Thai Sago Pudding - Khanom Saku Piak

By Sho @ Hungry for Thai on Feb 17th 2025 Updated: Aug 5th 2025

Thai Sago Pudding (Khanom Saku Piak)

Creamy, jiggly, and lightly sweet, this Thai Sago Pudding (Khanom Saku Piak) is a traditional Thai dessert made with chewy tapioca pearls and rich coconut milk.

It’s one of those nostalgic, comforting treats you’ll often find at Thai street food stalls or family gatherings—and it’s incredibly easy to make at home!

Whether you’re new to this dessert or searching for a traditional sago pudding recipe, this version is perfect.

It’s also a great make-ahead dessert for dinner parties, since you can chill it in the fridge a day ahead and serve it cold or room temperature.

🌿 What is Sago? (Real Sago vs. Tapioca Pearls)

Sago is a starch extracted from the sago palm tree, traditionally found in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

It’s gently sweetened with sugar and sometimes enhanced with flavors like pandan, mango, corn, or banana.

The pudding becomes slightly jiggly and creamy once cooled.

In Thailand, it’s called Khanom Saku Piak (ขนมสาคูเปียก)—a comforting coconut pudding with tapioca pearls that’s simple yet satisfying.

The true sago pearls have a natural light brown or pinkish hue and a soft, chewy texture.

In Thai desserts, “sago pearls” are often tapioca pearls made from cassava root, which is a starchy tuber.

Tapioca pearls, usually white and sometimes artificially colored (e.g., green for Thai treats), are made from cassava starch.

While sago pearls are traditionally derived from the sago palm, tapioca pearls made from cassava root are commonly used in their place.

Both types cook similarly and are often used interchangeably in recipes.

For this recipe, we are using small tapioca pearls, which are more commonly available.

What you'll need

• Sago Pearls – Chewy, translucent pearls that form the base of the dessert.
• Water – Used to boil the sago pearls.
• Coconut Milk – Adds creaminess and rich coconut flavor.
• Sugar – Sweetens the dessert (adjust to taste).
• Palm sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness.
• Sweet Corn – Adds natural sweetness and texture.
• Pandan Leaves (optional) – Adds a fragrant, floral aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Sago Pudding Recipe 🩷

✔️ Simple Ingredients – Made with just a handful of pantry staples.

✔️ Naturally Gluten-Free – Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

✔️ Customizable – Add sweet corn, taro, or young coconut meat for extra texture.

✔️ Comforting & Creamy – A warm, silky pudding that’s delicious year-round!

How to Make Thai Sweet Sago Pudding

⚡️Quick Steps for Thai Sago Pudding - Khanom Saku Piak. Here’s a simple version that’s perfect for busy days:

1. Rinse the sago pearls in water until clean and set aside.
2. In the first pot, bring water to a boil. Add the sago pearls and cook until they turn translucent. Then, add granulated sugar, palm sugar, and sweet corn. Continue boiling until fully combined, then scoop into serving bowls and set aside.
3. In the second pot, heat the coconut milk over low heat. Add a pinch of salt and simmer until thickened.
4. Pour over the prepared sago pudding and serve.

What to serve with Thai Sweet Sago Pudding

Thai Sweet Sago Pudding pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. Here are some ideas:

🥭 Fresh fruit – Tropical fruits like mango, papaya, or longan make a refreshing pairing.

🧋Thai tea – A chilled Thai iced tea perfectly complements the sweetness of the pudding.
🍹 Lychee Lemonade — Refreshing Summer Drink. Brighten your day with this tropical lychee lemonade made with lemon juice, lychee syrup, and soda water.

🥘 Thai Bamboo Shoot Curry – After a spicy curry, a sweet dessert like sago pudding provides the perfect contrast.

Looking to switch it up? Try these fun twists:

🥭 Thai Mango Sago Pudding: Add diced mango or puree for a fruity tropical touch

🍃 Sago Pandan Pudding: Use pandan extract or juice for a light green color and floral aroma

🍓 Sago with Berries: Top with fresh berries and mint for a modern vibe

Whether you’re making traditional Thai coconut sago pudding, experimenting with mango sago pudding, or curious about what is sago pudding—this dessert is easy, customizable, and totally satisfying.

Bookmark this coconut sago pudding recipe for your next sweet craving!