Known as mamuang in Thai, the mango, the queen of fruits, is one of Thailand’s most popular fruits. Used in both sweet and savory dishes, the mango has attracted tourists worldwide to Thailand. Tourists can’t wait to hit the streets of Bangkok or Phuket and enjoy a bowl of sticky mango rice or a mango chicken salad. Thai mango has a unique flavor worldwide, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Origins
Mangoes were cultivated over 4,000 years ago and are initially from Tamil Nadu, India. Gradually they spread to the rest of South and Southeast Asia, Australia, East Africa, and Central America. This subtropical fruit is widely cultivated in Thailand and represents a valuable part of their culture. Thai people use mango not only as a fruit but also for medicinal purposes by cooking them or making various beverages to reduce fever, stomachache, or even wounds to clean.
Types of Mangoes in Thailand
Wide varieties of mangoes are grown in Thailand. They vary in color, taste, scent, size, shape, and the soil they grow. The four main breeds are:
Nam Dok Mai
Light yellow with thick golden yellow flesh, this breed has a sweet fragrance and is generally eaten when fully ripe. Tall, elongated, and with a pointed end, this is Thailand’s most popular variety of mango grown. It can be found throughout the country from March to June.
Khieo Sawoei Sampran
Which means “green food.” it is a ripe, green-skinned, oblong mango that has a crisp, raw flavor and fragrance when green and a sweet taste when ripe. You can eat it any way you want. This mango is highly priced in local markets and is usually harvested in October.
Ok Rhong Damnoen
The Ok Rhong Damnoen is a beautiful yellow-orange mango mainly used in the crowd-favorite dish Mango with Sticky Rice. It has a delightful taste and scent. It can be found on every street in Thailand during the summer months from March to June and is one of the most popular mango species in Thailand.
Raed Paet
This mango’s name means “rhinoceros” because of the small, pointed horn that protrudes from the fruit. With a strong and sweet taste, this mango is usually eaten as a spicy snack along with sauces. It is light green and is famous for its cultivation in Chachoengsao Province.
Where to Find Mangoes in Thailand
Mangoes can be found throughout Thailand during the peak months of March to June. Almost every street in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, every island on the east and west coasts, and every other city in Thailand will have at least one vendor selling mangoes from a cart. Every supermarket will have a mango section. Restaurants across the country serve various desserts and other foods, including mango as the main ingredient. Some of the most popular restaurants and street stalls for tourists in Thailand serving delicious mango dishes include Boonsap Thai Dessert, Sukhumvit Soi 38 Street, The Sixth, Mango Tree Bistro, and Golden Mango Cafe.
There are also many food tours in Bangkok and other cities where you can taste delicious authentic Thai food and mango desserts.
