A unique concoction of sweet milk tea paired with fatty cheese jelly and the unexpected addition of pungent green onions has emerged as the latest craze in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), igniting a frenzy across Vietnamese social media platforms. Dubbed “jocko,” this innovative beverage challenges the taste buds with its distinctive flavor profile, including a notable hint of bitterness.
Introduced by several beverage outlets in HCMC on April Fool’s Day, the green onion-flavored milk tea initially sparked skepticism among consumers, who mistook it for a prank. However, as they discovered the unconventional offering listed on food delivery apps, curiosity gave way to intrigue.
Priced at VND49,000 (approximately US$1.96), the set includes a glass of milk tea accompanied by a box of assorted toppings such as tapioca pearls, cheese jelly, water chestnuts, and cat paw-shaped jelly. The distinguishing feature, chopped green onions, and a package of noodles are also provided, inviting adventurous drinkers to embrace the unexpected flavor combination.
One milk tea establishment in District 10 of HCMC took to Instagram to introduce their rendition of the beverage, clarifying that while the green onion toppings are served separately, customers have the option to add them to their drink at their discretion.
TikTok users seized the opportunity to document their experiences with the scallion-flavored milk tea, catapulting the hashtag “#scallionflavoredmilktea” to the top of trending lists with over 136 videos and tens of millions of views. The most-viewed review video garnered an impressive 5.1 million views, with participants describing the drink as “haunting,” “strange,” and “horrible,” evoking mixed reactions ranging from amusement to nausea.
The unconventional blend of the pungent aroma of green onions juxtaposed against the sweetness of the tea and the richness of the cheese jelly left many struggling to articulate their impressions. Some diners, unable to stomach the unusual amalgamation, discarded the beverage after only a few sips.
While the scallion-flavored milk tea has garnered attention and sparked discussion, it has also faced criticism from netizens who deem it a disrespectful departure from traditional culinary norms. Interestingly, this is not the first appearance of green onion-flavored milk tea, as it made waves on Chinese social media in 2022 when introduced by a grilled fish shop in Chengdu.
As the debate continues to unfold, one thing remains clear: the scallion-flavored milk tea has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the taste buds and imaginations of those who dared to try it.
