Today in: Things That No One Asked For, Starbucks China has released a latte topped with a slab of pork to ring in the Lunar New Year. 

The braised pork latte has been dubbed the “Abundant Year Savory Latte” and even the coffee chain has described it as having an “interesting” flavour. 

The drink combines Dongpo Braised Pork Flavour Sauce with espresso and steamed milk, with extra pork sauce and pork meat as a garnish. All of this soup for just 68 yuan (or about $14.50 AUD).

Eating meat is a common symbol of good luck around Lunar New Year and the coffee giant is reaching for those stars for the Year of the Dragon. The pork latte was posted to the Chinese social media platform Weibo by the Shanghai Starbucks Reserve Roastery earlier this month, showing a traditional-looking latte topped with a pink square of pork meat on a skewer resting on the mug rim.

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Starbucks is renowned for its seasonal specials like pumpkin-spiced lattes in autumn and festive gingerbread coffees at Christmas.

We’re all for a bit of pork on our fork but this may be a bridge too far for some.

The pork itself is a sweet and savoury dish of pork belly braised in soy, rock sugar, wine and ginger, and is traditionally served with steamed rice but we suppose steamed milk is fine in a pinch.

The brothy coffee isn’t expected to make the leap to Australian Starbucks stores but fortunately, there’s plenty of less caffeinated ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Check out our ultimate guide to celebratory snacks here.

Related story: Khanh Ong’s favourite restaurants in Melbourne to celebrate Lunar New Year