Tropical Sago't Gulaman Recipe

Cook sago according to package directions.

Meanwhile, make the pandan syrup: Boil together 5 cups water and pandan until aromatic, about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove pandan, squeezing leaves to drain excess water. Add brown sugar; simmer until dissolved and syrupy. Set aside 1 cup syrup. Add vanilla to remaining mixture. Let cool.

Mix together cooked sago and reserved 1 cup syrup. Set aside.

Mix together pineapple juice, 11/2 cups pandan syrup, and 2 cups water. Add banana essence; mix.

Fill 1/3 of a glass with sago and gulaman cubes. Add crushed ice and pour in pineapple juice mixture. Serve with extra pandan syrup on the side. Garnish with pandan leaf, if desired.