What to Eat with Pickle: Pairing Mango, Lemon and Chilli Achar
By Thaaro Foods · 8 October 2026
Every Indian meal has a pickle that suits it. Which achar to open with parathas, khichdi, curd rice or dal baati, and how much to serve.
An Indian thali is not complete without a little pickle on the side. But different pickles suit different meals.
Mango pickle (aam ka achar)
Tangy, spicy and oily, the all-rounder.
- Aloo or gobi parathas with curd
- Dal-chawal and rajma-chawal
- Puri-sabzi on a Sunday morning
Lemon pickle (nimbu ka achar)
Softer and more sour, sometimes sweet.
- Moong dal khichdi and curd rice
- Plain rotis on a light day
- Vrat food, where sweet lemon pickle is welcome
Red chilli pickle (lal mirch ka achar)
Stuffed and bold, a little goes a long way.
- Dal baati and bajra roti
- Thick dal and plain rice
- Besan chilla and sandwiches
How much to serve
A teaspoon or two per person, with a little of the masala and oil. Always use a dry spoon so the jar keeps; see how Rajasthani pickles are made.
Try Thaaro's mango pickle, lemon pickle, or all three in the pickle combo.
Questions
Which pickle goes best with parathas?
Mango pickle, with a bowl of curd, is the classic pairing.
How should I store an opened pickle jar?
Keep the pieces under the oil, use a dry spoon and close the jar tightly in a cool, dry place.