We all know the classics: coffee and croissants, espresso and biscotti, cappuccino and chocolate cake. But what if we told you that your morning brew might pair just as well with cheese, citrus, or even spicy food?
Welcome to the world of unexpected coffee and food pairings, where surprising flavour combinations bring out the best in both your coffee and your food.
If you’re ready to step outside the café comfort zone, here are some unusual (but totally delicious) coffee pairings worth trying:
1. Coffee and Cheese
Yes, you read that right! Coffee and cheese is a match made in flavour heaven, especially with soft, creamy cheeses or sharp aged varieties.
Try this: A light roast pour-over with brie or camembert. The fruity notes in the coffee cut through the richness of the cheese. Or, pair a bold espresso with aged cheddar or parmesan. The saltiness and umami from the cheese complement the coffee’s bitterness beautifully.
Why it works: Coffee’s acidity contrasts with the fat in cheese, creating a satisfying balance.
2. Cold Brew and Citrus Fruits
You might not immediately think to pair your morning coffee with something as zesty as an orange or grapefruit. But trust me, this combo is seriously underrated. When done right, citrus and coffee can create a flavor experience that’s bright, refreshing, and kind of addictive.
Here’s why it works: Coffee—especially lighter roasts—naturally carries fruity, acidic notes. You’ll often hear tasting notes like “citrus,” “bergamot,” or “lemon peel” on a good Ethiopian or Kenyan single origin. So when you pair those natural flavors with fresh citrus, it doesn’t clash—it actually enhances what’s already there.
The trick is to keep it chilled. This pairing shines best with iced coffee or cold brew. A splash of orange juice in cold brew can add a juicy brightness, and a thin slice of grapefruit as a garnish not only looks stunning but also adds a hint of bitterness that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the coffee.
Some baristas even go a step further and infuse cold brew with orange zest or shake up espresso with ice, simple syrup, and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing summer drink. If you haven’t tried something like this, you’re in for a seriously cool twist on your usual brew.
So next time you’re brewing a citrusy light roast or pouring a glass of cold brew, grab an orange or slice up some grapefruit. You might just stumble upon your new favorite pairing—one that’s a little bold, a little unexpected, and totally delicious.
Try this: A bright, citrusy cold brew with a grapefruit tart or a slice of lemon pound cake. Even better: Add a splash of orange juice to your cold brew for a surprisingly tasty morning twist.
Why it works: The natural fruit acids in citrus enhance the crispness of a cold brew’s light body and floral notes.
3. Espresso and Spicy Food
Spice and coffee? 100%. You might not think of sipping espresso with something spicy, but trust me: as a barista who’s experimented with countless pairings, this combo can seriously surprise you (in the best way).
Here’s why it works: espresso has a naturally bitter, bold profile. That bitterness acts like a grounding force when you’re eating something spicy or heavily seasoned. It doesn’t compete with the heat—instead, it cuts through the intensity, kind of like how yogurt cools down a curry or how dark chocolate balances chili in mole sauce.
If you’re into Southeast Asian or Latin American cuisine—think sambal, spicy tacos, or bold stir-fries—pairing them with a strong black coffee or an espresso shot can actually bring out new layers in both the food and the drink. The coffee acts like a reset button for your palate, toning down lingering spice and letting the richness of both the meal and the brew shine through.
And let’s not forget how certain single-origin beans—especially ones from Ethiopia or Sumatra—have earthy or citrusy notes that naturally complement savory and spicy flavors. It’s all about contrast and balance: heat meets bitter, spice meets smooth.
If you haven’t tried this before, start simple. Brew a bold espresso or a strong pour-over, pair it with something like spicy shakshuka, kimchi pancakes, or even a breakfast burrito with hot sauce. You might be surprised how well they vibe together.
Coffee really isn’t just for sweet pastries. Sometimes, it’s the perfect wingman for your spicy cravings.
Try this: Espresso alongside spicy tacos, chili chocolate, or even sriracha-drizzled avocado toast.
Why it works: The strong flavours of both components complement rather than compete, creating a surprisingly harmonious bite-and-sip experience.
4. Latte and Savoury Breakfast Dishes
We usually reach for a latte with sweet pastries. However, the milky coffee also pairs extremely well with savoury flavours like eggs, bacon, or even a cheesy breakfast sandwich.
Try this: A classic latte with smoked salmon bagels or a mushroom and gruyère omelette.
Why it works: The milk in the latte softens the savoury richness of the food, while the coffee adds depth and contrast.
5. Coffee and Popcorn
This one’s for the snack lovers. The salty, buttery crunch of popcorn alongside coffee (especially cold brew or an Americano) is oddly addictive.
Try this: Lightly salted popcorn with a dark roast drip coffee. Bonus: Try popcorn tossed with cinnamon sugar or cocoa powder to lean into the sweet-salty balance.
Why it works: The contrast between warm bitterness and salty crunch makes this feel like the perfect Netflix-and-chill pairing.
6. Mocha and Blue Cheese
This one’s bold, but trust us! The strong, funky flavour of blue cheese actually complements the sweet, chocolatey taste of a mocha.
Try this: A rich mocha with gorgonzola on crackers or even a blue cheese burger.
Why it works: Both offer deep, intense flavors that hit different notes on the palate—and together, they create a luxurious, savory-sweet combo.
7. Iced Coffee and Fried Food
You might think of iced coffee as just a go-to summer sipper—something light and refreshing to cool you down on a hot afternoon. But here’s the thing: iced coffee actually pairs incredibly well with food, especially dishes that are salty, crispy, or fried.
Let me explain.
When you brew a good iced coffee—whether it’s a cold brew, flash-chilled pour-over, or a classic iced Americano—you’re working with a drink that’s bright, slightly acidic, and often subtly sweet, depending on the roast. That profile cuts through rich or oily flavours beautifully. It’s the same reason we love acidic wines or vinegary sauces with fried food—they balance things out.
Even better? Iced coffee doesn’t overpower food like hot coffee sometimes can. The lower temperature and lighter body mean the flavours don’t clash, which makes it a great all-day drink even during lunch or dinner.
So next time you’re indulging in something crispy and salty, skip the soda and try a well-brewed iced coffee instead. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Try this: Pair a crisp iced coffee with something like fried chicken, salty fries, or a grilled cheese and you’ll notice how the coffee refreshes your palate between bites. Want to take it up a notch? Try an iced Ethiopian or Kenyan single-origin brew—their citrusy, tea-like profiles are fantastic with fried snacks and savory dishes.
Why it works: The cold temperature contrasts with the hot food, while the acidity and bitterness help cleanse your mouth, resetting your taste buds for the next salty, crunchy bite. It’s like an underrated flavour power couple.
