Dalgona coffee originated in South Korea during the 2020 pandemic as a simple, Instagram‑friendly drink made by whisking instant coffee, sugar and water into a frothy foam and topping milk. It quickly became a symbol of home‑bound creativity and spread worldwide as a viral trend.

The visual appeal of the thick foam and the ease of preparation made Dalgona coffee popular on TikTok and Instagram, inspiring home cooks to experiment with different flavors such as cocoa, caramel, and matcha, creating new twists while keeping the signature frothy texture.

Matcha Dalgona echoes the Japanese tradition of matcha‑based drinks like matcha latte and matcha foam desserts, combining the ceremonial green tea powder with a modern whipped technique that mirrors the airy texture of traditional wagashi fillings.

While Dalgona coffee began as a home‑café treat during lockdowns, it is now enjoyed at casual gatherings, brunches, and as a refreshing dessert‑like beverage during the warm summer months in Korea.

Matcha Dalgona blends Korean viral coffee culture with Japanese matcha heritage, exemplifying the growing fusion trend where iconic drinks are re‑imagined with cross‑cultural ingredients to appeal to a global palate.

Traditional Dalgona coffee uses instant coffee, granulated sugar and hot water. In the matcha version, high‑quality matcha powder replaces coffee, sugar remains the same, and cold heavy cream (or a plant‑based cream) substitutes the water to create a richer foam.

Matcha Dalgona pairs nicely with classic Korean milky drinks like sujeonggwa (cinnamon punch) or Japanese beverages such as cold barley tea (mugicha) and yuzu soda, offering contrasting flavors and textures.

Common errors include using warm cream (which prevents proper foam), whisking for too short a time, and neglecting to sift the matcha, all of which result in a thin or gritty topping.

The mixture should become thick, glossy and hold stiff peaks when the whisk is lifted—similar to a well‑whipped meringue. It will no longer be runny and will sit on the spoon without collapsing.

The YouTube channel Ethan Rode focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking tutorials, often featuring trendy recipes, simple ingredient swaps, and clear visual step‑by‑step guidance for everyday cooks.