Poi (Samoan Banana Smoothie Drink)

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 0 minutes | Total: 10 minutes | Serves: 4
Best For: Hot days, refreshing drinks, everyday island food

A Thick and Refreshing Island Banana Drink

Poi is a simple Samoan banana drink that is thick, naturally sweet, and incredibly refreshing. It is made mostly from ripe bananas, with just enough water to help with blending, then finished with coconut cream, vanilla, and ice.

This drink is especially popular on hot days and is naturally dairy free, making it light and easy to enjoy. While milk or ice cream can be added if desired, the classic version relies on banana, coconut, and vanilla for flavour and texture.

Ingredients for Poi

• 8 ripe bananas

• Water (a small amount, just for blending)

• ½ cup coconut cream (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (to taste)

• Ice

Optional:

• Milk, for a lighter finish

• Ice cream, for a dessert-style version

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Blend the bananas
   Peel the bananas and place them into a blender. Add a small amount of water — just enough to help the bananas blend. Blend until smooth and thick.

2. Transfer to a bowl
   Pour the blended banana into a large bowl or container. Repeat until all bananas are blended.

3. Add coconut cream and vanilla
   Add coconut cream and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir well to combine.

4. Add ice and adjust consistency
   Add ice and stir. As the ice melts, it will gradually loosen the mixture to the desired consistency.

5. Serve cold
   Pour into glasses and serve immediately, or chill briefly before serving.

Helpful Tips

• Poi should be thick and mostly banana, not watery

• Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness

• Add vanilla a little at a time to avoid overpowering

• Stirring the ice through helps control thickness

Why This Recipe Works

• Mostly banana for natural sweetness and body

• Simple, affordable ingredients

• Naturally dairy free

• Refreshing and filling

• Easy to customise

Explore More Family-Friendly Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also love:

• Vaimeleni (Samoan Watermelon Drink)

• Koko Samoa (Traditional Samoan Cocoa Drink)

• Fa’ausi Talo (Samoan Taro in Coconut Caramel)