The Tanghulu Craze:
How TikTok Sparked a Sweet Sensation
Tanghulu, a traditional Chinese snack that became a social media phenomenon. From ancient origins to viral sensation, see how TikTok turns cultural treasures into global phenomena, one mesmerising video at a time.
24 May 2024
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In the fast-paced world of social media, TikTok reigns supreme in setting trends and capturing global attention. While it has popularised everything from dance routines to viral challenges, its latest sensation is tanghulu, a traditional Chinese snack. Unexpectedly, this sweet treat has taken TikTok by storm (with over one billion views on #tanghulu videos), enchanting users worldwide and demonstrating the platform’s unique power to turn cultural gems into international phenomena.
Tanghulu, is a traditional Chinese snack n of sugar-coated fruit. Photo Credit: galitskaya on Canva
What is Tanghulu?
Tanghulu, which roughly translates to “sugar skewer” in Mandarin, is a traditional Chinese snack consisting of skewered fruits, typically hawthorns, dipped in a sticky, sugary syrup. With a rich history dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), its origin story is tied to Chinese folklore. Legend has it that a concubine of the Song Dynasty Emperor Guangzong fell gravely ill, and none of the court physicians could cure her. A doctor suggested a remedy of hawthorn fruits boiled with sugar, which she ate before each meal. Miraculously, she recovered, and this sweet remedy became popular among the people, eventually evolving into the candied treat we know today.
#TikTokTrend
So, how did a traditional Chinese snack become a global sensation on TikTok? The answer lies in the platform’s unique ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary. With its short-form videos and algorithm-driven feed, TikTok has the power to amplify even the simplest of pleasures.
Skewered fruits at a Tanghulu street cart. | Photo Credit: Aira Jane on Canva
The tanghulu trend on TikTok started to gain momentum when users began sharing videos of themselves making the snack at home. The mesmerising process of dipping the skewered fruits into boiling sugar syrup, followed by the satisfying crackle as the syrup hardens, quickly captured the attention of viewers. As more and more people attempted to recreate the snack, the tanghulu obsession reached new heights.
Shiny Starry Appeal
SAS-ASMR enjoying various fruits coated in hardened sugar syrup. | Photo Credit: Youtube
Part of the sugary snack’s allure on TikTok can be attributed to its visual appeal. The vibrant colours of fruits coated in glossy syrup create an aesthetically pleasing contrast that is perfect for capturing attention in a scroll-happy environment. Additionally, the crackling sound of the hardened syrup as it’s bitten into, known as ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response), adds another layer of sensory satisfaction for viewers.
Blackpink’s Jennie and Jisoo making tanghulu. | Photo Credit: YouTube
Just like how celebrities champion water trends, it is no different for the tanghulu craze. Celebrities like K-pop group Blackpink’s Jennie have played a role in popularising the snack in South Korea, notably when she and bandmate Jisoo made tanghulu in their 2020 Netflix documentary Blackpink: Light Up the Sky.
“Sometimes it just takes a famous person to post something on social media; it can be about almost any topic: food, music, song, etc. And somehow if the algorithm is in the video’s favour, many people will watch the video, and depending on the content/topic, many might just try to replicate or imitate the video, and before you know it, it’s a trend!” shares Benjamin Byrne, content creator of The Smiling Afro.
Tanghulu is sold on the streets. | Photo Credit: mtkang on Canva
Better Together
Ultimately, what sets the tanghulu trend on TikTok apart is its ability to foster a sense of community among users. Whether it’s through sharing recipes, swapping tips for achieving the perfect glossy finish, or simply enjoying the snack together in virtual solidarity, TikTok has brought people together around a shared love for tanghulu.
A Tourist enjoying strawberry tanghulu at a street market. | Photo Credit: Leung Cho Pan on Canva
The tanghulu trend on TikTok is a testament to the platform’s influence in shaping cultural phenomena. What started as a traditional Chinese snack has become a global sensation, thanks to TikTok’s ability to amplify and democratise trends. Whether you’re a seasoned tanghulu connoisseur or a newcomer to the craze, there’s no denying the sweet satisfaction that comes from indulging in this timeless treat.
So grab a skewer, dip it in sugar syrup, and join the revolution – your taste buds will thank you.
Author: Victoria Lim
Victoria Lim is a content writer with a diverse background and her work includes brands such as Capella Hotels and Resorts, Epicure Magazine, HungryGoWhere.com, and Makansutra. Her luxury hospitality, culinary arts, and food journalism expertise have shaped her commitment to sharing stories.
