Food In Myanmar: Top Burmese Dishes You Need To Try

An image of a Burmese Curry set with soup, rice, and fish sauce, a famous food in Myanmar.

The food in Myanmar is rich in flavours and history, influenced by Chinese, Indian, and Thai cuisines. Some of the most famous foods in Myanmar that tourists can sample include tea leaf salad, mohinga, and Shan-style noodles. These dishes have been passed down for generations and remain an important part of Myanmar’s local way of life. Myanmar is an ideal destination for tourists seeking to enjoy a simple bowl of rice or a hearty curry, as each dish offers unique and authentic experiences.

Top 10 Foods In Myanmar

There are several foods in Myanmar that tourists can explore to get a taste of the country’s culture. Here is a list of famous foods in Myanmar:

1. Tea Leaf Salad (Laphet Thoke)

An image of Tea Leaf Salad (Laphet Thoke), a tourist favourite and the best food in Myanmar.

Photo: Takeaway / Wikimedia Commons

Tea leaf salad is made from fermented tea leaves mixed with nuts, seeds, and vegetables. Tourists trying out this dish can enjoy a slightly bitter, tangy, and crunchy texture, making it an important food in Burmese culture. Traditionally, the tea leaf salad is served as a snack or side dish. There are modern versions that may include dried shrimp or lime juice for extra flavour.

Locations: Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan
Average Cost: ₹70 – 140

2. Mohinga

An image of a Mohinga stand, a tourist dish and one of the most famous food in Myanmar.

Photo: Wagaung / Wikimedia Commons

Mohinga is a fish-based noodle soup that is usually eaten for breakfast, but it is available all day for tourists to immerse themselves in the local way of life. Mohinga has broth made with catfish, lemongrass, and banana stems, giving it a rich and amazing taste. There are modern versions that tourists can also explore, including chicken or additional spices, making Myanmar an ideal destination for food enthusiasts.

Locations: Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw
Average Cost: ₹105 – 175

3. Shan-style Noodles

An image resembling Shan-style Noodles, a tourist favourite and a top food in Myanmar.

Photo: daecheonnet / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Shan-style noodles are a top dish in Myanmar, and they originate from the Shan state. This cuisine is made with thin rice noodles, chicken or pork, and a light tomato-based sauce. Unlike other noodle dishes, this one is dry rather than soupy, ideal for a unique tourist experience. Traditionally, Shan-style noodles are garnished with peanuts and pickled vegetables, while the modern variations may include additional spices or broth.

Locations: Shan State, Yangon, Mandalay
Average Cost: ₹87 – 157

4. Burmese Curry

An image of a Burmese Curry dish, one of the best and most famous food in Myanmar.

Photo: Wagaung / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Burmese curry is a rich and flavourful dish made with chicken, beef, or fish. It is one of the most famous dishes in Myanmar which is usually served with rice and several side dishes. The curry is slow-cooked with turmeric, garlic, and onions, giving tourists a unique and deep mix of flavour. There are modern versions of Burmese curry that may include coconut milk for a creamy texture, making it one of the best delicacies for food enthusiasts.

Locations: Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan
Average Cost: ₹175 – 280

5. Shan-style Rice (Nga Htamin)

An image of Shan-style rice (Nga Htamin), one of the ideal tourist food in Myanmar.

Photo: Ye Myat Tun, Discover Myanmar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Shan-style rice is a famous dish in Myanmar, especially in the Shan State. This cuisine is made with turmeric-infused rice and topped with fish flakes, garlic oil, and crispy onions. Traditionally, Shan-style rice is eaten with fresh herbs and pickled vegetables, while its most recent variations may include chicken or pork, making it ideal for diverse tourist experiences. Moreover, Shan-style rice is a staple in the diet of Shan people, making it an important food in Myanmar.

Locations: Shan State, Yangon, Mandalay
Average Cost: ₹122 – 210

6. Nan Gyi Thoke

An image of Nan Gyi Thoke dish, a delicious noodle salad and one of the foods in Myanmar.

Photo: Lionslayer / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Nan Gyi Thoke is a dry noodle salad made with thick rice noodles and a rich chicken or pork curry sauce. It is known for its bold flavours and satisfying texture, ideal for tourists seeking unique local cuisines. Nan Gyi Thoke is traditionally eaten for breakfast or lunch, while the modern versions may include extra chilli or boiled eggs. Moreover, the name of the dish, ‘Nan Gyi,’ refers to the thick noodles used in the dish.

Locations: Yangon, Mandalay, Bago
Average Cost: ₹105 – 192

7. Ohn No Khao Swè

An image resembling Ohn No Khao Swè dish, and one of the important foods in Myanmar.

Photo: Huahom / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Ohn No Khao Swè is a rich and creamy noodle dish made with coconut milk and chicken. It is an important food in Myanmar, which is mostly compared to Thai khao soi. Tourists can try out the different versions of the dish, which include the traditional way, which is garnished with crispy fritters and boiled eggs. Additionally, tourists can try out the modern versions, which may include lime and chilli flakes. Moreover, the Ohn No Khao Swè delicacy is popular as it is influenced by Indian and Thai cuisines.

Locations: Yangon, Mandalay
Average Cost: ₹122 – 210

8. Street Food Fritters

An image of street food fritters cuisine, a tourist meal and one of the best food in Myanmar.

Photo: Zawthet / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Street food fritters are an essential part of the best food in Myanmar and one of the preferred tourist dishes in the country. These local delicacies are crispy snacks that include lentil fritters, onion rings, and banana fritters. They offer tourists a unique blend of flavour that is ideal for food enthusiasts. The Street food fritters are typically deep-fried and served with tamarind sauce. Additionally, there are modern versions tourists can try out, which may include more seasoning or different vegetables.

Locations: Street markets in Yangon and Mandalay
Average Cost: ₹52 – 105

9. Faluda

An image resembling Faluda, one of the popular tourist desserts and food in Myanmar.

Photo: wbwishbest / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Faluda is mostly eaten as a dessert. Tourists visiting Myanmar can try out Faluda, which is a sweet drink made with rose syrup, milk, ice cream, and sometimes jelly or basil seeds. It is the perfect refreshing treat for tourists exploring the country on a hot day. Tourists exploring Myanmar can also try out the modern variations that may include fruit toppings. Moreover, Faluda is popularly known for its Indian origins and is now an important dish in Myanmar’s street food culture.

Locations: Yangon, Mandalay
Average Cost: ₹70 – 140

10. Tamarind Flakes

An image of Tamarind Flakes, a tourist favourite dish and famous food in Myanmar.

Photo: Uthantofburma / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Tamarind flakes are a well-loved snack. Tourists exploring Myanmar can try out this delicacy, which is made from dried tamarind pulp mixed with sugar and salt. It has a balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavours. The tamarind flakes are mostly eaten as a light snack or dessert by both tourists and locals in Myanmar. There are modern versions of the dish, which may include chilli for extra spice.

Locations: Local markets in Myanmar
Average Cost: ₹52 – 105

The flavours of Myanmar are diverse, flavourful, and deeply rooted in tradition, from the famous flavourful food scene in Myanmar, like mohinga, to important dishes in Myanmar, such as Burmese curry, as there is something for everyone. Tourists visiting the country can sample spicy, mild, or savoury dishes, a mix of unique tastes. Plan a trip with TripXL and immerse yourself in the local way of life through the best food in Myanmar.

Cover Photo: Paingpeace / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Mohinga, a savoury fish soup with rice noodles, is considered Myanmar's national dish and is often enjoyed for breakfast.
Yes, dishes like Shan-style rice and tea leaf salad (La Phat Thoke) are popular vegetarian choices.
Rice noodle salad (Nangyi Thoke) and Burmese milk tea are highly recommended street food items.
Many dishes have a balance of flavours, including spicy, sour, and salty, but the level of spice can vary.
Local markets, teahouses, and street vendors are great places to experience authentic Burmese cuisine.

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