If you’re someone who loves traditional Samoan drinks, try out this recipe for Samoan Vaifala (Pineapple Drink).
What is vaifala?
Vaifala is a traditional Samoan drink loved by many locals and people from around the globe. To understand what vaifala means in the Samoan language, let’s break down the word: vai means water/drink and fala means pineapple. The word Vaifala literally translates to pineapple drink.
You’ll find vaifala served on the islands during hot days or when families and friends visit from overseas. Kiss the heat goodbye with vaifala. It’s always refreshing when served fresh and cold.
Samoan vaifala is similar to Tongan mango otai and watermelon otai drinks. However, instead of using mango and watermelon, Samoans use pineapple.
Vaifala is a fun combination of refreshing liquid and spoonable crushed fruit —wait till you try it. It’s a treat everytime you bite into the grated pineapple for a refreshing burst of juice in between sips!
What is vaifala made of?
Vaifala is made using only four ingredients: pineapple, coconut cream, coconut juice or water, and sugar. It’s a traditional Samoan recipe that has been passed down for generations.
But we’ve seen some creative variations over the years! You can substitute coconut cream with condensed milk or whole milk, use canned pineapple instead of local ingredients and for an ever richer flavor, you can add few drops of vanilla—it’s still delicious!
Making vaifala doesn’t require much work or time, and the recipe is simple to follow. The best Samoan vaifala uses fresh ingredients and ensures the consistency of the mixture is not too thick or watery.
Traditional Samoan vaifala requires 4 basic ingredients: pineapple, coconut cream, sugar and water, plus ice to keep it cold.
Traditional Vaifala Recipe
Ingredients (Note: This recipe is perfect for those who are allergic to dairy products.)
- 1 very ripe whole pineapple (4 cups of grated pineapple)
- 1 can of coconut cream (if you cannot find coconut cream, substitue with coconut milk and do not add water)
- ½ cup of water (or as needed for consistency)
- ½ cup of brown sugar (according to taste)
- Ice
Prep Time: 10 minutes or less
Servings: 6 people
How to make Vaifala (Samoan Pineapple Drink)
Directions
1. Prepare your pineapple in 3 simple steps
1. Twist and pull the pineapple stem off.
2. Remove the skin with a knife.
3. Cut the pineapple in 4 halves. Remove the pineapple core, which makes the grating process easier.
2. Grate the 4 halves of the pineapple
The process of grating the pineapple.
Using a large plate, grate each half of the pineapple using a box grater. After grating, transfer to a large bowl and include all juice that has gathered. Stir and get ready to combine with the rest of the ingredients.
Poour the coconut cream into the grated pineapple.
3. Pour 1 can of coconut cream and stir. You’ll see the mixture is thickening up.
- Tip: Shake the can before use.
Add approximately 1/2 cup of water into the mixture. All you want is enough to help it pour easily into your drinking glasses.
4. Add up to ½ cup of water and stir. The water reduces the thickness of the coconut cream and brings the mixture to balance.
- Tip: You don’t want your vaifala to be too thick or watery.
Add a 1/2 cup of sugar into the mixture.
5. Taste your mixture before you add sugar. If it’s not sweet enough then add the whole ½ cup of sugar and stir.
Stir the mixture well until sugar dissolves.
6. Refrigerate for approximately 1 hour to get that cold temperature, Or if you want to drink your vaifala immediately, add in some crushed or cubed ice.
A traditional Samoan vaifala (pineapple drink) needs a spoon to get to every tasty bite!
7. Get ready to serve your delicious Samoan vaifala (pineapple drink).
Alternative Vaifala Recipe
Ingredients: (Note: This recipe is perfect for those who are not allergic to dairy products)
- 1 can of pineapple (crushed)
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, or 1 ¼ cup of whole milk
- ½ cup of water (optional)
- ½ cup of brown sugar (according to taste)
- 2 tsp of vanilla extract (flavor)
- approximately 1 cup of crushed ice or cubes
Directions when using canned pineapple
Skip steps 1 and 2 when using a can of crushed pineapple. Repeat Steps 3, 4, 5 & 6 above.
What can go with vaifala?
Banana and pineapple is a classic combination. But you can definitely add your favorite fruits or toppings in your vaifala drink.
Personally, I love to add coconut flakes or shredded and crushed unsalted peanuts in my vaifala drink! It’s that versatile.
How long does vaifala last?
You can enjoy your vaifala drink for about 5 days as long as you store and refrigerate it properly (in a sealed jar is best) and pour the drink into a glass before enjoying. Drinking straight from the jar can spoil your vaifala drink.
Cheers to this delicious Samoan vaifala.
Are you ready to make some vaifala this summer? The recipe is so simple to make at home. Take a sip of Samoan vaifala, and your taste buds will thank you.
For some more tasty Samoan favorites, click on the links below:
https://blog.polynesia.com/supoesi-traditional-samoan-recipe
https://blog.polynesia.com/pani-popo-a-sticky-gooey-gotta-have-it-treat-from-samoa
https://blog.polynesia.com/koko-rice
https://blog.polynesia.com/easypalusami
https://blog.polynesia.com/pani-popo-a-sticky-gooey-gotta-have-it-treat-from-samoa
Bio of Quinney Suaava, Blog Coordinator at the Polynesian Cultural Center
My family, culture, talent, and knowledge are the things I treasure the most. And the things I love to do are spending time with the people I love, traveling to different places, cooking Samoan food, singing and playing the ukelele, learning new things about life, and the list goes on! All of these contribute to my passion, experience and love for writing.
Is this the juice served on the luau dinner at the Polynesian Cultural Center? I would love to know (specially because I am pregnant and miss that so badly). Thanks for sharing this recipe!
We actually do not have that exact recipe. I can say, however, that this authentic recipe is what such drinks served throughout the islands are based on. I’m sure you’ll love it. My suggestion is to use little to no ice and to place it in the fridge once prepared for at least an hour for that crisp, cooling effect perfect for a hot tropical summers day.