1. Mohinga
Considered the national dish, this hearty breakfast soup features rice noodles served in a savory fish broth, often garnished with crispy fritters, boiled eggs, and fresh herbs.
Top 5 Dishes to Try in Myanmar
Myanmar's cuisine offers a distinct blend of flavors, drawing influences from its neighbors like India, China, and Thailand. Dishes balance sour, salty, spicy, sweet, bitter, and umami tastes, often emphasizing fresh, local ingredients and varied textures. Rice forms the foundation of most meals, complemented by a wide array of curries, salads, and noodle dishes.
Myanmar offers diverse dining experiences for various budgets. For economical and authentic meals, street food stalls are abundant, providing a wide range of freshly prepared local dishes and snacks. Tea houses are popular for breakfast and light meals, serving staples like Mohinga and various fried items. Mid-range local restaurants and more established eateries offer a comfortable setting for traditional Burmese curries and larger meals. Higher-end restaurants cater to those seeking a more refined dining experience, often found in urban centers.
2. Tea Leaf Salad (Laphet Thoke)
A unique and iconic salad made from fermented tea leaves, mixed with fried beans, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, dried shrimp, and chopped tomatoes, offering a complex blend of tangy, bitter, and crunchy textures.
3. Shan Noodles
Originating from Shan State, these sticky, hand-cut rice noodles can be served either in a savory broth or as a salad, often with ground meat, peanuts, and a touch of chili.
4. Nangyi Thoke
A popular dry noodle salad consisting of thick round rice noodles tossed with chicken, fish cake, bean sprouts, and hard-boiled egg slices, all coated in a spicy dressing with turmeric and chili oil.
5. Burmese Curry
Influenced by Indian cuisine, these curries typically feature a rich, oily sauce with tender, slow-cooked meat (pork, beef, lamb, or seafood), distinguished by the aromatic use of garlic, shallots, and ginger, and generally lacking coconut milk.
