Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Hpa-An, Kayin State, Burma
1. Lephet-thoke
A crispy fermented tea leaf salad, unique to Kayin State, served with garlic oil and peanuts. Try it at Night Market near Swe Taw Lay Pagoda.
- Authentic Flavor: Taste the traditional recipe prepared with locally grown tea leaves.
- Night Market Atmosphere: Enjoy your meal amidst vibrant local nightlife and bustling street vendors.
- Local Interaction: Engage with locals who proudly share their cultural dish.
2. Kan Ywar Gyi
A thick, rich and tasty curry made from jackfruit seeds, bamboo shoots, and various spices. Best enjoyed at Aung Bayar Restaurant.
- Unique Ingredients: Savor the exotic taste of jackfruit seeds and bamboo shoots.
- Quality Dining Experience: Enjoy your meal in a clean, comfortable restaurant setting with friendly service.
- Local Specialty: Savor the authentic Kayin State cuisine in Hpa-An.
3. Ba Maw
A spicy, sour soup made with fish, vegetables, and tamarind. Try it at Zee Oo Restaurant.
- Tantalizing Taste: Experience the balance of flavors in this tangy, spicy soup.
- Seafood Freshness: Enjoy fresh fish from local fisheries.
- Local Restaurant Atmosphere: Dine in a cozy, welcoming restaurant surrounded by friendly locals.
4. Mont Let Paung Taw Oo
A dessert made from sticky rice steamed in a banana leaf, topped with sesame seeds and coconut milk. Available at local street vendors near Mount Zwegabin.
- Traditional Presentation: Enjoy the traditional way of serving dessert in a banana leaf.
- Fresh Ingredients: Savor the taste of freshly made sticky rice and coconut milk.
- Scenic Location: Enjoy your dessert while taking in the beautiful views of Mount Zwegabin.
5. Mount Zwegabin Vegetarian Lunch Box
A boxed vegetarian lunch served at the foot of Mount Zwegabin monastery, featuring local Kayin dishes like Thote Lone Ywat and Kan Pyar Gyi.
- Vegetarian Option: Enjoy a tasty vegetarian meal while exploring the monastery.
- Local Dishes: Experience unique Kayin State vegetarian dishes.
- Cultural Experience: Learn about Buddhist culture while enjoying your meal at the monastery.
6. Thote Lone Ywat
A flavorful dish made from fermented soybeans and mixed with various vegetables. Try it at the local restaurants in Hpa-An town.
- Fermented Flavor: Taste the unique flavor of fermented soybeans.
- Local Restaurant Atmosphere: Dine in a cozy, welcoming restaurant surrounded by friendly locals.
- Vegetarian Option: Enjoy this vegetarian dish as a tasty and nutritious option.
7. Kan Pyar Gyi
A flavorful rice cake made with green beans, coconut milk, and jaggery. Best enjoyed at local restaurants in Hpa-An town.
- Sweet Taste: Enjoy the sweet, sticky taste of rice cake.
- Local Restaurant Atmosphere: Dine in a cozy, welcoming restaurant surrounded by friendly locals.
- Vegetarian Option: Enjoy this vegetarian dish as a tasty and nutritious option.
8. Kayin State Noodle Soup
A hearty noodle soup made with rice noodles, pork, and various vegetables. Try it at local restaurants in Hpa-An town.
- Hearty Meal: Enjoy a warm, filling meal to keep you satisfied.
- Local Restaurant Atmosphere: Dine in a cozy, welcoming restaurant surrounded by friendly locals.
- Spicy Option: Customize your soup with spice levels to suit your taste.
9. Kayin State Tofu
Soft and silky tofu made from locally grown soybeans. Best enjoyed at local restaurants in Hpa-An town.
- Fresh Ingredients: Savor the taste of freshly made tofu.
- Local Restaurant Atmosphere: Dine in a cozy, welcoming restaurant surrounded by friendly locals.
- Vegetarian Option: Enjoy this vegetarian dish as a tasty and nutritious option.
10. Kayin State Rice
Steamed rice cooked with fragrant jasmine rice and served with various local dishes. Enjoy it at any restaurant in Hpa-An town.
- Flavorful Complement: Enjoy the neutral, flavorful rice to balance your meal.
- Local Restaurant Atmosphere: Dine in a cozy, welcoming restaurant surrounded by friendly locals.
- Affordable Option: Enjoy a filling meal without breaking the bank.
11. Kayin State Tea Leaf Salad
A refreshing salad made from fermented tea leaves, peanuts, and various spices. Try it at the Night Market near Swe Taw Lay Pagoda.
- Refreshing Flavor: Enjoy a crisp, refreshing salad on a hot day.
- Night Market Atmosphere: Enjoy your meal amidst vibrant local nightlife and bustling street vendors.
- Local Interaction: Engage with locals who proudly share their cultural dish.
12. Kayin State Bamboo Rice
Sticky rice cooked inside a bamboo shoot and served with various local dishes. Enjoy it at any restaurant in Hpa-An town.
- Unique Presentation: Experience the traditional way of cooking and serving rice.
- Local Restaurant Atmosphere: Dine in a cozy, welcoming restaurant surrounded by friendly locals.
- Flavorful Complement: Enjoy the neutral, flavorful rice to balance your meal.
13. Kayin State Tofu Salad
A refreshing salad made with soft and silky tofu, peanuts, and various spices. Try it at the Night Market near Swe Taw Lay Pagoda.
- Refreshing Flavor: Enjoy a crisp, refreshing salad on a hot day.
- Night Market Atmosphere: Enjoy your meal amidst vibrant local nightlife and bustling street vendors.
- Local Interaction: Engage with locals who proudly share their cultural dish.
14. Kayin State Sticky Rice in a Leaf
A sweet dessert made from sticky rice and coconut milk, steamed inside a banana leaf. Available at local street vendors near Mount Zwegabin.
- Traditional Presentation: Enjoy the traditional way of serving dessert in a banana leaf.
- Fresh Ingredients: Savor the taste of freshly made sticky rice and coconut milk.
- Scenic Location: Enjoy your dessert while taking in the beautiful views of Mount Zwegabin.
15. Kayin State Fried Tofu
Crispy fried tofu served with chili and soy sauce. Best enjoyed at local restaurants in Hpa-An town.
- Crispy Texture: Enjoy the crunchiness of perfectly fried tofu.
- Local Restaurant Atmosphere: Dine in a cozy, welcoming restaurant surrounded by friendly locals.
- Spicy Option: Customize your tofu with spice levels to suit your taste.