Underneath Vagator’s Mango Tree, Goa comes alive

The mango fruit tickles taste buds, and in the shade of its tree is where many a meeting has taken place in Goa.

So, it seems natural that this restaurant in Vagator, called 'Mango', has created a niche for itself for being the meeting point for people who want to begin their tryst with destiny along the northern coastal belt.

Be it parties, events or just the start of exploration of tourism along the northern belt, Mango Tree is the place to meet, and from where most good things start.

“This is not just a great place to eat and drink, but a central place for all of us friends to meet. Everyone knows where Mango Tree is and so it acts as a Google for all,” says Shaheen as she waits for a friend at the restaurant.

But, it wasn’t always like that, it began small. “I started it as a small restaurant under my mango tree and today, the tree has been drawing people from all over the world for the food, drinks and energy that it offers a canopy to,” says owner, John Mendonca, who has seen life fly past his place.

Food at Mango Tree has always been different from what other restaurants in the vicinity offer. The emphasis is not only on food from Goa, but what satisfies the palate of its customers.

The roast beef has been a signature dish with tenderloin beef marinated overnight, roasted in the oven and served with roast potato and boiled vegetable. Mashed potato is provided, if asked and olive oil tossed over the boiled vegetables.

If beef is not your favourite, try the Chicken Ala-Kiev which, according to Lindan Mendonca – grandson of John – is much appreciated by tourists from North India, for whom Mango Tree is the kitchen away from home.

The menu at Mango Tree is exhaustive, and in the salad selection, the Avocado Salad stands out because it makes chewing feel so mellow. The avocado is mashed and mixed with boiled egg and vegetables, dressed in mayonnaise, and the salad costs Rs 290.

Mango Tree is designed in such a manner that one side of the tree acts as a canopy for the indoor seating, and the other for guests to just hang around the bar counter and nibble snacks.

Couples, well-dressed women, children -- enjoying desserts or playing around or watching TV -- are seen all through the day at Mango Tree, and Lindan thinks it is the location of the restaurant that has made the place so popular.

“Since my grandfather started this place, the idea was always to make everyone, who came in, feel at home. It offers customers safety in what they have and where they are,” emphasises Lindan, who is the live wire of the place.

“I have introduced a dish, called Mutton Ghee Roast. It is new on the menu, but much sought after by our guests because the mutton just melts in their mouth,” extols Lindan.

Mango Tree opens at 10 am and closes at 4 am, and all through that time, the place offers reliable meals and the best of drinks with entertainment adding spice to the moods of its guests.

As the night grows older, Mango Tree stands tall for being the only kitchen and bar serving customers who walk in even at 3.30 in the morning.

“Our last order is at 3.30 am and we close at 4 am. There may be a few customers who linger on till early morning,” winks Lindan.