The cuisine of Myanmar consists of many gastronomic delicacies which take an individual to an unforgettable culinary experience. There is great diversity in the food because of the countless ethnic groups and regions. Though, primarily the cuisine of Myanmar is influenced by Thailand, China and India. But Burmese cuisine is unique due to the preparation methods, flavors and regional variations.
The most staple food is the rice. It is usually served with curry. In fact, Myanmar is the sixth largest producer of rice in the world and many rice varieties are grown here. The main rice growing region is the Ayeyarwaddy division. It is the rice bowl of the country and much of the rice produced here is imported to other countries as well. The rice planted in the upper regions of Myanmar tends to be glutinous and thus less preferred. The long grain varieties of rice are expensive to buy in Burma but are for higher quality.
A typical Burmese meal consists of rice and some sauce usually made from pickled shrimp or fish. Fermented soybeans are also used to make the sauce. Also, people like to consume fresh vegetables with the meal such as young mangoes, green beans etc. A soup made of handful of fresh vegetables can also accompany a meal. This basic diet of lower income families provides them with essential nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins. Though, occasionally they might also consume meat which mainly consists of fish, seafood, beef or chicken. Depending on the income of the Burmese household, this plate of meal can increase manifold.
People have learned to live with the nature in Myanmar. So, a major part of the food is derived directly from the nature. People consume shoots from different trees and shrubs. The young tamarind leaves are eaten along with a soup or a roasted fish salad. This tamarind shoot can also be used to add a sour taste to many Burmese dishes. Besides shoots, there is also a variety of vegetables like green beans, carrot, cauliflower and cabbage, which are used generously in Burmese food.
The people in the countryside/villages have two main meals in a day. One before they began their working day in the fields and the other at the end. In cities, though, people have taken to the three meals a day concept. Most Burmese people start the day with a simple fried rice dish or with some form of noodles dipped in a soupy sauce. These noodles can be made from either wheat or rice.
The most staple food is the rice. It is usually served with curry. In fact, Myanmar is the sixth largest producer of rice in the world and many rice varieties are grown here. The main rice growing region is the Ayeyarwaddy division. It is the rice bowl of the country and much of the rice produced here is imported to other countries as well. The rice planted in the upper regions of Myanmar tends to be glutinous and thus less preferred. The long grain varieties of rice are expensive to buy in Burma but are for higher quality.
A typical Burmese meal consists of rice and some sauce usually made from pickled shrimp or fish. Fermented soybeans are also used to make the sauce. Also, people like to consume fresh vegetables with the meal such as young mangoes, green beans etc. A soup made of handful of fresh vegetables can also accompany a meal. This basic diet of lower income families provides them with essential nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins. Though, occasionally they might also consume meat which mainly consists of fish, seafood, beef or chicken. Depending on the income of the Burmese household, this plate of meal can increase manifold.
People have learned to live with the nature in Myanmar. So, a major part of the food is derived directly from the nature. People consume shoots from different trees and shrubs. The young tamarind leaves are eaten along with a soup or a roasted fish salad. This tamarind shoot can also be used to add a sour taste to many Burmese dishes. Besides shoots, there is also a variety of vegetables like green beans, carrot, cauliflower and cabbage, which are used generously in Burmese food.
The people in the countryside/villages have two main meals in a day. One before they began their working day in the fields and the other at the end. In cities, though, people have taken to the three meals a day concept. Most Burmese people start the day with a simple fried rice dish or with some form of noodles dipped in a soupy sauce. These noodles can be made from either wheat or rice.
The Mohinga is one of the most important morning meals in Myanmar. For the day, Burmese people have variety of cakes and pancakes made out of mostly rice and coconut base.Some of the main dishes in Myanmar are:
• Chicken Curry
• Fish Curry
• Butter Rice
• MohinGar
• Chicken Coconut Noodle
• Akyaw
• Tomato Shrimp Paste for Dipping
• Fish Sauce Dip
• Fried, Coconut, Plain Rice
• Shwe Kyi Pudding
• Salads such as Potato salad, Mango Salad, Tomato Salad.
The country is ethnically very diverse. So, some Burmese people don’t eat beef and some don’t consume pork. Nat worshippers also avoid eating pork. Some Buddhists people only eat vegetarian dishes during the War Dwin period which is also known as the three month rains retreat. Guests are treated well in Myanmar and served with the most well prepared dishes. Even in the lower income households, visitors are treated very well.
Myanmar people observe ethnic rules while eating and foreigners should also respect these rules. Detailed rules can be learned from your local guide or travel services. The Myanmar local food was earlier not easily available in restaurants. But now, due to developing economy, more and more of Burmese restaurants can be seen in all cities. They offer many delicacies of local food as well as Indian and Chinese food. In Myanmar, you’ll surely be treated like kings when it comes to cuisine.
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