Dalgona from Squid Game: the Sugar Candy Challenge

Dalgona from Squid Game: the Sugar Candy Challenge

Dalgona from Netflix's Squid Game became a viral phenomenon: cutting out the shape from brittle caramel without cracking it is a real challenge. Millions of people tried to recreate it at home after the series launched in 2021.

History and origin

Dalgona (달고나) is a traditional Korean street sweet popular since the 1960s. Vendors with small burners make it right on the street: they melt sugar, add bicarbonate of soda and quickly spread it into a thin layer.

Key ingredients

Dalgona recipe: heat 2 tablespoons of sugar in a small ladle or pan to amber. Remove from heat, add a pinch of bicarbonate (1/4 tsp) and stir quickly — the mass will foam. Pour onto a silicone mat and flatten immediately.

How to cook at home

Work very fast: after adding the soda you have 5–10 seconds to flatten. Press in the shape (circle, star, umbrella) immediately after flattening, while the caramel is still soft. Allow to cool for 2–3 minutes.

This recipe will transport you to the atmosphere of your favourite film or series right at your dining table.