It finally dawned on me....
I used to think Geek frappe and Dalgona are similar. That is because the ingredients are similar and the method of making them is also similar. However, after close look there is distinction between the two. Today, I am going to share my findings about this Greek Frappe vs Dalgona Coffee.
Greek Frappe
Greek frappe is an iced coffee drink invented by Dimitris Vakondios who that time was working in Nescafe. This coffee is an accidental invention because Dimitris couldn't find hot water for his usual coffee (nescafe). He ended up mixing cold water, instant coffee and ice cubes and put it in the shaker. Then, it becomes famous as Nescafe Frappe though today it's only referred as Greek Frappe/Frappe.
The method traditionally involves mixing nescafe/instant coffee, sugar, a little water and whisking it with milk frother and add the remaining water after it forms a crema.
Dalgona
Dalgona was famous during the quarantine. It was DIY coffee that everyone all over the world tried and loved. Originally, it started from a trend in South Korea and the coining term goes to South Korean actor named Jung Il Woo. Similarly to Greek Frappe, dalgona is also made with instant coffee though it is not tied to any brand as Greek Frappe which in the past was called Nescafe Frappe.
The method of Dalgona prepareation involves whipping or whisking equal proportions of instant coffee, sugar and hot water until it makes froth and creamy. Pour cold/hot milk into a glass and topped it with the whisked coffee / crema and add garnish like cocoa, honey or cookies crumbled.
Similarities and Differences
When we look at the method of preparation it is already different. Frappe use cold water and adding water straight into the glass. Meanwhile dalgona requires equal proportions and served it on top.
The similarities lie in the main ingredient and the whisking method. Both uses instant coffee and also requires whipping /whisking method.
Third another main difference is that Greek Frappe generally served with water instead of milk.
This is dalgona coffee and the other tall glass is Greek Frappe.
In terms of serving, Greek Frappe is generally served on a tall glass while Dalgona coffee is served on much smaller glasses.
When it comes to time preparation and time invested, Greek Frappe takes only 5 minutes to get it all ready. Meanwhile Dalgona will take more than 5 minutes to make as the whipping will take about 5 minutes before it forms a thicker cream. So, if you want a quick but cafe's like experience, it's never wrong to go with Greek Frappe.
Which one do you prefer? Let me know in the comment section !
~ Mac