Myanmar which experienced a 50-year isolation period has captured tourists’ attention all over the world since it opened up to the outside world. This mysterious country reveals a diverse culinary culture which cannot be found anywhere else on earth. Like many other Southeast Asian countries, Burmese restaurants have a tendency to specialize in a single dish or a specific cooking style. Although Burmese cuisine comes under several influences of Chinese and Indian cuisines, it has a host of unique features originated from the culinary traditions of Shan community – the ethnic majority of Myanmar. To be more specific, Burmese cuisine is characterised by the extensive use of marine products such as fish sauce and ngapi (fermented seafood). In terms of culinary style, Burmese dishes are a harmonious combination of natural ingredients including an enormous range of fresh fruits and vegetables in conjunction with all kinds of meats. All these elements make valuable contributions to the diversity of tastes, from sweet, sour to savory.
The list below would provide 10 must-try Burmese dishes when going on your Myanmar shore excursions
Mohinga
A bowl of rice noodles covered in a fish based soup and sprinkled with deep fried fritters
Khaosay Thote
Noodles mixed with a flavorful chili sauce and eaten with cloves of garlic and chilies
Laphet Thohk
A salad made from pickled tea leaves, a combination of soft, crunchy, crispy, and saucy
Mala Hin
Glorious vegetables in a spicy bean paste
Stuffed Pork Skewer
Marinated pork stuffed with straw mushrooms and green peppers
Samusa Thouk
Samosas cut into a light broth and topped with fresh herbs, onions and greens
Shan-style rice
Rice cooked with turmeric and squashed into a disk with a topping of flakes of freshwater fish and garlic oil
Sweet snacks
Grated coconut and coconut milk mixed with rice flour, cooked sticky rice, tapioca and fruit
Gyin thoke
Ginger salad wedded with sesame seeds and assorted fried beans
Samuza thoke
Samosa salad combined with onions, cabbage, fresh mint, potato curry, masala, chili powder, salt and lime
