I am having an affair. There. I
said it. I have been having this affair since my childhood and I could not rein
my heart’s desires even after I got married, even after I had my daughter. This
love affair goes back to the time when I was very young, when he used to come
to visit every summer. When it used to be too hot to play outside, we’d stay
indoors, together, and enjoyed the afternoons in the thandak of the desi
cooler. He was absent throughout the year and while most people dreaded the
harsh Lahori summers, I waited intently, for the return of my love. I used to
miss him. And today, let me reveal, his name is Mango and he’s yellow, and terribly
juicy.
So how can you be on a hot date
with my Mango? I took a sinfully indulgent trip around Lahore and here’s what
I’ve got for you! (Don’t hate me if you put on a few kilos after you take this
trip yourself – the fat accumulation will be the result of pure love.)
Having the aam the aam way.
Honestly, my favorite way to
enjoy a mango is on its own. Not by dicing it into respectable cubes and then
using a fork, but going for it the desi
way, scooping it out from the chilka
with my teeth. The more disgusting the session, the more the fun. And of
course, the guthli. Aah the guthli. That’s just got to be mine, and
I do not sacrifice it for anyone! If you can touch things after your mango
session without making them repulsively sticky, trust me, you have failed
majorly at enjoying your aam.
Mango Milkshake
What better cooler can there be
to calm your nerves in the summer? I love mango milkshake. I can have it for
breakfast, for lunch, at tea time and for dinner. Basically, I am up for this
treat anytime, anywhere. I sometimes dream about it too. It fills up my senses.
For a really nice dose of mango milkshake, go to Iceland and enjoy bliss in
just Rs.210. (Secret be told: I do an amazing job at making mango milkshake.
I’m better than Iceland, but not as good as my mum.)
Mango Ice Cream from Chaman
One of my fondest memories from
childhood when summer vacations were all about late night trips to Beadon Road
and chaman ki mango ice cream. No
other place does better mango ice cream in Lahore than Chaman and you cannot
call yourself a pakka Lahori if you
haven’t indulged in this sensation religiously throughout your life. Each
spoonful is packed with flavor and you can experience what eating real ice
cream is like here. Chaman, by the way, has expanded to Karachi and Multan as
well.
Mango Supreme from
Hotspot
Dollops of mango and vanilla ice cream on a bed of soft sponge
cake, made extra special with whipped cream and fresh cubes of mango. Life mein aur kya chahiyay?
Mango Cake from
English Tea House
Fresh sponge cake layered with cream and bits of mango.
Topped with mango glaze and fresh mangoes. Not bad.
Mango Trifle from
Rina’s Kitchenette
Deliciously constructed, this is one of my favorites and is
incredibly good. The perfect dessert to
satisfy your fruity cravings. There’s pleasure in every bite!
Mango Pana Cotta by
Pink Kitchen
Stocked at Dessert Directory, this dessert is pure joy to
consume and has a light, velvety texture. Diced mangoes on top add colour,
warmth and freshness. This one’s sure to give you a brain freeze. Yes, it is
that good!
Mango Cheesecake Shot
by Prime Edibles
Light and fluffy in texture, this cheesecake is served in a
shot glass can give your taste buds a super exciting mango experience. How
beautiful is that mango rosette décor as the top layer and speaks volumes about
the skill of the chef! The final dribble of maple syrup makes this dessert
absolutely sensational. You can get your shot of flavor at Dessert Directory.
Mango Heaven by
Scrumptious, The Food Boutique
Holding true to its name, this
one takes you to heaven and back. Constructed carefully with cookie crumble,
chocolate chips, cheesy mango creme, juicy mango cubes and jello, this beauty
is not to be missed. A fruitlicious treat, that’s sure to bring a smile on your
face, and that, too, a huge one. I was simply blown away! Available to give you
a killer experience at Dessert Directory.
Mango Tart by Chef
for the Weekend
This little flaky tart with creme
anglaise filling and fresh mangoes and cream garnish is a perfect example of
‘happiness comes in small packages’. Great texture, amazing taste. This tart definitely
makes the world a happier place. Head
out to Dessert Directory to buy yourself your dose of happiness.
Mango Chutney
What we
have talked about above is mostly desserts, but when the focus is on mangoes,
it would almost be criminal to not bring mango chutney under the spotlight.
This is something to be devoured with
your meal, not after, like desserts, and
complements all types of everyday desi
recipes. This chutney is a magical concoction, created by combining mangoes,
garlic, ginger and a whole lot of spices. Try it with some keema bharey karelay, roti and
lassi. Death.
My phuppo makes the best mango chutney in
town, but sorry peeps, that’s just for me. My other favorite source of mango
chutney is by Amina’s Naturals and Organics. It’s finger lickin’ good and this one,
you CAN have. It is stocked at Haryali Store and The Organic Shop in Lahore and at N'eco's Natural Store
and Cafe in Karachi. For other cities, they have nation-wide delivery
service.
Soooo.... How are you feeling? Attracted yet? I’m ready to share my
man if your love is deep and true. Let’s do some tango with mango together,
shall we?
*This article was published on Mangobaaz with changes
*This article was published on Mangobaaz with changes
