Chinese Café Serves Americano Topped with Child Urine Eggs, Sparks Controversy
A café in Dongyang City, located in eastern China, has recently captured global attention for an extremely unconventional coffee offering. The establishment began serving Americano coffee adorned with eggs that are uniquely brewed in the urine of young boys. This peculiar beverage, priced at 28 yuan, approximately 4 US dollars, has stirred both curiosity and concern among locals and international observers alike.
The Story Behind Child Urine Eggs
Eggs prepared in child urine are considered a special traditional food in Dongyang, with deep historical roots. Locals believe that urine from boys under the age of 10 possesses health benefits, such as helping individuals stay alert during spring and preventing heatstroke in the summer months. According to historical accounts, this tradition dates back to the Song dynasty, which spanned from 960 to 1279.
As reported by the South China Morning Post, a local legend recounts an incident where a general requested an old man to boil eggs. The old man inadvertently used a jar filled with a child's urine. When the general expressed anger, the man explained that the urine served as a potent tonic, claiming that consuming one such egg could prevent leg pain for an entire year. In the past, child urine was also utilized in certain traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, highlighting its cultural significance.
How the Café Serves the Drink
At the café, the eggs undergo a roasting process before being placed atop the Americano coffee, resulting in a crispy texture. Customers have the option to either eat the egg separately or mix it into their coffee, blending the flavors in a distinctive manner. Despite its popularity, with the café reportedly selling more than 100 cups on weekends, medical experts have issued strong warnings against consumption.
Huang Jian, a nephrologist at the Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, emphasized that urine is human waste and contains no beneficial components. He cautioned that consuming such items could pose health risks, contradicting the traditional beliefs held by some locals.
Reactions from People
The unusual coffee quickly went viral on social media platforms, sparking widespread debate and scrutiny. Following the intense buzz, the café made the decision to remove the drink from its menu. Many individuals expressed concerns about hygiene and safety, questioning the practice's legitimacy.
One online observer raised a critical question, asking, "Can the hygiene of the child's urine eggs be guaranteed?" Another local resident admitted, "I am local, but I have never tried child urine eggs before. It feels too scary for me." These reactions underscore the divide between traditional practices and modern health standards, highlighting the cultural and ethical complexities involved.
This article is based on media reports and online discussions, serving informational purposes only. It does not endorse or promote the consumption of such practices and is not intended to offend any cultural groups. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and consult medical professionals for health-related advice.
