The Finest North Indian Cuisine in Colombo - The Story of The Mango Tree

-

Colombo, the bustling capital of Sri Lanka, is known for its eclectic cuisine that reflects the diverse cultures within the country. Among the many culinary gems, The Mango Tree stands out as a beacon of North Indian cuisine. Founded by Viraj Panchal, this restaurant has become synonymous with quality and authenticity. In this article, we delve into the inspiring journey of The Mango Tree, exploring its beginnings, challenges, and the unique offerings that make it a must-visit destination in Colombo.


The Early Days: A New Beginning in Sri Lanka

--------------------------------------------

Viraj Panchal's journey to Sri Lanka began in the early 1990s when he was involved in the apparel industry. Arriving in 1992, he quickly established a buying office that facilitated orders with various factories across the island. This venture laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in the local market.

Initially, Viraj's focus was on the garment industry, where he worked diligently to build a reputation and gain experience. By 1998, he took a significant step by starting his own manufacturing factory. However, his passion for food and hospitality lingered in the background, waiting for the right moment to emerge.


 

###The Birth of The Mango Tree

In the early 2000s, the idea of opening an Indian restaurant started to take shape. Viraj noticed a gap in the market for quality North Indian cuisine in Colombo. Recognising this opportunity, he collaborated with a friend from Bombay, who was running a successful restaurant in Boston. Together, they explored the potential of establishing a dining experience that would resonate with the local community.

After extensive research and careful planning, they secured a location in 2003, right at the entrance of a property adorned with a magnificent mango tree. This tree not only symbolised their venture but also inspired the restaurant's name. On May 24, 2004, The Mango Tree officially opened its doors, offering an array of authentic Indian dishes that quickly garnered positive reviews.


Growth and Expansion

--------------------

From its humble beginnings, The Mango Tree flourished, expanding its offerings and reaching new heights. Initially starting with a seating capacity of 15, the restaurant quickly grew to accommodate more guests by taking over adjacent spaces. This expansion allowed them to host private events and cater to larger crowds, solidifying their reputation as a premier dining destination in Colombo.


 Branching Out: The Jack Tree

With the success of The Mango Tree, Viraj sought to diversify his culinary offerings. This led to the inception of The Jack Tree, a Thai restaurant that aimed to fill another void in Colombo's dining scene. Recognising the limited options for Thai cuisine, Viraj decided to create a vibrant dining experience that celebrated the flavours of Thailand.

The choice of the name "Jack Tree" was inspired by the jackfruit tree located at the restaurant's premises, as well as the head chef named Jack, who joined the team during the establishment phase. Despite the challenges faced in making The Jack Tree as popular as The Mango Tree, it still carved out a niche for itself, serving delectable Thai dishes to a loyal clientele.

Challenges Along the Way-----------------------

Every successful business faces challenges, and The Mango Tree is no exception. Over the years, Viraj navigated various obstacles, including natural disasters, political turmoil, and the recent global pandemic. Each of these events tested the resilience of the restaurant and its team.

Surviving Tough Times

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for the hospitality industry. However, The Mango Tree managed to adapt by pivoting towards takeaway and delivery services. This shift allowed them to maintain a steady flow of business during lockdowns, demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction and survival.

Despite the hardships, Viraj remained focused on retaining his staff, ensuring they had jobs to return to when the situation improved. This dedication to his employees not only strengthened team morale but also fostered a sense of loyalty that would prove invaluable in the long run.


 Quality and Authenticity: The Mango Tree's Unique Selling Proposition

 -------------------------------------------------------------------

What sets The Mango Tree apart from its competitors is its unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. Viraj believes that in the service industry, the customer is king. Every effort is made to ensure that patrons receive the best possible dining experience.

A Menu Rich in Tradition

The Mango Tree's menu features a wide range of North Indian dishes, with an emphasis on vegetarian options. Viraj, being a vegetarian himself, ensured that the restaurant offers a diverse selection of vegetarian delicacies that cater to the tastes of both locals and visitors


 

Some of the standout dishes include the famous paneer tikka and a variety of curries that reflect traditional Indian cooking methods. The focus on using fresh ingredients and maintaining high standards has earned The Mango Tree a loyal following, with many customers returning for the same quality they experienced years ago.

 

The Future of The Mango Tree and The Jack Tree

----------------------------------------------

Looking ahead, Viraj is optimistic about the future of both The Mango Tree and The Jack Tree. As the restaurant industry in Colombo continues to recover from the pandemic, there are plans for further expansion. Viraj envisions opening new outlets, allowing more people to experience the unique flavours and hospitality that The Mango Tree is known for.


With a strong foundation built on quality, authenticity, and customer satisfaction, the journey of The Mango Tree is far from over. As they continue to navigate the evolving culinary landscape, one thing remains clear: The Mango Tree will always be a cherished destination for those seeking the best North Indian cuisine in Colombo.

  Final Thoughts --------------

The Mango Tree's story is one of passion, resilience, and dedication to the art of hospitality. Viraj Panchal's journey from the apparel industry to becoming a prominent figure in Colombo's culinary scene is a testament to the power of perseverance and vision. As diners flock to The Mango Tree, they not only enjoy delicious food but also become part of a story that celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures and flavours that define Sri Lanka.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, The Mango Tree promises an unforgettable dining experience that highlights the best of North Indian cuisine. Make sure to visit their newest location at number 10 D plus 8, Colombo 3, and indulge in a culinary journey that reflects the heart and soul of Indian gastronomy.


Dont forget to check out The Mango Tree on www.themangotree.net and jack tree on www.jacktree.com for the best North indian and thai cuisine in colombo

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Journey of Annesley Malawana: A Legend in Sri Lankan Music

-
Image
 The Journey of Annesley Malawana: A  True  Legend in Sri Lankan Music Annesley Malawana, often referred to as the "Prince of Sri Lankan Pop Music," has had an illustrious career spanning over five decades. His contributions to the music industry have made him a beloved figure in Sri Lanka, and his story is one of passion, perseverance, and creativity. In this article, we will delve into his early beginnings, the evolution of his music career, and his thoughts on the current state of the music industry. Early Beginnings: The Spark of a Musical Journey ------------------------------------------------ Annesley's journey into music began after completing his schooling. In 1965, he returned home during the holidays and was approached by a friend about a local musician, Clarence, who was looking for a lead singer for his group. This serendipitous meeting marked the beginning of his musical career. Clarence was already a known figure in the music scene and had formed a small gr...
Read more

"Travel is a way of life” ....Water Sports Expert from Sri Lanka

-
Image
  "Travel is a way of life” ....Water Sports Expert from Sri Lanka T ravel is viewed as a most favorite hobby or an leisure activity for most people out there , but to travel to earn or let me say, how about when travelling becomes a career? And yachting” is even more of a rare type it is indeed a dream" to say the least, Ramesh is certainly one of the lucky ones who managed to make that dream come true, He was born in Sri Lanka, a proud son from isipathana college who is travelling on a yacht around the globe even as you read this article. He stopped by to have a Simple Talk with me. Ramesh Tell us about yourself: I was living in Narahenpita, and I schooled at isipathana college in col 05,I was never the studious kind as I was always doing other things like sports ,music and interact club work and so on, we formed a band right after schooling with my friend roshan, but after few years we stopped it, we all went on our own paths So why did you stop music? I was reall...
Read more

What is Marketing & Why you need Marketing

-
Image
What is Marketing & Why you need Marketing One of the best ways to improve your marketing mix is to never approach it as an isolated task, but rather as one that’s part of an interconnected network where each component plays a key role in transforming strangers into customers. That is where the 8 Ps Of Marketing come in.    8 Ps Of Marketing A well-designed marketing mix is a key to success in business. These 8 Ps of Marketing will help your business grow and reach its potential.Implementing the 8 Ps of Marketing can certainly boost your marketing mix. If you have ever found yourself asking “How can I improve my marketing?” or “What are the most important elements to a successful marketing campaign?” then you need to read this. What is marketing.... Either you follow out of the box marketing ideas or routine marketing practices, it always refer to all the activities that help a company convey its offerings to its target audience. So, what we commonly refer to as marketing ...
Read more