My Sago at Gulaman Recipe (Filipino Sago and Jelly Drink) - AlmostNordic (2024)

Details Behind My Sago at Gulaman Recipe

Sago at Gulaman Recipe – Sago at gulaman, commonly known as “sago’t gulaman” or “gulaman,” is one of the most popular type of samalamig in the Philippines. The name refers to the key ingredients of the drink: sago pearls and gulaman jellies (agar). This refreshing beverage is usually subtly sweetened with muscovado (or brown sugar) and flavored with pandan leaves. Vanilla or banana extract can be used as alternatives to pandan. Tapioca pearls are also commonly used instead of sago in this widely enjoyed Filipino chilled drink.

Now, what is samalamig? Samalamig, also known as palamig, is a variety of Filipino chilled drinks sold by street vendors. These sweet beverages are loved for their delicious mix of flavors and jelly-like textures. They include ingredients like gulaman (agar), sago pearls, kaong, tapioca pearls, nata de coco, and different types of coconut, such as macapuno. Referred to as pearl coolers or pearl and jelly coolers, samalamig is a popular part of Filipino street food culture.

In addition to the traditional ingredients, samalamig can also have chilled fruit juices with fruit chunks, chocolate, and coffee-based drinks, offering a diverse and satisfying range for customers.

Additional Notes for My Sago at Gulaman Recipe

There are plenty of ways to make the drink even better. For better flavor and presentation, try adding banana essence to the brown sugar syrup or including grass jelly for its ideal consistency and complementary color. To simplify, use ready-to-use sago, making preparation easier. With these key ingredients on hand, quickly prepare the arnibal syrup in just 5 minutes to finish your delicious beverage.

Enjoy the drink by placing gulaman and sago in a tall glass with ice, pouring chilled gulaman syrup on top. Adjust sweetness based on whether you use ice or not. For storage, keep gulaman and sago in separate lidded containers and the syrup in a pitcher, refrigerating everything for up to three days to maintain freshness.

Other Desserts With Sago

There are a variety of desserts featuring sago. For something similar to sago at gulaman, you should try taho. Taho is a classic Filipino comfort food made with soft tofu, sweet arnibal syrup, and sago pearls. While traditionally featuring a caramel-like sauce, variations like Strawberry Taho add extra flavor with a delightful strawberry twist. This dish is simple and can be easily prepared at home, offering a tasty and versatile treat for those seeking a unique twist on the beloved Filipino comfort food.

Another option is ginataang bilo-bilo. Ginataang Bilo bilo is a sweet stew made with small sticky rice balls, coconut milk, and sugar. It also includes jackfruit, saba bananas, various tubers, and tapioca pearls, collectively called bilo bilo. It originated in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, in the Philippines, with regional variations that may include young coconut or pandan leaves for flavor. Typically served hot, this dessert can also be enjoyed cold after refrigeration, offering a versatile and delightful option.

Other Refreshing Desserts with Fun Textures

If you want to explore other dessert options, there is a list of fun treats to try. One option is the fruity variation of maja blanca. Maja blanca is a coconut milk-based dessert, often enjoyed during fiestas and holidays like Christmas, making it a delightful treat for friends and family. The traditional version has coconut pudding with corn kernels, adding texture and flavor. This is where the Fruity Maja Blanca alternative comes in. This variation includes mixed fruits and is also known as Maja Jubilee, featuring a fruit co*cktail instead of fresh fruit.

One other fruity dessert to try is crema de fruta. Crema de Fruta is a classic Filipino fruitcake made with layers of sponge cake, sweet custard or whipped cream, gelatin/agar, and an assortment of fruits like mangoes, pineapples, cherries, and strawberries. Traditionally enjoyed during Christmas, this dessert provides flexibility in its layers, allowing variations with jam, sago (tapioca pearls), or condensed milk for diverse and personalized versions of this beloved Filipino treat.

There is a wide range of sweet treats to try in Filipino cuisine with fun ingredients, such as cassava suman. Sweet drinks are just one of many categories to explore in Filipino sweets. For more street treats, there is cheese ice cream.