While the elite sips the sweet brew produced by a combination of coffee powder, creamer, and sugar, ordinary people are still unsure exactly what coffee is, according to North Koreans now living in Seoul.
“But most people have never had a chance to taste coffee. They have no idea what it is or what it tastes like,” Do said.
“Some even believe that it’s an alcoholic drink that can make you drunk, while some believe that it’s so bitter and so dark that it can turn one’s entrails dark,” he said.
“Most North Koreans haven’t tasted coffee, so they’re simply clueless about it.”
North Korea’s elite first acquired the taste for the three-in-one brew after visiting tourists left surplus sachets behind them.