Must-Try Foods In Shwezedi Monastery (Sittwe) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Shwezedi Monastery in Sittwe, the capital city of the Rakhine State in Myanmar, is a place with a deep-rooted cultural and spiritual significance. Regarding food, like many monastic communities in Myanmar, Shwezedi Monastery likely relies on alms food offered by laypeople, which traditionally includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes – however, beef is generally excluded due to cultural practices. It's important to note that monks typically eat early and observe fasting from noon till the following sunrise. Here are the top 10 food dishes one should try when visiting Sittwe, and the broader Rakhine region, considering both vegetarian (Veg) and non-vegetarian (Non-Veg) options without including dishes with beef: 1. Mohinga (Non-Veg): It's Myanmar’s national dish, often eaten for breakfast. It's a fish-based soup with lemongrass, onion, garlic, ginger, and served over rice noodles. 2. Tea Leaf Salad (Laphet Thoke) (Veg): This is a blend of fermented tea leaves, various fried beans, nuts, and peas mixed together. This is an iconic Burmese dish and is vegetarian. 3. Rakhine Thoke (Veg/Non-Veg): A type of salad from the Rakhine State, which can be made with or without seafood, tossed with traditional herbs and tamarind for a tangy taste. 4. Rakhine Mote Ti (Non-Veg): It's a soup-ish dish made with thin rice noodles and a spicy fish-based broth common in the region. 5. Nga Pi (Non-Veg): Known as fermented fish paste, often used as a seasoning or condiment in many Burmese dishes for an umami taste. 6. Pumpkin Stew (Veg): A homey Burmese dish that is made with pumpkin and onions, simmered until soft. 7. Pe Byouk (Veg): A vegetarian dish, generally made with beans and sometimes served alongside rice. 8. Fried Tofu Salad (Veg): Burmese tofu is made from chickpea flour and is different from the typical soy tofu. It is cut into cubes or slices and served with tamarind sauce, coriander, and hot oil. 9. Burmese Samosa Salad (Veg): Samosas are cut into pieces and mixed with cabbage, onions, and sauces for a delicious twist on the Indian original. 10. Shan Noodles (Veg/Non-Veg): Originating from Shan State, these rice noodles come in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions, often topped with marinated chicken or pork, and mixed with a spicy and tangy sauce. In Sittwe, top famous restaurants that you may visit include: - Sunset View Restaurant Address: Strand Road, Sittwe Famous for: A wide variety of local Rakhine dishes Food Type: Veg and Non-Veg - Myoma Restaurant Address: Pyi Taw Aye Street, Sittwe Famous for: Traditional Burmese breakfast including Mohinga and local curries Food Type: Veg and Non-Veg - The Pizza Company Address: Sittwe Main Road, near the City Center Famous for: Western food options like pizza for those looking for a familiar taste Food Type: Veg and Non-Veg While these establishments provide an array of dishes, it's advisable for visitors to ask about the ingredients to ensure they align with their dietary preferences, especially since traditional cuisine can vary greatly.