Beat the heat with mangoes

If there is anything that makes summer in India bearable is mangoes. Known as ‘amra’ in Sanskrit, it is said that the earliest textual mention of the fruit dates back to 1000 BC. However, according to historians, it was Mughal Emperor Akbar who ensured that the fruit was grown across a variety of landscapes in India. Even today, Malda and Murshidabad in West Bengal are known for their variety of this highly seasonal fruit. Interestingly, the fruit has been an inspiration to those – from home-cooks to expert chefs – who love to experiment. 

The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat, located on the eastern fringe of the city and near the airport, is holding a ‘Mango Mela’ until May 27 where the fruit has been used to prepare a wide range of dishes, from appetisers to main course to desserts, using the different varieties of mangoes found in Bengal, such as ‘Gulabkhas’, ‘Dilkhush’, ‘Amrapali’, ‘Langra’, ‘Fazli’, ‘Himsagar’, ‘Laxmanbhog’ and ‘Mallika’. So even if you are in the city for a day, there is nothing to stop you from having a date with the ‘king of fruits’.

The Meen Manga curry with rice

Its all-day dining restaurant, Seasonal Tastes, has set up a special Mango Section at the buffet for brunch, lunch and dinner. The specially curated menu features mango-based starters, soup, salads, main courses and desserts. Or, you may also choose from the a la carte menu. ‘Mango Lime Lassi’, ‘Kairi ka Jaljeera’, ‘Flambéed Mango’, ‘Stir-fried Shrimps with Mango’, ‘Aam aur Dahi ke Kebab’ are some of the highlights from the buffet spread. The special ala carte menu includes ‘Chilled Mango Cappuccino With Coconut Foam’, ‘Prosciutto De Parma With Fresh Mango, Mozzarella And Balsamic’, ‘Aam Gosth Ka Quorma’, ‘Mango And Chilli Risotto With Basil’, ‘Fresh Cut Mango With Vanilla Ice Cream’ and much more.