Dessert · Beverage · Asian ·

Filipino Gulaman at Sago with Brown Sugar Syrup

Name: Filipino Gulaman at Sago with Brown Sugar Syrup
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: Large sago pearls, 1 cup; Water, 5 cups; Clear gelatin powder, 1 package (25 grams); Water, 4 cups; Sugar, 1/2 cup; Water, 2 cups; Dark brown sugar or muscovado sugar, 1 1/2 cups; Ice cubes; Evaporated milk, for added creaminess

This Filipino classic is a chilled, sweet treat that combines chewy sago pearls and delightful gulaman in a rich brown sugar syrup.

4.9(677 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 26, 2025

Filipino Gulaman at Sago with Brown Sugar Syrup — Dessert served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Easy

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Sago Pearls

For the Gulaman

For the Brown Sugar Syrup

Optional Add-ins

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 311 kcal
Protein: 5.2 g
Carbs: 71.8 g
Fat: 1.1 g
Fiber: 0.1 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1868 kcal
Protein: 31.2 g
Carbs: 431 g
Fat: 6.3 g
Fiber: 0.3 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Large sago pearls 1 cup	544	0.2	134	0.3	0.3
Water 5 cups	0	0	0	0	0
Clear gelatin powder 1 package (25 grams)	92	23	0	0	0
Water 4 cups	0	0	0	0	0
Sugar 1/2 cup	387	0	100	0	0
Water 2 cups	0	0	0	0	0
Dark brown sugar or muscovado sugar 1 1/2 cups	721	1	187	0	0
Ice cubes	0	0	0	0	0
Evaporated milk for added creaminess	124	7	10	6	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Cooking the Sago Pearls

1
Bring to a boil
Bring 5 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
2
Add sago pearls
Add sago pearls and stir frequently to prevent sticking.
3
Boil and rest
Boil for about 30 minutes, then turn off the heat and cover. Let it sit for another 30 minutes. Drain and rinse thoroughly in cold water.
Tip: Do not overcook the sago pearls as they can become too mushy. Rinsing sago in cold water after cooking gives them a perfect chewy texture.

Preparing the Gulaman

1
Dissolve gelatin
Dissolve the gelatin powder in 4 cups of water.
2
Add sugar
Add 1/2 cup sugar and stir until fully dissolved.
3
Cook and set
Bring to a boil, then pour into a mold and let set. Once set, cut into small cubes.

How to Make Filipino Gulaman at Sago with Brown Sugar Syrup

Total time: 2 h · Yields 6 servings

1
Making Brown Sugar Syrup
Boil 2 cups of water with 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup thickens slightly.
2
Combining Components
In a large pitcher, combine cooked sago, gulaman cubes, and the prepared syrup. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
3
Optional Add-ins
Just before serving, you may add ice cubes and a splash of evaporated milk for creaminess.