Mango ʻOtai: Traditional Tongan Recipe
A Tropical Treat from Tonga
Island breezes, coconut trees, waves lapping on a sandy beach. This must be paradise, yes? But even paradise can get a bit warm, so a special part of any visit to our beautiful island home includes a refreshing drink known locally as ʻOtai.
One year ago we shared the traditional Watermelon ʻOtai recipe. This year the Polynesian Cultural Center is excited to share its close relative, Mango ʻOtai, which is both refreshing and delicious! It is a favorite on Oʻahu, and is sure to become one of yours too!
Mango ʻOtai Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 large fresh mangoes, grated (about 4 cups / 600g)
- 1 medium fresh pineapple, grated (about 2 cups / 300g)
- 1¼ cups (300 ml) coconut milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (Optional: use half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) pineapple juice
- 2 cups (240 g) crushed ice
Optional Add-ins
- ¾ cup (65 g) fresh coconut meat, shredded
- 1–2 passion fruit (lilikoi), finely mashed
Directions
Peel and grate the mangoes and pineapple in a large bowl. A heavy box style grater tends to work best. Add liquids, sugar, crushed ice and any optional ingredients, then mix with a large spoon until the sugar is fully dissolved. ʻOtai is more of a treat than a beverage and is meant to be spoon-able so if you find it too thick, simply add water, or more juice.
If not used immediately, mix again before serving.
You can drink your mango ʻotai immediately, store in the fridge, or for a refreshing treat later, pour into styrofoam or heavy plastic cups with fitted lids and place in your freezer. That way, whenever you want you can take out a cup, defrost it for about 15 minutes to one hour, grab a spoon and enjoy a slushy piece of heaven from the tropics.
Substitutions: If you are not able to come across fresh mangoes or pineapples, you certainly can use frozen. Consider grating them while they are partially frozen.
Makes 6 servings
