Innovation and creativity are much coveted in industries to keep things fresh, but sometimes, it can be a hit-and-miss for customers. China’s Starbucks Reserve’s latest limited-edition creation for 2024 Chinese New Year, the Lucky Savoury Latte (红烧肉拿铁) certainly fits that category.
The festive season aptly brings new flavours, but China’s Starbucks Reserve’s recent offering has raised more than a few brows for their unique combination. In fact, their concoction of coffee and braised pork has sparked a heated discussion online, from whether it’s worth it to its curious taste!
From the onset, the Lucky Savoury Latte certainly sounds like the perfect drink for the adventurous. According to Starbucks, the drink comprises of braised pork flavoured sauce blended with espresso, added steamed milk, and topped with more braised pork flavoured sauce and a slice of pork. The whole drink is priced at 68 yuan (~RM45.25).
Needless to say, the creation has left many astounded. Reportedly, the drink satisfies customers who are craving something salty, as their other seasonal drinks include common ingredients such as red dates, glutinous rice and dried almonds. Starbucks China also claims that the Lucky Savoury Latte has been well-received by customers, with some claiming its taste to be “unique“, and “dense and smooth“.
One customer shared that the drink tastes sweet and salty, however the braised pork flavour was not obvious. Another claimed it had a similar taste to “pork and fermented bean curd stew with candied haws“. But, not everyone is taken with the beverage. “This is the biggest mistake I’ve ever (made),” a netizen admitted online, adding that they struggled to finish the drink. Another has since deemed the addition of braised pork “unnecessary“.
Well, this is definitely a drink which dredges up one’s curiosity, much like Zus Coffee’s Watermelon Frappe, but we suppose it would be up to you to decide if it’s worth dropping 68 yuan (~RM45.25) just to try it. But, if you love coffee and braised pork, this might just be for you!
Sources: China Press, 小红书
