Honeydew Sago / Sai Mai Lo

“Sai Mai Lo” (Cantonese) or “Xi Mi Lu” (Mandarin) is a Chinese dessert quite commonly found in Dim Sum places or dessert stands/stores in Asia. There are a few different kind of “Sai Mai Lo'”; honeydew, taro, mango, watermelon, etc and all of them will have the must have ingredients of tapioca pearls and a sweet creamy “soup base” although some are served on a bed of shaved ice. Either way, these are yummy desserts!

I made some the other day since I have some cantaloupe in the fridge. The melon used has got to be ripe so that the sweetness from the melon enhances the outcome of this dessert. Some recipes require the use of coconut milk and/or evaporated milk. I personally prefer using just evaporated milk. And here’s my version/recipe :

HONEYDEW SAI MAI LO RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Honeydew Melon / Cantaloupe, Diced Finely
• 1/2 Cup Tapioca Pearls
• 5-2/3 Cups Water
• 2/3 Cup Sugar
• 2 Pandan Leaves, Knotted (**Optional)
• 1 Can (12 Fl Oz) Evaporated Milk

Method:

In a pot, boil 5 cups of water and add tapioca pearls when water is boiling. Cook for 15 minutes, turn off heat and cover for 10 minutes for the pearls to continue cooking. **Do not overcook the tapioca pearls as you would end up with a pot of glue!! Then strain the cooked tapioca pearls, run it through cold water and set aside.

In another pot, add sugar and Pandan leaves to remaining 2/3 cup of water. Boil the mixture until all sugar has dissolved. Set aside and let syrup cool. This would give you more syrup than you actually need. You can store the extra syrup in an airtight container, in the fridge for another few days.

In a medium mixing bowl, add diced melon, cooked tapioca pearls and evaporated milk. Slowly add syrup to taste. Adjust amount of syrup according to your sweet preference. I added about 1/2 cup of syrup to my mixture. (I love my dessert SWEET) Chill for about 3-4 hours until dessert is cold. You may also add ice cubes before serving.