The best Indian mangoes you need to try right now

There’s an Instagram reel doing the rounds lately – someone handed a bunch of foreigners slices of a Ratnagiri Alphonso mango, and the reactions? Absolute disbelief. Eyes widened, jaws dropped. . It sparked a wider conversation online: Are Indian mangoes really that different? The answer? Absolutely.

While supermarkets abroad often stock mangoes that are firm, bland, and barely fragrant, Indian mangoes are a whole different fruit. They're juicy, complex, ridiculously aromatic, and capable of making grown adults get emotional. So if you're curious what the fuss is all about—or just looking to upgrade your mango game—here’s a list of India’s finest, most flavourful mangoes that deserve your full attention.

1. Alphonso (Hapus) – Ratnagiri, Maharashtra
This is the GOAT of mangoes. Ratnagiri Alphonso is basically royalty in a fruit. It’s so good, it has a GI tag (Geographical Indication), meaning it’s officially protected for its origin and quality.

What makes Ratnagiri special?
This coastal region, with its laterite-rich red soil, salty sea breeze, and tropical sun, gives Alphonso mangoes their unique magic – bright saffron flesh, zero fibre, and a flavour that’s buttery, floral, and honey-sweet. No wonder people abroad flip when they taste it.

2. Kesar – Gujarat
Nicknamed the "Queen of Mangoes," Kesar has an unmistakable orange pulp and a scent that fills the room the moment you slice it. It's grown in the foothills of Girnar, where the land and climate bring out a balance of sweetness and tang that’s totally addictive.

3. Imam Pasand – Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu
This one’s a hidden gem, often overshadowed by Alphonso but just as luxurious. It’s huge, delicate, and incredibly juicy—no fibre, just silk. Biting into it feels like a VIP mango experience.

4. Banganapalli (Benishan) – Andhra Pradesh
Mildly sweet, smooth-textured, and loved for its long shelf life, Banganapalli is the mango your grandparents swear by—and for good reason. It’s perfect for those who like their mangoes clean and classic.

5. Chausa – Uttar Pradesh
Soft, squishy, sweet as nectar, and usually eaten by squeezing the pulp directly into your mouth—Chausa is messy, fun, and oh-so-worth-it.

6. Langra – Uttar Pradesh & Bihar
Green even when ripe and with a tangy-sweet punch, Langra is what you go for when you want flavour with a bit of attitude. It’s bold, juicy, and highly nostalgic for many mango lovers in North India.

7. Mallika – Hybrid (Pan-India)
A cross between Neelum and Dasheri varieties, Mallika combines the best of both: it’s fibreless, highly sweet, and has mild citrus notes. It also ripens later in the season, extending mango availability into July.

8 Totapuri – South India
Easily identified by its parrot-beak shape, Totapuri is less sweet and slightly tangy. It’s often used in juices, pickles, and salads due to its firmer texture and distinct flavour.

9. Noorjahan – Madhya Pradesh
One of the largest mangoes in the world, Noorjahan can weigh up to 3-4 kg each. It’s not just about size–the flesh is soft, sweet, and low in fibre. Because of its limited availability, it’s considered a collector’s item during mango season.

Where to find them?
During the season (April to June), look for online mango delivery platforms, local fruit mandis, or premium fruit stores. Always check for GI tags if you’re buying Alphonso, and go for mangoes that are ripened naturally (no carbide, please).

TL;DR?
Mangoes in India aren’t just fruits—they’re an emotion. And if your idea of a mango comes from a supermarket shelf somewhere far from the tropics, do yourself a favour: taste a Ratnagiri Alphonso and prepare to be converted.