You Must Try 15 Best Indian Pickles, This Summer

Summer is here. The sun is hot. And you know what pairs perfectly with those lazy afternoons?

A plate of cold rice, a little ghee, and a big spoonful of good pickle.

I've been eating pickles my whole life. My grandmother made them. My mother makes them. And now I buy them from places like Add Me because let's be honest—who has time to sit in the sun drying mangoes anymore?

But not all pickles are the same. Some are spicy. Some are sweet. Some will make you sweat. And some are so good you'll finish the jar in one sitting.

Here are 15 Indian pickles you absolutely must try this summer. And yes, I saved the best for last.

1. Dry Mango Pickle

Let me start with this one because, honestly, it's my favourite right now.

Most pickles float in oil. Not this one.

Dry mango pickle is exactly what it sounds like. Pieces of raw mango, sun-dried just right, mixed with spices. Very little oil. Just pure mango flavour with a nice spicy kick.

The first time I tried Add Me dry mango pickle, I was surprised. It's crunchy. It's tangy. And because there's less oil than regular pickles, it stays good for months without needing too many preservatives. I throw it in my lunchbox, take it on trips, and sometimes just eat a piece when I walk past the kitchen.

If you've never tried dry mango pickle before, this summer is the time. Your rice and dal will thank you.

2. Mango Pickle in Mustard Oil

This is the classic. The one your grandmother probably made.

Mango pickle in mustard oil has that sharp, punchy flavour that hits you right in the nose. The mustard oil isn't just for taste—it also keeps the pickle fresh for a long time.

My friend's mom still has a jar from two years ago. Opened it last month and it tasted fine. I don't recommend waiting that long, though. Pickle is meant to be eaten.

3. Punjabi Mango Pickle

If you like things spicy, this one's for you.

Punjabi mango pickle is bold. Lots of red chilli. Lots of mustard oil. Lots of attitude. It's the kind of pickle that wakes you up in the morning.

Eat it with paratha. Or with simple dal rice. Doesn't matter. It'll make anything taste better.

4. Gujarati Mango Pickle

Now this one is completely different.

Gujarati sweet mango pickle is sweet. Like, actually sweet. They use jaggery instead of just spices. Some versions even have dates.

My first time trying it, I was confused. Pickle is supposed to be spicy, right? But then I had it with thepla, and it just worked. Sweet and spicy together. Really good.

5. Rajasthani Mango Pickles

Rajasthan is hot. Like really hot. So their pickles are built differently.

Rajasthani mango pickles use less moisture and more spices. They're intense. They last long. And they don't need much to keep them fresh—the spices do all the work.

Perfect for people who like strong flavours.

6. Sweet Mango Chutney

Okay, this one's not really a pickle. But people get them confused, so let's clear it up.

Sweet mango chutney is cooked. It's jammy. It's sweet. Great with samosas or pakoras.

Pickle is a raw mango preserved with spices. Chutney is cooked mango with sugar. Both are good. Just different.

7. Andhra Avakaya

If you know pickles, you know this name.

Avakaya is the famous mango pickle from Andhra. It's spicy. Like really spicy. Made with a special variety of mango called ramkela that stays firm even after mixing.

People from Andhra take their pickle seriously. And honestly? They have every right to. This stuff is legendary.

8. Kerala Mango Pickle

Down south, they do things a little differently.

Kerala mango pickle often uses coconut oil instead of mustard oil. And they add curry leaves. Gives it a whole different taste.

If you've never tried pickle with coconut oil, you should. It's milder. Almost sweet in its own way.

9. Garlic Mango Pickle

Yes. Garlic and mango together.

Some families add whole garlic cloves to their mango pickle. The garlic soaks up all the spices and becomes this soft, spicy, amazing thing that's almost better than the mango itself.

If you're a garlic person, hunt this one down.

10. Hing Mango Pickle

Hing is asafoetida. Strong smell. Amazing taste.

Some pickles use lots of hing. It gives this deep, almost meaty flavour to the mango. Really good with simple foods like khichdi or plain rice. You can try Hing Mango Pickle once.

11. Methi Mango Pickle

Methi means fenugreek. Slightly bitter. But in pickles, it works.

The methi seeds soak up all the flavours and become little flavour bombs. Crunchy. Spicy. Slightly bitter in a good way. Great with bread or paratha. Try Methi Mango Pickle Chutney once, and you will love this.

12. Saunf Mango Pickle

Saunf is fennel seeds. Sweet and cooling.

In the middle of summer, a pickle with saunf feels almost refreshing. The fennel balances the heat of the chilli. Really nice with lighter meals.

13. Jeera Mango Pickle

Jeera is cumin. Earthy. Warm.

Cumin and mango are a classic combination. The jeera adds this nice warmth without too much heat. Good for people who want flavour without sweating.

14. Whole Mango Pickle

Some pickles cut the mango into pieces. Some leave it whole.

Whole mango pickle uses small, tender mangoes. The whole fruit goes in. You eat it like that—mango, seed, everything. It's messy. It's fun. And it tastes amazing.

15. Homemade Style Mango Pickle

This one is special.

Homemade mango pickles aren't really one thing. They're whatever your mom or grandmother made. Every family has their own recipe. Their own spice mix. Their own secret.

The best pickles I've had weren't from shops. They were from friends who brought back jars from their hometown.

And that's exactly what Add Me reminds me of. Their dry mango pickle tastes like something someone's grandmother would make. Handmade. Simple. Real.

No fancy packaging. No fake claims. Just a good pickle made by people who care.

Which One Will You Try First?

Fifteen pickles. Fifteen different tastes. And summer is long enough to try them all.

If you ask me, where to start? Go with number one. Dry mango pickle from Add Me. It's different from anything you've tried. And once you finish that jar, come back for the rest.

Your summer just got more delicious.