Gaby
In celebration of the Chinese New Year, Starbucks has introduced an unusual flavor combination of coffee and pork. The extravagant drink is called the “Spicy Latte of Abundant Fortune.” The creators of this new coffee assure that it offers a unique taste.
The drink blends coffee with milk and a sauce inspired by traditional Chinese braised pork known as Dongpo. The foam is topped with an extra dark red pork sauce and a piece of pork belly.
This offering costs 68 yuan, or about $9.45. Photos of the drink, published by the Shanghai Starbucks Reserve Roastery on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, show a drop of dark red sauce on top of the latte foam, with a square slice of pork resting on the rim of the cup.
According to the baristas preparing this drink, “the meat symbolizes prosperity for the coming year.” The beverage incorporates “traditional New Year customs” and creates “an unexpected spicy and sweet flavor.”
The Chinese New Year is one of the major annual celebrations in Asia, typically celebrated with family. Braised pork is one of the key dishes of the holiday, as reported by CNN. The Chinese particularly enjoy Dongpo pork, named after the ancient poet, artist, and statesman Su Dongpo. This dish is made with braised pork belly, sugar, soy sauce, yellow wine, and other ingredients, resulting in incredibly fragrant and tender pieces of pork that can be easily picked up with chopsticks.
The pork latte quickly gained popularity on Chinese social media. Some users expressed curiosity about the unexpected flavor combination, while others were skeptical, questioning why one would drink a latte with pork when they could simply enjoy real braised meat.
Critics of this culinary invention also took issue with the hefty price tag. “For 68 yuan, I could have a plate of braised pork and then go to Luckin for two lattes,” wrote one Weibo user.
Another user joked, “I’d allow pork and coffee to coexist in my stomach, but not in my mouth.”
Meanwhile, Chinese media have dubbed the drink unique, reporting that it has a rich, smooth flavor and is quite popular.
By the way, this coffee chain, which considers China its second most important market in the world, has also released other New Year beverages across the country. Fans of unusual flavors are eagerly trying out the macchiato with marmalade, as well as the macchiato with almond and tofu.
