[KREW Says] The Sweet Life of Dalgona

If a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down, what does a couple spoonsful of sugar, coffee, hot water, and an ounce of patience and rigorous beating make? Why, Dalgona coffee, of course!

This most recent trend, in addition to TikTok dances and covers, have people almost literally whisking their arms off to have a taste of the newest luscious foamy bad boy in town. But while it is gaining popularity now, it’s not really as new as it sounds—both the name and the actual drink.

Light, creamy, and absolutely scrumptious. Beware, milktea and frappe, the Dalgona coffee is going to give you a run for your money! (Image source: mykoreankitchen.com)

The drink originated from the Middle East where coffees are usually whipped or beaten. Some call it “reversed cappuccino.” Sung Il Woo, a Korean celebrity, in a documented visit to Macau, was served a variation of this drink which he described as having a similar look and taste to Korean honeycomb toffee—a Dalgona candy. It didn’t take long for the internet to piece two and two together, and voila, the Dalgona coffee was soon born!

Dalgona (달고나) itself is a light and crunchy traditional Korean sponge candy made from brown sugar and baking soda. It got its name from the word “dalda (달다)” which means “sweet.” It also goes by the names “sponge toffee,” “sea foam,” “golden crunchers,” and “hokey pokey” in some foreign countries.

Korean citizens making income from Dalgona candies for their daily expenses
Image source: Twitter

This Korean candy is an undeniable result of Korean ingenuity. During the Korean War, American army personnel used to give sweets to children. With their brisk exit after the war, parents were left looking for ways to satisfy their children’s sweet tooth. Poverty was rampant, and sweets were costly, so the Koreans did the next best thing they could: they invented their own candy.

Originally, Dalgona candies were made with glucose. Blocks of glucose were melted on top of fire. Once fully melted, baking soda was added to produce a light and fluffy consistency. Later on, ‘Ppopgi’ (뽑기) candies emerged as a variation of Dalgona as sugar was used in lieu of glucose. This quick and simple recipe made it easy to make Dalgona candies at home. Home-based Ppopgi businesses soon flourished in different areas of the peninsula for more than a couple of decades. Combined with theatric performances and costing only around 50 to 100 won, Ppopgi became popular with children from the 70’s to the 90’s.

Korean senior citizens making Dalgona candy on streets. Image source: sailgirldesign.com

Games designed around Dalgona candies became quite a hit, too. Vendors would imprint different shapes such as a heart, star, or flower onto the candy and challenge children to trim away the excess toffee without breaking the shape. While it sounds simple, Dalgona candies dry quickly and applying just a little pressure can easily cause the candy to crumble.

Popular K-pop group iKON try their hands in making Ppopgi in one of their MV!
Image source: YG Entertainment

 

And, did you know that another K-pop boy group tried making Ppopgi? GOT7!

 

However, sanitation issues and concerns about quality eventually paved the way for the slow exit of the Dalgona candy business. Do not worry though, for all is not lost. Vendors of the OG Dalgona candy can sometimes still be found in parks, tourist attractions, and even subway stations.

But if you can’t wait for the quarantine to end so you can fly over to Korea to try this tasty treat for yourself—or if you’re like us who still has to save money for our next Korean trip—fret not! Making a Dalgona candy at home is as easy as counting 1-2-3. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 1/2 tablespoon of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• A pinch of baking soda

Procedure:

1. Place the brown and white sugars in a metal ladle and heat it until it melts, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.
2. Once completely melted, add the baking soda and continue stirring. The color of the mixture should become lighter and the consistency should appear foamy.
3. Sprinkle some more brown sugar onto a sheet pan and pour your mixture. Flatten it with a smooth and flat object.
4. (Optional) Use a cookie cutter to emboss a shape in the middle of your candy.
5. Wait a minute for it to harden.

And that’s it! You’ve made your very own Dalgona candy. Feel free to make some more to share with your family and friends.

PRO TIP: Crush it and use it as a topper for your Dalgona coffee and create Dalgona-on-Dalgona! Remember to say you heard it from us first!

 

Written by KREW Members: Raven Lester Esperanza and Aleikzander Jethro Diamante