China cafe withdraws coffee with eggs cooked in child urine, was said to have 'restorative properties'

Following the surge of attention and criticism, the cafe removed the drink from its menu.

A coffee shop in Dongyang has withdrawn an unconventional beverage after it drew widespread attention and criticism online. The drink, a variation of an Americano, featured eggs that had been prepared using child urine — a practice rooted in a long-standing local tradition.

The cafe, located in eastern Zhejiang province, had recently introduced the item to its menu, promoting it as a distinctive and culturally inspired offering. Priced at 28 yuan (approximately US$4) per cup, the drink reportedly proved popular, with sales exceeding 100 cups a day during weekends.

At the centre of the controversy is the use of what are locally known as “child urine eggs”, a regional speciality associated with Dongyang. According to local belief, urine collected from boys under the age of 10 is thought to have restorative properties. It is said to help prevent fatigue during spring and reduce the risk of heatstroke in the summer months.

The origins of this practice are often traced back to the Song dynasty. Folklore recounts that during this period, an army unit harassed residents of Dongyang. A general is said to have demanded boiled eggs, prompting an elderly man to retrieve them. Upon discovering that the container holding the eggs also contained a child’s urine, the general reacted angrily. The man reportedly attempted to justify the preparation method, claiming that the urine had tonic qualities and that consuming such an egg could prevent leg pain for an extended period.

Over time, the practice became embedded in local culinary culture. In 2008, the preparation of these eggs was formally recognised as part of Dongyang’s intangible cultural heritage. Historically, similar uses of urine have also been recorded in certain formulations within traditional Chinese medicine.

In the cafe’s modern interpretation, the eggs were roasted after preparation and placed atop the coffee, giving them a crisp outer layer. Customers were given the option to consume the egg separately or combine it with the beverage.

Medical professionals, however, have expressed strong reservations. Huang Jian, a nephrologist at Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, cautioned against the practice, stating: “Urine is human waste that contains nothing beneficial to us.” While he acknowledged the cultural significance of the tradition, he emphasised that it should not be considered safe or beneficial from a medical standpoint.

Public reaction on social media has been divided. Some users questioned the hygiene standards involved in preparing the eggs. One commenter asked, “Can the hygiene of the child urine eggs be guaranteed?” Another individual wrote, “I am local but I have never tried child urine eggs before. It feels too scary for me.”

Following the surge of attention and criticism, the cafe removed the drink from its menu.