Long before “Dalgona coffee” became a global trend, Koreans grew up enjoying a simple street candy called Dalgona (달고나) — also known as ppopgi.

This nostalgic treat is made with just two basic ingredients: sugar and baking soda. When heated and aerated, the sugar transforms into a light, airy honeycomb candy with a slightly bitter caramel flavor and crisp texture.

Today, I’ll show you how to make traditional Korean dalgona candy at home.

---

🍯 What Is Dalgona?

Dalgona is a classic Korean street snack popular in the 1970s–1990s. Street vendors would melt sugar in a small metal ladle and stir in baking soda, creating a foamy caramel mixture.

The candy would then be flattened and stamped with shapes like stars, hearts, or umbrellas. If you successfully carved out the shape without breaking it, you could win a free candy!

It’s simple, fun, and full of nostalgia.

---

🛒 Ingredients (Makes 2–3 candies)

• 2 tbsp white sugar
• A small pinch (about 1/16 tsp) baking soda

That’s it!

---

🔥 Instructions

1️⃣ Melt the Sugar

Place sugar in a ladle or small pan over low heat. Stir constantly until it melts into a smooth amber-colored liquid. Do not let it burn.

2️⃣ Add Baking Soda

Turn off the heat. Quickly add a small pinch of baking soda and stir vigorously. The mixture will foam and lighten in color.

3️⃣ Shape the Candy

Immediately pour onto parchment paper. Let it cool slightly (about 10 seconds), then flatten gently with a flat surface.

4️⃣ Stamp (Optional)

Press a cookie cutter lightly into the surface to create a shape.

Let cool completely before removing.

---

⚠️ Safety Tips

• Melted sugar is extremely hot — handle carefully.
• Always cook on low heat.
• Use gloves if necessary.

---

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Only 2 ingredients
✔ No special equipment needed
✔ Fun to make with kids
✔ Authentic Korean street snack

Making dalgona at home is like recreating a small piece of Korean childhood.