As Yangon continues to rise in ranks as a top pick for tourists, so does its food scene. Burmese food is a unique blend of various Southeast Asian cuisines, with inspiration drawn from its neighbouring countries of Laos, China and Thailand. Here’s where you can find some of the most mouth-watering foodie experiences in the city.
999 Shan Noodle House
A classic Yangon favourite, 999 Shan Noodle House serves the best Shan noodles outside of the Shan State. Originating from the Shan state, a bowl of Shan noodles is typically made by tossing thin rice noodles with tomato paste and marinated chicken. Loved for their cheap and tasty noodles, the dishes are whipped up in no time and delivered hot to customers. On the menu are a variety of other Shan delicacies including tofu salad, dumplings and rice dishes. While there are now three outlets of 999 Shan Noodle House throughout the city, the main shop sits on 34th Street and flaunts a long-standing success of 41 years. With its variety of dishes, this noodle joint has been thoroughly tried and tested, earning it a deluge of testaments from satisfied patrons.
Burma Bistro
It can be said that one’s perception of taste is subtly affected by the presentation of their food and the ambience of their setting. Burma Bistro takes this to a whole new level: Housed in a tastefully renovated colonial building, this extravagant restaurant offers a mesmerizing selection of authentic Burmese cuisine – all aesthetically arranged on their serving plates. A must try is the Rice in Bamboo, tomato-flavoured rice stuffed into a split bamboo shoot and topped with a marinated skewer. The restaurant’s high ceilings and vintage-styled interior revives an old world charm that brings customers back to the 19th century. Inspiration for the food is drawn from ethnic dishes throughout the country, condensing the flavours of the nation behind the unassuming doors of this quaint building on Merchant Street.
Chinatown’s 19th Street
Predominantly constituted by the Chinese with roots from Fujian and Guangdong provinces, Yangon’s Chinatown is a colourful maestro of languages and roads crammed with street stalls. Turn onto 19th street, and the chaos ebbs away into a more relaxed ambience, complete with proper sized tables and chairs – a sharp contrast from the low plastic stools that dot the rest of the district. Well-known as Yangon’s go-to for nightlife, the lanterns hung up along the streets are illuminated once it gets dark, transporting visitors into a different time and place. 19th street boasts of great barbecue, drinks and bars frequented by locals and backpackers alike. Grab a friend and some beers, sit back, and unwind; The night is always young here.
Maha Bandula Park
Adjacent to the Sule Pagoda is Maha Bandula Park: A green space that sits in the heart of Yangon’s bustling downtown. Identified by its iconic white obelisk, the Independence Monument was established in the centre of the park after 1945. Hungry souls will rejoice to find that the street market right beside the park is the answer to all their dreams. Starting from noon, street food stalls line the north of the park, tempting passers-by with an extensive array of different affordable eats: noodle dishes, smoothies, salads, skewers and many more. Since you’re here, don’t forget to have a taste of samosa salad, a local favourite made by drenching freshly cut samosas in a savoury bean broth and topping it off with vegetables and fried chickpeas. Try a variety of other local delicacies, then take a stroll in the park if you’re feeling too stuffed – You’ll probably be back for that last night time snack.
Rangoon Tea House
Listed as one of the best tea houses in the world by CNN, Rangoon Tea House is a short walk from the Sule Pagoda and definitely deserves a place on your Yangon itinerary. Apart from an impressive selection of high quality tea blends, the restaurant is famed for their authentic Burmese dishes. Not to be missed is the Mohinga, every local’s breakfast pick: rice noodles are topped with a generous ladle of fish broth, thickened with crushed chickpeas and topped with lemongrass and fried fritters. Warm and savoury, there is nothing more comforting than a bowl of Mohinga to soothe the weary soul. On top of a fantastic dining experience, the restaurant also has its ambience nailed down; The first floor is bright and comfortable, but head upstairs and you’ll feel as if you’ve just stepped into a speakeasy bar, complete with a cocktail menu.
To know a city is to eat your way through it, and Yangon makes this both a delicious and exciting task. Treat your taste buds to the perfect medley of flavours that are uniquely Burmese; You’ll soon be coming back for more.
