The advent of summer means the arrival of the much-awaited mango season all over India. While many will argue that the best way to enjoy the fruit is eating it unadorned, simply cold from the fridge, we believe that its sweet and heady aroma, luscious texture, and vibrant hue belong in our summer meals. Bakeries and cafes across the country think so too, if their mango-laden menus are proof.
Bookmark our list of 14 spots across India serving the beloved fruit in creative and delicious ways this season.
Mumbai
Maska Bakery
The bakery’s summer menu has three mango-based desserts—a celebration cake featuring fresh Ratnagiri mangoes and pistachios that also comes in a small single-serve size, a refreshingly tart mango-passion fruit éclair, and a mango version of their popular bread jam made with thick slices of brioche. Expect more limited-edition mango treats to drop throughout the season, like the mango-croissant sundaes for their latest pop-up in Bandra.
Sante Spa
Summer is when we crave refreshing dishes that are light on the stomach, and Sante Spa’s wholesome menu promises just that. Sample the Thai Spiced Mango Salad or the Spicy Mango Nigiri and end your meal with the indulgent Baked Mango Ras Malai.
Le 15
Every year, the patisserie by celebrity pastry chef Pooja Dhingra comes out with its mango and cream cake, which is a hit with the city’s mango lovers. Layers of fluffy and soft genoise sponge are layered generously with whipped cream and fresh mango chunks. Order the smaller version for a solo treat.
Project Hum
If you’re looking for both savoury and sweet options, then head to Project Hum, a farm-to-table café tucked in the winding lanes of Bandra. Known for their bowls, salads, and wraps made with rainbow-hued fresh produce, their mango and tadgola salad (add chicken for a non-vegetarian version), Feels Like Summer poke bowl, mango smoothies, as well as the seasonal mango fro-yo are a must-try.
Kari Apla
Ice cream fanatics will be well-acquainted with Mangaluru’s famous Gadbad sundae, a delicious mish-mash of ice cream served with fresh fruits, nuts, jelly, and tutti frutti in a tall glass. Kari Apla, a Bandra restaurant dishing out Deccan-inspired fare, puts a mango spin on it with fresh Alphonso mangoes, passionfruit pulp, white chocolate streusel, shrikhand mousse, and vanilla ice cream.
Delhi-NCR
Altogether Experimental
Known for their too-pretty-to-eat flower-flecked desserts, cakes, and breakfast dishes, they have a special mango menu where you’ll want to get one of everything. From small pastries like the Mango Frasier and the Mango Vanilla Baked Mini Cheesecake to sweets fit for big occasions like the Mango and Melon layer cake or the Mango, Blueberries and Almond cake, there are quite a few options to pick from. Don’t miss the flaky and creamy Mango Cheesecake Croissant.
Mjol
Previously a home bakery, Mjol now serves up a variety of pastries, bread, and viennoiserie from its chic, Scandinavian brick-and-mortar space. A soft, cloud-like brioche bun is stuffed with vanilla pastry cream and fruit compote. The summer version has fresh Pairi mangoes and goes down a treat paired with their excellent coffee.
Bhawan
The Gurugram-based restaurant serving fun Indian food has a summer menu where mango gets ample time in the spotlight. Try the decadent stuffed Alphonso mango kulfi inspired by Kuremal Kulfi—thick mango rings are stuffed with creamy kulfi, frozen, and served with more mangoes and edible flowers. It’s a perfect way to end a hearty meal.
Monique Patisserie
Come summer, Monique’s menu stars seasonal specials like mango, pineapple, and blueberries. Pavlovas, entremets, tarts, and more are topped with fresh slices or chunks of mangoes, and their Le Manguier, made with a spongy vanilla biscuit, vanilla cream, mango cream, fresh mangoes, and basil, remains a crowd-favourite.
Miam Pâtisserie
This popular French pâtisserie by chef Bani Nanda has three mango desserts on its summer menu. The Mango and Vanilla Sandwich Cake has layers of fresh mango slush, a light vanilla sponge, and whipped mascarpone chantilly cream that makes for a nostalgic, old-school result. For something fancier, opt for the Alphonso & Vanilla Entremet, which also comes in an eggless version.
Bengaluru
Magnolia Bakery
The famous NYC-based bakery has an India-only mango menu that shouldn’t be missed. Order their classic vanilla cheesecake topped with mangoes; the Mango Pudding Parfait made with layers of mango compote, coconut cake, fresh mangoes, and whipped cream; and the Mango Jamboree that has a pecan shortbread crust topped with cream cheese filling and garnished with mango compote. The specials are also available in their Mumbai and Hyderabad branches.
Ulo Ice Cream
This artisanal ice cream shop churns out small-batch scoops made with fresh ingredients and local produce. Their latest mango-flavoured drop called Tres Aam-igoes has fresh mango pulp and cake bits soaked in mango milk all swirled into vanilla bean ice cream.
The Kind Roastery and Brewroom
A whole range of sweet and savoury mango dishes greet you at this JP Nagar café. Start with the Muddled Mango & Dill Mojito and dig into cottage cheese steak with mango salsa for a wholesome lunch. Round off your meal with the Mango Crème Berliner and the refreshing Smooth Tropical Mango Sorbet.
Hyderabad
Conçu
This patisserie in the city’s pmlush Jubilee Hills neighbourhood has a dizzying display of French bakes and pastries. For summer, their Mango and coconut choux buns are a flavour bomb and a must-have this season.
Lead image: Maska Bakery // Instagram by Pooja Mehrotra
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