Did you know ?
225 gms of mango contains 76% Vitamin C
It’s good for skin – cleans the clogged pores 
Alkalizes the body 
Boosts immune system & 
It’s highly fibrous 
I’m sure we all are enjoying the intake of ‘Vitamin M’ this season.

And happiness multiples when you get to taste 25 varieties under one roof.
Orchid, Pune is hosting the First Mango Gourmet Festival & you shouldn’t miss it, here’s why:

You’re greeted with mango shots followed by a photo- op which reminds you of the fancy dress competition in school where kids used be dressed in a particular theme and the king of fruits was a favorite to many.

As we enter The Boulevard – there’s a nice display of colorful mangoes, no it’s not just the yellow- orange shades, but also the green ones which are not raw, but perfect to binge – they are representatives from different states of Maharashtra.

As we settled we were served with Kairiche panhe but in different style – snap to see it yourself. Next was some refreshing Sangria.

Some of the salads I loved were- mango fiesta salad with loads of fruits, veggies, cream. Spicy mango & chicken salad – it was succulent chicken chunks with raw mango. Caramelized mango & grilled fish salad- loved the combo.

For starters we tried mango jamuni tikka , aambya chat fish cake ( mango with fish) chicken manchurian, paneer hong kong style. Fish was the highlight of this section, freshness was evident. Paneer was ordinary just like paneer chilli dry. Chicken tikka went well with mint chutney.

There’s a Chaat counter too – I am one of those shameless people who never misses this one be it weddings, buffet, parties – I have to try it – here it was with kairi ( raw mango ) filling.

And then I was attracted to the tempting part of the experience- DESSERTS!‘Hume tumse pyaar kitna yeh ...’ on my mind . I knew what I wanted to try, but before that it was time for some mains.
Tried the butter chicken this wasn’t sweet, or spicy it was tangy and blessings to mango baba! Never knew the pairing could be so magical.
There was a live mango cheese naan & kairi kalounji kulcha- I loved the kalonji flavoured kulcha, but  the addition of mango in form of a naan dint appeal to me.

Mutton was nicely cooked with spices & raw mango.
Some standard items were also there like jeera aloo (personally I love both so full marks for serving this one) . Ended the mains with dal punchmail – it was mix dal with 5 phodnis, we Bengalis make our chauchuri (mix veg ) with 5 phodnis & loved the dal version.

Finally, made it to the dessert counter and tried mango Gulab jamun & Oh boy! Gulab jamun which is a must in every Indian function never felt so tasty before – #morerespect it had a mango filling which was well balanced.

Malai puri was another gem wrapped gulab jamuns with mango and malai was a killer combination! ‘sone pe suhaaga moment.’ 

It dint stop here angori rasmalai- soft rosogullas was heavenly.
Mango pudding with mango pieces & aamras served in a glass was just the desired end.
It’s my third visit in a month’s time & DESSERTS have always been impressive.

Thank you Harshita & team for being the lovely hosts!

Appreciate the attempt of experimenting and coming up with new themes.
*It’s a completely an experienced based review.*

Contributing Writer: Anu Banerjii

Anu is a Bong by genes,Punekar by birth, Media professional by choice and Foodie by heart. Food Blogging for her is not being a critic, but it’s all about relishing the flavours to the fullest, thereby share experience. 

Apart from work, Anu is an ardent King Khan Fan who spends her productive time by doing warli painting, practicing tarot and the food exploration continues. 

Follow Anu’s food journey here-  www.anubanerjii.com

Drooling photographs on Instagram handle: anu_ka_adda