First, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium pot. Add the sago pearls and stir gently so they don’t clump together.
Cook them for about 15–20 minutes until most pearls turn translucent. Once done, drain them through a strainer and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set them aside.
Peel your ripe mangoes and cut them into small cubes. Keep some chunks aside for garnish later. With the rest, blend into a smooth puree using a blender. The aroma of fresh mango at this stage is heavenly!
In a mixing bowl, combine coconut milk, condensed milk, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir well until it’s silky and sweetened to your taste. If you prefer a richer version, mix in evaporated milk here too.
Now gently fold in the cooked sago pearls into the coconut mixture. Add the mango puree and stir until it’s beautifully golden and evenly combined. This is when it starts looking irresistible!
Transfer the mixture into serving glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling makes the flavors blend perfectly. When serving, top with fresh mango cubes, a few mint leaves, and maybe even extra fruits for a vibrant finish.