Thankfully due to the recent Netflix series, Squid Game, this retro candy snack has entered the eyes of the world. In episode 3 of Squid Game, we see contestants playing Ppopgi. This is a traditional Korean game where children would try and pick out the indented shape from the dalgona candy without breaking it!

As the candy is made from sugar and baking soda, it has a honeycomb texture and is brittle. In the Netflix series, we see contestants using many methods to retrieve the indented shape but what’s the most effective method? And how would you win?

The Squid game candy challenge is now on-trend on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram where people are trying to see how hard the game really is!

Here’s how you can win:

Wet the toothpick to get a more precise pick but this may take longer to break and is not useful if you’re under a time constraint!

Heat your needle or toothpick would be a good idea as you would inadvertently melt the honeycomb - but this would be cheating unless you’re as sneaky as Jang Deok-su and Han Mi-nyeo in the games!

Lick the candy! This will help to release the indented shape by eating it away slowly! (We personally prefer this)

Dunk it in milk! Same theory as licking the candy but watch out for it melting too quickly!

Lastly, when you’re making the candy you can press harder using the cookie cutter and this would help to make the indented shape easier to remove!

Do you know what your favourite K-POP idols love to eat? If not, then this blog post is for you. Check out the list of Korean celebrities who enjoy eating all sorts of foods from pasta to sushi. You'll be surprised at which celebrity enjoys fried chicken and which one prefers hamburgers!

Misugaru Latte

A hot cup of misugaru latte is extremely popular among female Korean idols because it is infamously known for its weight loss properties! It is otherwise known in Korea as a miracle diet shake and many idols will drink it in preparation for a big performance.

Inkigayo Sandwich

This one may sound weird at first but we promise it’s delicious! The Inkigayo sandwich is a Korean fusion sandwich that combines the best of two worlds. Potato egg slaw, cabbage slaw and strawberry jam come together to create this delicious sandwich!

Many idols performing at Inkigayo will eat this in between performances as it is very filling. Jennie and Kai have even begun dating through exchanging numbers using this sandwich!

Tanghulu

On a variety show, Blackpink members were seen making this dessert and ever since then Tanghulu have blown up in popularity!

Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese dessert that has been around for centuries. It was first created in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). They are fruits covered in candy and have a delicious crunch to them!

Okinawa milk tea is a variant of the ever-popular brown sugar boba. The only difference between the two is that Okinawa milk tea uses black sugar from Okinawa, Japan which provides a deeper caramel taste. For some stores, they also mix it up with jasmine milk tea powder for a make at home bubble tea kit!

The second flavour is strawberry milk tea, which tastes like a strawberry milkshake but smoother and sweeter. Strawberry milk tea is the best drink to have in the summertime because it's so refreshing - especially if you take a sip after eating some spicy food.

A Spanish latte is delicious by itself, but in recent months some people have creatively added boba pearls to the drink and turned it into bubble tea!

It's a time to get together with family and friends, enjoy delicious mooncakes, and reflect on the year that has passed. The festival will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 21st! Learn more about the significance of mooncakes and the flavours below!

Mooncakes

Mooncakes are a traditional Chinese dessert made with either red bean paste, lotus seed paste or mung bean paste. In other regions, these are made with fillings such as mixed nuts, pork floss, salted egg yolk and more!

They’re round and typically served in pairs of two because they symbolize the reunion of family members during the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is said that these cakes also ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to those who eat them.

Some people believe that children will grow up strong if they have one before bedtime! Now you can make your own mooncake at home with our mooncake recipe!

In Hong Kong and other humid countries, snow skin mooncakes are more popular than the baked version due to the hot weather.

I'm not sure about you but I could use some good fortune and deliciousness in my life right now! Will you be making them for the Mid Autumn Festival? Let us know!

This post will provide you with some new ideas for different toppings that can give your ramen an entirely new taste.

Kimchi

Spice up your instant noodles game with a punch of fermented kimchi! This kimchi ramen takes only 10 minutes to make and is packed with flavour.

Narutomaki

If you’ve ever watched Naruto (the popular anime), you will recognise this weird looking topping you see in ramen noodles. Narutomaki is a type of Japanese fish cake that adds protein to the dish and texture to your instant noodles!

Try adding a few slices into your noodles next.

Soy Sauce Eggs

It's easy to make soy sauce eggs at home. All you need is a pot, water, and an egg! Once the eggs are cooked, they'll have a deep brown color that will turn some people off. But if you're up for something new, then give this mayak eggs recipe a try! It may just be your favourite way to cook eggs from now on.

Even if you haven't had ramen before, there are many toppings that can make your meal seem more exciting than just a bowl of noodles in the broth.

And if you have had it before but don't like it, these tips about new toppings hopefully changed your mind! Follow us to find out more and discover what might be the perfect topping for your noodle soup!

What's the best way to make your steak dinner more exciting? Add some spice, or marinade it?! We’ll show you three different ways to level up your boring steak dinner. You can spice it up with a rub, grill it with sauce or try a marinade.

All of these methods work well and taste great, but they also have their own unique flavour profiles so choose the one that suits what you're in the mood for! Read on to find out more about each option.

Chaliapin Steak

We have all heard of a filet mignon, but what is Chaliapin steak? Chaliapin steak is a variation of the traditional tenderloin cut.

Marinated in onions overnight, this Japanese dish make steak extra tender. Serve it over rice for a delicious Japanese twist on steak!

Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that's as equally iconic to Philadelphia as the Liberty Bell. It also happens to be one of our favourite foods in the world, which might seem odd considering how unhealthy it is!

Whether you're ordering it from an actual restaurant or making your own at home, this sandwich will always taste infinitely better than anything else on the menu. The meat can vary from traditional beef (or chicken) all the way up to bacon and turkey; while cheese choices are usually limited to provolone or American.

And no matter what combination you choose, nothing beats that first bite of crispy onions mixed with tender steak and melted cheese—it's pure bliss on a bun!

Korean BBQ Shell Steak

A shell steak is a cut of beef from the short loin. It is also known as a tenderloin, but that's not what we're here to talk about. A shell steak has a great flavour and texture because it comes from one of the most flavorful parts of the cow.

Most of the time, it is cooked on the grill with some butter and garlic. However, an alternative way to preparing it would be marinating it with some Korean BBQ marinade! Add in an Asian twist and kick of heat to prepare your own delicious and juicy shell steak at home!

You may be surprised at what your taste buds find when looking beyond sushi and ramen noodles. We'll take a look at some lesser-known and under-appreciated dishes from Japan. What are you waiting for? Get ready to get hungry!

Matsutake

Japan has a rich history of cultivating mushrooms, going back to the 1800s. They have a wide variety of mushrooms that are used in different ways depending on what they're made for and where they grow.

One type of Japanese mushroom is known as matsutake (pine mushroom). These mushrooms grow wild all over Japan near pine trees but are most sought after in autumn when their flavour and aroma is at their peak.

The best way to enjoy these delicious mushrooms is by boiling them in soy sauce with ginger, garlic cloves, sugar and rice vinegar before simmering until tender. Matsutake can be eaten raw or cooked; however, it's always better to cook them first because heating the bacteria kills off any toxins found within the mushroom which may cause food poisoning.

Tantanmen

Tantanmen is a hot and spicy Chinese inspired noodle soup that's popular with food lovers. The noodles are made from wheat flour, salt, water and lye.

They're usually topped with ground pork, scallions, vegetables such as bok choy and spinach, boiled eggs as well as chilli oil. With all these ingredients there are endless combinations to try out!

Traditionally, the dish is served in a bowl of oil or broth alongside cucumber slices to add coolness to the dish. This hearty and spicy soup is perfect for the cold winter months.

Yaki Udon Noodles

It has been said that yaki udon is one of the most popular dishes in Japan and it can be found at many restaurants. So what exactly is yaki udon? Yaki means "to grill" or "to fry," so yaki udon refers to noodles that are fried up with various meats and vegetables on top.

These flavorful noodles come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, thicknesses, and flavours; some come served cold while others are served hot. The toppings vary from region to region but typically include things like green onions, cabbage leaves, eggs (sometimes raw).

This lineup of fusion Asian dishes will help make this summer’s dinner party memorable!

For the appetizer, try these salt and pepper chicken wings or fried tofu sticks. You can't go wrong with either dish and both will have your guests coming back for more!

For sides, pick up some shrimp chips from your local Asian supermarket. And don't forget that ice-cold soju bomb for a boozy night! Though it should go without saying but water is always a great choice too!

For mains, try making some of these easy Asian air fryer dishes which are both healthy and quick to prepare.

To finish off the meal, there's nothing like a yummy dessert! We recommend getting some QQ mango ice cream mochi! Your friends will love these Asian fusion dishes and have a better appreciation of your cooking!

Here are 3 dishes you should definitely try out.

Egg Pudding

This is a sweet and smooth custard dessert that is made from a sweet concoction of sugar, eggs, and milk. Egg pudding is a dessert that is enjoyed in Asian households all year round but in particular during the summer!

Singapore Fried Rice

Inspired by the spices and vibrant colours in Singaporean food is this fried rice. Singapore fried rice is a very common dish that you will find in Chinese restaurants and takeaways in the UK.

Try this simple but tasty dish out. If you’re interested in more Chinese cooking, check out our Cantonese sauce recipe which forms the base for a lot of your favourite dishes!

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Steamed to perfection and laid on rice with ginger and chilli is Hainanese chicken rice. This is one of the most iconic dishes which you’ll find in any hawker market in Malaysia and Singapore.

Learn how to make this chicken rice recipe on our website. Or if you’re feeling lazy, check out our guide to the best Singapore food in London and find out where you can get this dish!

Prawn Crackers

For starters, make these fresh crispy shrimp chips! These are flavourful and absolutely moreish! They are perfect with a soft drink, beer or if you want something more exotic, a soju drink!

Sushi

Gunkan maki (or otherwise known as battleship sushi), are bitesize delights of fish and rice wrapped in crispy seaweed. These are easy to make within 15 mins and can be easily customised! Make these with a traditional tuna or fish roe filling!

Another delicious sushi option to make is a spicy crab roll which uses a spicy kani salad filling for a fusion twist on sushi!

For those who find raw fish a little hard to stomach - don’t worry, we got you. Try out Kimmari, Korean style sushi which is made of glass noodles and fried!

Bubble Tea

Bubble tea is an absolute must on these hot summer days! The sweet beverage snack from Taiwan doubles up as both a cooling drink and a fun dessert!

If you’re new to boba tea, bubble tea is a popular drink that is taking over popular cities in the States and Europe. Check out our guide to boba in LA to see exactly what we mean.

We suggest trying out a classic milk tea with tapioca pearls. For the avid boba fiends, try an iced winter melon tea with crystal boba!

Let us know if you try any of these recipes!

Instead, try out these two “almost” zero calories to get you through the hot summer days!

The Japanese are masters of creating delicious treats that are almost always too beautiful to eat! Raindrop cake is probably the cutest dessert we have seen from Japan. It is clear and looks exactly like a raindrop and the best part about it? It’s zero calories. Made from agar powder and water, it does not contain any calories. However, if you want to add flavor to it, you can use kinako powder and black sugar syrup which will add some calories but still keeps the dessert on the low-calorie side!

Next up on our list is crystal boba! Also called white pearls, this refers to a very specific type of bubble tea pearls. Rather than being like tapioca pearls which are gelatinous and chewy, crystal pearls are more jelly-like and a lot less calorific than regular tapioca pearls! Substitute these in your next cup of bubble tea and enjoy it with less guilt in the summer.

The bright yellow store located in Charing cross has enjoyed immense popularity in its first few weeks of opening. This is not the first time that Korean food has seen success in London. Currently, there are many Korean bbq restaurants around the capital serving a delicious variety of meats and related dishes. Furthermore, there’s also Ktown located in New Malden.

As Hallyu or “the K-wave” continues to strike, we should see more Korean street food popping up across the capital.

If you’re not based in London, you can learn how to make Korean corn dogs with pickled Korean radish for a starter. It’s perfect as a fun snack for all ages! Not to mention, super filling!

Alternatively, try making this quick and easy kimchi ramen to eat while binging on all those K-dramas at home.

Oolong tea as one of five main tea types has returned to the favorite of many bubble tea fans. The classic mix between milk and tea leaves brings a whole new twist with Chinese oolong tea leaves.

Learn this simple oolong milk tea recipe with crystal boba and find out how this is sure to be one of the most popular boba tea flavor in the recent summer months!

In Japan, chahan is commonly served with pickled ginger and seaweed. It is usually made as a side dish in izakayas or Chinese-style restaurants. It is a very filling meal with various toppings which typically include peas, carrots, sweetcorn, char siu (roasted pork).

Learn how to make Chahan at home with us now.

It’s also otherwise known as candied fruit which is a traditional Chinese snack. This candy has existed for hundreds of years and has only started trending worldwide due to the platform.

This is traditionally made with hawthorn fruit but as this is harder to obtain outside of China, it is now more frequently made with strawberries instead.

Learn how to make tanghulu in less than 10 minutes! Along with some simple variations using grapes, apples, grapefruit, brown sugar, bacon, and even jolly ranchers!

Vendors have even gotten creative and made golf leaf an actual topping with a whole fresh rose!

Bubble tea originated from Taiwan but the drink grew more and more popular internationally. As this Taiwanese beverage fans grow across the world, flavors and toppings get crazier by the day. Read our full article on bubble tea flavors to see how many flavors you’ve not tried yet.

It is often considered one of the tastiest sandwiches in the UK. Some shops will make variations in the sandwich adding pulled pork, cheese and even baked beans. See image below.

It’s definitely not the healthiest of all the British snacks that you should try. However, its an unmissable experience when you’re in the UK. Highly recommend you try it soaked in vinegar, ketchup, or mayonnaise.

Tender chunks of beef making a flavourful stew of soft veggies, all prepared in one single Dutch oven for maximum taste and convenience. This diced beef recipe will please everyone at your table. Cooking for 6 people you will be able to save this for the next day of you don’t finish and make a great lunch.

Jasmine milk tea is one of the best bubble tea flavors in our opinion and is perfect during late spring! Order one from your local bubble tea store or make this at home and enjoy it in a park!

Plain mochi by itself usually has a subtle sweetness to it. During the process of making it into a soft and chewy cake, salt is added to activate the taste of the glutinous rice.

Mochi comes in many flavors such as strawberry, chocolate, matcha and red bean. But, the one which caught our eye the most is taro mochi. Made with the ground root vegetable, it has a natural nutty and vanilla flavor. This instantly became our favorite!

Learn how to make taro mochi now. It’s super easy and only took 20 minutes to make with fresh taro paste. As a treat, it is sure to impress friends.