Khaio Sawoei Sampran
Khiao sawoei directly translates to “green eat.” Characterized by its thick, deep-green skin and elongated shape, this one tastes aromatic and crunchy when raw, and sweet but dense when ripe.
Best for: This one-for-all mango tastes best eaten straight-up—it’s all down to you if you prefer that sweet yellow goodness or the mild raw flavor.
Where it’s from: This hybrid mango is the result of crossbreeding between nang klang wan and khaio khai ka, both local to Sampran.
Get it at: Talat Sam Yan, Soi Chula 9
Rad Paet Riw
This breed’s name means Rhinoceros, referring to the fruit’s unique little horn. The taste is super-sour when raw and tart-sweet when ripe.
Best for: As a sour mango, it’s best to snack on this one raw with nam pla wan (sweet and salty dip) to balance the taste out.
Where it’s from: Paet Riw is the old name of Chachoengsao province, where the soil is perfect for growing fruit with that sharp-but-sweet flavor.
Get it at: Talat Or Tor Kor, Kamphaengphet Rd.
Ok Rong Damnoen
Named after the fruit’s little cleavage, this small-sized beauty packs plenty of sweet flavor when ripe.
Best for: This mango was designed for mango sticky-rice.
Where it’s from: In Damnoen Saduak district in Ratchaburi province, there’s a variety simply called Ok Rong Damnoen, considered the best of the breed: sweeter and more fragrant.
Get it at: Talat Or Tor Kor, Kamphaengphet Rd.
Nam Dok Mai Bang Khla
The big-fruit variety, named after flower water, has a sweet fragrance. As you can expect from the size, the flesh is thick while at its center lies a small stone.
Best for: Eating when fully ripe.
Where it’s from: Thailand’s biggest growers are in Bangkhla, Chachoengsao.
Get it at: Talat Ratchawat, Nakhon Chaisri Rd.
Throughout April, the international dining hall FoodLoft offers a special menu dedicated to sweet, refreshing mango-focused dishes. Take your pick from the Mango Butter Pudding, a creamy, delicate pudding topped with ripe mangoes, cinnamon and cranberry sauce; the Mango Fruit Salad, which comes with mango-passion fruit flavored jelly and fresh fruits, or the Mango Parfait—packed with mangos, grapes, passion fruit yoghurt, cranberries and combined with coconut jelly and raisins. On the beverage side, try the Mango Popcorn Milkshake: a blend of ripe mangos with milk and butter popcorn, topped off with plenty of whipped cream and popcorn. Otherwise, stick to the classic Mango Tea, a light, refreshing juice blend that’s perfect for the summer heat. Find all these dishes at 7/F Central Chidlom, 4/F Central Ladprao, 3/F Central Chaengwattana, 3/F CentralFestival Pattaya Beach and 7/F ZEN@CentralWorld. Special discount promotion available for those with Central and Krungsri Credit Cards, AIS Serenade and The 1 Card.
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