MK sports Southwest China's Yunnan Province, serves up insect infused coffee. Photo: Screenshot from media reports" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-02-24/12d1b1c7-c4b9-48dd-a875-5c3d28742499.jpeg" />

A coffee shop in Pu'er, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, serves up insect infused coffee. Photo: Screenshot from media reports

A coffee shop in Pu'er, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, has gained attention for its unusual insect infused coffee lineup, featuring drinks like Bamboo Worm Americano, Grasshopper Latte, and Earth Bee Latte, which are made with locally sourced insects, according to a report by Kunming-based Spring City Evening News.

Xu Qing, the coffee shop's owner, said that bamboo worms, grasshoppers, and earth bees, are not only brewed into coffee but can also be eaten on their own, seasoned with salt or chili powder, giving customers a unique culinary experience.

Still in the pre-sale phase, these unconventional drinks are priced between 68 to 98 yuan ($9.4 to $13.5), with prices varying based on the insect used. Since launching in December, about 20 cups have been sold, and orders require advance booking, the report noted.

"It was a spontaneous idea," Xu said. "I wanted to merge Pu'er's local food culture with coffee." With three years of experience in the coffee industry, Xu has long focused on incorporating regional Yunnan flavors into his creations.

The insect-infused coffee has sparked heated online discussions, with reactions split. Some netizens were curious and eager to try the unusual flavors, while others found the concept unsettling. "Just reading these insect names is enough to wake me up," a buyer said.

Xu also noted that customer reactions are highly polarized. "Those open to the idea order them, while others simply visit out of curiosity and buy different items," he said. To cater to diverse preferences, the café also offers hot dogs, burgers, and local Yunnan-style salads alongside its innovative insect coffee lineup.

Xu said that if customers respond well, the café plans to keep the insect coffee on the menu and introduce more innovative products showcasing Yunnan's unique flavors.

Global Times-Spring City Evening News