Food History of Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is a melting pot of diverse cultures and religions, which is reflected in its culinary traditions. Myanmar's gastronomy has been largely influenced by the neighboring countries of India, China, and Thailand, but it retains its unique flavors and ingredients. Rice is the staple food and plays a central role in meals, accompanied by a variety of dishes.
Traditional Myanmar food is characterized by its extensive use of fish products like fish sauce and ngapi (fermented seafood). Sour, salty, and spicy flavors dominate the taste palette. The food culture in Yangon also showcases colonial influences, with dishes like tea leaf salad (Laphet thoke) and mohinga, the unofficial national dish, often being consumed at tea shops throughout the city.
Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
- Mohinga - Typically a breakfast dish, mohinga is a hearty fish soup containing rice noodles, served with hardboiled eggs, fritters and coriander. (Non-Veg)
- Tea Leaf Salad (Laphet Thoke) - A unique and tangy salad made from fermented tea leaves, mixed with various nuts, seeds, and peas. (Veg)
- Shan Noodles - Originating from Shan State, these sticky rice noodles are served with chicken or pork and seasoned with a fragrant combination of spices. (Non-Veg)
- Onnokauswe - A thicker variation of mohinga, made with coconut milk, resulting in a richer flavor. Often served with chicken. (Non-Veg)
- Burmese Tofu (Tohu) - Not made from soy, but from chickpea flour, this tofu is a popular protein source and can be served in a variety of dishes. (Veg)
- Chapati with Bean Curry - Influenced by Indian cuisine, this is a simple yet satisfying meal of flatbread served with a spicy bean curry. (Veg)
- Burmese Samosa Salad - A deconstructed samosa turned into a salad, with a mix of crispy pastry, boiled potato, chickpea, cabbage, and tangy sauces. (Veg)
- Rakhine Mote Ti - A spicy noodle soup with a fish-based broth, from the Rakhine State. Often served with fresh herbs and green chilies. (Non-Veg)
- Mont Lin Ma Yar - Known as "husband and wife snacks," these are small quail egg-based bites topped with chickpeas, garlic, and green onions. (Non-Veg)
- Burmese Curry - Unlike Indian curries, Burmese curry tends to be less spicy and is usually served with a range of sides including soup, salad, vegetables and rice. (Non-Veg)
Top Famous Restaurants in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma) and Their Signature Dishes
- Feel Myanmar Food
- Address: No. 124, Pyi Htaung Su Yeik Thar St, Yangon
- Famous Food: Mohinga, Tea Leaf Salad (Veg)
- 999 Shan Noodle Shop
- Address: No. 130 B, 34th St, Yangon
- Famous Food: Shan Noodles (Non-Veg)
- Shan Yoe Yar
- Address: No. 169, War Tan Street, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon
- Famous Food: Traditional Shan-style dishes (Non-Veg)
- The Rangoon Tea House
- Address: No. 77-79, Pansodan Rd (Lower Middle Block), Yangon
- Famous Food: Burmese Samosa Salad, Laphet Thoke (Veg)
- Padonmar Restaurant
- Address: No. 105/107, Kha-Yae-Bin Road, Yangon
- Famous Food: Burmese Curry (Non-Veg)
- Monsoon Restaurant
- Address: No. 85, 87 Theinbyu Road, Botataung Township, Yangon
- Famous Food: Traditional Myanmar set meals (Non-Veg and Veg options)
- Babett Eatery & Bar
- Address: No.5 Alan Pya Pagoda Street, Yangon
- Famous Food: Mediterranean-inspired dishes with local ingredients (Non-Veg and Veg options)
- Nilar Biryani & Cold Drink
- Address: No. 275, Anawrahta Rd, Yangon
- Famous Food: Burmese-style Biryani (Non-Veg)
- Aung Mingalar Shan Noodle Restaurant
- Address: No. 533, Lower Kyimyindaing Road, Yangon
- Famous Food: Shan-style Rice with Fish Soup (Non-Veg)
- LinkAge Restaurant and Art Gallery
- Address: No. 141/145 Seikkantha St, Yangon
- Famous Food: Vegetarian dishes and Traditional Art (Veg)
