About the Recipe
Chè Xoài Bưởi Trân Châu, or Mango Pomelo Sago, is a classic Hong Kong dessert that has become a favorite throughout Asia. Made with sweet ripe mango, juicy pomelo, chewy sago pearls, and creamy coconut milk, it's a dessert that's both refreshing and satisfying.
Though it originated in Hong Kong, this tropical dessert is now loved across Southeast Asia and is especially popular during the summer. At Ngon's Kitchen, I love making it with perfectly ripe fruit and serving it well chilled - a simple, vibrant dessert that lets each ingredient shine.
Ingredients
2 ripe mangoes (2 lb), peeled and cubed
1/2 medium pomelo (or 1 grapefruits)
1 cup coconut milk
1/3 cup (80 gr) small tapioca pearls (sago)
1/4 cup evaporated milk (or whole milk as substitute)
3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
Preparation
1. Cook the Tapioca Pearls
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the sago pearls, stir, and simmer for 3 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 15 minutes or until the pearls turn translucent. Rinse under cold running water, drain well, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Mango Purée/Smoothie
Cut the mangoes into cubes. Reserve half of the mango cubes for toppings. Blend the remaining mango with coconut milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk (whole milk) until smooth and creamy to create a mango purée.
3. Combine and Chill
Mix the cooked pearls into the mango purée. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
4. Prepare the Pomelo
Cut the pomelo (or grapefruit) in half, peel away the thick rind, and separate the pulp. Gently loosen the pomelo sacs/pulp so they fall apart into small juicy bits. Set aside.
5. Assemble and Serve
In a dessert glass or bowl, layer as follows:
Pour in a layer of mango sago mixture.
Add some mango cubes. Top with pomelo pulp. Then finish with a drizzle of coconut milk (optional). Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing, creamy, tropical flavors!
Notes:
The key to this dessert’s flavor is sweet ripe mangoes.
If the mixture is too thick after chilling, add a splash of cold milk or coconut milk before serving.
Pomelo can be replaced with ruby grapefruit for a slightly tangier flavor.