The History of Tanghulu
Tanghulu is a traditional snack originating from the Beijing region of China. Its history dates back to the Song Dynasty, and it has been a beloved treat for centuries. Legend has it that it was created for the empress of the time, who suffered from indigestion. Tanghulu, made by glazing hawthorn berries with sugar, was said to have stimulated the empress's appetite and aided digestion with its sweet and sour taste.
The name Tanghulu comes from the Chinese pronunciation 'Tanghulu (糖葫芦).' 'Tang (糖)' means sugar, and 'Hulu (葫芦)' means gourd. In other words, it refers to a gourd-shaped snack coated in sugar. In the past, hawthorn berries were mainly used, but today, various fruits are used to showcase more diverse flavors and shapes.
Tanghulu began to gain popularity in Korea in the early 2020s. It spread rapidly among the younger generation through social media, and its unique texture and visual appeal were major factors in its popularity. In particular, the crisp sound of eating Tanghulu became popular as ASMR content, introducing it to even more people.
How to Make It
To make Tanghulu, you need a few basic ingredients. Fresh fruits (strawberries, grapes, tangerines, etc.), sugar, water, and skewers to stick the fruits are essential. The fruits should be washed thoroughly and completely dried, and care should be taken not to stick them too tightly on the skewers. Placing the skewered fruits in the refrigerator for a while will help the sugar syrup coat better.
The key to Tanghulu is making the sugar syrup. Put sugar and water in a pot and heat slowly over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, and once it starts to boil, leave it as is without stirring. When the sugar syrup reaches a temperature between 140 and 150 degrees Celsius, it will have a clear and transparent color. At this point, turn off the heat and quickly coat the prepared fruits. Be careful, as the syrup will not harden if the temperature is too low, and it may burn if the temperature is too high.
When coating the fruits with sugar syrup, apply it thinly and evenly. Use chopsticks or tongs to hold the fruit, dip it in the syrup, and quickly remove it. Then, place it on a lightly oiled plate or parchment paper to harden. It is important to maintain spacing between the fruits during the hardening process to prevent them from sticking together. Once completely hardened, the crispy and sweet Tanghulu is complete.
Here are some tips for making successful Tanghulu. First, remove as much moisture as possible from the fruit. Second, accurately match the temperature of the sugar syrup. Third, coat the fruit thinly and evenly with syrup. Fourth, be careful not to let the fruits stick together during the hardening process. Following these tips will allow you to make delicious Tanghulu at home.
The Charm of Tanghulu
The greatest charm of Tanghulu lies in the perfect harmony of the crispy sugar coating and fresh fruit. The sweetness and freshness felt in the mouth at the moment of eating provide an unforgettable pleasure. In particular, the crisp sound of the sugar coating breaking adds to the auditory satisfaction, making Tanghulu even more special.
The reason why Tanghulu has become famous as ASMR content is precisely because of this crispy sound. Many people say that they relieve stress and feel pleasure just by listening to the sound of eating Tanghulu. Tanghulu ASMR videos are consistently popular on social media platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, contributing to the further spread of Tanghulu's popularity.
The visual beauty of Tanghulu is also an indispensable element of its charm. The sugar coating sparkles when it catches the light, creating a dazzling visual in harmony with the various colors of the fruit. In particular, strawberry Tanghulu captivates the eyes with the harmony of red and transparent sugar coating and is loved by many people.
The fact that it can be enjoyed with various fruits also adds to the charm of Tanghulu. You can make your own Tanghulu using your favorite fruits such as strawberries, grapes, tangerines, and Shine Muscat, and enjoy a variety of flavors and textures depending on the characteristics of each fruit. This diversity makes Tanghulu a more unique and attractive snack.
Modern Variations and Trends
Tanghulu is a traditional snack, but it is constantly showcasing new looks through modern variations. In addition to strawberries, Tanghulu using various fruits such as grapes, tangerines, and Shine Muscat has appeared, and fusion versions coated with chocolate or matcha are also gaining popularity. These variations enrich the taste and visuals of Tanghulu and satisfy the diverse tastes of consumers.
SNS and TikTok have played a big role in spreading the popularity of Tanghulu. The younger generation shares videos of themselves eating or making Tanghulu, making Tanghulu a trend. In particular, various Tanghulu-related content is produced and shared through hashtags such as #TanghuluChallenge on TikTok, further boosting the popularity of Tanghulu.
As Tanghulu's popularity increases, franchising is progressing rapidly. Tanghulu specialty stores are springing up all over the country, and consumers can easily access Tanghulu. This franchising has made Tanghulu a more popular snack and contributed to expanding the scale of the Tanghulu market.
Tanghulu has now established itself as a cultural phenomenon beyond a simple snack. It is constantly evolving through various variations and trends and will remain a beloved snack for many people in the future.
Recommended Places
In China, the home of Tanghulu, you can find various Tanghulu restaurants in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. In particular, in bustling areas such as Wangfujing Street or Nanjing Road, you can taste Tanghulu made in the traditional way, which is popular not only with locals but also with tourists. When tasting Tanghulu in China, it is recommended to experience the traditional Tanghulu made with hawthorn berries.
In Korea, you can easily find Tanghulu restaurants in areas frequented by the younger generation, such as Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Gangnam in Seoul. There are many specialty stores selling various types of Tanghulu in these areas, and each store boasts a unique taste and visual. In particular, strawberry Tanghulu and Shine Muscat Tanghulu are among the most popular menus in Korea.
Looking at the characteristics of each store, some use fresh fruits to make Tanghulu, and some use special sugar syrup recipes to create a unique taste. Also, some add various toppings to make the visuals of Tanghulu more colorful. Finding a Tanghulu restaurant that suits you is another way to enjoy Tanghulu.
When visiting a Tanghulu restaurant, it is good to refer to SNS or blog reviews. Through other people's experiences, you can find out in advance which menus are popular and which stores are delicious, and it will help you choose the right restaurant for you.
Conclusion
Tanghulu is a special snack that gives us pleasure through sweetness, crispness, and beautiful visuals. It has a long history and tradition, but it is constantly showcasing new looks through modern variations, and it will remain a beloved snack for many people in the future.
Tanghulu can be easily made at home, but visiting a restaurant and tasting Tanghulu made by the hands of experts can also be a good experience. In particular, visiting a Tanghulu restaurant with friends or family, tasting various types of Tanghulu, and sharing each other's tastes is a great way to create fun memories.
Why not try making Tanghulu yourself right now, or visit a nearby Tanghulu restaurant to feel the sweet happiness? The pleasure that Tanghulu gives will make your day even more special.