dalgona in this drink.
Instead, you can make this drink by whipping instant coffee powder, sugar, and hot water (in equal parts) until it becomes a meringue-like consistency.
Once you’ve done that, pour the coffee cream over a glass of (hot or cold) milk.
Whenever I have some instant coffee powder I don’t like, this is what I use it for!
Did Phitti Hui (Beaten Coffee) come first?
This Indian version is almost exactly the same as Dalgona Coffee.
The critical difference is that milk is poured on top of the cream and not the other way around.
The judges are still deliberating on who came first.
All I know is that they’re both delicious!
#4 Does Vietnamese Egg Coffee (cà phê trứng) Contain Egg?
Unlike Korean Dalgona Coffee, which doesn’t contain any Dalgona, Vietnamese Egg Coffee lets you know what to expect, but with a pleasant surprise.
But don’t go stirring your morning scrambles in the coffee. You’ll just ruin both of them.
This concoction is made by whipping egg yolk with some sweetened condensed milk until you can form soft peaks, then pour over a cup of strong Robusta.
This is not something I’d have in the morning because of how sweet it is, but comes lunch; I’ll be all over this dessert coffee.
If You Don’t Like Eggs, Try Vietnamese Coconut Coffee
This alternative version is for those of you who are allergic to eggs!
You make it pretty much the same way, but instead of egg yolks, you use coconut cream for that summer beach feeling.
What’s more, you don’t need to whip for days as you do with the Egg Coffee.
Just mix coconut cream and sweetened condensed milk until properly combined, then slowly stir it into your coffee.
#5 How Many Ways Can You Make Thai Coffee?
Thai coffee has many variations, and one quick google search will give you loads of different recipes. While the essential ingredients are easy, if you’re into DIY, this drink is sure to become your favorite.
Like the other sweet drinks on this list, Thai Coffee prefers a more robust coffee bean to compliment the sugar rush.
The ground recipe includes coffee, condensed milk, and a dash of ground cardamom. Brew the coffee with the cardamom and stir the milk into your finished cup of black coffee. This works both hot and cold.
From the basics, you can change up a lot of things.
Switch to sweetened condensed milk, add evaporated milk, and maybe stir in some almond extract.
Whatever you prefer, this is customizable to suit you. If you’re unsure where to go, this is a great recipe to start the journey.
Oliang; Because Thailand Is Too Hot
Also known as Thai Iced Coffee is often used as a base for previously mentioned Thai Coffee.
This beverage is made by brewing a uniquely Thai mixture of Robusta coffee grounds, brown sugar, and certain grains/seeds like cardamom, corn, soybeans, rice, and sesame seeds.
#6 Yuenyeung Comes In Clutch For The Indecisive
Have you ever gotten stuck at a menu, trying to decide if you want tea or coffee?
I know I have.
Then Yuenyeung is for you.
This Cantonese drink from Hong Kong combines silky milk tea with your favorite coffee into a great morning starter. No more picking and choosing; just get both at once.
While you can make this at home with any kind of black tea, the authentic version is made with Hong Kong style milk tea for the extra caffeine kick.
If you dislike the overwhelming sweetness of the condensed milk from previous mentions, this is for you.
In fact, this is the go-to morning drink for my wife!
The next time you find yourself in Asia, don’t be afraid to try the local drinks.
You never know what hidden treasures you might find!
Photo by Tanushree Rao
