Zhejiang Café's 'Boy Urine Egg Americano' Brews Controversy

A coffee shop in Dongyang, east China's Zhejiang Province, has sparked widespread discussion with its innovative creation: the "Boy Urine Egg Americano," which combines local intangible cultural heritage — boy urine eggs — with American coffee, Jiupai News reported on Monday.

"We sell around 100 cups a day," a staff member told Jiupai News. "Many people come from other cities specifically to try it. But for first-timers, it might feel a bit strange and overwhelming."

Prepared by boiling eggs in urine from boys under 10 years old — a traditional practice listed as Dongyang's intangible cultural heritage — the eggs are then roasted over charcoal, resulting in a slightly charred, salty flavor. Served alongside the Americano, the eggs are placed on the rim of the coffee cup for separate consumption.

In traditional Chinese medicine, boy urine eggs are believed to nourish yin, reduce internal heat, and alleviate restlessness. The Compendium of Materia Medica, a classic work of traditional Chinese medicine, records that boy urine is salty, cold, and non-toxic, with the effects of clearing heat and invigorating blood circulation.

However, medical professionals have raised concerns. Jia Suqing, chief physician at Jinhua Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acknowledged the historical use of urine as a medicinal adjuvant but pointed out hygiene issues from a modern perspective, stating, "It has become a local custom, so I neither advocate nor oppose it."

Huang Jian, chief physician of the Nephrology Department at Jinhua Central Hospital, emphasized that urine is metabolic waste containing no beneficial substances, strongly advising against the practice.