Best Traditional Food to Eat in Myanmar [ Must-Try 2025 ]

A Culinary Adventure Through the Land of Golden Pagodas

As a travel blogger who’s called Myanmar home for the past year, I’ve had the incredible privilege of diving fork-first into the country’s rich and diverse culinary landscape. From bustling street markets to hidden local gems, I’ve embarked on a gastronomic journey that has left my taste buds tingling and my heart full. Join me as I take you through the best food in Myanmar, sharing my personal experiences and insider tips along the way. Get ready for a mouthwatering adventure that will have you booking your flight to this Southeast Asian paradise in no time!

The Burmese food ? It is not the best cuisine in southeast asia ( in my opinion ) but you won’t be disappointed . The traditional food is nice with a seemingly never-ending succession of side dishes. Some can seems weird if you are used to Western cuisine . A few examples : freshwater fish, shrimp paste, thin rice noodles, crunchy deep-fried beans, deep-fried pork rinds, coconut noodle, sticky rice, spring rolls, thick porridge, burmese tea leaf salad, glutinous rice etc …

Enjoy the flavors of Myanmar and those typical dishes ! 

The Heart of Burmese Cuisine: Rice and Beyond

Let’s start with the backbone of Burmese cuisine: rice. In Myanmar, rice isn’t just a side dish; it’s the star of the show, accounting for a whopping 75% of the local diet. When I first arrived, I was amazed by the variety of rice dishes and how they formed the foundation of almost every meal. The most common type you’ll encounter is htamin, which is steamed white rice. But don’t be fooled by its simplicity – the Burmese have elevated rice to an art form. 

One of my favorite discoveries was paw san hmwe, a fragrant and aromatic variety that’s simply divine. Trust me, once you’ve had a plate of paw san hmwe, you’ll never look at rice the same way again! But the rice adventure doesn’t stop there. Let me introduce you to Shan-style rice, or nga htamin. This turmeric-infused golden rice is served with fish and garlic oil, creating a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds). I still remember my first bite – it was like a culinary epiphany!

Mohinga: The Unofficial National Dish

Let’s dive inn the traditional Myanmar food . The crown jewel of Burmese cuisine: mohinga. This fish-based noodle soup is often hailed as Myanmar’s unofficial national dish, and for good reason. Picture this: a steaming bowl of rice noodles swimming in a rich, aromatic broth made from catfish, lemongrass, and banana stem. Top it off with crispy fritters and a perfectly boiled egg, and you’ve got breakfast perfection.

I’ll never forget my first mohinga experience. It was a chilly morning in Yangon, and I stumbled upon a tiny street stall with a line stretching around the block. Intrigued, I joined the queue and watched as the vendor skillfully assembled bowl after bowl of this magical concoction. One sip, and I was hooked. The complex flavors danced on my tongue – the umami of the fish, the zing of lemongrass, and the subtle sweetness of the banana stem. It was a symphony in a bowl!

Pro tip: Look for mohinga stalls early in the morning when locals grab their breakfast. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cultural experience you won’t want to miss!

Laphet Thoke: A Salad Like No Other

Hold onto your taste buds, folks, because we’re about to dive into one of Myanmar’s most unique culinary creations: laphet thoke, or tea leaf salad. Yes, you read that right – a salad made from fermented tea leaves. When I first heard about it, I was skeptical. Fermented tea leaves in a salad? But oh boy, was I in for a treat!Laphet thoke is a flavor explosion that combines pickled tea leaves with a medley of crunchy nuts, crispy fried garlic, juicy tomatoes, and sometimes dried shrimp. 

The result? A tangy, savory, and utterly addictive dish that’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before. I’ll never forget the first time I tried laphet thoke at a local tea shop in Mandalay. The waiter brought out a beautifully arranged platter with each ingredient separated. He then mixed it all together with a flourish, creating a colorful masterpiece right before my eyes. That first bite was a revelation – the tangy tea leaves, the crunch of the nuts, the umami of the dried shrimp… it was a party in my mouth!

Word of caution: This salad packs a caffeine punch, so maybe don’t indulge right before bedtime. I learned that lesson the hard way after a late-night laphet thoke binge left me wide awake counting pagodas!

Street Food Paradise: Navigating Myanmar’s Culinary Streets

One of the best ways to experience Myanmar’s food culture is by diving headfirst into its vibrant street food scene. The streets of cities like Yangon come alive with the sizzle of grills and the aroma of spices, offering a smorgasbord of delicious treats at every turn. My absolute favorite street food discovery has to be samosa thoke. Imagine crispy, triangular samosas chopped up and tossed with fresh herbs, chickpeas, and a tangy dressing. 

It’s like a samosa and a salad had a delicious love child! I stumbled upon this gem at a tiny stall in Yangon’s 19th Street, and it quickly became my go-to late-night snack. Another street food star is the humble mont lin maya, or quail egg pancake. Picture a crispy rice flour pancake studded with quail eggs and topped with scallions and chili sauce. It’s the perfect handheld snack for when you’re exploring the city on foot.Pro tip: Look for the busiest stalls with the longest queues. That’s where you’ll find the tastiest treats!

Curries with a Twist: The Burmese Way

When you think of Southeast Asian curries, your mind might jump to the fiery concoctions of Thailand or the rich, creamy curries of India. But Burmese curries are a whole different ballgame. They’re typically less spicy and often oilier than their neighbors’, with a unique flavor profile that sets them apart .One of my favorite Burmese curries is the pork curry with green mango. 

The tartness of the green mango perfectly balances the richness of the pork, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your palate. I first tried this at a small family-run restaurant in Bagan, and it was love at first bite. Another must-try is the fish curry with tomatoes. The Burmese have a knack for combining fish with tangy flavors, and this dish is a prime example. 

The tender fish swims in a luscious tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices that’ll have you licking your plate clean.Remember, when ordering curries in Myanmar, don’t be alarmed by the layer of oil on top. It’s all part of the experience! Can be found un the street or in any Burmese restaurant

You will find a lot of street vendors or local markets selling traditional Burmese cuisine or the infamous Burmese curry. You will always get a variety of dishes with fresh ingredients and sone sweet treats

The Art of Sharing: Burmese Dining Etiquette

One of the things I love most about dining in Myanmar is the communal aspect of meals. Forget individual plates – here, it’s all about sharing . A typical Burmese meal is served on a low table, with diners seated on mats or cushions on the floor . Multiple dishes are laid out simultaneously, creating a colorful feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Here’s a quick crash course in Burmese dining etiquette:

1. Wait for the eldest person at the table to start eating before digging in .

2. Use your right hand to eat, forming small balls of rice and mixing them with other dishes .

3. Don’t sit at the head of the table – that spot is reserved for the eldest person .

4. If you need to sneeze or cough, excuse yourself from the table .

5. Following these simple rules will not only show respect but also help you fully immerse yourself in the local dining culture.

Beyond the Plate: Myanmar’s Unique Ingredients

What really sets Burmese cuisine apart are some of its unique ingredients. Let me introduce you to a few of my favorites:

1. Ngapi: This fermented fish paste is the secret weapon in many Burmese dishes. It adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget.

2. Burmese Tofu: Forget everything you know about tofu. This chickpea flour-based version is a game-changer. Try it fried as a crispy snack, or enjoy it in salads for a protein-packed meal.

3. Banana Stem: Often used in mohinga, this crunchy ingredient adds a unique texture and subtle flavor to dishes.

4. Pickled Tea Leaves: The star of laphet thoke, these fermented leaves are unlike anything you’ve tasted before.

These ingredients might sound unusual, but trust me, they’re what make Burmese cuisine so incredibly special and addictive!

A Culinary Journey to Remember

As I sit here, reminiscing about my culinary adventures in Myanmar, I’m struck by how much this country’s food has captured my heart (and my stomach). From the comforting simplicity of perfectly steamed rice to the complex flavors of mohinga, from the unique crunch of tea leaf salad to the rich depth of Burmese curries, this cuisine is a testament to the country’s rich cultural tapestry. But beyond the flavors and ingredients, what truly makes Myanmar’s food culture special is the warmth and generosity of its people. 

Whether you’re sharing a meal with locals on tiny plastic stools at a street-side stall or being welcomed into a family home for a feast, the joy of communal dining and the pride in their culinary heritage is palpable. So, my fellow food adventurers, I urge you to pack your bags (and your appetite) and embark on your own culinary journey through Myanmar. 

Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and the memories you make will last a lifetime. Who knows? You might just find yourself, like me, falling head over heels for this incredible country and its mouthwatering cuisine.Until next time, keep exploring, keep tasting, and keep sharing the joy of food!

WHO AM I ?

Hello !

I am Eric, a French Australian citizen based between Australia, Asia and Bali and I love to travel and experience the world. I generally like outdoor activities, wellness, great food and venues, party and real local adventures! I am a Yoga practitioner and fitness lover.

I created this blog because I love to travel and I want to share my experiences with others. I’ve been traveling since I was a child, and I’ve been to over 50 countries. I’ve seen some amazing things and met some amazing people, and I want to help others experience the same things.

I believe that travel is one of the best ways to learn about the world and about yourself. When you travel, you’re forced to step outside of your comfort zone and experience new things. You learn about different cultures, different religions, and different ways of life. You also learn about yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses.

Travel can also be a great way to make new friends. When you’re traveling, you’re surrounded by people from all over the world, and you’re all in the same boat. You’re all there to explore and experience new things, and that can create a bond between people.

Let’s connect together!

I hope that my travel blog will inspire others to travel and to see the world. I also hope that it will help people to learn about different cultures and to become more open-minded.