Top 5 Places to Eat in Ngapali

Palms and holiday chalets overlooking Ngapali Beach
Chris H Munro, Wikimedia Commons

Ngapali's dining scene emphasizes fresh seafood and local Burmese and Rakhine cuisine, providing a range of experiences from casual beachfront eateries to more refined resort restaurants.

1. Sea Queen

Cuisine: Local Myanmar, Seafood

This family-run restaurant offers an authentic dining experience, known for its delicious food and excellent service. Expect a warm welcome, with the owner’s daughter often sharing insights into Myanmar culture. Complimentary desserts, such as bananas, and small seashell bracelets are a thoughtful touch to conclude your meal. Specialties include potato curry, various seafood curries, fried vermicelli with seafood, and tiger prawns prepared in the local style.

Price: 8,000 - 20,000 MMK (approximately $4 - $10 USD) per person

Getting There: Located directly on Ngapali Beach, it is typically within walking distance from many hotels along the main strip.

2. Ngapali Kitchen

Cuisine: Traditional Burmese, Rakhine, Seafood

Nestled on Ngapali Road, this charming and cozy restaurant offers unspoiled views of Ngapali Beach, creating an ideal setting for romantic dinners. It is a family-run establishment where the owner oversees guests while his wife prepares traditional dishes over charcoal. The menu features classic Burmese and Rakhine-style dishes, with the coconut curry often highlighted as a must-try.

Price: 8,000 - 20,000 MMK (approximately $4 - $10 USD) per person

Getting There: Situated on Ngapali Road, it is easily accessible by foot or a short taxi ride from nearby accommodations.

3. Ocean Pearl

Cuisine: Seafood, Burmese Curries, Vegetarian

Ocean Pearl is a welcoming, family-run restaurant in Ngapali Beach. It provides a friendly atmosphere with delicious food at reasonable prices, despite its elegant name. The traditional curries, especially crab curry, and various meat and seafood salads are highly recommended. Guests often receive complimentary starters and desserts, adding to the hospitable experience, with the owner’s personal touch frequently praised.

Price: 8,000 - 25,000 MMK (approximately $4 - $12 USD) per person

Getting There: Found on Ngapali Beach, it is typically a short walk from many resorts and guesthouses.

4. Green Umbrella

Cuisine: Local Burmese, Seafood

A favored spot among both locals and visitors, Green Umbrella is known for offering some of the most affordable meals in Ngapali. It features delightful sea views stretching over the Bay of Bengal. The menu includes tasty seafood curries and simple, flavorful grilled fish dishes.

Price: 5,000 - 10,000 MMK (approximately $2.50 - $5 USD) per person

Getting There: Located just off the beach on the main road, it is easily reachable on foot from the central beach area.

5. The Sunset Bar & Restaurant at Bayview Beach Resort

Cuisine: International, Asian, Seafood

As part of the upscale Bayview Beach Resort, this beachfront restaurant offers a refined dining experience with stunning sunset views. The menu is extensive and varied, featuring fresh fish and seafood dishes, alongside Asian and Western favorites. It caters to diverse palates, including vegetarian and vegan options, and is an excellent choice for a leisurely lunch or an elegant dinner. Happy hour is also available.

Price: 20,000 - 100,000 MMK (approximately $10 - $50 USD) per person

Getting There: Located within the Bayview The Beach Resort. Access is typically via hotel transfer or a short taxi ride from most points along Ngapali Beach (approximately 2,000 MMK or $1 USD for a short taxi trip).