Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Mandalay, Burma
1. Mohinga
Delicious rice noodle soup with fish broth, catfish or tilapia, and a variety of toppings such as boiled potatoes, onions, chili peppers, lime, and coriander.
- Authentic Experience: Try it at a local teashop like 'Aung Myint Kyaw Teashop' to immerse in the authentic Mandalay culinary culture.
- Unique Taste: Mandalay Mohinga has a distinct taste due to its fish broth and local spices.
- Availability: Mohinga is typically available for breakfast or lunch throughout the day.
2. Shan Noodles (Kháo Sī Bhí),
Spicy rice noodle dish with various toppings like shallots, garlic, chicken or pork, and pickled cabbage.
- Regional Specialty: This dish originates from the Shan State but is popular in Mandalay as well.
- Spiciness Level: Adjust the spiciness level to your preference at 'Kyauk Ka Taw Shan Noodle Shop'.
- Fresh Ingredients: The dish is made with fresh and flavorful ingredients for an excellent taste.
3. Mandalay Salad (Lot Thoke)
Cold salad made from shredded fermented tea leaves, peanuts, cabbage, tomatoes, and garlic oil.
- Local Tradition: It's a traditional dish that reflects the local Burmese culture.
- Refreshing Flavor: The salad is an excellent choice for a hot day, providing a refreshing and tangy taste.
- Customization: Add your preferred toppings like boiled eggs, onions, or dried shrimp.
4. Mont Let Pyar Thit
A fried rice dish made with green peas, potatoes, and a variety of spices.
- Flavorful Fried Rice: The unique blend of spices gives the dish a distinct flavor.
- Traditional Recipe: This is a traditional Burmese recipe that's popular in Mandalay.
- Affordable and Filling: It's a budget-friendly meal that's hearty and satisfying.
5. Mandalay Beans (Kyauk Kyaw)
Sweet dessert made from green beans cooked in coconut milk and jaggery sugar.
- Traditional Dessert: This is a traditional Burmese dessert with a unique flavor profile.
- Creamy Texture: The dish has a creamy texture due to the coconut milk, making it delightful and soothing.
- Health Benefits: Green beans are rich in dietary fiber, making this dessert healthy and nutritious.
6. Mandalay Rice (Kyauk Kyaw Htamin)
Crispy rice dish made by frying rice with onions and topped with fish or seafood curry.
- Crunchy Texture: The contrast between the crunchy rice and creamy curry makes this dish irresistible.
- Unique Presentation: A large serving of the dish is often presented as a mountain, making it an impressive sight.
- Flavor Intensity: The fish or seafood curry gives the dish a rich and intense flavor.
7. Mandalay Pancake (Bahn Thoke)
Thin crepe-like pancake made from rice flour and served with a variety of toppings.
- Light and Crispy: The pancake is light, crispy, and easy to roll up with your favorite toppings.
- Versatile Toppings: Choose from a variety of toppings such as pickled cabbage, beansprouts, or fried shallots.
- Breakfast Option: This dish is a great breakfast choice, providing energy for the day ahead.
8. Mandalay Noodles (Hnget Khauk Swe)
Sweet noodle dish made from rice noodles, jaggery sugar, coconut milk, and topped with crushed peanuts.
- Unique Sweet Dish: This is a sweet dish that provides a change from the usual savory Burmese meals.
- Versatile Ingredients: Toppings like dried coconut, boiled peas, and bananas can be added to customize the dish.
- Traditional Recipe: This is a traditional Burmese recipe that's popular in Mandalay.
9. Mandalay Curry (Ohn No Khauk Swe)
A mild curry made from chickpeas and a variety of spices.
- Mild Flavor: The curry has a mild flavor that's suitable for those who prefer less spicy food.
- Traditional Recipe: This is a traditional Burmese recipe that's popular in Mandalay.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Chickpeas are rich in protein and fiber, making this dish nutritious and filling.
10. Mandalay Fruit Salad (A-Ywa Thoke)
Refreshing fruit salad made from a variety of tropical fruits like papaya, mango, and pineapple.
- Fresh Fruits: The salad is made with fresh, ripe, and flavorful fruits.
- Refreshing Flavor: The fruit salad is an excellent choice for a hot day, providing a refreshing and sweet taste.
- Versatile Ingredients: Add coconut milk or palm sugar to customize the flavor of your fruit salad.
11. Mandalay Tea Leaf Salad (Let Thoke)
Salad made from fermented tea leaves, peanuts, garlic oil, and various toppings.
- Local Tradition: It's a traditional dish that reflects the local Burmese culture.
- Refreshing Flavor: The salad is an excellent choice for a hot day, providing a refreshing and tangy taste.
- Customization: Add your preferred toppings like boiled eggs, onions, or dried shrimp.
12. Mandalay Tea (Yay Kyaw Swé)
Traditional Burmese tea made from black tea leaves, sugar, and condensed milk.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the local culture by trying this traditional drink at a teashop.
- Sweet and Refreshing: The tea is sweet, refreshing, and invigorating, making it perfect for any time of the day.
- Traditional Recipe: This is a traditional Burmese drink that's popular throughout the country.
13. Mandalay Beef Curry (Gyun Ohn No Khauk Swe)
Spicy beef curry made from tender pieces of beef, potatoes, and a variety of spices.
- Flavor Intensity: The curry has a rich and intense flavor due to the spices and tender beef.
- Traditional Recipe: This is a traditional Burmese recipe that's popular in Mandalay.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Beef is rich in protein, making this dish nutritious and filling.
14. Mandalay Samosa (Samusa)
A fried or baked pastry with a savory filling made from potatoes, peas, and spices.
- Crunchy Texture: The crispy exterior contrasts nicely with the soft, flavorful filling.
- Portable Snack: It's a convenient and delicious snack to grab on the go.
- Versatile Ingredients: The filling can vary, with some versions using meat or different vegetables.
15. Mandalay Pork Curry (Kyauk Kyar Ohn No Khauk Swe)
Pork curry made from tender pieces of pork, potatoes, and a variety of spices.
- Flavor Intensity: The curry has a rich and intense flavor due to the spices and tender pork.
- Traditional Recipe: This is a traditional Burmese recipe that's popular in Mandalay.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Pork is rich in protein, making this dish nutritious and filling.