How viral ube drinks and desserts are taking over South Korean cafes
Ube, a vibrant purple yam, is the latest craze in South Korean cafes. Here’s where to go for lattes, cakes, shakes, ice cream and more
The root crop, also known as purple yam and commonly exported from the Philippines, is turning up in everything from creamy desserts to colourful drinks as its popularity spreads worldwide.
The starchy tuber is now a mainstay in major grocery stores worldwide, with brands in the United States, Japan and China cashing in on the purple trend.
With its mildly sweet, nutty flavour, ube has become a go-to ingredient thanks to the broad appeal of its simple yet familiar taste.
While South Korea has long incorporated sweet potatoes or taro into desserts like cakes and pies, ube’s striking colour offers a visual appeal perfectly suited to the Instagram generation.