Mango chutney
Geeta's Premium Mango Chutney
Open the lid of this hexagonal jar and you'll notice the aromas of what seems like every spice known to man. This gold chutney contains myriad aromatics, from cumin to fenugreek seeds. There are large, soft mango chunks, which give the sauce great body and a juicy sweetness. It works well with particularly hot main dishes, sparking them up with a chilli-free spice kick.
HK$32.50, Great, Two Pacific Place, Queensway, Admiralty
Sharwood's Green Label Mango Chutney
This chutney, from one of the most recognisable and widely distributed brands of Indian food in Hong Kong, comes in a stylish, tall cuboid bottle. It contains a slightly runny, tawny-hued sauce surrounding crisp chunks of fruit, giving it bite. It is the tartest of the lot, and has a little heat. The thin, sour liquid will help cut through the richness of a heavier main dish.
HK$35, ParknShop, citywide
Swad Sweet Mango Chutney
Like a hard, thick-set jelly, this chutney scoops out into neat spoonfuls that won't run on the plate. It looks almost clear, with small shards of mango evenly distributed throughout. However, the fruit flavours were hard to detect, and it had a rather unpleasant taste, like burnt plastic, over the expected sweetness. Even a strong, rich curry failed to mask this strange flavour.
HK$18, Indian Provision Store, Causeway Bay
Mida's Mango Chutney - Sweet
Don't say the label didn't warn you - this chutney is extremely sweet. If it weren't for the distinct undertone of spices, it could easily be used in a dessert or as jam for a sugar freak's breakfast. This lack of balance makes it difficult to pair with food. Nonetheless, the texture is pleasant - not overly watery and it's easy to mix or dab onto other food on your plate.
HK$26.90, Great, Two Pacific Place, Queensway, Admiralty
Bombay Authentics Luxury Mango Chutney
Almost a curry in itself, this creamy, mustard-coloured condiment made in Britain has the consistency of a fruit puree. Black onion seeds and green habanero chillies inject a dose of heat and spice. It could be a little overpowering with other curries, but it would work if you needed something to perk up a salad or as a condiment with light meat such as poached chicken.
HK$46, City'super, citywide