The Mango Tree at GSH

Perfect fix for that North Indian craving!

The Mango Tree has been a franchise that a lot of us have been enjoying in Colombo and their latest addition at GSH Colombo opened this October. Combining the location of GSH with the food that The Mango Tree is known for is a winning combination.

Walking into the restaurant on the second floor we were met with a spacious hall that was quite comfortable. Although it might not be the best for a date or outing it would be a perfect location to meet a few business associates or to grab a quick meal. The staff was extremely professional and very attentive and we had a great time.

Drinks

Mango Lassi – LKR 395

By the sheer look of it, the mango lassi was huge and looked quite good. When it comes to flavor it was not overly sweet which I loved and it was THICC. Although it was a mango lassi the mango flavour was not too prominent which somehow worked to bring it all together. It was a bit chunky and I would have loved it if it was smoother.

Appetizers

Chicken Tikka – LKR 875

When it comes to starters, The Mango Tree has got their game on point! This starter is easily enough for two and comes with some pretty large pieces of chicken. The seasoning is everything and the contrast between the charred crusty exterior and succulent interior was everything I want from my chicken.

Paneer Ajwaini – LKR 825

If you’re not someone who eats meat you are in for a treat because this was the single best paneer dish I had for a long time. Although the cardamom and spice are not the most common, they all blended into creating something amazing in my mouth. Being grilled, there were little pieces of burnt cheese which helped take the flavours to a whole new level.

Samosa Chole – LKR 375

THE BEST THING I HAD ALL YEAR! I am not exaggerating but this was everything a samosa should be and more. Like all the dishes this portion was enough for two and in terms of flavour, it was rich, exciting and spicy. The samosas were doused with a chickpea curry which itself was bursting with flavour. The fried samosa pastry added an extra level of textures and going to The Mango Tree just for this is worth it.

Mains

Chicken Biriyani – LKR 950

I loved a lot of things about The Mango Tree but sadly their biriyani was not one them. The dish came in rather large clay pot topped with chicken. The rice was spiced to perfection but it lacked the usual complexity that we expect from biriyani but this can be saved with one of their side dishes of which there are many.

Butter Chicken – LKR 925

Who doesn’t love a good butter chicken? The huge bowl I was presented with was the perfect mix of sweet and savoury with the depth that tomatoes give along with the creaminess we associate with this dish. They did not skimp on the chicken and it was the perfect accompaniment to the biriyani and bread.

Palak Paneer – LKR 925

Another vegetarian dish that won my heart, the marriage of the cheese and spinach with all the spices was a match made in heaven and it gave all the satisfaction of a meat-based dish without the meat. This was an extremely fragrant dishes and although I’m not the biggest fan of spinach I loved it and would most certainly order it again.

Bread

We were presented with a basket of all the bread they offered and I was elated. From the sesame in the Naan to the satisfaction of the Tandoori Roti it was one good thing after the next. They were the perfect mode of transportation for the butter chicken and palak paneer. Their cheese and garlic naan was my favourite.

Dessert

Gulab Jamun – LKR 495

Gulab Jamun is one of my favourite things about India and the dish I was served went beyond all expectations. It was not sickly sweet which I appreciate and the almonds made it fancier and more interesting. The flavours were complex and was in perfect harmony.

Malki Kulfi – LKR 550

The subtle flavours of the kulfi were the perfect end to a meal of intense flavours. It was simple but satisfying and there was a lot of it.

The Mango Tree at GSH knows how to do Indian food well. As part of a city hotel, it delivers on convenience and quality and although the dining experience has components to be desired this is somewhere you need to check out.

Tips ­­– You have to get their Samosa Chole and take some home with you!