Discover the Sweet Charm of Korean Snack Dalgona

ETA portal | Updated on 2024-11-04

Korean snack "Dalgona" is a simple yet charming treat that gained worldwide attention thanks to the Netflix series "Squid Game." This Korean snack is characterized by its crispy and light texture and sweet taste, and it can be easily made at home. Dive into its sweet charm!

 

Introduction to Korean Snack Dalgona

Breaking Dalgona candy with a needle Umbrella-shaped and star-shaped Dalgona candies

Dalgona is a very simple Korean snack made with just two ingredients: sugar and baking soda. The process involves melting sugar to a caramel state and then adding baking soda, causing a chemical reaction that makes it puff up, resulting in a light and airy texture.

The mixture is pressed into a round, flat shape, and various shapes are imprinted on it before it hardens. Shapes like stars, umbrellas, circles, and triangles add a playful element to the snack. Try to break out the shapes just like in "Squid Game"!

The "Dalgona Challenge" was a popular game in the 1980s, where you could win a prize if you managed to perfectly extract the shape from the snack without breaking it. This game was prominently featured in "Squid Game," bringing renewed attention to this Korean snack worldwide.

 

Recipe to Make Dalgona at Home

Assorted homemade Dalgona candies on a plate Homemade Dalgona candies cut with a cookie cutter

You can easily make this Korean snack, Dalgona, at home with simple ingredients. The recipe is very straightforward, so try it out and create some sweet memories! 

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • A pinch of baking soda

Instructions:

  1. Place the sugar in a pan and melt it over low heat. Keep stirring to prevent it from burning.
  2. Once the sugar is completely melted, turn off the heat and add a pinch of baking soda.
  3. Stir quickly until it foams up, then press it down with a mold to create the desired shape.
  4. Trying to recreate the shapes from "Squid Game" can also be a fun activity. After it hardens, extract the shapes, and your snack is ready! Experience the charm of this Korean snack firsthand.

 

Dalgona Latte Recipe to Make at Home 

Dalgona latte and teaspoon on the table Dalgona latte and coffee drink on the table

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people spent time at home, Dalgona coffee (also known as Dalgona latte) became a trend. Dalgona coffee is a drink where sweet coffee cream is placed on top of milk, and its fun preparation process made it a huge hit on Instagram and YouTube.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of instant coffee
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of hot water
  • 200 ml of milk
  • Ice (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, and whip until it turns creamy. You can use a hand or electric whisk.
  2. Add ice and cold milk to a cup.
  3. Place the whipped coffee cream on top of the milk, and you're done! Enjoy this beverage inspired by the popular Korean snack.

 

If you're traveling in Korea, make sure to try Korean snack Dalgona. You can easily find street vendors in popular tourist spots like Insadong, Hongdae, and Myeongdong, crafting these snacks on the spot.

Experiencing the warm, freshly made Dalgona while recalling scenes from "Squid Game" is sure to be an unforgettable memory of your trip to Korea.

Apply for your KETA on ETAPORTAL and embark on a journey to discover the sweet charm of Korean snacks!

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