Mango fiends...choonsas are available

[grandgourmand]

I'm pretty sure I missed the early wave of choonsas (sweet mangoes from Pakistan), but I did get some yesterday. I don't know this with certainty, but I believe a Pakistani person would tell you these are the best mangoes around. An Indian person would tell you they are super sweet, but lacking the depth of flavour and perfume the Alphonsos offer. I would tell you, they are definitely delicious and worth trying.

My in-laws picked some up yesterday on Gerrard St. They are slightly better value than Alphonsos. A box of 8 cost $12 (vs. around $24 for 12 Alphonsos).

Oh, another thing about choonsas, I believe the quality is more consistent.

[duckdown]

I keep hearing about these special Mangoes... someone sell me some of them here in Brampton so I can see what all the fuss is about

on RFD people keep talking about "alfonso mangos" and another one that starts with the letter A and looks similar..

[foodyDudey]

If you live in the Brampton area, go to one of the Indian grocery stores, there are many out that way. The season for Alphonsos is over but you would still be able to find "ataulfo" as those are from Mexico. I see them at the fruit stores on Danforth Ave.

This link will show you a few other mangoes that you will commonly find, such as Hayden and Kent. http://www.freshmangoes.com/varieties...

[childofthestorm]

Yeah man, Brampton, you are in the easiest spot in town to find mangoes!

[duckdown]

think Golden Groceries sells them? I live right near that

thanks for the info guys

[childofthestorm]

Yup they should have, and if not they'll know who does around there.

[foodyDudey]

I was going to post about seeing the Choonsas yesterday when I went to Gerrard St for a walk. The ones I saw looked shrivelled, I think it's already getting close to the end of the season. Just north of Kohinoor, in the space formerly occupied by Narula's is a restaurant called Tandoori Host, it opened about 2 weeks ago. They have a tandoor outside that meat and bread was being cooked in. The food in the warming trays inside looked quite good. I didn't try anything as I had already eaten dinner, but this place looks like it's worth a visit. You could easily eat dinner there for $10.

[childofthestorm]

One has to keep in mind that with Alphonsos, Choonsa, etc...any mangoes from South Asia, they usually only get 2 deliveries a week. So you may have seen the shrivelled ones right before a fresh batch was due to come in.

But yeah - season is almost done. Dammit.

Tandoori Host, we went and talked to the guys, nice dudes, and the tikka they had in the tandoor outside smelled amazing. We're going to grab takeout from there next week.

[foodyDudey]

I went there with my wife this evening. The chicken tikka is good. I'm starting to think I need a tandoor for the backyard, I'll get one after our kitchen reno is complete.

[koknia]

For another all-season mango snack I buy the big cans of Indian mango pulp and make mango leather in my dehydrator. Add some fresh strawberries or whatever to add some variety. Incredibly concentrated mango flavour.

[Teep]

Online references say chonsa/choonsa/chaunsa season lasts till the end of August? Sindhri is the one quoted as in season till mid July.

[food face]

All the mangos I have tried in Little India are the absolute most delicious ever. I haven't been to India or Pakistan but I feel like I am somewhere hot and wonderful when I eat one! Speaking of mangos, is anyone else addicted the dried Philipino ones? They are the cheapest in Chinatown.

[grandgourmand]

Those dried ones are a great snack. I think they cost $1.50 a pack or so in Chinatown stores.

As a complete aside, if you like peanuts, the ones from the Philipines are really nice, very crunchy and good seasoning. They have them in the ethnic food section of food basics. A green and yellow foil-type package.

[food face]

I will buy philipino peanuts now....must try.

[uberathlete]

Philippine mangoes are the best in the world imo.

[childofthestorm]

Yes, I bought some last weekend and they were delicious. Definitely the best mangoes from Pakistan. Price was $16 for 8 larger ones. I prefer the Alphonsos for their "creaminess" but the Choonsas are super sweet, tasting strongly of honey. Totally worth the trip to Little India.