Must-try Dishes
Mohinga - Myanmar Rice Noodle Soup - A fragrant fish broth with rice noodles, traditionally flavored with lemongrass, ginger, and a touch of chilli. Locals enjoy it for breakfast, often paired with deep-fried bread.
Shan Noodles - Nga Htamin (Shan-style rice noodles) - Delicate rice noodles topped with chicken or pork, served with a mild but flavorful sauce typically made from fermented soybean paste. Best enjoyed at lunchtime under the shade of a family-run eatery.
Tea Leaf Salad - Lahpet Thoke - A salad featuring fermented tea leaves, mixed with roasted peanuts, sunflower seeds, and crispy garlic. It's a common dish at gatherings, often served as a starter, highlighting the importance of tea culture in Myanmar.
Burmese Curry - Ohn No Khao Swe (coconut chicken curry) - Rich coconut milk curry served with egg noodles, garnished with onions and lime. Dinner is often a family affair where everyone shares from a central dish.
Grilled Salad - Nyaung Kyi Thoke - A surprising dish where grilled vegetables, like tomatoes and eggplant, are mixed with rice and spices. It's a popular street food option, reflecting Mandalay’s vibrant flavor combinations.
Samosa Soup - Samosa Daal - Savory lentil soup served with crispy samosas floating inside, especially popular during the rainy season. It's a comfort food that warms you right up, often slurped at local markets.
Laphet Yay - Pickled Tea Soup (seasonal treat) - A light broth featuring pickled tea leaves, garnished with fresh mint and sometimes served with seasonal vegetables. Enjoyed more frequently during the cooler months, it refreshes and revitalizes.
Steamed Buns - Baos (savory filled buns) - Soft, fluffy buns filled with a variety of meats or vegetables, typically served in a steamer basket. These are common street food snacks, great for a quick bite during midday explorations.
Desserts & Drinks
Shwe Yin Aye - ရွှေရည်အေး (coconut sago dessert) - This delightful cold dessert features sago pearls, coconut milk, and a sprinkle of sweetened red beans and chewy jelly pieces. It's commonly enjoyed during the afternoons, especially on hot days, often found at roadside stalls as a refreshing pick-me-up.
U Paung - ဦးပေါင် (spiced tea) - This hot tea is robustly brewed with spices like ginger, cloves, and a touch of condensed milk. Locals often sip it after meals or while relaxing in teahouses, usually accompanied by some traditional snacks. (By the way, don’t be surprised if it comes in a small glass, making it easy to share!)
Htamané - ဟ့်တမာနယ် (sticky rice cake) - A sweet, chewy rice cake made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and jaggery, often found during festivals like Thadingyut. It’s typically cut into small pieces and shared among friends and family, creating a warm sense of community.
Ginger Beer - ငျိုးရေ (spicy fermented drink) - A refreshing beverage made from fermented ginger, sugar, and water, served cold. It's a popular drink to enjoy on hot days, especially during family gatherings or celebrations.
Palata - ပလားတာ (layered flatbread) - This flaky, buttery pastry is made by stretching dough layers thinly before frying until golden brown, often served with sweetened condensed milk or curry. Best enjoyed as a late-night snack from street vendors, it brings a nostalgic element to evening strolls.
