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 Otai.
One year ago we shared the traditional Watermelon Otairecipe. This year the Polynesian Cultural Center is excited to share its close relative, Mango Otai, which is both refreshing and delicious! It is a favorite on Oahu, and is sure to be a favorite of yours!
The beginnings of a refreshing island treat
Ingredients
5 large fresh mangoes, grated
1 fresh medium pineapple, grated
1 ¼ cups coconut milk
½ cup heavy cream (or half and half for a healthier version)
¼ cup sugar
½ cup pineapple juice
2 cups crushed ice
Optional:
¾ cup fresh coconut meat (shredded)
1–2 passion fruit (lilikoi), finely mashed (adds an amazing flavor)
Directionsfor Mango Otai
Peel and grate 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 sugar is dissolved. Otai 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 otai 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 ¼ – 1 hour, grab a spoon and enjoy a slushy piece of heaven from the tropics.
Substitutions: If you are not able to come across fresh mangoesor pineapples, you certainly can use frozen. Consider grating them while they are partially frozen.
Makes 6 servings
Use a box grater to grate the ingredients
Mixture should be thick. Eat with a spoon or with a large straw.
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Nina Jones, a mainland gal from way back, is now a transplanted Islander. With her husband of 40+ years, she volunteers at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Her hobbies include swimming, traveling, studying and writing about what she is learning from the various Polynesian cultures. Her blogs focus on their history, beliefs, practices and – as an added bonus – delicious food! Polynesia is not just a place to visit, it is a way to live. Nina is very honored to be able to be a part of this amazing world.
Kip W Jenkinson October 2, 2017 at 12:27 am
My wife and I love getting recipes. Mahalo
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Nina Joneson October 2, 2017 at 12:42 am
Thanks for your interest and support. It is so fun to test these all out. I have had a number of otais this last month getting it just right! And last month it was the panipopo! I may have to find a low carb/calorie dish for this next month!
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Patricia Rohlfingon April 26, 2018 at 12:27 pm
Thanks for sharing Mango Recipes. really you properly listed how many Ingredients need and methods.
Great Blog….Reply
Navdeep Singhon October 30, 2020 at 9:50 am
I love this, I tried it with my friends and they really loved it, I am going to make it every day
😀Reply
Nina Joneson October 30, 2020 at 11:58 pm
So happy you find it as refreshing as we do. I like to add a tablespoon or two of my favorite granola (Anahola Tropical) right on the top….plus (truth be told) a tablespoon or two of whipped cream…..because it’s THAT GOOD!
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Bert Hilemanon September 28, 2021 at 3:18 pm
We went to the PCC a couple of years ago and now out daughter is attending there. I sent her money to try the Mango Otai because my wife and I loved it! Her roommate tried it and had to get one. Now I can make it here in Idaho? What?? It will never be as good a in Hawaii because mangos are never fresh here but we will try it out for sure! Mahalo for the recipe!
Reply
Nina Joneson October 5, 2021 at 3:22 am
You are so welcome! You are right about the differences between continental and island mango – but because of that, I might recommend you either find a high quality frozen package of mangoes, which you may find are more flavorful than mainland mangoes (especially out of season) or go to one of those membership box stores, because their mangoes tend to be from Costa Rica, and ‘usually’ much better in quality. Hope that helps.
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