Myanmar is known for its rich and diverse cuisine, with a blend of flavours from neighboring countries such as China, India, and Thailand. And Yangon is the cuisine capital of Myanmar where cultures collide. Here are 10 of the best dishes you must try in the country’s most populous city.
Mohinga
If you still have not tried Mohinga while living in Myanmar, are you really living in it? A traditional breakfast dish is made with thick fish broth, rice noodles, and various toppings such as lemongrass, ginger, and chili. A warm bowl of Mohinga with an egg, lentil cracker and herring roe is a nourishing and satisfying meal every Burmese loves.
Laphet
The fermented tea leaf dish served with a variety of ingredients such as peanuts, fried garlic, and dried shrimp is pretty unique even in Southeast Asia. It is a savoury meal that can be both a snack for tea time and a side dish for lunch.
Shan noodles
A noodle dish originated in Shan State. It is a dish with rice noodles, chicken, pork or veggies, soy sauce, and ground peanuts and served with Shan-style pickles. Some variations are to be expected across the city since many establishments have their own take on this dish. Let us know which one is your favourite.
Rakhine Mont Ti
Nicknamed “Rakhine’s Mohinga”, Mont Ti is made of thin rice noodles and clear spicy fish broth. You can have it in soup or salad. Both versions are better with fish cakes and lentil crackers. Add more seafood and it will become a premium dish.
Nan Gyi Thoke
A hearty noodle dish made with thick rice noodles, chicken or beef, and a flavourful sauce. It originated in Mandalay and our friends in upper Myanmar would always complain about how Yangon Nan Gyi Thoke could not compare to theirs. You be the judge.
Coconut noodles
A delicious noodle soup made with a creamy coconut milk-based broth and served with various toppings such as crispy fried noodles, vegetables, and meat. It might remind you of Laksa but ours has a milder taste.
Tofu salad
Bean curds are thinly sliced and mixed with red oil, lentil flour, chili powder, fried onions and fish sauce. This dish is vegan-friendly if you swap fish sauce for soy sauce.
Burmese curries
A rich and savoury curry made with a range of ingredients including tomatoes, onion, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices. It can be meat or fish and we usually pair them with rice and vegetables.
Sweets and desserts
Myanmar is known for its sweet and flavorful desserts. There are so many of them you can fill a book. But it can be roughly divided into glutinous and non-glutinous rice cakes. They are served with many condiments such as coconut cream, fruits and nuts.
Barbecue and grills
Myanmar is also famous for its barbecued and grilled dishes, including chicken, beef, pork and seafood which are typically served with tamarind sauce and veggies. You may find them at beer pubs since they make great drink food.
Most of these meals are available at Rangoon Tea House, Shwepalin Tea Shop, Lucky Seven Tea Shop, Anyer Thu Burmese Restaurant and so on. If you want to have a genuine street food experience, contact Sa Ba Street Food Tours.
Source: myanmore
By Nay ThihaFebruary 14, 2023