Dalgona Coffee: How To Make Whipped Coffee

Dalgona coffee, also known as whipped coffee, is one of the social media trends that took over the world by storm, one cute cup at a time. But, did you know that many cultures around the world have their version of this whipped coffee? In India and Pakistan, this frothy drink is called “phenti hui coffee.” In Greece, it is known as “frappé” and it’s believed to be made by someone from Nescafe.

What is it

This creamy blend of iced coffee gained popularity all over social media when a video of a South Korean actor named Jung Il Woo trying it in Macau was uploaded to YouTube. The frothy drink reminded the show's commentator of the Korean honeycomb toffee called "Dalgona," which was popular between 1970 and 1980.

Dalgona is a candy that became popular after the Korean War. It's this honeycomb toffee, made by boiling sugar with water until it turns somewhat yellow. Then baking soda is added to break the mixture and release the carbon dioxide. When it is cooled, the candy hardens, resulting in a light and crisp texture that tastes sweet at first and slightly bitter at the end.

History

Although the history of this creamy whipped coffee is highly debated among many places, it is believed that its origins and creation actually go way, way back. In Greece, this shaken instant coffee (Nescafe) drink is known as “frappé” and it is believed to have been first made sometime in 1957. In India and Pakistan, this type of beverage, with the same ingredients as Dalgona coffee, is known as “hand-beaten coffee” or “Indian cappuccino” or “phenti hui coffee” or “phitti hui coffee.” In Libya, this common drink made with Nescafe instant coffee and sugar is known as “cappuccino Libyan style.”

However, the Dalgona coffee as we know it today is all thanks to Leong Kam Hon who owned Wai Ting Coffee in Macau, which later changed its name to Hon Kee. Leong remembered preparing the beverage at the request of a tourist couple who regularly attended the Macau Grand Prix. Though, it wasn't until the early 2000s that the beverage gained popularity after being served to a well-known Hong Kong actor.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons instant coffee
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 2 cups milk of your choice for serving
• Ice for serving

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients together: 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons instant coffee, and hot water.
2. Mix the ingredients together using a hand mixer for about 5 minutes or so, until the mixture thickens and foams. If you are whipping the coffee by hand, it can take longer for the mixture to thicken (approximately 10 to 12 minutes long).
3. Pour milk and ice into two glasses. Place a dollop of whipped coffee on top. Mix the Dalgona with the milk before drinking.