In what might sound like a scene from a reality TV challenge, a Beijing insect museum has launched a coffee that's creating quite a buzz - made with ground cockroach powder and dried yellow mealworms. This unusual beverage has become an unexpected hit, particularly among adventurous young visitors who are curious to sample this insect-infused brew.
The Unusual Ingredients Behind the Controversial Coffee
The museum, dedicated to all things creepy-crawly, introduced this innovative drink in late June, and it quickly became an internet sensation. The roach coffee sells for 45 yuan (over ₹550) and is available exclusively at the museum's own cafes. According to staff members, they typically sell more than 10 cups of this unusual brew each day, with curious youngsters being the primary customers.
"The roach coffee is mainly consumed by curious young people. Parents with children do not like it as they dislike cockroaches," explained a museum employee to Chinese media. The drink perfectly aligns with the museum's insect theme, offering visitors a truly immersive experience that goes beyond just looking at exhibits.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Meets Modern Coffee Culture
All the insect ingredients used in these unusual drinks are sourced from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shops, and the museum assures customers they are completely safe for consumption. According to TCM beliefs, cockroach powder can help improve blood circulation, though this view isn't supported by mainstream science.
Chinese doctors note that yellow mealworms are particularly rich in protein and may help boost the immune system. The museum has experimented with other insect-based beverages too, including a special ant-based brew that was available only during Halloween and another using pitcher plant digestive juice. Staff describe the ant-based drink as having a sour taste, while the pitcher plant version tastes more like normal coffee.
Public Reaction: From Curiosity to Caution
Beijing food vlogger Chen Xi took on the challenge of trying the crushed insect coffee after numerous followers requested it. His approach was to shut his eyes and drink it quickly. His verdict? "Well, it is not as disgusting as I thought," he reported, though he didn't elaborate on whether he'd order it again.
Visitors who have tried the unusual coffee describe the flavor as burnt and slightly sour - characteristics that apparently fit well with the museum's insect theme. However, not everyone is convinced about jumping on this unusual coffee trend. Netizens expressed their skepticism, with one person declaring, "I dare not drink it even if you pay me," as reported by South China Morning Post.
This isn't the first time China has seen unusual coffee trends. Some cafes in the country have previously experimented with adding deep-fried worms to drinks, while others have mixed fried chilli and hot pepper powder into lattes. The cockroach coffee represents the latest in this series of innovative, if somewhat shocking, beverage creations that continue to push the boundaries of what people are willing to drink.
