Foreign Tourists Popularized a Banana Flavored Drink in Korea

Foreign tourists in Korea have developed a new way to enjoy the nation's popular Binggrae Banana Flavored Milk by mixing it with hazelnut black coffee at convenience stores. The resulting drink, often referred to as "ttungba latte," quickly gained attention on social media platforms and sparked interest among Korean shoppers.

This unique blend was not initially conceived by any cafe but organically evolved at the convenience store counters. Its accessibility and affordability, costing less than a typical cafe latte, have contributed to its appeal. Retailers like GS25 have capitalized on its popularity by offering a complete set, including banana milk, a shot of espresso from their in-store machines, and an ice cup, at a discounted price.

The drink's fame extended beyond regular consumers when celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Emma Roberts shared their experiences with it during their visits to Seoul. This further fueled the trend, drawing more people to try the unconventional mix.

Binggrae Banana Flavored Milk is used as a foundation for other beverage variations as well. Three popular concoctions include a traditional banana latte, a coffee bar banana latte, and a matcha banana milk. Each of these uses basic components found in Korean convenience stores, allowing consumers to easily recreate these drinks at home.

For a classic banana latte, ice is topped first with banana milk, followed by shots of espresso, preserving a distinct layer separation. Enhancements such as hazelnut syrup are suggested to refine the drink to a cafe-like quality.

The coffee bar banana latte makes use of a coffee-flavored ice bar available in stores, creating an affogato-like taste. Meanwhile, the matcha banana milk substitute incorporates strong matcha latte, offering a distinct and less sweet variation for consumers.