What to Eat in Myanmar? What Makes Myanmar's Specialties Unique?

Experiencing the local cuisine is an essential part of any trip to Myanmar. With its incredibly unique geographical location, nestled between Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand, Myanmar offers a rich culinary tradition influenced by its neighboring countries, yet it retains its own distinctive local flavors. When visiting Myanmar, you absolutely must try the seven famous dishes listed below. Let's explore with Vietjet!

1. An Overview of Myanmar’s Culinary Culture

As mentioned earlier, Myanmar is surrounded by many countries and is influenced by a variety of eating habits from different nations, such as the spicy flavors and fish-centric cuisine of Thailand, the strong spices of India, and the food preparation styles of China. As a result, the dishes stand out with a combination of sour, slightly bitter, and somewhat salty flavors, making Myanmar cuisine unforgettable for anyone who tries it.

Some essential everyday foods for the people of Myanmar:

Ngapi: A term for various fermented fish pastes made from fish harvested from the Mekong River, found in every Burmese household regardless of wealth.
Rice: Usually cooked sticky like glutinous rice and present in almost every meal.
Noodles: Consumed almost as much as rice. The most popular is Mee Swan, a thick noodle soup served with herbs and meat.
Palata: A rich, flaky bread similar to Indian paratha, fried and eaten with sugar for breakfast or with meat rolls for lunch and dinner.

Myanmar’s food is incredibly rich and diverse, offering a sense of the familiar yet exotic for visitors.

In addition to the food, Myanmar has a unique eating etiquette where people use both their right hand and chopsticks or spoons. So don't be surprised when you see locals eating with both methods at the table!

2. Discover 7 Famous Dishes in Myanmar

Deciding what to eat in Myanmar is no longer a difficult question, as Vietjet will introduce you to the top 7 must-try specialties when visiting the Land of Pagodas!

2.1 Myanmar Curry

Heavily influenced by India, Myanmar curry has a flavor profile similar to Indian curry. The difference lies in the absence of coconut milk, the use of a lot of oil, and a significant amount of onions. You can choose to have it with pork, beef, lamb, or seafood, along with rice and various side dishes. If you've tried Indian curry before, you’ll easily appreciate the famous Myanmar curry. However, Myanmar curry tends to be saltier, so if you don't prefer salty foods, you might not find it particularly impressive.

Myanmar curry shares similarities with Indian curry but has a different aftertaste.

2.2 Shan Rice

Shan rice, also known as nga htamin or Shan fish rice, is a staple dish of the Shan people (an ethnic group in Myanmar's Shan State). Instead of using fish sauce in cooking, the Shan primarily use soy sauce for their daily dishes.

Shan rice is a simple, easily enjoyed dish that is highly popular among locals.

Shan rice is usually seasoned with turmeric, giving it a distinctive bright yellow color. It is commonly served with fried fish or fried pork, depending on the visitor's preference. Shan rice has a spicy flavor from the roots of leeks and fried garlic. This is another Myanmar specialty that visitors should not miss.

2.3 Shan Tofu Noodles

Shan noodles, also known as Shan Kauk Swe, are a beloved noodle salad among the Shan people. Shan noodles can be eaten for lunch, dinner, or as a snack. Made with simple ingredients, including thin rice noodles cooked in a clear broth, the standout feature of Shan tofu noodles is the tofu, which is fermented from yellow lentils and green beans, giving the noodles a distinctive yellow color. These noodles are served with chicken or pork cooked in tomato sauce, topped with roasted sesame seeds and garlic oil.

Apart from being enjoyed as a soup, Shan noodles can also be served as a salad, with a similar sauce but using round, thin, and non-sticky Yay Sein noodles. Depending on their preference, visitors can choose the style of Shan noodles they like best.

2.4 Tea Leaf Salad

Tea leaf salad, known locally as Lephet Thoke, combines "Lephet" (fermented green tea leaves, steamed and fermented in bamboo) and "thoke" (salad in Burmese). This dish is commonly found at street vendors across Myanmar.

Typically served in a small box, it contains fried garlic, beans, various nuts, dried shrimp, chili, tomatoes, and ngapi (fermented fish paste). To enjoy, you mix everything together to fully appreciate the harmonious blend of flavors. While delicious, it's advisable to eat in moderation as the tea leaves can cause sleeplessness if consumed in excess.

2.5 Mohinga

Mohinga is Myanmar's fish noodle soup, a beloved dish by locals. A bowl of mohinga features a variety of flavors from simple ingredients.

The broth is made from fish paste and catfish, flavored with garlic, ginger, lemongrass, dried chilies, turmeric, pepper, and roasted rice powder. It’s served with fresh coriander and chopped vegetables. Many people enjoy mohinga for breakfast because it’s quick, convenient, and light yet provides enough energy for a long day.

Visitors should try mohinga as a breakfast dish when in Myanmar.

2.6 Faluda

Faluda is a colorful dessert in Myanmar, often served in plastic bags or cups. This treat is made from basil seeds, gelatin, tapioca pearls, water or milk, and syrup, sometimes with a scoop of ice cream on top. It's especially popular at the end of a meal, particularly during Myanmar’s hot summers.

Faluda is a delightful summer dessert that’s absolutely refreshing.

2.7 Myanmar Milk Tea

You might not know, but Myanmar is one of the world’s best tea-producing countries, and tea is a significant part of daily life for its people. Myanmar tea is a specialty that everyone wants to try at least once. The Burmese habitually drink tea every morning.

Myanmar grows many renowned tea varieties like green tea and oolong tea, mainly in the Shan Highlands, where the cool and ideal climate fosters tea cultivation.

Burmese people often add a bit of milk to their hot tea, resulting in a fragrant, rich milk tea that pairs well with all kinds of local dishes.

Myanmar’s famous milk tea will surely delight every tea lover.

3. Where to Enjoy Myanmar’s Specialties Properly?

3.1 999 Shan Noodle Soup

999 Shan Noodle Soup is one of the most famous and highly rated restaurants in Myanmar (according to reviews on Tripadvisor). As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in Shan noodles, offering a variety of options from soup to dry noodles. Additionally, 999 Shan Noodle Soup serves other dishes such as stir-fried vegetables, fried fish, cakes, and Shan-style rice.

Details:

Address: 130 B, 34th Street, Yangon, Myanmar (Behind Cityhall, Kyauktada Township)
Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM on weekdays
Price: From 1500 kyat to 3000 kyat (about 19,000 VND to 36,000 VND) per dish.

3.2 Rangoon Tea House

Rangoon Tea House is famous for its traditional Yangon dishes and is a favorite spot for those who love a classic style. This restaurant serves some of the most famous specialties of Myanmar, such as green tea salad, Mohinga fish noodle soup, and Shan rice. Additionally, the restaurant offers a variety of dishes including grilled meat, grilled shrimp, and various sweets.

Details:

Address: Ground Floor, 77-79 Pansodan Street, Lower Middle Block, Yangon, Myanmar
Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price: Ranges from 2000 kyat to 8000 kyat (about 24,000 VND to 97,000 VND) per dish.

3.3 7 Sisters Restaurant

7 Sisters Restaurant is voted as a romantic dining spot, both inside and out, thanks to its attractive décor and highly rated food quality. Here, you can find the best dishes from Myanmar, China, Thailand, and even Western cuisine. Be sure to try the crispy roast duck, fresh fish, and traditional Myanmar tea leaf salad.

Details:

Address: 79, Nwe Ni Street, New Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)
Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price: With about 300,000 VND, you can taste many delicious Myanmar specialties here.

Note for Visitors: Restaurants in Myanmar often close early, so make sure to dine early to avoid missing out on the delicious food and unique culinary experience in Myanmar!

These are the top 7 must-try specialties in Myanmar that visitors should not miss when visiting this unique country. Vietjet hopes to provide you with a “handbook” on Myanmar cuisine and wishes you an unforgettable trip.