MangoMisu, salad: Aam dishes to relish this summer
With mango season having begun, top restaurants in the country are already devising novel and special dishes aiming to sweep gastronomes off their feet. And the choices are plentiful: Alphonso for its taste, Imam Pasand for its sweetness, Kesar for its fragrance, and more.
India loves
mangoes
– the quintessential summer fruit is consumed round the year in various forms — desserts, salads, pickles, etc. And it does help that our country is the top producer of mangoes.
With
mango
season having begun, top restaurants in the country are already devising novel and special dishes aiming to sweep gastronomes off their feet. And the choices are plentiful: Alphonso for its taste, Imam Pasand for its sweetness, Kesar for its fragrance, and more.
DELICACIES WITH AN ITALIAN TWIST
Anand Madhan, partner at an Italian restaurant, says he and his team have come up with an exclusive mango menu featuring salads like rico mango salad and truffle mango burrata salad, and desserts. 'Mango, synonymous with sinful indulgence, also finds its space in Italian cuisine. To celebrate the fruit, we've curated a menu that is limited for the summer season,' he says.
'IMAM PASAND IS A VERY VERSATILE MANGO'
Jesu Lambert, executive chef at a Chennai hotel, says his favourite is Imam Pasand. 'While Alphonso, Banganapalli, and Imam Pasand are commonly used, I'd recommend Sindhura, which is known for its innate sweetness. But my favourite is Imam Pasand. I prefer its sweetness and fragrance for culinary use. It is a very versatile variety, as you can use it for both cold and warm dishes, like aamras , sorbet and panna cotta.'
Foodies, he says, should try out dishes like the green mango Thai salad, mango burrata salad, mango sticky rice, and mango sushi bites, among others, this season.
Alphonso Mango Tres Leches
Made with the season's freshest Alphonso, soaked in a rich blend of creamy goodness for the ultimate tropical twist on tres leches, it features moist layers soaked in creamy bliss for a tropical twist on a classic delight.
AN ARRAY OF AAM-LICIOUS DESSERTS
Chef Ashutosh Nerlekar, director of food production at a star hotel, has selected the king of mangoes, the Alphonso, to create a special dessert — Alphonso mango tres leches — this year.
Like him, Janani Kannan, the co-founder and creative chef at a Chennai-based dessert cafe, has created a range of ' aamlicious' dishes, like the MangoMisu, right in time for the mango season this year.
All about aam
According to the National Horticulture Board (NHB), about 1,500 varieties of mangoes are cultivated in India, which account for about 50 per cent of the world's mango production
Major mango-producing states in India: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal
Nutritional value: The fruit is very popular with the masses due to its high nutritive value, richness in variety, and delicious taste. It is a rich source of vitamins A and C. Good mango varieties contain 20% of total soluble sugars. The acid content of ripe desert fruit varies from 0.2 to 0.5%, and protein content is about 1%
Written By:
Praveen Kumar S
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Mount Etna erupts mid-tourist season! Are flights safe for Italy? Can you claim compensation for cancelled flights?
On June 2, 2025, Italy's iconic Mount Etna erupted violently, sending a towering plume of volcanic ash into the sky and prompting immediate emergency measures across eastern Sicily. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The sudden eruption not only startled tourists but also caused widespread panic and significant disruption to the region's thriving tourism industry. Popular among adventurers, geologists, and vacationers, the region around Mount Etna was hit hardest as volcanic ash blanketed roads, trails, and towns. Though no casualties have been reported, the eruption has raised concerns about travel safety, emergency preparedness, and environmental impact. With seismic tremors still active and the possibility of further eruptions, Italian authorities are urging both residents and tourists to remain cautious. Here's a detailed breakdown of the eruption, the current situation, and its implications for travelers and locals alike. Mount Etna erupts in hours! Ash showers blanket villages According to the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the eruption began on the evening of June 2, with tremors first recorded around 10 PM local time. Within three hours, Strombolian activity—characterized by periodic explosive bursts of lava—had intensified dramatically. By 1 AM, ash plumes had reached altitudes of 6,400 meters (21,000 feet), visible from miles away. Videos shared on social media showed tourists fleeing from lava trails and ash showers as sirens blared in nearby villages. Streets, parked cars, and restaurant patios were quickly covered in a thick layer of ash. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Emergency services were activated immediately to aid evacuations and close off high-risk areas. Tourist hotspots closed, flights delayed amid Mount Etna eruption The eruption has led to temporary closure of trekking trails, guided tours, and observation platforms around Mount Etna. Popular towns such as Zafferana Etnea, Nicolosi, and Linguaglossa, which serve as gateways to Etna excursions, are experiencing a sharp decline in tourist activity due to ash accumulation and ongoing safety concerns. Hotels in the region have begun receiving cancellations, and tourism boards are working closely with civil protection agencies to redirect visitors to safer parts of Sicily. Despite the eruption, Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (Vincenzo Bellini Airport) remains operational. Outbound flights are largely unaffected, but inbound flights from major cities such as Rome, Milan, and Berlin have faced minor delays and rerouting to avoid the ash cloud. The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) initially issued a Code Red aviation warning, which is used for large ash events that could severely impact air traffic. This has since been downgraded to Code Orange, though pilots are still being advised to exercise extreme caution. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines or the airport's official channels before heading out, as the situation can change rapidly depending on wind patterns and volcanic activity. Mount Etna sparks mass evacuations, no casualties reported so far As of the latest reports, there have been no injuries or fatalities. Authorities emphasize that while the eruption is visually dramatic, it currently poses no direct threat to most residential areas. However, tourists in close proximity to the volcano have been evacuated as a precaution. Civil protection services are actively monitoring the volcano using drones, satellites, and ground instruments to detect changes in seismic patterns. Local residents have been advised to stay indoors, especially in areas where ashfall is heaviest, and to wear masks if they must go outside. What is Mount Etna Mount Etna, located on the east coast of Sicily near Catania, is Europe's most active volcano and one of the most monitored in the world. Classified as a stratovolcano, Mount Etna has been erupting for hundreds of thousands of years. It currently stands at approximately 3,329 meters (10,922 feet), though its height fluctuates with each eruption due to accumulated lava and ash. Etna's volcanic activity is not new. It erupts several times a year, but this particular episode has been classified as one of the most intense in recent memory due to the sheer volume of ash and its sudden onset. Its frequent eruptions have earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and it remains a major attraction for tourists despite its volatility. Health and safety tips amid volcanic ash Health experts warn that exposure to volcanic ash, particularly PM10 and PM2.5 particles, can lead to respiratory issues, especially among: Children and the elderly Individuals with asthma or lung conditions Pregnant women Those with weakened immune systems Safety recommendations: Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in ash-affected areas Keep windows and doors closed to prevent ash from entering indoor spaces Wear high-quality masks (N95 or equivalent) when outdoors Use air purifiers indoors, if available Drive cautiously, as ash can reduce visibility and make roads slippery Flight delays from volcanoes? Here's what airlines will compensate for Flight disruptions due to volcanic eruptions are considered 'extraordinary circumstances' under most airline policies. This means: Refunds or alternate flights may be offered by airlines for canceled trips Compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 is not guaranteed, as natural disasters are typically excluded Travel insurance may cover additional expenses, depending on the policy and coverage for natural disasters Travelers are advised to contact their airlines directly and review their insurance policies for eligibility. What's next? Ongoing monitoring and risk assessment Volcanologists are keeping a close watch on Mount Etna as seismic activity remains high. There is potential for further eruptions in the coming days, depending on pressure build-up and magma movement. The INGV continues to release hourly bulletins and warnings based on satellite imagery and geophysical data. Local authorities are also planning to deploy additional emergency response units if evacuation zones need to be expanded.
NDTV
6 hours ago
- NDTV
10 Stunning Cities That Absolutely Nail The Art Deco Aesthetic
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Art deco, a glamorous architectural style from the Roaring Twenties, thrives in cities like Miami, Brussels, and Napier. With sleek designs and vibrant details, these art deco destinations showcase this enduring legacy, inviting exploration and admiration. Art deco isn't just a design style — it's a whole mood. Glamorous without trying too hard, all sleek angles, metallics, and perfect symmetry, it was the architectural answer to the Roaring Twenties. Born in Paris and flung around the world by the 1930s, art deco left a permanent mark on skylines, cinemas, hotels, and even petrol stations. Today, some cities still wear their deco with pride — and they look incredible doing it. Here are ten gorgeous art deco destinations where the vibe is very much alive, and honestly, you'll want to photograph every inch. 1. Miami, USA Miami and art deco are practically synonymous. South Beach alone has more than 800 preserved buildings from the 1920s to the '40s, making it the largest collection of art deco architecture in the world. But this isn't the stark grey stuff you'll see in other cities — Miami's take is tropical, pastel-hued and trimmed in neon. Think The Colony Hotel, The Carlyle, and a load of streamlined facades that look like they belong in a Wes Anderson film. Even the lifeguard huts are on theme. 2. Brussels, Belgium Brussels gets a lot of love for its art nouveau, but its art deco deserves equal credit. The city leans into the solid, monumental vibe of the style, with landmarks like the Flagey Building and the Forest National concert hall. Residential neighbourhoods, especially in the Uccle and Forest districts, are packed with houses showing off angular doorways and detailed brickwork. It's like a scavenger hunt, but for design geeks. 3. Napier, New Zealand After a major earthquake in 1931, Napier got a complete architectural do-over. The result? An entire town centre built in pure art deco style. The details are on point — chevrons, sunbursts, ziggurats, and fonts that scream 1930s glamour. Napier takes its title seriously too; there's even an annual Art Deco Festival where locals dress up in vintage fashion, drive classic cars and turn the clock all the way back. 4. Asmara, Eritrea It's not the most obvious choice, but Asmara is a total showstopper for art deco fans. Built under Italian rule in the 1930s, the city features an extraordinary number of modernist and art deco buildings that have been almost untouched for decades. Think cinemas shaped like ships, petrol stations that look like flying saucers, and clean, angular lines on nearly every corner. UNESCO added it to its World Heritage list in 2017 for good reason — it's like stepping onto the set of a lost sci-fi movie from the 1930s. 5. Mumbai, India Most visitors head to Mumbai for the chaos, the food or the colonial history — but the art deco? It's next-level. After Miami, Mumbai has the world's second-largest collection of art deco buildings. Many of them sit along Marine Drive, with curved balconies, stylised grills and cinematic flair. Don't miss the Eros and Regal Cinemas — absolute deco icons. UNESCO even gave Mumbai's art deco precinct a World Heritage tag in 2018. 8. Melbourne, Australia Art deco made a solid impression on Melbourne, and you'll see its influence from inner-city theatres to suburban houses. The Astor Theatre is one of the best-preserved examples — still running films and still looking fabulous. Commercial buildings like Mitchell House flaunt curved corners and chrome-framed windows, while apartment blocks in St Kilda echo deco's sleek, streamlined aesthetic. Melbourne's version of art deco is understated, but endlessly cool. 4. Paris, France Photo: Courtesy of Paris je Taime Paris is the birthplace of art deco, thanks to the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes. The city's architecture reflects that legacy — though it's more refined than flashy. You'll find standout examples like the Theatre des Champs-Elysees, the Palais de Tokyo and countless apartment blocks with etched glass and wrought-iron railings. It's art deco with a Parisian twist: Elegant, precise and always stylish. 5. Havana, Cuba Havana wears its art deco with a kind of faded cool. The movement hit Cuba hard in the 1930s, especially in architecture and design. One of the most striking examples is the Bacardi Building, finished in 1930 and considered one of Latin America's finest art deco landmarks. The city's mix of colonial buildings and deco masterpieces creates a contrast that makes every stroll feel like walking through a living film set. 6. Casablanca, Morocco Photo: Courtesy of Travel Exploration Casablanca French architects transformed Casablanca in the 1930s, and the city became a showcase for a unique blend of European art deco and traditional Moroccan elements. The result? Arabesque tiles meet geometric ironwork, and curving stucco facades sit beside bold lettering and stylised arches. Walk along Boulevard Mohammed V for a crash course in this hybrid aesthetic. It's stylish without shouting about it. 9. Shanghai, China Shanghai in the 1930s was booming, and art deco became the architectural language of choice for everything from banks to department stores. The Bund shows off the city's grander side — massive stone-fronted buildings with deco flourishes — but head to the French Concession and you'll find leafy streets lined with villas and apartment blocks featuring stained glass, terrazzo floors and geometric ironwork. The Peace Hotel remains the city's most iconic example.
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Casamigo in Thiruvananthapuram serves a blend of international flavours in a cosy bistro setting
The wicker basket of toasted bread and butter placed on a table covered with a green plaid tablecloth at Casamigo transports you to an Italian supper setting. Resembling a European bakery, the bistro, located at Ambalathumukku in Pettah, Thiruvananthapuram, reveals a cosy interior with warm hues illuminated by lanterns. An abundance of imitation plants and flowers adorn the ceiling, while desserts gaze intently at the entrance through a misty glass case at the counter. 'It took us around a year to set this up,' says owner Anusha Ann Antony, who worked in the aviation sector in Africa with her husband earlier. 'I was in Africa for 10 years, but I didn't feel like I fit into my job there. I was idle for a bit and then started baking for my friends and neighbours — a mixed crowd of Lebanese, French, American, and Europeans. They motivated me to start baking as a business, and I did that there for seven years,' says Anusha, who recently moved to Thiruvananthapuram from Bengaluru after her stint in Africa. 'When I got here, I wanted to do something more than baking cakes. I wanted to bring in the taste of my travels to the table,' says Anusha, attempting to showcase fusion food, combining elements of Asian, French, Italian and African cooking. At Casamigo, cuisines blend seamlessly, from the sweet and spicy wings to fly to stewper boeuf (a version of French beef stew). Wings to fly is a rendition of the classic wings tossed into a wok with a sticky, sweet and spicy sauce, generously coated with chopped shallots, scallions, chilli flakes and so on. The baked wings are tossed into the sauce which is rich in aroma. It is a great start to a meal at ₹180. While the name stewper boeuf might sound foreign, the flavours share similarities with the Kerala-style beef stew. The marbled meat is braised for six hours in the oven with mushrooms and Italian herbs. It is generously seasoned with powdered pepper and peppercorns. The beef fat from the braising, creates a rich gravy. It is pure bliss to scrape off the gravy with a piece of buttered bread, and a small piece of tender meat with a soft, fat lining. It is priced at ₹340 and is available with buttered bread and rice. Amigos spaghetti is a bowl of Italian pasta served with an array of luncheon meats and a fried egg. The long and thin pasta is tossed in a butter-based sauce and garnished with chilli oil, which breaks the richness of the butter. While tomatoes are used in the sauce, it steers clear of being the typical red-sauce pasta dish. The flavours of oregano and other Italian herbs sing through this pasta dish at ₹290. Their menu also includes dishes such as amigos chicken, a plate of shredded slow-cooked chicken flavoured with African spices and Italian herbs. It is served with porotta or rumali roti and is available at ₹280. Belly belly bake (₹240), a baked and stuffed bell pepper dish, and paneer blanche (₹250) with mushroom gravy are available for vegetarians. Desserts at Casamigo have gained social media attention since their opening in April. Their strawberry cheesecake with an Oreo biscuit base can be suggested for people who like their desserts, a little less sweet. The strawberry jam on top adds tartness to the dish while the crumb and cream cheese contribute to sweetness. However, this dessert was on the slightly heavier side and could be served in a smaller portion. Blush milk cake from Casamigo is the star of the dessert menu. This rendition of a tres leches cake with rose milk is the perfect ending to a meal. The soft, spongy, moist cake soaks in the fragrant rose and saffron milk, which oozes out on a tender touch of the spoon. Topped with a white chocolate mousse, each bite is a contrasting sensation of textures — light, moist sponge with a slightly heavier but smooth mousse, dry rose petals and a few nuts too. It is inevitable to pour rose milk into the plate until you run out of cake and all you can do is drink it directly and count the calories. The dish is available at ₹180.
