
When the weather heats up or I need a mood lift, I turn to this creamy mango sago coconut treat. You get chewy tapioca pearls, lots of coconut, and sweet ripe mango in every chilly spoonful. It's rich but super refreshing too.
The moment mangoes hit the shelves, my family asks for this. Friends still text me about it long after a cookout, trying to score an invite for more.
Delightful Ingredients
- Full-fat coconut milk: Makes everything extra creamy. Give the can a good shake before opening to mix the cream fully.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Boosts sweetness. Taste and add more if your mango isn’t that sweet.
- Evaporated milk: Adds chill and silkiness. Keep it in the fridge so your dessert starts cold.
- Mango jelly: Offers playful texture and even more fruity punch. Use homemade or just pick up in the dessert aisle.
- Coconut jelly: Gives a nice bite and coconut flavor. Choose one that's not too soft, not too firm.
- Extra cubed mango: Scattered on top, so you get juicy fruit in some bites.
- Fresh mangoes: Pick ripe and fragrant ones. They're the main flavor here.
- Small sago pearls: These tiny balls get that signature chew. Try to grab pearls all the same size for even results.
Simple Steps
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover everything and pop the bowl in the fridge for an hour or more so it gets totally cold. If you’re in a rush, toss in some ice. Spoon into glasses, maybe add extra mango or coconut milk on top.
- Combine Everything:
- Mix the drained sago with diced mango, coconut jelly, mango jelly, both milks, and finally the blended mango puree. Gently stir. Taste in case you want more condensed milk for sweetness.
- Blend Mango:
- While the pearls chill, blend diced mango with fridge-cold evaporated milk. Blend it till smooth and creamy—this is your dessert base.
- Let Rest & Rinse:
- Take the pot off the stove and put a lid on for fifteen minutes until the pearls finish turning see-through. Rinse them really well in a sieve under cold water. Drop the pearls into a cold water bath so they won’t stick together and stay chewy.
- Cook Sago:
- Boil a big pot of water, toss in the pearls, and keep the heat up for fifteen minutes. Swirl gently now and then. Once they’re nearly see-through with a small white dot, they’re ready for the next step.

I love how coconut milk makes every bite creamy but never too heavy. The first time I tried this, my mom said it tasted like the summer street fairs from her childhood. Now it's our family's go-to for any happy gathering.
Keeping It Fresh
Store any leftovers in a sealed box in the fridge for up to forty-eight hours. The pearls can drink up some liquid overnight, so loosen it up with a splash more coconut milk before serving if it seems thick.
Switch Things Up
No fresh mangoes? Thawed frozen works well for both topping and puree. You can sub in lychee jelly for a flavor twist, swap out either jelly, or skip the jellies for a plainer version. Light coconut milk is okay, but the end result won’t taste as rich.

Fun Ways to Serve
Eat this straight from the fridge for max coolness. For parties, serve in see-through cups so folks can see all the layers. Sprinkle toasted coconut on top for crunch, or add a little mint to dress it up.
History and Background
Born in Hong Kong, mango sago is now loved across Southeast Asia for its dreamy chill and comfort. Some places add pomelo or other toppings, but the must-haves are always mango, coconut, and tapioca. Each city has their own spin.
Recipe FAQs
- → Which kind of mango should I use?
Go for juicy, soft mangos like Tommy Atkins or Ataulfo if you want it really sweet and with a nice yellow color.
- → How can I stop the sago pearls from sticking together?
Rinse the cooked sago under lots of cold water, then let them soak in cold water before you mix the rest in.
- → Is it OK to swap out coconut jelly or mango jelly?
Totally. Try swapping for any fruity jelly you like or just skip it if you can't find some or don't want it.
- → Any tips for the ultimate creamy bite?
Pick full-fat coconut milk and blend that mango with cold evaporated milk until it’s super smooth before mixing in.
- → Best way to serve this?
Make sure it's totally chilled, then serve cold. Add some extra mango cubes or a splash of coconut milk if you want to jazz it up.