Food In Shwethalyaung Buddha

Shwethalyaung Buddha and Food History

The Shwethalyaung Buddha is one of the most revered reclining Buddha statues in Myanmar. Located in Bago (formerly known as Pegu), this ancient city has a rich history that is intertwined with food. As a former capital of the Mon Kingdom, Bago has a diverse culinary tradition influenced by its geographic location and the various ethnic groups, including the Mon, Bamar, Karen, and Indian communities. The city, and in proximity to the Shwethalyaung Buddha, offers an array of traditional Burmese dishes which are typically rich in flavors with a combination of tangy, spicy, and savory tastes, derived from local herbs and spices.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Bago

1. Mohinga (Non-veg) - Often considered the national dish of Myanmar, this is a rice noodle and fish soup, flavored with lemongrass, banana stem, and ginger.
2. Khao Swe (Non-veg) - A Burmese-style noodle dish similar to Thai Khao Soi but made with coconut chicken curry and served over egg noodles.
3. Onnokauswe (Non-veg) - A thicker, coconut-based noodle soup with chicken and garnished with crisp noodles, shallots, and lime.
4. Shan Noodles (Non-veg) - Originating from the Shan state, this is a dish of thin, flat rice noodles in a sauce made from tomato and chicken or pork.
5. Tea Leaf Salad (Laphet Thoke) (Veg) - A unique salad made from fermented tea leaves, mixed with a variety of nuts and peas.
6. Burmese Tofu (Tohu) (Veg) - Made from chickpea flour, Burmese tofu is different from the Chinese version and is usually served in a salad or curry.
7. Samusa Thoke (Veg) - A flavorful salad made with samosas, chickpeas, cabbage, and various spices, mixed with a tangy tamarind dressing.
8. Burmese Curry (Non-veg) - A dish typically served with rice and a variety of side dishes, including vegetables, soup, dips, and salads. The curry itself can be made with fish, shrimp, chicken, or mutton.
9. Atho (Non-veg) - A Burmese-style salad made with rice noodles, garlicky oil, and a mix of raw and cooked ingredients, sometimes including protein such as chicken or seafood.
10. Pickled Tea Leaf Salad (Myeik or Tavoy) (Veg) - A regional variation of the tea leaf salad that includes pickled fish, although vegetarian versions without fish are also available.

Top Famous Restaurants near Shwethalyaung Buddha

San Francisco Restaurant

Address: Bago, Myanmar (Burma)
Famous for: Rice and Curry (Non-veg)

Hantharwaddy Restaurant

Address: Main Road, Bago, Myanmar (Burma)
Famous for: Mohinga (Non-veg)

Shwe Pyi Resort

Address: Yangon - Mandalay Rd, Bago, Myanmar (Burma)
Famous for: Shan Noodles (Non-veg)

Queen Restaurant

Address: Bago, Myanmar (Burma)
Famous for: Tea Leaf Salad (Veg)

Royal Taste Restaurant

Address: 17/22, Hospital Road, Bago, Myanmar (Burma)
Famous for: Burmese Curry (Non-veg)

Please note that vegetarians traveling in Myanmar should explicitly specify their dietary preferences, as many traditional Burmese dishes can be adapted to a vegetarian diet, even if not originally prepared that way.