Myanmar is an underrated gem when it comes to food. While it may not be as famous as Thai or Vietnamese cuisines, it has a unique culinary identity that stands out. From street food stalls to sit-down restaurants, you can find an explosion of flavors that reflect the country’s rich culture and history. Here’s what you should eat and where you should go to experience the very best of Myanmar’s food scene.
1. Mohinga: The National Dish
Mohinga is Myanmar’s most iconic dish and is eaten mostly as breakfast, though you can find it throughout the day. It’s a rice noodle soup with a fish-based broth, spiced with turmeric, lemongrass, and garlic. Toppings like boiled eggs, lime, and crispy fritters make it extra delicious.
Where to try: Min Lan in Yangon is popular for its seafood and Mohinga bowl, served fresh and full of flavor. Or, try getting it from local markets or street vendors. It’s incredibly cheap and authentic there.
2. Shan Noodles: A Noodle Lover’s Dream
Shan noodles come from the Shan State, and you don’t want to miss it. This dish is a light but tasty noodle meal served either dry or in a broth. Made with thin rice noodles, tomato-based sauce, chicken or pork, and garlic oil, it’s a quick and savory option.
Where to try: Head to 999 Shan Noodle in Yangon. It’s famous for both dry and soup versions of the Shan noodles and is a local favorite. The portions are filling, and the taste is unbeatable for the price.
3. Laphet Thoke: Fermented Tea Leaf Salad
Laphet Thoke is a must-try. This unique salad is made from fermented tea leaves, crunchy peanuts, sesame seeds, garlic, and fish sauce. It’s incredibly flavorful and often served as a snack or side dish.
Where to try: Aung Thukha in Yangon is well-known for serving Laphet Thoke. The restaurant focuses on traditional foods from Myanmar’s different regions with everything coming out fresh and tasty.
4. Burmese Curry: For Hearty Food Choices
If you are craving a hearty and rich meal, the Burmese curry is the one to go for. Burmese curries often come with sides of rice, a bowl of soup, salads, and various sauces, making it more than just a single dish. The curry itself can be anything from chicken to mutton, and is cooked slowly with a blend of spices, onion, and garlic for a deep flavor.
Where to try: Check out Mandalay Restaurant in Mandalay for some of the best traditional curries. Their mutton curry is so tender it falls apart as soon as you touch it with your fork.
5. Samosa Thoke: A Burmese Snack
Samosa Thoke is a popular street food in Myanmar, blending Indian and Burmese influences. It’s a salad with crispy samosas tossed with cabbage, potatoes, and spicy sauce. Quick and filling, it’s perfect for a light snack while you’re exploring the streets of Yangon or Mandalay.
Where to try: Look for street vendors selling Samosa Thoke in Yangon or close to major markets. Street food in Myanmar is fresh and safe to eat if you pick stalls with good turnover.
6. Mont Lin Ma Yar: A Popular Street Snack
Mont Lin Ma Yar or “Husband and Wife Snacks” are bite-sized rice cakes filled with quail eggs, chickpea powder, and green onion. The rice cakes are cooked in molds and served with a drizzle of oil. These crispy, savory treats are fun to share and incredibly satisfying.
Where to try: Head to the bustling street food markets in the Chinatown area of Yangon. You can spot vendors making these on the spot—you can’t get fresher than that!
7. Ohn No Khao Swe: Burmese Coconut Noodle Soup
If you’re a fan of rich, creamy flavors, Ohn No Khao Swe, a coconut-based noodle soup, should be on your list. Made with chicken, onions, chili, and egg noodles, it is a comforting dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The coconut milk gives it a rich, smooth taste with a mildly spicy kick.
Where to try: Head over to Feel Myanmar Food in Yangon for an authentic bowl of Ohn No Khao Swe. This place is popular with locals and tourists alike, so you know the flavor is spot-on.
8. Ngapi: Fermented Fish Delight
Ngapi is fermented fish paste often used in various dishes or served as a dip with fresh vegetables. It’s an acquired taste, but one that defines the backbone of Burmese cuisine. If you’re feeling adventurous, give it a try!
Where to try: If you want to experience Ngapi in a comfortable setting, head to Pandaw Restaurant in Bagan. They have several dishes featuring Ngapi in their traditional set meals.
9. Htamane: A Rice Lover’s Dessert
Htamane is a traditional glutinous rice snack made during the rice harvest festival. Sticky, sweet, and infused with peanuts, coconut, and sesame seeds, it has a chewy texture that many locals enjoy as a special treat. It can be hard to find outside of festival times, but it’s worth a try if you stumble upon it.
Where to try: Keep an eye on local street vendors around the festival season, especially in February. Larger temples and pagodas in Yangon often have stalls selling Htamane at that time of year.
10. Seik Phat Thoke: A Refreshing Fruit Salad
If you need something light and refreshing, Seik Phat Thoke is your answer. This fruit salad is made with a mix of seasonal fruits like mango, papaya, and pineapple. It’s often spiced with lime, salt, and sometimes chilis to give it a unique salty-sweet flavor.
Where to try: Visit the local fruit markets or vendors selling fruit salads close to Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. You’ll get the freshest picks of what’s in season.
Conclusion
Myanmar’s food scene is incredibly diverse. Whether you’re exploring a bustling city like Yangon or venturing out to rural areas, the food never disappoints. From street snacks to hearty meals, there’s something for everyone. So get out there and eat like a local—your tastebuds will thank you.
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