Mumbai mango compendium

Please understand. In Mumbai, mangoes are something of a celebrity.

India grows nearly 13 million metric tonnes of mangoes a year, about 40 per cent of the world’s output. Maharashtra and Gujarat produce the alphonso, aka the "king" of mangoes, and the best specimens are said to come from Ratnagiri, to the south of Mumbai.

The fruit's arrival in the market in March -- and its price -- makes banner headlines.

This year, because of unseasonal rain, a cold winter and food inflation, a one-dozen crate of Mumbai mangoes costs anywhere between Rs 700 to Rs 2,500. Which is high.

Still, it is something of a matter of pride here to casually serve the best mangoes in the world for dessert. And to be able to traverse the streets and restaurants of Mumbai and find mango in every conceivable form till June.

Milkshakes, lassis, pickles, pulp, ice cream, shrikhand or just plain cut up with cream -- the Mumbai mango compendium address book has it all.

Aam ras at Golden Star Thali, 330 Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road, opposite Charni Road Station East; +91 (0)22 2363 1983; goldenstarthali.com; 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., and 7-10:30 p.m.

Fresh mango ice-cream at Taj Ice Cream, 36/40 Bohri Mohalla, Saifee Ambulance Lane, Sayed Abu Mohammed Road, Null Bazar; +91 (0)22 2346 1257; Timings 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Mango kulfi at Gupta Kulfi and Ice Cream, 103 A/B Mount Road, Anjirwadi, Mazagaon; +91 (0) 22 2373 2112; guptaicecream.com; Timings 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Mangoes and cream at Haji Ali Juice Centre, Lala Lajpat Rai Road, Haji Ali Circle; +91 (0)22 2351 0957; hajialijuicecentre.com; Timings 5–1:30 a.m. 

Mango lassi at Kailash Mandir, opposite Dadar East Station; +91 (0)22 2418 2421; www.kailashmandir.in; Timings 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. 

Mango shrikhand at Jain Biscuit Centre, Station Road, opposite McDonald's, Andheri West; +91 (0)22 2628 4125; jainbiscuit.com; Timings 9:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. 

Mango milkshake at Bachelor’s Juice House, 45 Sattar Sea View, Chowpatty Sea Face; +91 (0)22 2368 2211; Timings 10:30–1:30 a.m.

Mango Melba at Badshah Cold Drink House, 152/156 L.T. Marg, opposite Crawford Market; +91 (0)22 2342 1943; Timings 7–12 a.m.

Mango pickles at Thakker Sweets, Kamdar Shopping Centre, Mongibai Road, opposite Vile Parle Station East; +91 (0)22 2614 9744; Timings 7:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.