As baskets of golden mangoes and ruby-red litchis take over fruit stalls across Kolkata, residents are being forced to answer a difficult question: which fruit truly defines summer? For some, mangoes are steeped in nostalgia and tradition, while for others, the arrival of litchis signals the start of the season. The result is a delicious divide in a city that takes its food seriously, where even a fruit can become a matter of fierce loyalty.
Team Mango: The King of Fruits
Zaina Timol declares, "Mango is the king of fruits. There's no competition at all. I absolutely love mango sticky rice; it's my ultimate comfort food. Even mango smoothies and juicy slices of just the fruit are my summer favourites. There's something about mango that always works." Sreeja Saha is equally committed: "I would choose mango for life. From desserts to everyday meals, I love everything about involving mangoes. I often visit cafes to try out their mango-special menus."
Team Litchi: The Underdog's Appeal
Kingshuk Ghosh says, "I'm completely Team Litchi. I honestly feel the litchi is a very underrated fruit and doesn't get the appreciation it deserves. People mostly associate it with drinks, which I do enjoy, but I think there's so much more that can be done with it. For me, it stands out because it's light, refreshing, and perfect for the summer." Anushka Sil also leans towards the underdog: "As a fruit, I prefer litchis over mangoes any day."
Chefs Reimagine Summer's Sweetest Stars
For Kolkata's chefs and dessert makers, mangoes and litchis are far more than seasonal fruits; they are ingredients that inspire creativity across menus. Their versatility allows them to move seamlessly between sweet and savory preparations, making them favorites in professional kitchens during summer. Sougata Halder, executive chef at Hyatt Centric, explains: "Summer on a plate is incomplete without mangoes. What makes mango such a versatile ingredient is its ability to move effortlessly between sweet, savory, and even spicy preparations. This season, we are experimenting with mango in refreshing ceviches, smoked mango chutneys, mango-glazed grills, tropical desserts, and handcrafted beverages. I personally love working with mango because every variety brings a different personality from the sweetness of Alphonso to the tanginess of Himsagar."
Khadija Malik, founder and creative head of Sweet Escape, shares her experience with mango coffee: "When making the mango coffee, the biggest challenge was making sure it still tasted like coffee and not just a mango drink with coffee hidden somewhere. We use Alphonso mangoes as it gives a rich, smooth flavor profile; they're naturally sweet but still have a slight tanginess which works beautifully in drinks. The mango puree and milk sits under a coffee foam ensuring you get to taste the brightness and creaminess of the mango along with the notes of coffee. One combination I personally really enjoy is mango and chili. We actually do a mango chili mojito, and the slight heat with the sweetness of mango works surprisingly well together. I think people usually associate mango with sweet desserts, but it pairs beautifully with sharper, fresher flavors too."
Voices from the City
Actress Divyani Mondal says, "Litchi season is my favorite time of the year. The fruit adds a refreshing sweetness to desserts and dishes that feels light, indulgent, and summery." Ananya Guha, actress, recalls: "Growing up, mango season was a time for celebration at home. Even today, biting into a mango takes me back to those simple, happy moments." Chef Jyotika Malik of Olive Cafe & Bar, Kolkata, notes: "Mangoes and litchis are both sweet, juicy, and can be used for sweet and savory dishes. Both work beautifully for desserts like mango cheesecakes, litchi kulfi, or panna cottas. They can be used in drinks as well." Homemaker Barnali Banerjee confesses: "I'm mostly Team Mango because it goes with everything – you can have it with milk, rice, roti, or even on its own. But I do enjoy even litchis; it's really hard to pick either the mango or the litchi."
The Verdict
While the mango still wears its crown, mostly unchallenged, the litchi has a loyal fan following too. The battle continues, but one thing is certain: Kolkata's love for summer fruits runs deep.
Pics: Anindya Saha; Model: Ananya Guha; Styled by: Mahima Jain; Hair & makeup: Rayan. Model: Divyani Mondal; Hair & makeup: Joy Pal.
