Must-Try Foods In Shwenandaw Monastery (Mandalay) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Shwenandaw Monastery, Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)

Shwenandaw Monastery, known for its intricate wood carvings, is a significant cultural and religious site in Mandalay. While the monastery itself doesn't have a direct connection to food history, it stands as part of Mandalay's rich cultural tapestry, which includes a diverse food culture. Burmese cuisine has been influenced by the various ethnic groups in Myanmar, as well as neighboring countries like India, China, and Thailand. Mandalay, as a royal capital, historically served as a culinary hotspot where royal chefs would prepare dishes with complex flavors using local ingredients.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Mandalay for Tourists

• Mohinga - Often referred to as the national dish of Myanmar, this is a fish-based soup with rice noodles that's flavorful and hearty. (Non-Veg)
• Shan Noodles - A dish from the Shan state, these are rice noodles served with a mix of chicken or pork and seasoned with various spices. (Non-Veg)
• Laphet Thohk - A traditional salad made from fermented tea leaves, mixed with a variety of nuts, seeds, and peas. (Veg)
• Myanmar Tofu Nway - A Shan tofu dish that is made from chickpea flour, not soy, served warm and creamy. (Veg)
• Chapati with "Dhal" - Influenced by Indian cuisine, this is a simple but delicious combination of flatbread with lentil soup. (Veg)
• Samusa Thohk - A salad made with samosas, cabbage, and other vegetables mixed with tamarind sauce. (Veg)
• Burmese Curry - A staple dish that can be made with various meats (excluding cow), and is less spicy but rich in turmeric and other spices. (Non-Veg)
• Mont Lin Ma Yar - A popular street food snack, these are small, savory rice flour and coconut cakes topped with quail eggs. (Non-Veg)
• Tea Leaf Salad - Similar to Laphet Thohk, this is an amalgamation of fermented tea leaves, fried beans, nuts, and seeds. (Veg)
• Onnokauswe - A thicker, coconut-rich noodle soup with chicken and a host of spices. (Non-Veg)

Top Famous Restaurants Near Shwenandaw Monastery, Mandalay, with Their Famous Food Items

• Unique Mandalay Tea House
  Address: 27th St, between 74th and 75th St, Mandalay
  Famous Food: Tea Leaf Salad (Veg), Mohinga (Non-Veg)
• Mingalabar Myanmar Restaurant
  Address: 71st St, Between 28th and 29th St, Mandalay
  Famous Food: Burmese Curry (Non-Veg), Myanmar Tofu Nway (Veg)
• Shan Ma Ma
  Address: No. 452 81st St, Between 32 & 33rd St, Mandalay
  Famous Food: Shan Noodles (Non-Veg), Chapati with "Dhal" (Veg)
• Aye Myit Tar
  Address: 83rd St, between 22nd and 23rd St, Mandalay
  Famous Food: Burmese Curry (Non-Veg), Samusa Thohk (Veg)
• Café City
  Address: 26th St, between 66th and 67th St, Mandalay
  Famous Food: Onnokauswe (Non-Veg), Laphet Thohk (Veg)