5 Delicious Ways to Eat Mango in Hawaiʻi Right Now
We go bananas for mangoes here in Hawai‘i.
Whether you enjoy mangoes fresh, blended, pickled or juiced, these succulent fruits are one of the most beloved in Hawai‘i. Introduced to the Islands in the early 19th century, many popular varieties of mangoes can be found in local stores and farmers markets and maybe even hanging from your own backyard tree.
Mangoes!
Photo: David Croxford
The first mango plants arrived in Hawai‘i around 1824 from India and the Philippines. Thanks to Hawai‘i’s tropical climate, abundant sunshine and fertile volcanic soil, about 500 mango varieties thrive here. Many locals grew up with a mango tree in their backyard, sharing the fruits with their neighbors. It’s such a popular fruit that it’s the star of the show at many local restaurants when matched with the likes of cheesecake, ice cream, pickles and sauces. Hawai‘i chefs like Michelle Karr-Uekoa of MW Restaurant incorporate mangoes into their menu when it’s in season, adding a fresh take on familiar dishes and desserts.
“People ask me which variety of mango is my favorite, and I tell them, I can’t choose—they’re like children, you can’t have a favorite,” laughs Karr-Ueoka. She loves the Haden for its beautiful texture, the White Pirie for being aromatic, and the Gouveia for its tangy and creamy flavor. “I love cooking with mango because they are so sweet and have so much character. What’s nice also is that every mango is different,” she says. “When it’s mango season, you can tell because our restaurant will use it for so many different dishes like salads and shave ice.”
Here are five of our favorite sweet and savory ways to eat mangoes in Hawai‘i restaurants this summer.
Mango Mille Cake, Mango Mango
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This delicate cake is made with layers of crêpe, filled with sweet mango-flavored crème and topped with freshly cut mango and a mango syrup purée. Any mango used in the cake is fresh—not frozen—and everything is made in-house. A slice is $10.99 and if you want the whole 16-inch round cake, it’s $118.74.
Mākaha Mango Shave Ice, MW Restaurant
Mākaha Mango Shave Ice from MW Restaurant.
Photo: Courtesy of MW Restaurant
At MW Restaurant in Honolulu, local mango takes the spotlight in the Mākaha Mango Shave Ice ($14). This refreshing cool treat uses kaffir lemongrass panna cotta, haupia tapioca, mango sorbet and freshly shaved mango ice.
Mango Pudding, Patisserie La Palme D’Or
Mango Pudding, Patisserie La Palme D’Or
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
The mango pudding ($7) at this Japanese- and French-influenced patisserie is light and creamy, using a milk-based pudding and a coconut blancmange. We love the hints of malibu, homemade mango compote and diced mango.
Mango Lassi, Kamana Kitchen
Mango Lassi, Kamana Kitchen
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
A traditional creamy Indian drink that can cool you down especially if you’re eating spicy curry dishes, the bright yellow mango lassi ($6.45) at Kamana Kitchen in Downtown Honolulu is made with mangoes, yogurt, milk, sugar and a splash of heavy whipping cream.
Mango Salad, Rangoon Burmese Kitchen
Mango Salad, Rangoon Burmese Kitchen
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
The mango salad ($16) is a gorgeous medley of flavors and textures—it’s no wonder, because there are so many layers to this dish from the popular Downtown Honolulu restaurant. It’s made with fresh ripe mango, cabbage, red onion, red bell pepper, cashews, peanuts, sesame seeds, raisins, fried onions, garlic oil, fish sauce, mint, cucumber, tomato and coriander.
This story was originally published in our Summer 2024 issue. Buy a copy here.
