Mango Sago

Rich, creamy, and refreshingly cool, Mango Sago is loaded with tropical flavors you’ll love year round! This Hong Kong dessert is easy to make in minutes and blends sweet mangoes, chewy tapioca pearls, and silky coconut milk into a simple and satisfying treat.

Although we're months to Summer when mangoes are in season, I do find the fruit at our neighborhood supermarkets consistently. They're not always at their best and sweetest this time of the year, but I am still happy to stock up. Not only do I like to finish off a meal with a fresh cheek or two of fruit, but I also love to use mangoes in cooking, from sweet desserts to savory dishes.

Who can resist homemade mango ice cream, right? How about Thai mango salad? Yes, please! Mango bread with a cup of tea or puto maya with sikwate? A sweet slice of heaven! To add to my growing mango obsession is this mango sago. A delightful medley of sweet, tangy, and creamy, it's a refreshing summer treat you'd want all year!

What is mango sago

Mango sago is a creamy and fruity chilled dessert usually enjoyed to cool off during warm weather or as an after-meal sweet treat. It was invented by a Hong Kong restaurant in the early 1980s and has grown in popularity globally. Along with the creamy mango pudding and chewy tapioca pearls, the original Hong Kong version includes pomelo sections, adding another layer of flavor and texture.

Ingredient notes

• Mangoes- add a sweet and fruity flavor to the dish.  Ripe Ataulfo or Alphonso varieties work best, having a smooth, less fibrous texture and a honeyed, juicy taste.
• Mini Sago Pearls- small, translucent tapioca balls made from cassava starch. They bring a fun, chewy contrast to the creaminess of the dessert.
• Water- for cooking the pearls
• Coconut Milk- provides a creamy, silky base. Use full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream for a richer consistency. Soy or nut milk are also great non-dairy options. You can use evaporated or condensed milk for a more decadent treat; omit the sugar if you are using the latter.
• Sugar- use more or less depending on the ripeness of the fruit and your taste. Feel free to swap with preferred sweeteners such as coconut sugar, honey, or pure maple syrup.

Variations

Here are delicious twists you can add to make this treat more exciting!

• Stir in chia seeds for a high-fiber, nutritious fruit pudding!
• Add some shredded buko (young coconut) or nata de coco for more texture.
• A few drops of pandan flavoring will bring a lovely floral note.
• Include pomelo sections like the original Hong Kong version!

Easy steps

1. Cook sago- Bring about 2 inches of water to a boil in a pot. Add sago and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking. Turn off the heat and cover until the pearls are translucent. Drain and rinse well in a fine mesh sieve under cold water to remove excess starch.
2. Prepare the mangoes- Peel the fruit cut flesh from the pits and cube four mangoes, setting aside some diced fruit as a garnish.
3. Process the mango base. Combine the diced fruit, coconut milk, and sugar in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and silky.
4. Combine the blended mango and cooked mini sago pearls. Refrigerate the mixture for a few hours to chill and for the flavors to meld before serving.

Serving suggestions

Whether hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, you can elevate the mango sago experience in simple yet creative ways.

• In clear glasses, layer the mango sago mixture with whipped cream and chopped fresh mangoes into colorful parfaits.
• Drizzle the dessert with a swirl of coconut cream to contrast colors, or sprinkle with crunchy elements like crushed nuts, toasted coconut flakes, or crispy rice cereal to add texture. Garnish with edible flowers for an elegant level-up or mint leaves for a pop of freshness.
• Top with whipped cream or ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Serve in small shot glasses or ramekins for the perfect party setup or hollowed-out fresh fruits like a miniature pineapple and coconut for a fun, tropical touch.

Storage instructions

• This is one of the easiest desserts you can make. It only needs five ingredients and is convenient for serving a crowd as it can be prepped beforehand.
• Store the mango sago in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. Keeping the dessert chilled is not only for food safety but also to make it more refreshing and give the flavors a chance to meld.