As mango season begins, restaurants, cafés and even roadside stalls across Bengaluru are refreshing their menus to celebrate the king of fruits. From spicy, tangy raw mango slivers to thick shakes brimming with juicy, sweet chunks, the city is turning into a haven for mango lovers. From fruit to full mealA versatile ingredient, mango is being transformed into elaborate spreads. At Hallimane in Malleswaram, it takes centre stage in a full-fledged lunch menu featuring mango rice, raw mango palya, mango holige and even mango rasam — a true mango feast in every bite. “As someone who loves mangoes in any form, this is a must-try for me because everything is made from mangoes — both sweet and savoury. It’s truly a feast for the palate, from the sweets to the sides and curries,” says Rajashree, a homemaker who says she loves checking out mango-based menus in the city.A must to beat the heatWith temperatures rising, mango-based drinks are drawing crowds across the city. At Sagar Juice Center in Rajajinagar, people line up for the iconic mango shake, while Sreeraj Lassi Bar’s thick mango lassi continues to be a favourite.“After a few hours of shopping in Commercial Street, there’s nothing more refreshing than sipping on a cold mango lassi,” says Neha N, an entrepreneur. Arvind Mohan, founder of Kuymbayah Kombucha, notes that mango-based beverages are among the bestsellers in India. “Mangoes work beautifully in kombucha because of their strong, distinctive flavour and aroma. They also add a natural creaminess while keeping the drink light and refreshing,” he explains.Café-hopping for mangoesCome April, most cafes in the city bring out a menu with several mango dishes, be it mango cheesecakes, cold brews with mango pulp, mango matcha, even brews and more, these menus are now like a must-try in the city. “Mango defines the Indian summer, and we’ve brought that essence into our taproom. From our signature mango hefeweizen to raw mango-infused curries and salads, we’re showcasing how this iconic fruit can transform everything from a pint of beer to a plate of sushi,” says Nirmal PV, co-founder of Mannheim Brewery.Where to get your mango fix in Bengalurul Sagar Juice Center: Old-school mango milkshakesl Sreeraj Lassi Bar: Mango lassi, kulfi, shakesl Hallimane: Traditional mango thali experiencel Neighbourhood push carts: Raw mango slices with salt and chilli powderl City cafés: Seasonal mango desserts and drinksl Breweries: Mango ciders and mango brewsDIY a simple mango recipe at homeAamras–Ice Apple Pani PuriIngredients:l 3 mangoes l¼ cup sugarlA pinch of cardamom powderIce cubes lIce apple (tadgola) chunks lPuri shellsMethod:l Scoop out the mango flesh.l Blend sugar with cardamom powder.l Add mango flesh and ice cubes; blend into a smooth aamras.l Dice the ice apple.l Crack open the puris, fill with aamras, top with ice apple chunks and serve immediately.Recipe by Saloni KukrejaGot a favourite mango spot in Bengaluru that serves the best mangor treat? We’d love to hear from you. Write in to bangalore.times@timesofindia.com and tell us where you go for your mango fix.
