Food blogger shares latest viral creation — the onion coffee; does this combination work?

Social media has become a breeding ground for unique and often bewildering food creations. Recently, food blogger Calvin Lee’s unconventional concoction — onion coffee — has taken the internet by storm, sparking a frenzy of reactions ranging from intrigue to outright disgust. 

After making a normal cup of coffee, he decided to add onion slices to it. After giving it a taste, he mentioned in the video, “The spicy onion flavour makes the coffee taste extra bitter. I don’t like it.”

 

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A post shared by Calvin Lee | Singapore Foodie (@foodmakescalhappy) 

Biraja Rout, founder, Biggies Burger and Big Cafe talks about this bizarre combination. “Onions are nutritional powerhouses, loaded with antioxidants and flavonoids that fight inflammation and might boost immunity. However, the sulfur compounds in onions can clash with coffee’s acidity, causing stomach discomfort or bloating for some folks. It’s all about individual tolerance — listen to your body!” he cautions. 

How does the addition of onions impact the flavour profile and overall taste experience of coffee?

Adding onions to coffee can significantly change its flavour. “Onions pack a sharp punch that can amplify coffee’s natural bitterness, resulting in an extra bitter and spicy brew that many might find unpleasant,” Rout notes. 

He mentions how Lee chimes in on this, noting that raw onions overpower the subtle flavours of coffee, making for a less than enjoyable experience. “Caramelised onions might offer a touch of sweetness to counter the bitterness, but overall, it’s an acquired taste,” he says.

A pinch of salt can magically cut through coffee’s bitterness. (Source: Freepik)

Historical or cultural precedents for combining onions with coffee

According to Rout, there’s no historical evidence of people pairing coffee with onions. This seems to be a more recent experiment than a traditional or culturally significant drink. 

“Traditional coffee pairings, like Turkish coffee with cardamom or Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk, aim to enhance the coffee’s flavours, not overpower them,” he asserts.

While culinary innovation is exciting, he says, onion coffee might be more of a passing fad than a lasting trend.

Oher unusual ingredient combinations with coffee that have become viral in the past 

Coffee has been a canvas for culinary creativity over the years, remarks Rout. Here are some other unique pairings he states:

*Butter Coffee: Keto dieters love this creamy, high-energy drink made with butter and coconut oil.

*Salted Coffee: A pinch of salt can magically cut through coffee’s bitterness and bring out its hidden sweetness.

*Spiced Coffee: Warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom add a cozy, aromatic touch to your coffee.

*Citrus Coffee: Lemon or orange zest can add a refreshing twist, but be mindful that it can also increase the acidity.

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