
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Rangoon, Yangon, Burma
1. Mohinga
Delicious rice noodle soup flavored with fish broth and topped with crunchy fried onions, served at breakfast. A must-try Burmese comfort food.
- Authentic Experience: Try it in a local teashop like Shwe Moh Moh Myanmar Food Product located in Sanchaung.
- Unique Ingredients: The soup's distinct taste comes from ingredients like fish paste, onions, and lime juice.
- Social Atmosphere: These teashops often provide a lively atmosphere to interact with locals while enjoying the dish.
2. Mont Let Pyar Tha
Crispy fried bread served with sweet potatoes and a spicy tea dip. A popular street snack in Rangoon.
- Street Food Adventure: Find it at the bustling streets of Lanmadaw.
- Quick and Affordable: An ideal snack to enjoy between meals without breaking your budget.
- Savory Delight: The combination of crispy, soft, and sweet textures makes it a standout dish.
3. Burmese Tea Leaf Salad (Lephet Thoke)
A refreshing salad made from fermented tea leaves, peanuts, and various greens. A typical Burmese salad enjoyed throughout the day.
- Traditional Taste: Experience it at a local restaurant like Shwe Pyi Gyee located in Pabedan.
- Healthy Choice: Enjoy a nutritious meal packed with greens and protein from the peanuts.
- Fermented Flavor: The unique fermented tea leaf flavor sets it apart from other salads.
4. Samosa Soup (Ohn-no-kauk-swè)
A hearty soup made with samosas, potatoes, and chickpeas. A popular lunchtime dish in Rangoon.
- Warm Comfort: Try it at a roadside stall in the bustling area of Bogyoke Aung San Market.
- Spicy Flavor: The spiciness can be adjusted to your liking, making it accessible to everyone.
- Fill Meal: Filled with vegetables and protein, this soup makes for a satisfying meal.
5. Myanmar BBQ (Minthoke Mya Nyin)
Grilled meats on skewers served with spicy dips. A popular evening snack in Rangoon.
- Flavorful Experiences: Experience it at the Nguang Phaw Kyar Larp food court in Kamayut.
- Variety of Choices: Choose from a variety of meats like chicken, beef, and fish.
- Social Gathering: A great spot to socialize with locals in the evening.
6. Kyee Ze Kyaw (Deep-Fried Rice Balls)
Crispy deep-fried rice balls filled with ground peanuts and sesame seeds. A popular afternoon snack in Rangoon.
- Crunchy Texture: Enjoy the crunchy exterior and creamy interior at a local teashop in Lanmadaw.
- Sweet Treat: The sweet flavor from the peanuts and sesame seeds makes it a delightful snack.
- Local Tradition: This is a traditional Burmese snack that has been enjoyed for generations.
7. Ywa Thi Htar (Burmese Pancake)
Thin pancakes filled with coconut, sesame seeds, and jaggery (unrefined sugar). A popular dessert in Rangoon.
- Sweet Ending: Try it at a local teashop like Shwe Pyi Gyee located in Pabedan.
- Traditional Ingredients: The use of coconut, sesame seeds, and jaggery adds an authentic Burmese touch.
- Cultural Experience: This is a traditional dessert enjoyed throughout Southeast Asia, but each region has its own unique twist.
8. Burmese Curry (Hin Gyi Ohn Htar)
A rich and flavorful curry dish made with various meats, vegetables, and spices. A staple meal in Burmese cuisine.
- Spicy Flavor: Enjoy it at a local restaurant like Paramount Restaurant in Botahtaung.
- Variety of Choices: Choose from a variety of meats and vegetables for your curry.
- Cultural Immersion: This is a key part of Burmese culture and a great way to immerse yourself in the cuisine.
9. Shan Noodle (Khauk Swe)
A flavorful noodle dish made with fermented soybean paste and a variety of meats and vegetables. A popular dish from the Shan State.
- Regional Specialty: Try it at a Shan restaurant like Aung Mingalar Shan Noodle in Sanchaung.
- Complex Flavor: The complex flavor from the fermented soybean paste sets it apart from other noodle dishes.
- Tasty and Filling: A satisfying meal that is both tasty and filling.
10. Burmese Noodle Salad (Lahpet Thoke)
A refreshing salad made from fermented tea leaves, rice noodles, and various vegetables. A popular dish in Rangoon.
- Cool Refreshment: Enjoy it at a local restaurant like Shwe Pyi Gyee located in Pabedan.
- Healthy Choice: A nutritious meal packed with vegetables and rice noodles.
- Unique Ingredients: The use of fermented tea leaves adds a unique flavor to the salad.
11. Chinatown Noodles (Chindin Han Kyaw Swè)
A hearty noodle dish made with a variety of meats and vegetables. A popular dish in Rangoon's Chinatown.
- Regional Specialty: Try it at a local eatery in Rangoon's Chinatown.
- Spicy Flavor: The spiciness can be adjusted to your liking, making it accessible to everyone.
- Cultural Experience: This is a traditional dish enjoyed in Chinatowns throughout Southeast Asia.
12. Burmese Rice (Cha Baung Kyaw)
A flavorful rice dish served with a variety of curries and side dishes. A staple meal in Burmese cuisine.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience it at a local restaurant like Paramount Restaurant in Botahtaung.
- Variety of Choices: Choose from a variety of curries and side dishes to complement your rice.
- Tasty Comfort Food: A satisfying meal that is both tasty and comforting.
13. Burmese Sweets (Htamin A Htar)
Delicious sweet treats made from various ingredients like coconut, sesame seeds, and jaggery. A popular dessert in Burmese cuisine.
- Sweet Treat: Try it at a local teashop like Shwe Pyi Gyee located in Pabedan.
- Traditional Ingredients: The use of coconut, sesame seeds, and jaggery adds an authentic Burmese touch.
- Cultural Experience: This is a traditional dessert enjoyed throughout Southeast Asia, but each region has its own unique twist.
14. Burmese Tea (Lahpet Yay)
A strong black tea brewed with a variety of spices and served with sugar. A staple drink in Burmese culture.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience it at a local teashop like Shwe Pyi Gyee located in Pabedan.
- Spiced Delight: The spices used in the tea give it a unique and delicious flavor.
- Social Atmosphere: These teashops often provide a lively atmosphere to interact with locals while enjoying the drink.
15. Burmese Coffee (Ah Mar Mya Kyun)
Strong black coffee brewed with condensed milk and served in a small glass. A popular drink in Burmese culture.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience it at a local café like Café May Flower in Latha.
- Sweet Treat: The condensed milk adds a sweetness that complements the strong coffee flavor.
- Quick and Affordable: An ideal drink to enjoy on-the-go or as a quick pick-me-up.