A unique beverage is quietly making its way from the vibrant cafés of South Korea to the trendy spots in India. The star of this drink is a humble yet powerful ingredient: black sesame. While in India, black sesame or 'til' is deeply associated with winter rituals, festivals like Makar Sankranti, and traditional sweets for its warming properties, it is now being reimagined as a modern, photogenic latte.
What Is A Sesame Latte And Why Is It Trending?
The sesame latte, particularly the Heukimja latte (black sesame latte), is a creamy concoction where the flavour base comes from black sesame paste or powder instead of the usual syrups. In its classic Korean café form, it artfully layers sweet black sesame paste, milk, and a shot of espresso, often crowned with whipped black sesame cream. The result is a drink with a distinctive dark, grey swirl and a deep, nutty, and unforgettable flavour that feels both novel and familiar.
This trend's surge in popularity is significantly fueled by the global influence of South Korean food and café culture. Chefs and social media influencers are actively sharing recipes and touting its benefits, propelling it into the spotlight. The drink perfectly taps into three powerful currents: nostalgia for traditional flavours, a growing wellness culture, and the café industry's endless quest for the next visually stunning, 'Instagrammable' beverage—often dubbed the "next matcha."
Health In A Cup: The Nutritional Power Of Black Sesame
Calling it the "ultimate" health drink might be an overstatement, but the sesame latte aligns perfectly with emerging wellness trends focused on plant-based fats, mineral-rich ingredients, and a return to culturally rooted "grandmother" foods. The true appeal lies in the dense nutritional profile of black sesame seeds.
According to nutritional data, black sesame seeds are packed with:
- Healthy fats (mainly unsaturated), around 49–50 g per 100 g.
- Approximately 17–18 g of protein per 100 g.
- Minerals like calcium (~975 mg), iron, magnesium, and zinc.
- A good amount of fiber, about 12 g per 100 g.
This means that just a single tablespoon (about 10g) in your latte provides a significant nutrient boost, including roughly 97 mg of calcium, beneficial for bone health. Research also highlights black sesame's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, thanks to compounds like sesamin and sesamolin, with studies suggesting potential benefits for blood pressure and cholesterol.
As noted by Chef Gautam Kumar, a well-known chefpreneur and hospitality experience designer, "In high-profile weddings and events involving younger crowds, this drink is already becoming popular. It also has a great visual appeal, which makes it popular among foodies who love to flaunt their food on social media."
How To Make Your Own Black Sesame Latte At Home
You don't need to visit a fancy café to enjoy this trend. Here’s a simple recipe to create your own Korean-style black sesame latte.
Ingredients (Serves 1):
- 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds, lightly toasted
- 1–2 teaspoons jaggery powder, brown sugar, or honey (to taste)
- 200 ml milk (dairy, oat, soy, or almond)
- 1 espresso shot or ¼ cup strong coffee (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Method:
- Dry-toast the sesame seeds on low heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool slightly.
- Grind the toasted seeds with your chosen sweetener and a splash of milk to form a smooth, thick paste.
- Gently warm the remaining milk (or keep it cold for an iced version) and whisk in the salt and vanilla.
- To assemble, spoon the sesame paste into your mug. Slowly pour in the milk to create a marbled effect. If using, top with espresso.
- Stir well before drinking to combine all the layers.
For an extra wellness twist, use oat milk for creaminess, add a pinch of Indian cardamom for a fusion flavour, or increase the sesame slightly for a more potent nutritional kick. Done right, this latte is a comforting, slightly indulgent drink that quietly delivers nutrients your body can use.
