In recent years, Dalgona has taken the world by storm, especially after its appearance in the hit Netflix series Squid Game. But for many Koreans, Dalgona isn’t just a trendy treat—it’s a nostalgic candy that brings back memories of childhood and street vendors. In this blog, we’ll explore the origins of Dalgona, its cultural significance, and how you can enjoy it today.
What is Dalgona?
Dalgona (달고나), also known as ppopgi (뽑기), is a traditional Korean candy made from just two simple ingredients: sugar and baking soda. When sugar is melted and mixed with a pinch of baking soda, it caramelizes and puffs up into a light, airy texture with a crunchy bite. The candy hardens into a round, flat disk and often features fun shapes like stars, hearts, or circles pressed into the surface.
Dalgona is incredibly sweet, with a deep caramel flavor and a slight bitterness that balances the taste. Its crispy texture melts in your mouth, making it a satisfying treat for people of all ages.
The Origins of Dalgona
Dalgona has a long history in Korea, dating back to the 1960s and 70s when it was sold by street vendors as a popular childhood snack. Back then, it was common to see children crowding around vendors, eagerly waiting to try their hand at a dalgona challenge—a fun game where the goal was to carefully carve out the shape stamped into the candy without breaking it. Successful participants would often receive another Dalgona as a reward.
The candy has always been closely associated with nostalgia, and its recent resurgence in global pop culture has brought that sense of retro fun to a new audience.
Dalgona in Squid Game: The Global Revival
The global explosion of interest in Dalgona can largely be attributed to the hit show Squid Game. In one of the episodes, the contestants are given Dalgona candy with intricate shapes, and they must carve out the shape using a needle—just like the traditional street game. The scene captivated audiences, and people around the world began searching for Dalgona recipes and videos to recreate the experience at home.
This newfound attention has sparked a Dalgona trend, with cafes and shops around the world offering modern takes on the classic candy. From Dalgona-flavored desserts to Dalgona-inspired drinks, this simple snack has evolved into a popular ingredient in modern Korean cuisine.
How to Make Dalgona at Home
One of the best things about Dalgona is how simple it is to make. With just sugar and baking soda, you can recreate this iconic Korean snack at home in a matter of minutes. Here’s a quick guide on how to make Dalgona:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- A pinch of baking soda
Instructions:
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Melt the sugar: In a small pan or ladle, heat the sugar over low to medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning. The sugar will gradually melt into a liquid.
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Add baking soda: Once the sugar is fully melted and turns a light amber color, add a small pinch of baking soda. Stir quickly—the mixture will puff up and turn a lighter color.
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Shape the candy: Pour the mixture onto a flat, non-stick surface (like parchment paper or a greased plate). Flatten it with a spoon or spatula. Before it hardens completely, use a cookie cutter or press to imprint a shape into the candy.
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Let it cool: Allow the Dalgona to harden completely before enjoying or attempting to carve out the shape for fun!
Dalgona Variations
With the rise in popularity of Dalgona, there are now many modern variations and ways to enjoy this classic treat:
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Dalgona Coffee: This trend took the world by storm during the COVID-19 pandemic. It involves whipping instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into a creamy foam, then serving it over cold or hot milk. While it shares the name "Dalgona" due to its similar appearance to the candy, it doesn’t actually contain the candy itself.
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Dalgona Latte: Some cafes now offer Dalgona lattes, where pieces of crushed Dalgona candy are sprinkled on top of a frothy coffee or latte, giving a sweet and crunchy contrast to the smooth coffee.
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Dalgona-flavored Desserts: From Dalgona-topped ice creams to cakes, the candy’s flavor has inspired a range of desserts. The candy adds both texture and a rich caramel taste to any sweet dish.
Where to Buy Dalgona
If you don’t feel like making Dalgona at home, you can easily find it at our online store! We offer authentic Dalgona candies, as well as Dalgona kits that allow you to try the carving challenge yourself. Perfect for a fun activity or a nostalgic snack, our Dalgona products bring a piece of Korean street food culture straight to your doorstep.
The Cultural Significance of Dalgona
For many Koreans, Dalgona is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a symbol of simpler times, evoking memories of childhood and carefree days spent playing with friends. The candy’s recent resurgence has not only introduced it to a new global audience but also brought a sense of pride and nostalgia to Koreans worldwide.
In a rapidly changing world, Dalgona remains a beloved piece of Korea’s cultural history. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or reliving fond memories, Dalgona offers a delightful connection to the past.
Conclusion
Dalgona is a simple yet deeply nostalgic snack that has captivated both local and international audiences. Whether you’re carving out intricate shapes or enjoying it as a topping on your favorite dessert, Dalgona is a fun and delicious way to experience Korean street food culture. At our online store, we offer a variety of Dalgona products, allowing you to join in on the fun and savor this timeless treat. Get your hands on some Dalgona today and see if you can take on the challenge!