Picture yourself sitting under a warm sun, with the scent of fresh coconut gracing the air. It’s one of those days when you need a cool treat to beat the heat, and that’s when I turn to Nam Wan—a delightful Lao dessert that combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with vibrant, tropical fruits. This recipe has a magical way of transporting me to sunny days, even when I’m in the kitchen!
What’s fantastic about Nam Wan is its incredible versatility; you can personalize it by adding your favorite fruits like juicy mango, refreshing banana, or even a handful of mixed berries. And the best part? You can whip it up in under 30 minutes! Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert after dinner or a charming dish for your next gathering, Nam Wan delivers on flavor and presentation, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Dive in and discover how easy it is to create this exotic treat that’s vegan, dairy-free, and irresistibly refreshing!
Why is Nam Wan a must-try dessert?
Delightfully Versatile: You can easily customize Nam Wan by adding a variety of fruits, ensuring it suits every taste preference.
Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dessert fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
Tropical Flavor Explosion: Experience the exotic mix of coconut and fruits that transports you straight to paradise.
Impressive Presentation: Serve this in clear cups to show off the beautiful layers of colors and textures, making it a feast for the eyes.
Vegan-Friendly: Enjoy this delightful treat knowing it’s completely dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
For more refreshing dessert ideas, check out our light summer recipes.
Nam Wan Ingredients
For the Tapioca Base
• Sago (Tapioca Pearls) – Provides that delightful chewiness; if you’re in a pinch, small pearl tapioca is a perfect substitute.
• Coconut Milk – The heart of this dessert, creating a rich and creamy base; for a lighter option, you can use light coconut milk, but it may alter the taste.
• Evaporated Milk – Adds a touch of extra creaminess; for a vegan option, simply swap in more coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy milk.
For the Sweetness
• Sugar – Sweetens the dessert beautifully; feel free to adjust the amount based on how sweet your fruits are, or swap with coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
For the Fruits
• Longan – Offers a sweet and exotic flavor; if you can’t find them, lychee or rambutan work wonderfully as substitutes.
• Jackfruit – Infuses a tropical flavor and texture; use thin slices of fresh jackfruit, or canned if fresh isn’t available.
For the Aromatics
• Pandan Leaf (optional) – Adds a delightful, aromatic layer to the dessert; if you don’t have it around, a few drops of pandan extract can create a similar essence.
Imagine the refreshing bite of Nam Wan as you enjoy the combination of creamy coconut milk with the vibrant fruits—it’s a dessert you don’t want to miss!
How to Make Nam Wan
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Cook the Pearls: Begin by boiling the sago (tapioca pearls) in water for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until they become translucent. Once cooked, turn off the heat, cover, and let them sit for another 10 minutes. Finally, drain and rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking.
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Make Coconut Base: In a saucepan, simmer the coconut milk, evaporated milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt (add pandan leaf if using) over medium heat. Stir for 2–3 minutes, or until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat to cool, then chill in the refrigerator.
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Prepare Fruit: Slice the jackfruit into thin pieces and drain any liquid from the longan if using canned fruit. This step ensures your dessert remains fresh and flavorful.
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Assemble: In your favorite serving bowls or glasses, layer the cooked tapioca pearls at the bottom. Top them with the sliced fruits, and finally, pour the chilled coconut milk mixture over everything. For the best flavor, serve your Nam Wan cold!
Optional: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Nam Wan
Room Temperature: Nam Wan is best enjoyed fresh; avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the texture of the tapioca pearls.
Freezer: While not recommended for this dessert, if freezing is necessary, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month; however, the texture may change upon thawing.
Reheating: If you prefer serving it warm, reheat by adding a splash of coconut milk and gently warming it on the stovetop, but keep in mind it tastes best chilled.
Expert Tips for Nam Wan
• Stir Often: Ensure you stir the tapioca pearls frequently while boiling to prevent them from sticking together.
• Chill for Flavor: Chill your assembled Nam Wan in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to enhance the flavors and ensure it’s refreshing.
• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality coconut milk for the best taste; always check for additives in canned options for a pure, delicious flavor.
• Adapt Your Fruits: Feel free to experiment with seasonal fruits; just make sure to adjust the sugar based on their natural sweetness for a perfectly balanced dessert.
• Presentation Matters: Serve in clear cups or glass bowls to showcase the vibrant layers of fruit and tapioca pearls, which adds visual appeal to the dish.
What to Serve with Nam Wan?
Creating the perfect tropical meal to accompany Nam Wan can elevate your dining experience into something truly delightful!
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Crispy Spring Rolls: These crunchy delights filled with fresh veggies provide a satisfying contrast to the creamy dessert. Pairing them with a sweet chili sauce brings out a flavor explosion that enhances your overall experience.
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Grilled Pineapple Skewers: The warm, caramelized sweetness of grilled pineapple complements the richness of the coconut milk beautifully, offering a burst of tropical flavor that’s hard to resist. Imagine enjoying the juicy bites alongside your Nam Wan.
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Mango Sticky Rice: This traditional dessert, with its sticky rice and sweet mango, echoes the Southeast Asian theme and balances perfectly with the creamy depths of Nam Wan. The sweet and chewy texture will have your taste buds dancing!
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Chilled Herbal Tea: A refreshing mint or jasmine herbal tea provides a crisp finish that lightens the whole meal, cleansing your palate between bites and enhancing the dessert’s tropical notes.
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Coconut Chia Pudding: Dive deeper into the tropical ambiance with chia pudding; its mild sweetness and creamy texture pair harmoniously with Nam Wan and can even be a healthy addition!
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A combination of seasonal fruits like watermelon, kiwi, and berries can add freshness and a refreshing crunch that complements the rich feel of Nam Wan. Enjoy it side by side for a total fruit overload!
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Passion Fruit Sorbet: This refreshing sorbet brings a tangy zing that beautifully offsets the creaminess of your dessert while keeping you cool and rejuvenated during those warmer days.
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Sparkling Coconut Water: A light and bubbly coconut drink adds a tropical twist that’s hydrating and complements the coconut flavors in Nam Wan. It’s a refreshing toast to your fabulous meal!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Nam Wan desserts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the tapioca pearls and chilled coconut base up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cook the sago (tapioca pearls) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator; this will keep them fresh and chewy. Likewise, make the coconut milk mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Just before serving, slice your fruits and assemble everything in bowls, layering the cooked pearls, fruit, and chilled coconut milk. This way, you’ll have a deliciously refreshing dessert ready with minimal effort!
Nam Wan Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you explore these exciting twists on the classic Nam Wan!
- Fruit Swap: Use mango, banana, or mixed berries for a fresh burst of flavor. Each fruit brings its unique sweetness, making the dessert even more delightful.
- Textured Boost: Add crushed nuts, such as cashews or almonds, for a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy coconut.
- Flavorful Twist: Incorporate a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of lime zest for an aromatic enhancement that brightens every bite.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, sprinkle a pinch of chili powder on top to create a bold flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Richness Layer: Substitute a portion of coconut milk with almond milk for a nutty twist that complements the tropical flavors beautifully.
- Layered Colors: Create stunning layers by placing different fruits in the bottom of your serving container, showcasing a rainbow of colors and inviting textures.
- Herbal Infusion: Try steeping fresh mint or basil in the coconut milk while simmering to create a refreshing herbal note that pairs wonderfully with the dessert.
- Dairy Option: If you’re not strictly vegan, feel free to add a splash of heavy cream or sweetened condensed milk for an extra rich treat!
Each variation invites you to personalize your Nam Wan, making it uniquely yours while staying true to its refreshing roots. Dive in and enjoy!
Nam Wan Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe fruits for my Nam Wan?
Absolutely! When choosing fruits like longan or jackfruit, look for ones that are firm yet slightly yielding to gentle pressure. For longan, ideal choices have a sweet fragrance and a translucent appearance. Jackfruit should be ripe with a slight aroma, and avoid any that have dark spots all over, indicating overripeness.
How should I store leftover Nam Wan?
After enjoying some delicious Nam Wan, you can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to consume it within this timeframe for the best texture. The tapioca pearls may become a bit firmer, but it will still be refreshing!
Can I freeze Nam Wan?
While freezing Nam Wan isn’t ideal—since the coconut milk can change texture—the dessert can be placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month if necessary. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of coconut milk to help restore its creaminess.
What if my tapioca pearls become gummy?
Not to worry! If you find your tapioca pearls are gummy after cooking, you may have boiled them too long or not rinsed them enough. Next time, boil them for about 15 minutes, then turn off the heat and let them sit covered for another 10 minutes. After that, drain and rinse them under cold water immediately to stop the cooking process and prevent stickiness.
Are there any dietary considerations for Nam Wan?
Very! Since Nam Wan is vegan and dairy-free, it’s perfect for those with lactose intolerance or who follow plant-based diets. However, if you’re preparing it for someone with allergies, be mindful of any fruit ingredients you choose. Always check labels for potential allergens, especially if using canned products.
Delicious Nam Wan: Refreshing Coconut Milk Fruit Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the tapioca pearls by boiling them in water for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until translucent, then let sit covered for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a saucepan, simmer coconut milk, evaporated milk, sugar, and salt (and pandan leaf if using) over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until the sugar dissolves. Remove and cool, then chill.
- Prepare the fruit: Slice jackfruit and drain liquid from longan (if canned).
- Assemble in serving bowls: Layer cooked tapioca pearls, top with fruits, and pour chilled coconut milk mixture over. Serve cold.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh mint leaves.