Known for their tall turquoise truck and not-too-sweet, tangy mango smoothies, Manhattan Mango just opened their first brick-and-mortar shop in BTS Chitlom station.
Now, fans of the stuff no longer have to go searching for the blue truck with hanging plastic mangoes at the city’s various pop-up markets and food festivals — like Winter Market, Made By Legacy, and Coconuts’ own YumFest — to get their mango frappe fix.
Known for drawing long lines wherever their truck appears, fans rate their signature Mango Smoothie (THB85/105 for M/L), Skyscraper Mango Iced Tea (THB65/85), Mango Flamingo (THB105/125), and Coco Mango Smoothie (THB95/115) well, despite naysayers who claim the prices are sky high for the tall fruity drinks, similar appearing versions of which can be purchased from streetside stalls in Bangkok for THB50.
Guests can add black pearl, caviar, tea jelly, or coconut jelly (all tapioca pearl kinda deals) to any drink for THB10 each.
Co-founder Danny Chayapum told Coconuts Bangkok that the truck’s success is down to their commitment to making a smoothie that is mostly mango, not ice or sugar, and choosing the best mangoes at the peak of ripeness — no matter what the cost.
“With five years of experience in this field, we are able to time the mangoes so that they can be served at the best time,” he said of a skill that some might call an art.
We enjoy the thick consistency of their smoothies which, unlike some cheaper ones, don’t melt away to nothing or leave you with a cup of ice crystals after you suck the first few fruity mouthfuls out. If you like a super-tangy experience (or sunset-hued photos for Instagram), choose the pink and orange flamingo version. If you prefer a creamier flavor to tone down the tang, go for the coconut-tinged coco mango variety.
Danny assured Coconuts Bangkok that their truck will also still be in rotation, making appearances at upcoming festivals around the city.
Like the truck, the new store serves up nibbles to go alongside their drinks, such as chips-and-salsa plate Salsa Harlem (THB100), Taco Supreme (THB55/100), which is actually more like a nacho plate, Chicken Tortilla (THB85), and Peanut Butter Noodle Salad (THB75).
Or go for the kinda-weird, kinda-brilliant, super-portable Taco Supreme Combo (THB100) which provides a cup of mango tea with a fitted topper filled with nachos. It’s pretty perfect for snacking on-the-go.
Danny said that they chose Chitlom station for their first store in order to make the location accessible for everyone since it’s right in the city center. He also hinted that more city stores may be on the way.
As Facebook reviewer Gabriel Benner simply said, “Might be the best mango smoothie I have ever had.”
Just remember — or wait for the ever-so-helpful voice to remind you — “No eating or drinking in the BTS skytrain system.”
FIND IT:
Manhattan Mango
Inside BTS Chitlom station, exit 4
Open Daily, 8:30-6:30pm
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