Koko Alaisa (Samoan Cocoa Rice Porridge)

Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 30–40 mins | Total Time: 35–45 mins | Serves: 4–6
Best For: Comforting breakfasts, cool mornings, shared family meals

A Warm Breakfast Made with Heart

Koko Alaisa is a traditional Samoan cocoa rice porridge often enjoyed for breakfast or as a light meal. Warm, simple, and deeply comforting, it’s a dish many grew up with — especially on cooler mornings or when something gentle and filling was needed.

Made with cocoa and rice cooked slowly together, Koko Alaisa reflects the Samoan way of cooking: few ingredients, patience, and care. It’s nourishing, soothing, and meant to be eaten warm, usually shared with others.

A Cultural Note

Traditionally, koko Samoa is made from cocoa beans that are fermented, dried, roasted, and ground. It has a deeper, slightly more bitter flavour than regular cocoa powder and is commonly used in Koko Alaisa.

Because Samoan koko may not always be easy to source outside the islands, cocoa powder is often used as a practical substitute in modern kitchens.

Ingredients

• 1 cup short- or medium-grain rice

• 4 cups water

• 2–3 tablespoons Samoan koko, finely ground
  (or cocoa powder if Samoan koko is unavailable)

• Sugar, to taste

• Coconut cream, to finish. 

Instructions

1. Cook the rice
   Rinse rice thoroughly. Place rice and water into a pot and bring to a boil.
   Reduce heat and simmer until rice is fully cooked and soft.

2. Add the koko
   Stir in the ground Samoan koko, mixing well to prevent lumps.

3. Sweeten to taste
   Add sugar gradually, stirring and tasting as you go.

4. Adjust consistency
   Koko Alaisa should be smooth and porridge-like. Add water if needed. 

5. Simmer gently
   Simmer for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, then turn off heat.

6. Finish & serve
   Turn off the heat and gently stir through coconut cream.
   Allow to rest briefly, then serve warm.

Helpful Tips

• Samoan koko is naturally more bitter than cocoa powder — adjust sugar slowly.

• Stir regularly to keep the rice from sticking.

• Koko Alaisa thickens as it cools; add water to loosen if needed.

Why This Recipe Works

• Minimal ingredients, full comfort

• Naturally warming and filling

• Easy to adjust sweetness and thickness

• Perfect for everyday family breakfasts

Serving Suggestions

Koko Alaisa is commonly enjoyed:

• On its own

• With bread or toast.

• As a gentle meal when you’re unwell

Explore More Comforting Family Meals

If you loved this recipe, you may also enjoy:

• Panipopo (Samoan Coconut Buns)

• Lu‘au Ulo

• Pacific Island & Samoan Recipes