CHIReview
photo credit: Sandy Noto
Mango Pickle
This spot is Permanently Closed.
Included In
In theory, spending time with your family is a comforting, life-affirming experience. In reality, you can only take so much of them questioning your life decisions, accidentally emailing you computer viruses, and texting you every single morning to make sure you’re wearing a coat “in this weather.”
When you want fantasy, we’re-so-happy-to-see-you family time instead of “don’t you think it’s time for a haircut?” realness, stop by Mango Pickle for dinner. It’s like spending time with family, if family were uncomplicated, always supportive, and served consistently amazing food.
With its small orange storefront, twinkly lights, and neon pink sign, this place is a beacon of color in a stretch of dark brick buildings in Edgewater. It’s already pretty lovable on the outside, and stepping inside only enhances its appeal. Because for some reason, everyone there (even your fellow customers, we swear) seems excited to see you.
The food is contemporary Indian, so you’ll find classic dishes updated with seasonal ingredients. The menu does have staples, but the preparation changes based on what’s available: the fall variation of their samosa, for example, is filled with red khuri squash, potato, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. The clay pot chicken, cooked in a tandoori sauce with potatoes, is so comforting you’ll completely forget your Dad thinks that Facebook posts are a legitimate news source. It’s also incredibly spicy, so be prepared with a side order of their excellent naan or basmati rice. One drawback is that since the menu changes frequently, you can’t get too attached to any one thing.
Beyond the food, the service is a big part of what makes Mango Pickle special. It’s obvious that everyone working here cares a lot about this restaurant, and wants you to love it as much as they do. If you’re interested in a dish, they’ll grab someone from the kitchen to come and tell you about it - and that person may talk for so long you’ll start to worry they need to get back to work. It’s kind of like talking to your aunt Susan, but with more details about delicious food you’re currently eating and less information about her dog’s daycare progress reports.
A focus on seasonal ingredients makes the food at Mango Pickle stand out, but ultimately, it’s the inviting environment that makes us truly love this place. Come for delicious Indian dishes - but also “family” that won’t forward you emails from TeddyBearDream2346 at 1am, then ask why you never replied.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Sandy Noto
Samosa
photo credit: Sandy Noto
Bhel Puri
photo credit: Sandy Noto
Pakora
photo credit: Sandy Noto
Keema Kabob
photo credit: Sandy Noto
Chana Masala
Butter Chicken
photo credit: Sandy Noto