Burmese Cuisine: 10 Best Dishes To Try
Burma is home to a rich and varied culture that is expressed through its cuisine. From the versatile Ohn-No Khao Swè to the beloved Mohinga, Burmese dishes are full of flavour and character. In this article, we’ll dive into ten of the best foods to eat while in Burma, so you can get a better understanding of the local cuisine. From traditional favourites like Burmese Tea Leaf Salad and Burmese Grilled Pork Skewers to lesser-known dishes such as Burmese Chicken Curry and Noodle Salad, there’s something for everyone. So, without further ado, let’s explore the top ten best foods to eat in Burma!
Table of Contents
Overview of Burmese Cuisine
Burmese cuisine is a unique and flavourful blend of Chinese, Indian and Thai influences, combined with indigenous Burmese flavours. The most popular dishes include Mohinga, a fish and rice soup, Shan-style noodles, and Burmese curries, which are spicier than their Indian counterparts. Burmese cuisine also features a wide variety of seafood, including both freshwater and saltwater fish.
Vegetarian dishes abound and make use of a variety of vegetable ingredients, as well as herbs and spices. Burmese cuisine is typically served with fermented tea leaf salad, a condiment made with a mix of tea leaves, peanuts, sesame seeds, and other spices. This cuisine is sure to tantalize the taste buds of any food lover.
Ohn-No Khao Swè: Burmese Coconut Noodle Soup
Ohn-No Khao Swè, a traditional Burmese soup made with coconut milk, is a deliciously comforting dish. This noodle soup is a favourite among Burmese families and is often served as part of a larger meal. The soup is made with a variety of ingredients including thin egg noodles, coconut milk, garlic, onion, chilli powder, and a variety of spices. The ingredients are cooked together in a fragrant broth, creating a rich and flavorful soup. Ohn-No Khao Swè is a simple dish, but it is surprisingly complex in flavour and is sure to tantalize the taste buds. Whether served as part of a larger meal or as an entrée itself, Ohn-No Khao Swè is sure to please.
Mohinga: Burmese Fish Noodle Soup
Mohinga is a traditional Burmese dish featuring fish-based broth and rice noodles. It is a popular breakfast item in the country, and the flavour of Mohinga varies from region to region. The classic dish is usually made with catfish, and the broth is flavoured with a mixture of lemongrass, garlic, shallots, and fish sauce. Mohinga is also garnished with fried onions and cilantro, as well as other ingredients such as boiled eggs and chickpeas. It is a hearty and wholesome dish that is enjoyed by many in Burma.
Samusa Thoke: Burmese Samosa Salad
Samosa Thoke is a popular Burmese dish that has become a staple in the cuisine of many Southeast Asian countries. It is a savoury salad made of fried samosas, which are small pastries filled with a savoury filling of minced vegetables or meat. The samosas are then diced into small cubes and tossed with a mix of sweet and sour dressing made of tamarind, fish sauce, garlic, and other seasonings. The resulting salad is crisp, sweet, and tangy all at once. In some regions, Samusa Thoke is served with boiled eggs and fried onions. Though it is often served as a snack or side dish, it can also be made into a full meal with the addition of cooked meats, tofu, or fish. Samusa Thoke is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy the flavours of Burma.
Laphet Thoke: Burmese Tea Leaf Salad
Laphet Thoke, a Burmese dish, is a popular dish in the country. It consists of tea leaves, shredded cabbage, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, tomatoes, and other ingredients. The leaves are first soaked in hot water to soften them, and then mixed with the other ingredients. The salad is usually accompanied by lime juice and fish sauce dressing. The dish has a unique flavour, due to the combination of the ingredients and the dressing. Laphet Thoke is an easy-to-make dish with a delicious blend of flavours that will make it a favourite in your home.
Mandalay Kebaw: Burmese Grilled Pork Skewers
Mandalay Kebaw, a popular Burmese grilled pork dish, is a delicious and easy-to-make meal. It consists of pork skewers marinated in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce, then grilled over a hot charcoal fire. The flavour is savoury and slightly sweet due to the marinade, and the pork comes out incredibly tender and juicy. This dish is a great way to enjoy a classic Burmese meal and is sure to please everyone in the family. Serve it with a side of rice or noodles for a complete meal that is sure to satisfy. Enjoy!
Shan Noodle and Rice: Burmese Noodle and Rice Stew
Shan Noodle and Rice is an authentic Burmese dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. It is a flavorful stew of egg noodles and rice, cooked in a spicy and aromatic broth made with a variety of herbs and spices. This traditional Burmese dish is a great way to enjoy the unique flavours of Burma, and the complex flavours of Shan Noodles and Rice are sure to please any palate. Enjoy this delicious and comforting Burmese dish today!
Nan Gyi Thoke: Burmese Chicken Curry and Noodle Salad
Nan Gyi Thoke is a traditional Burmese dish that combines a flavorful chicken curry with a light, refreshing noodle salad. The chicken curry is made with a variety of spices and herbs, including turmeric, garlic, chilli powder, and garam masala, while the noodle salad combines rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing of fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. The combination of the two dishes creates a unique and delicious combination that is sure to please any palate. Nan Gyi Thoke is a popular dish in Burma, and it is a great way to experience the country’s traditional cuisine.
Burmese Curry and Rice
Burmese curry and rice is a classic Burmese dish that is sure to delight your taste buds. It is made with a mix of fragrant spices and herbs, including turmeric, garlic, ginger, and chilli, that create a delicious and flavorful curry. The curry is usually served over a bed of steamed white rice, making it a complete meal. This traditional Burmese dish is a great way to experience the flavours of Burma and is sure to become a favourite in your home.
Burmese Tea and Snacks
Burma is renowned for its delicious teas and snacks. Burmese tea has a unique flavour and aroma and is often enjoyed with sweet snacks such as peanuts, deep-fried onions, and tamarind. Along with green tea, there is also black tea, which is often served with pickled tea leaves and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Burmese snacks include a variety of fried snacks, such as Burmese samosas, which are filled with fish paste or potatoes, and Burmese spring rolls, which are filled with shredded cabbage and bean sprouts. These snacks are often enjoyed with a cup of Burmese tea, creating a delectable experience.
Burmese cuisine is full of unique flavours and dishes that are sure to tantalize the taste buds. From the traditional Ohn-No Khao Swè coconut noodle soup to the modern Burmese Chicken Curry and Noodle Salad, Burmese cuisine has something to offer for every palate. Whether you’re a fan of traditional dishes or want to try something new, make sure to sample some of the best dishes that Burma has to offer. From the savoury Shan Noodle and Rice to the sweet Burmese Tea and Snacks, you’ll be sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds. Burma may not be on everyone’s radar for its cuisine, but those who make the effort to try it will be sure to find a unique and delicious experience.
