By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on July 18, 2023 | Last Updated on November 6, 2023
Vaifala is a classic Samoan drink from a beautiful island that is located in the Pacific Ocean. Vaifala is typically served cold and sweet, creamy, and delicious!
As a traditional dish, it is a great way to cool off in the hot tropical climate. Whether you are just looking for something light after dinner or having a party, this Vaifala will be sure to please!
The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make so you can make it anytime you’re feeling hungry or in need of a quick.
So go ahead and give this a try. Follow the instructions and you’ll be able to create a delicious, creamy vaifala in no time!
What is Vaifala?
Vaifala is a traditional drink from the Cook Islands that is made with coconut milk, pineapple juice, and sugar. It is creamy and sweet but not overly heavy or rich. Vaifala can be enjoyed cold or hot depending on personal preference.
It has been around for generations and remains a popular beverage throughout the Pacific. The flavor of the dish comes from the combination of coconut milk, pineapple juice, and sugar which makes it unique and delicious.
The creamy nature of the dish also makes it great for any occasion. It can be served as an after-dinner digestif or enjoyed during a meal with friends and family. Additionally, it is often used as a dessert to end a meal on a sweet note.
What does it taste like?
Vaifala has a unique and delicious taste that is hard to replicate. It has a sweet, yet subtle coconut flavor with hints of pineapple that are refreshing and enjoyable.
The texture can vary from creamy to light depending on how much coconut milk you use. Additionally, the sugar can be adjusted to make it sweeter or more mild if desired.
Overall, Vaifala is a light and refreshing dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day. It is perfect for a summer afternoon or an after-dinner snack. With its unique flavor profile, it is sure to please anyone!
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How did I first get introduced to the Vaifala?
I first got introduced to the Vaifala when I was living in the Cook Islands. I had heard about this traditional dish from friends and they insisted that I try it out for myself. Naturally, I was intrigued and decided to give it a go!
The first time I made the Vaifala, my eyes were opened to how creamy and delicious it was. The combination of coconut milk, pineapple juice, and sugar made for a light but flavorful beverage that I couldn’t get enough of! Since then, I have been making Vaifala on a regular basis.
I love to serve the dish cold during hot summer days or as an after-dinner digestif. It is perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to make so it’s ideal for busy days too!
Making the Vaifala also brings me closer to my friends from the Cook Islands who taught me how to make this delicious drink. It provides me with a sense of home and allows me to reminisce on fond memories while indulging in this creamy and sweet treat.
I make the Vaifala because it is so easy to prepare but delivers a big flavor. It’s perfect for a hot summer day or an after-dinner digestif and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. Overall, I would highly recommend trying out this traditional dish from the Cook Islands as it is sure to be a hit!
How to make Vaifala?
Making Vaifala is a fairly simple process that doesn’t require any special ingredients. All you need is the ingredients & the step-by-step instructions:
Ingredients
- Coconut milk: This is the main ingredient in Vaifala and gives it a creamy, coconut flavor.
- Pineapple juice: This adds sweetness to the dish and complements the coconut milk.
- Water: This helps thin out the mixture which will allow for easier cooking.
- Sugar: Sweeten to taste, but most will call for around ¼ cup of sugar.
- Vanilla extract: This adds a subtle flavor to the dish and is optional.
- Ice cubes: This will help cool down the mixture and make it easier to eat.
- Pineapple slices (optional): For garnish, the pineapple slices can be used as a topping or decoration for the finished dish.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
In a blender, add the coconut milk, pineapple juice, water, sugar and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
Step 2
Pour into glasses and add ice cubes if desired.
Step 3
Garnish with pineapple slices (optional) & serve.
Tips
-For a smoother consistency when blending, use cold ingredients.
-If you want to make it even sweeter, you can add more sugar or a little bit of honey.
-You can also adjust the amount of coconut milk depending on how creamy you’d like your Vaifala to be.
-To make it healthier, use unsweetened coconut milk and reduce the amount of sugar used.
-For an extra kick, try adding some rum or vodka.
Vaifala Recipe
Equipment
- Glass
- Blender
Ingredients
- Ice cubes carefully prepared to provide a refreshing and chilled sensation, ensuring your drink is cool and invigorating.
- 1 cup of crystal-clear water meticulously measured to provide a clean and hydrating element that dilutes the flavors and ensures a well-balanced consistency.
- 2 teaspoons of fragrant vanilla extract skillfully added to impart a warm and aromatic note that complements the tropical flavors and adds depth to the overall taste.
- 2 cups of refreshing pineapple juice carefully pressed from succulent and tropical pineapples, offering a sweet and tangy note that balances the creaminess of the coconut milk.
- 2 cans 800 ml of luscious and creamy coconut milk, meticulously extracted from ripe and flavorful coconuts, creating a velvety and rich base for the drink.
- Pineapple slices for garnish, optional, offering a vibrant and tropical touch to your drink, adding visual appeal and a hint of extra sweetness if desired.
- 1/2 cup of sugar adjust to taste, thoughtfully measured to enhance the sweetness of the drink, allowing you to customize it according to your preference.
Instructions
- For a deliciously refreshing drink, put coconut milk, pineapple juice, water, sugar and vanilla extract into a blender.
- Blend the ingredients together until they are velvety smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to glasses and add ice cubes if you want an extra chill.
- To make it look fancy, top off the beverage with some pineapple slices (optional).
Notes
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Vaifala?
Vaifala is best served cold and can be enjoyed on its own or with other dishes. It pairs especially well with grilled meats such as pork, chicken, and fish. Additionally, it can be used to enhance the flavor of vegetables such as squash, zucchini, eggplant, okra, and more!
Furthermore, Vaifala is a great accompaniment to desserts such as fruit pies, ice cream, and even pancakes. Lastly, it can be enjoyed with a variety of pastries including cakes, cookies, and muffins.
How to store leftover Vaifala?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Vaifala can last up to three days when stored correctly. When ready to serve again, simply heat it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, Vaifala is generally safe for pregnant women to consume. Even I think it is a healthy option for pregnant women, as it is high in vitamins and minerals.
However, we suggest speaking to your doctor before consuming any type of food or beverages if you are pregnant.
FAQs
Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes, you can make Vaifala sugar-free by substituting the sugar with a non-sugar alternative such as stevia or monk fruit.
What is the difference between Vaifala and other coconut milk-based drinks?
Vaifala is unique in that it combines coconut milk, pineapple juice, and sugar which gives it its signature flavor. sugar-free alternatives such as stevia or monk fruit. Other coconut milk-based drinks, such as Thai iced tea and bubble tea, are made with a different combination of ingredients and tend to be sweeter than Vaifala.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make Vaifala dairy-free by substituting coconut milk with a plant-based alternative such as oat or almond milk. This will still give you the same creamy texture but without the dairy.
Can I make it alcoholic?
Yes, if desired, Vaifala can be made into an alcoholic beverage by adding rum or vodka to the mixture. Be sure to adjust any other ingredients accordingly. However, keep in mind that consuming alcohol is not recommended if you are pregnant.
Wrapping Up
Vaifala is a traditional dish from the Cook Islands that is sure to please anyone who has the pleasure of trying it!
The combination of creamy coconut milk, sweet pineapple juice, and sugar makes for a light yet flavorful beverage that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family.
By following the step-by-step instructions, you can easily make Vaifala at home in just a few minutes. I hope you find this as enjoyable as I do!
Please share this article if you enjoyed it and don’t forget to leave a comment with your thoughts on this! Thanks for reading.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
