Suafa’i (Samoan Hot Banana & Sago Pudding)

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Serves: 4
Best For: warm breakfasts, simple nourishing meals, traditional comfort food

A Warm Samoan Breakfast Made Simply

Suafa’i is a traditional Samoan hot banana pudding, similar in comfort to Koko Alaisa but made with ripe bananas and sago. It is often prepared using bananas that are very ripe or starting to brown, making it a practical and nourishing way to use what’s on hand.

Served hot and finished with coconut cream, Suafa’i is filling, gently sweet, and deeply comforting — a simple breakfast that reflects old-school island cooking and everyday care around the table.

Ingredients for Suafa’i

• 6–8 ripe bananas (very ripe or browning bananas work best)

• Water, as needed

• ½ cup sago (tapioca pearls)

• Sugar, to taste

• Coconut cream, to finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Peel and mash the bananas directly in a large pot until mostly smooth.

2. Add water until the liquid level is just even with the mashed bananas.

3. Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.

4. Soak the sago in a bowl of cool water while the banana mixture heats, gently breaking it up with your hands.

5. Once the pot is boiling, add the soaked sago with its soaking water to the banana mixture.

6. Stir continuously and cook until the sago turns fully transparent, showing it is cooked.

7. Adjust consistency and sweetness by adding more water and sugar as needed.

8. Turn off the heat and gently stir through coconut cream just before serving.

9. Serve hot, with extra coconut cream if desired.

Helpful Tips

• Very ripe bananas give the best flavour and sweetness

• Sago does not need to be drained, as it absorbs the water

• Stir well after adding sago to prevent sticking

Why This Recipe Works

• Traditional Samoan breakfast made with minimal ingredients

• Naturally gluten and dairy free

• Budget-friendly and filling

• Warm, nourishing, and comforting

Explore More Pacific Island Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also love:

• Koko Alaisa (Samoan Cocoa Rice Porridge)

• Fa’alifu Fa’i

• Alaisa Fa’apopo