If you happen to have an Instagram account, it is next to impossible that you have not come across at least one video featuring #dalgonacoffee in all its glory! The coffee has gained more popularity and followers than any other celebrity out there during the times of this quarantine. In fact, Dalgona coffee is now the official ‘quarantine drink’.
So what exactly is this Dalgona Coffee? What is the rage about it in the first place? Is not it the same coffee that our mums used to make for us back at home, beating coffee and sugar with water with a spoon and then pouring hot milk over it?
Turns out, Dalgona coffee has a really interesting story behind it. Read on to find everything that you need to know about this trending coffee, and why you need to give it a try.
So what is Dalgona coffee exactly?
Simply put, Dalgona coffee is nothing but regular coffee. It is made by whipping equal parts of instant coffee with sugar and hot water, until the mixture becomes really frothy and light. This mixture is then topped with either hot or cold milk, depending on the preference of who is consuming it. For better appeal and flavour, the drink is then topped with crushed biscuits, coffee powder, cocoa powder or even honey.
The beverage became insanely popular during the lockdown, when people who could not step out resorted to making something on their own at their home. The coffee does taste delicious and requires no fancy ingredients or equipment. Unlike baking where an oven and basic tools are a must, all you need to whip up some delicious coffee is some coffee, sugar, a small cup, a spoon, and lots of muscle power. Though, feel free to use a handheld electric beater if you have one!
But what exactly is Dalgona?
Interestingly, Dalgona coffee does not even contain real Dalgona. Dalgona is a popular Korean candy, made with melted sugar and baking soda. The candy was really popular during the 1970s and 1980s. However, people continue to enjoy the candy till date as a popular retro food.
When baking soda is added to melted sugar, the soda decomposes thermally. This leads to the emission of carbon dioxide, which then puffs up the melted sugar. And since sugar sets hard once it cools down, the final product is a really light and crunchy candy.
You can find Dalgona topped up on iced tea or coffee, or on pastries such as scones.
Also read Chocolate making process: Bean to Bar
How did Dalgona coffee become a thing?
As explained above, the coffee takes inspiration from the Korean sweet Dalgona. It bears resembles to the original candy in terms of taste and appearance.
But how did Dalgona coffee become an internet sensation overnight?
The trend actually started in South Korea. The famous South Korean actor Jung Il-woo ordered a whipped coffee at a cafe in Macau during one of his appearances on a TV show. It was then that he likened the taste of this coffee to that of Dalgona. And this is where it all started.
The #dalgonacoffeechallenge became really popular, and spread like wildfire on South Korean YouTube channels. Very soon, the coffee made its first appearance on TikTok. And before anyone realized it, the coffee was all over Instagram too!
People went crazy making this coffee at home, challenging each other to do the same, and then sharing videos about it!
Also read Tiramisu: the classic Italian dessert
How to make Dalgona coffee at home?
Is giving this coffee a shot worth it? Absolutely yes, we say! Amid the gloom and sadness of the lockdown, it will give you something to look forward to. And at the end of the day, you have some delicious coffee to enjoy. A win-win situation for everyone 🙂
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons instant coffee
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons hot water
200 ml warm or cold milk
Method
Simply combine the coffee, sugar and water together; and use an electric beater to whip up the mixture. If you don’t have one, you can even beat it up using a fork or a spoon, though you will need a lot of arm strength to achieve the same results.
Once light and foamy, the mixture is ready. Spoon it on the top of a mug of hot or cold milk.
Your coffee is ready.
If you do try out this delicious coffee, do let us know how you liked it! We would love to hear from you.