master-cooks | Where In The World You'll Find Reindeer Cheese In Your Coffee

In the remote and picturesque regions of northern Scandinavia, particularly in areas of Finland, Sweden, and Norway, there exists a unique culinary tradition that might surprise many: reindeer cheese in coffee. This unusual combination finds its roots in the indigenous Sámi culture, where reindeer herding is a central aspect of life. Known locally as "kaffeost," this practice involves placing a slice of reindeer cheese, also called "leipäjuusto" or "juustoleipä," into a cup of hot coffee. The cheese is traditionally made from reindeer milk, although cow's milk is often used today due to availability and practicality. When placed in coffee, the cheese softens but retains its shape, offering a savory complement to the coffee's bitter notes. This practice not only adds a rich, creamy texture to the beverage but also serves as a convenient and hearty snack for herders and travelers who spend long hours in the cold wilderness. Enjoying kaffeost is more than just a culinary experience; it is a cultural ritual that connects people to the land and its age-old traditions, offering a taste of the Arctic that is both comforting and adventurous.

Coffee and cheese in other cultures

Scandinavians aren't the only ones who enjoy cheese in their coffee and other hot drinks. In Colombia, Panama, and Puerto Rico, similar concoctions are quite popular. The Colombian take on café con queso features cloves, cinnamon, and queso blanco. Additionally, cheese is mixed with hot chocolate in beverages called chocolate Santafereño or chocolate completo. Puerto Ricans often showcase their versions of café con queso on TikTok and Reddit, typically by adding a cube or slice of cheddar or another cheese to black coffee.

Another trendy drink merges cheese with a beloved morning staple—tea. This beverage, known as cheese foam tea, originated from street vendors in Taiwan who whipped together cream cheese, heavy cream, milk, and salt, serving it over cold tea. Its popularity has since spread across Asia, and now home baristas in the U.S. are also experimenting by mixing it with hot and iced coffees for a richer, creamier cold foam experience.

Incorporating cheese into coffee isn't too different from other methods people use to enhance their brews. Many swear by adding butter to their coffee or spreading peanut butter inside their favorite mug. While "But first, coffee" is a common phrase in the U.S., in Scandinavia, many might be saying, "But first, cheese."

Where In The World You'll Find Reindeer Cheese In Your Coffee

Coffee and cheese in other cultures

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