Mango Pickle

"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 The samosa dough here is a fantastic vehicle for the vegetable filling, which remains fresh-tasting and doesn’t get reduced to mush. And the date and cilantro chutneys served alongside only make it better. photo credit: Sandy Noto Bhel Puri Bhel Puri is typically a mixture of chickpeas, puffed rice, topped with sev (crunchy noodles made with chickpea paste), but when we were here the dish also included butternut squash and apples. It’s outstanding - spicy but also a little bit sweet. photo credit: Sandy Noto Pakora Get these if you love fried things. Onions and bell peppers are deep fried in chickpea flour, and served with a mustardy yogurt sauce. Actually, you should get them no matter what. Learn to love fried things. photo credit: Sandy Noto Keema Kabob The kabob is made from ground lamb, and while the lamb is juicy, it’s also oversalted. We prefer the dishes that have a bit more spice. photo credit: Sandy Noto Chana Masala This is one of our favorite things here. The masala sauce has the perfect amount of spice, and the chickpeas stay perfectly firm. Butter Chicken Chicken in a masala butter sauce, with cremini mushrooms and dried tomatoes. It’s a very good dish, but not the best chicken dish here. photo credit: Sandy Noto Clay Pot Chicken This is the best chicken dish here. Tandoori rubbed chicken thighs are served in an incredibly spicy broth that you should should do everything in your power to finish - we suggest soaking it up with naan. Tandoori Spiced Salmon Another spicy dish, but not as hot as the clay pot chicken. The seared salmon is cooked perfectly, and served with kohlrabi fritters and a yogurt sauce to mellow out the heat." - Adrian Kane

"Mango Pickle, a multiyear Michelin Bib Gourmand honoree known for modern Indian cuisine, will permanently close after service on Sunday, February 4, at 5842 N. Broadway Street, owners Marisa Paolillo and Nakur Patel announced in an email newsletter. Founded in 2016, the restaurant garnered a following for its ability to balance a casual atmosphere with ambitious techniques, including whole-animal butchery. “We’ll be venturing into new culinary endeavors and adventures, including ‘eclectic pop-ups,’ culinary training, and catering in 2024,” Paolillo writes." - Ashok Selvam

"Edgewater's creative Indian destination maintains its Michelin status. The cuisine is far from traditional, as chef Marisa Paolillo is eager to challenge perceptions of what Indian food can be. There’s also a killer cocktail list." - Naomi Waxman, aimee.levitt

"Bringing a person you just started dating to a special neighborhood spot isn’t something you should do lightly - it’s kind of like introducing them to your family. But sometimes you just can’t wait. Mango Pickle, which serves contemporary Indian food in Edgewater, is the definition of a special neighborhood spot: it’s low-key, has delicious food, and it’s family-run, so you really feel like you’ve been invited into someone’s house." - adrian kane

"The people behind this place in Edgewater are clearly very passionate about their food, and want to make you love it as much as they do. They succeed. Come to Mango Pickle for “contemporary Indian” in a fun, brightly-decorated environment. Classic dishes are made modern with seasonal ingredients (preparations of menu staples like the samosa change regularly, but are consistently good), and the chana masala is one of the best we’ve had anywhere. You should put this place in your rotation immediately - but make sure you only come with people you really like, because it would be almost criminal to eat here and not enjoy yourself." - adrian kane