Foodie Friday: Sea Salt Drinks

Sea salt drinks: beverages topped with sea salt, typically using tea or coffee

salt tea

That’s right. Salty coffee and tea is all the rage in Taiwan. Introduced by the chefs at 85C Bakery Cafe (85°C  is supposed to be the ideal temperature at which to brew coffee), the salty foam on top of the beverage encourages sequential tasting. In fact, it’s supposed to appeal to multiple taste buds, providing a fuller drinking experience.

The flavors your tongue longs for are: sweet, sour, bitter, salt, and umami. (Umami is a protein-y taste.) Malcolm Gladwell, in his book What the Dog Saw, argues that Heinz continues to outsell all other ketchup brands because its formula combines all these wonderful tastes.

What’s my final verdict on the salted drink? It tastes the same! The sea salt is so subtle that I missed its flavoring. On the other hand, the whipped froth is interesting. It’s like having a latte in a tea.

Wanted: SAF
Why I Never Believed in Santa

Comments

  1. Salt and coffee? Why not. As long as it tastes like latte in a tea, I’ll try one when I get a chance.
    Thanks for sharing with us all these culinary experiences, not too westernized yet.

    • jenniferjchow says

      Thanks for stopping by, Evelyne. It’s been interesting trying all these new foods (and revisiting old favorites).

  2. Interesting! In Afghanistan they drink a REALLY salty version of Chai. I like it, although I would like it a little less salty than what I have tried. I think the salt-sweet combo is really starting to gain traction– even Lindt makes seasalt and almond chocolate now:)

    • jenniferjchow says

      A salty version of Chai? I always think of it as a sweet drink. I have friends who are enamored of sea salted chocolates.

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