John Myers
Introduction: Myanmar’s Culinary Heritage
Myanmar’s culinary heritage is a unique blend of Indian, Thai, and Chinese influences, as well as its own distinct local flavors. Its cuisine is characterized by the use of aromatic herbs and spices, including lemongrass, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and fish sauce. Rice is a staple and is often served with a variety of curries, stews, and soups. Myanmar’s cuisine is also known for its tealeaf salads, which are a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
The Unique Flavors of Burmese Cuisine
Burmese cuisine is known for its bold flavors and textures, which are created by the use of a variety of spices and herbs. The dishes are often sour, spicy, and salty, and are typically served with rice. Some of the most commonly used ingredients in Burmese cuisine include fish sauce, tamarind, shrimp paste, and coconut milk. The cuisine is also known for its use of fermented vegetables, which add a unique tangy flavor to the dishes.
Must-Try Dishes in Myanmar: From Street Food to Fine Dining
Myanmar offers a rich culinary experience, from street food to fine dining. Some of the must-try dishes include mohinga, a fish soup served with rice noodles and a variety of garnishes, and ohn no khauk swe, a coconut milk-based curry served with egg noodles and chicken. Other popular dishes include laphet thoke, a tealeaf salad, and shan-style rice, which is a fragrant rice dish flavored with turmeric and chicken or pork. For those with a sweet tooth, Myanmar also offers a variety of delicious desserts, including mont let saung, a coconut milk-based jelly, and hsa nwin ma kin, a sweet sticky rice cake.
Mohinga: Myanmar’s National Dish
Mohinga is considered Myanmar’s national dish and is a popular breakfast food. The soup is made by simmering fish and rice noodles in a fragrant broth made from lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and fish sauce. It is then served with a variety of garnishes, including crispy fried onions, boiled eggs, coriander, and lime. Mohinga is also often found sold by street vendors throughout the country.
Shan-style Cuisine: The Best of Northern Myanmar
Shan-style cuisine is a lesser-known but delicious cuisine that hails from Northern Myanmar. The dishes are characterized by their use of fresh herbs and spices, including ginger, garlic, and lemongrass. Shan-style rice is a popular dish that is flavored with turmeric and served with a side of pickled vegetables and a variety of curries and stews. Other popular dishes include Shan-style tofu, which is a spicy and fragrant dish made from tofu and a variety of spices and herbs.
Sweet Treats: Delicious Desserts in Myanmar
Myanmar offers a variety of delicious sweet treats, including mont let saung, a coconut milk-based jelly, and hsa nwin ma kin, a sweet sticky rice cake. Other popular desserts include shwe yin aye, which is a cold dessert made from coconut milk, agar agar, and various types of jelly, and moun pyin boo, a sweet and sticky cake made from rice flour, coconut milk, and peanuts. These desserts are often enjoyed as a snack or as a refreshing end to a meal.
