F O O D &

ENTERTAINMENT
A MYANMAR TIMES SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT, FEBRUARY 2017
 2 FOOD&ENTERTAINMENT
As places of traditional arts and crafts are exhibited in many places foreigners and locals alike can enjoy their leisure time. Photo Aung Htay Hlaing
Scenic spots in Yangon for
foreign tourists
By Lae Phyu Pya Myo Myint
A
s the number of foreigners
visiting Myanmar is
increasing, festivities,
displays and recreational places
which can attract the foreigners are
also increasing year by year.
The biggest attraction for
foreigners are Myanmar traditional
presentations and arts as well
as places where they can relax
comfortably.
Places where most foreigners
usually visit in Yangon are the
famous Shwedagon Pagoda,
galleries at Bogyoke Aung San
Market and Karaweik Palace,
National Museum and other places
of interest where they can find wood
carving, puppetry, traditional music
and arts. Some foreigners also look
for places where they can spend
their evenings peacefully.
For those who want to spend time
enjoying the paintings, there are
many places such as Lawkanat Art
Gallery which is located at Lower
Pansodan street in Kyauktada
township, New Treasure Art
Gallery located in Than Lwin
Road in Bahan township, Gallery
65 on Yaw Min Gyi street in
Dagon township, Pansodan Scene
Gallery located at Upper Pansodan
street in Kyauktada township
and Yangon Gallery located in
Peoples Square in Dagon township
where exhibitions related to
painting, woodcarving and arts are
displayed.
It one would like to learn and
enjoy the Myanmar traditional
puppetry art, there is a place by
the name of Htwe Oo Myanmar
Traditional Puppet Theatre which
is situated at No. 12, Yama Street
in Ahlone Township.
At Htwe Oo Myanmar
Traditional Puppet Theatre,
puppetry performance is performed
daily between 5pm and 6pm as
long as there are at least two in the
audience. For special puppetry
performance shows, there should be
at least five spectators.
Anybody can register for the
puppet show one day ahead, or can
also visit www.htweoomyanmar.
com, says puppetry professional
U Khin Maung Htwe (U Htwe).
If visitors would like to have a
glimpse of Myanmar culture, the
right place would be the Karaweik
Palace where one can have lunch
or buffet dinner while enjoying
14 kinds of Myanmar traditional
dances where the performers are
clad in traditional costumes.
There are also entertainment
and food that can attract
foreigners at The Strand Hotel,
which was recently renovated. One
can enjoy the entertainment of
Myanmar harp and xylophone in
the lobby of the hotel.
At The Strand Caf, guests can
enjoy twin pleasures of Myanmar
style and Western style, where
classic high tea and Myanmar high
tea is served from 2:30pm to 5pm,
and family dinner is set from 6pm
to 10 pm. Most of the foreigners
prefer the Myanmar high yea
served in a very traditional
Myanmar lacquer ware tray.
They also very much enjoy
having dinner with Myanmar-style
preparations, said Ma Win Pa Pa
Myo, Public Relation Manager of
The Strand Hotel.
If guests would like to discover
the spectacular sceneries of
Yangons waterways and the rich
historical and cultural landscapes
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
FEBRUARY 2017
that lie along the banks of the
Yangon River, they can take the
Royal Green River Cruise and
Yangon River Cruise which are
luxury cruises that run from 6pm
to around 8pm.
Another place that serves
Western style dinner together with
quality wine is the Le Cellier at
the Novotel Hotel.
Most of the foreigners enjoy
their evenings at this venue to
taste French age-old wine, which
is the major attraction of Le
Cellier.
Most people come to enjoy the
breathtaking view of Shwedagon
Pagoda while having an aperitif
on the terrace of the 14th floor
rooftop of the Novotel Hotel,
Amanda Pearl, Public Relation
Manager of Novotel Hotel said.
Anybody interested in art
combination of Myanmar and
French culture, transferring arts
shows, musical entertainment
shows, plays and photo shows can
visit the Institute Francais, at
No(340) Pyay road in Sanchaung
Township.
If people want to enjoy a
combination of German arts and
Myanmar arts, the right place will
be Goethe Villa, at No (8), Ko Min
Ko Chin Road, Bahan Township,
Yangon.
The National Theatre, which is
at Myo Ma Kyaung Road in Dagon
township, not only has shows of
Myanmar traditional culture but
also cultural exchange programmes
with foreign countries so foreigners
can spend their leisure time at the
theatre enjoying Myanmar and
international arts shows.
Translation by Win Taw Tar and
Khine Thazin Han
 FOOD&ENTERTAINMENT
Karaweik Palace showcases
authentic Myanmar culture
By Lae Phyu PYA Myo Myint
T
he golden Karaweik Palace,
one of the many landmarks
in the heart of Yangon City,
is located on the eastern shore
of Kandawgyi Lake, facing the
magnificent Shwe Dagon Pagoda
which is a symbol of Myanmar
traditional art and culture.
The Karaweik Palace that draws
the attention of many foreigners
was designed and built by Myanmar
architect U Ngwe Hlaing as a replica
of the Pyigyimon Royal Barge.
Construction began in 1972 and
was completed in 1974. In 1988
the building was converted into a
restaurant.
Karaweik Palace Restaurant
has two reception halls, where gala
occasions, weddings receptions,
celebrations and different kinds
of events can be held. The buffet
restaurant offers lunch from 11:00
am to 3:00 pm daily and buffet
dinner from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm.
Many foreigners enjoy having
dinner while viewing the beauty
of the sunset, surrounding natural
scenery, enchanting view of
the Shwe Dagon Pagoda as well
as Myanmar traditional dance
performances presented by the
restaurant. The Palace is a beautiful
sight during the evening with
the illumination reflected by the
Kandawgyi Lake.
The restaurant is tastefully
decorated and offers a wonderful
view as well as culinary delights
covering special Chinese, Myanmar
and East Asian cuisine.
There are many customers
who visit the restaurant for lunch
but most of the foreigners enjoy
the evenings having buffet dinner.
There are more Asian customers,
rather than Westerners, said the
restaurants manager Daw Thin
Thin Aung.
One of Myanmars traditional
furniture, which is a royal couch
(Thalon), is placed at the entrance
of the restaurant. Along the passage
to the reception halls, there are
small booths which cater locally-
made snacks such as mote lat kaut,
mote lin mayar and pae palar tar.
Most of the foreigners enjoy the
snacks while taking photos of the
interior and surrounding view of
the Karaweik Palace. There is also
a path from where one can stroll
around the exterior of the building
and take photos of Myanmar
traditional architectural features
which adorn the building.
As a genuine Myanmar welcome,
two doormen dressed as Royal
Guards in Myanmar ancient warrior
costumes welcome the guests at the
entrance of the Karaweik Palace.
After entering the door, there
are decorations with Myanmar
traditional floral motifs (kanout)
and mosaics.
A man in Brahmin costume
is seated in the middle of the two
halls with sheets of palm-leaf
manuscripts placed in front of
him. He gives a Myanmar name to
every foreigner who visits the hall
according to their birthday and also
writes down the meaning of their
name on the palm leaf.
By his side, a beautiful young
girl in Myanmar ancient costume
grinds Thanaka (a yellowish-
white cosmetic paste made from
ground bark which is a distinctive
feature of Myanmar culture) on a
circular stone called kyaut pyin. She
explains what it is and helps visiting
foreigners apply Thanaka.
Foreigners are usually pleased
with the fragrance of Thanaka
and the sight of the girl dressed in
ancient Myanmar costume. So most
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
FEBRUARY 2017
Forginer being helped to apply Thanaka powder at Karaweik palace. Photo- Aung Htay Hlaing
of the ladies apply Thanaka on their
faces and take photos together with
this beautiful Myanmar girl.
The Karaweik Palace has two
halls Ottara Hall and Dekkhina
Hall which are both available for
gala occasions.
Visitors can enjoy meals in any
hall they prefer. The interiors of
both halls are the same. Ceilings
are decorated with traditional floral
motifs and pillars are also decorated
with relics. A large Myanmar
traditional harp which is placed in
the middle of both halls enhances a
splendid view for the diners.
At the end of each hall, there is
a large stage which is decorated to
give visitors an authentic taste of
Myanmar culture.
Myanmar traditional dances
such as Amarapura-era Myay
3
Waing dance, solo dance, Pakan
Ko Gyi Kyaw dance, Pyu dance,
Bagan dance, U Shwe Yoe and Daw
Moe dance, Chin bamboo dance,
Rakhine oil lamp dance, Mon dance,
Shan kinnara and kinnari dance,
marionette dance and Kyaukse
elephant dance are performed on stage
while the visitors enjoy their dinner.
Dancers costumes and
accessories are uniquely created
according to real Myanmar
traditional style. As the performers
showcase traditional music and
dances from different tribes across
the country, Karaweik Palace is a
must-visit place not only to enjoy
authentic Myanmar taste but
also to learn authentic Myanmar
traditional arts.
Translation by Zar Zar Soe
 4
Cinema hall in downtown Yangon. Photos Aung Myin Ye Zaw
High standard cinemas still significant kind of
entertainment in Yangon
By Nandar Aung
I
t could be said that the post
World War II period which was
around 1950s were the golden
era of Myanmar Motion Picture.
During that time, there were around
150 film production companies in
Yangon and almost all of them had
their own cinemas.
Those were the times which
could be regarded as the golden age
of Myanmar Motion Picture, said
director and actor U Aung Lwin.
However as most of the cinemas
were nationalized in 1968 and
banned from screening films,
the number of cinemas and film
production companies gradually
decreased. Famous cinemas such as
Shwe Gon, Myoma, Sanpya, Shwe
Man and San Thiri to name a few,
were also among them.
Furthermore, cinemas along
the Sule Pagoda Road in downtown
Yangon, which were the pride of
Myanmar Motion Pictures also
had to giveway and today, there are
hotels and shopping malls in places
of those famous cinemas.
Those cinemas were replaced
by shopping malls, hotels and
warehouses. In 1990s, the Ritz
Cinema which was located on
Bogyoke Aung San road was
demolished for the construction
of the Sakura Tower which is there
today. And then, famous cinemas
like Pa Pa Win and Gon, located
on Sule Pagoda Road were also
demolished and the Traders hotel
(now Sule Shangri-La hotel) was
built in that place, said U Aung
Lwin.
At the moment, Thamada,
Thwin, Nay Pyi Taw and Mingalar
cinemas are the last lifeline of the
Myanmar Motion Picture world.
Moreover, JCGV cinemas, which
have been placed at the Junction
shopping centers by Shwe Taung
Group of Companies since 2012,
are also becoming a place where
Myanmar and international films
are screened.
Just like in the song of famous
hip hot singers Yan Yan Chan
and Thar So, named Yangon
Mandalay Yangon which lyrics
are of that although there are
many movie lovers who want to
watch movies, there are only a few
cinemas left in Yangon these days.
Nowadays, Myanmar movies
have to rely on the local television
channels and DVD movies and
they have to survive by showing
movies at Thwin (cinema) and
Hollywood action movie screened at Nay Pyi Taw cinema.
cinemas owned by Mingalar Group
and Shwe Taung group.
As the quality of Myanmar
movies becomes low, most of
the youths have chosen to see
more international movies than
Myanmar movies.
I like Myanmar movies but
not all. Myanmar movies are
becoming more foolish and silly as
people say. I do not want to watch
such movies by wasting my time
and money. Hollywood movies are
full of essence. But I do not watch
every foreign movie. I only watch
the quality movies, says Ko Myat
Soe from Yankin.
As new movies at cinemas
change every Friday, he goes to
these cinema to see whichever
movie he likes. He also goes to
movies on Saturdays and Sundays
with his friends.
Currently, Thamada cinema
shows only Myanmar movies
and Nay Pyi Taw cinema screens
international movies. Shae
Saung, San Pya, Win cinema and
Mingalar Mini movie theatre
show both foreign and Myanmar
movies.
Eighty percent of Myanmar
movie cinemas are owned by the
Mingalar Company Limited. The
cinemas under Mingalar Group:
Thamada, Thwin, Naypyitaw, Shae
Saung, Mingalar Sanpya and other
cinemas show movies from 10AM
to 9:30PM a total of five shows
per day for the whole week; JCGV
cinemas under Shwe Taung Group
have five shows daily on Friday,
Saturday, and public holidays, and
from 10AM to 7PM(four shows) on
other days.
The Myanmar films are
regularly screened in cinemas,
but foreign films are usually
shown mostly a week later than
the start of international show.
However, some releases of foreign
films coincide with Friday (the
day for the cinema to switch to
another film); so you can watch
that movie on the same date as it
is internationally released. said a
movie official from JCGV.
The ticket price ranges from
K1500, K2000, K2500, K3000,
to the highest K8000. 3-D movie
tickets cost K1000 more than the
normal price.
JCGV movie cinemas are
opened in Yangon, Mandalay,
Napyitaw, and Mawlamyaing cities;
and there are a total of about 20
cinemas in operation.
Whatever the case, although
there are no longer many cinemas as
in the golden age of cinemas lining
up the streets of Yangon, there are
still a number of cinemas left where
high-quality international films in
3-D and 2-D formats are shown.
Translated by Win Thaw Tar, Khine Thazin
Han and Kyaw Soe Htet
F O O D &
ENTERTAINMENT
Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Myo Lwin
Editor: Win Aung
Sub-editor: P Vijian
Staff writers: Nandar Aung,
Lae Phyu Pya Myo Myint,
Hlaing Kyaw Soe, Myo Satt,
Myint Kay Thi, Aung Kyaw Min,
Than Naing Soe, Toe Wai Aung
Photography: Aung Htay Hlaing,
Aung Myin Ye Zaw, Zarni Phyo,
Nyan Zay Htet, Hlaing Kyaw Soe
Cover design: Tin Zaw Htway
Layout design: Khin Zaw
For feedback and enquiries, please contact
c.santiago@mmtimes.com

Myanmar marionettes in danger of being strung up?
A fading art among locals, though foreigners mesmerised
By Hlaing Kyaw Soe
M
arionette expert Daw Ma Ma Naing
rues the fact that the traditional
art form today survives on tourism
while local patronage has rapidly declined,
especially among young people.
The only support we get is from
foreigners, almost no locals come to watch
marionette shows. In the past, we entertained
till dawn, she said.
Foreigners are not only interested in
watching the Marionette dance, but are also
keen to learn the art, she added.
Daw Ma Ma Naing, who is chairman
of Myanmar Puppeteers Association, has
established the Myanmar Marionettes
Theatre in Mandalay. It is the only theatre
in Mandalay which has daily puppetry
performances from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Entrance is free for locals at the theatre
located on 27th Street between 65th Street
and 66th Street,
During peak seasons, the theatre is always
full, mostly with foreigners, who are charged
an entrance fee.
Daw Ma Ma Naing feels Myanmar people
have a duty to ensure that the art of Myanmar
marionette does not disappear.
Its a pity the art form is not more valued
by locals. Myanmar people should praise this
traditional heritage as it is renowned over the
world, she said.
I think Myanmar marionette will be
popular again when it attracts the attention of
the younger generation.
Young artistes
Towards this end, Daw Ma Ma Naing has been
conducting training courses on marionettes
for young people. She said there are about 40
young marionette artistes who have started
performing free marionette shows in their
communities.
We are training youths who are interested
in puppetry. The youngsters are knowledgeable
in modern skills, and also know English, so
I presume they will be able to innovate and
modernise puppetry, she said.
We only have the youths to rely on if we
want to prevent puppetry from fading away, she
added.
Those who are interested in marionette
dances can learn the basic moves in about
four or five months. But to be able to create
stories, like in the olden days, which involves
marionette singing, dancing and speaking,
requires a couple of years of training in order to
master the art form.
Currently, marionettes are dancing and
performing one-act plays, in accordance with
the times.
Were performing educational marionette
dances to attract the interest of school children
in puppetry and the art will not disappear. said
Daw Ma Ma Naing.
Foreigners are mostly interested in the
Thu Nge Daw dance (lively boy with twin-tails
marionette), and Rama-Deer-Hunting scene
dance.
During peak seasons, the marionette theatre
is filled with foreigners; rest of time the shows
are quite empty, with a smattering of people in
the seats.
The foreigners come, without fail, to learn
the marionette dance. Theyre always here. We
dont have a fixed class fees for teaching them.
If you want to watch the dance in the theatres, it
lasts for about an hour, said Daw Ma Ma Naing.
Entrance fees for foreigners at Myanmar
Marionettes Theatre will be increased from
K10,000 to K15,000 per person in April.
Different marionette dances will be performed
every day, she added.
Free training for aspiring puppet makers
The art of making the marionettes is
also languishing, according to puppetry
professional U Than Nyunt, and while some
young people are interested in learning how
to manipulate the puppets, no one wants to
make them.
Young people who are interested in the
art of making puppets will be taught free of
charge and provided with a monthly stipend,
and they will be taught until they can survive
on a regular income from the trade.
As there are only a few skilled persons
who can make puppets, we welcome young
people who are interested in this field. We
will provide monthly stipend depending on
their endeavour. Puppetry performances will
5
Foreigners learning and practising puppetry performance
at the Myanmar Marionettes Theatre.
Photo Hlaing Kyaw Soe
disappear if there are no more people making
the puppets, said U Than Nyunt.
It requires five professionals to create
a marionette a sculptor, a gild-person,
a painter, a gold embroidery maker and
a puppets joining technician. The most
important person is the puppets joining
technician.
Daw Ma Ma Naing said Myanmar
people have to lend a hand to preserve their
traditional heritage; at the same time make
every effort to ensure Myanmar puppetry
enjoys popularity around the world.
If the younger generation is interested
in Myanmar puppetry, and develop respect
and love for the art, it will not disappear, she
added.
Translation by Zar Zar Soe, Kyaw Soe Htet
and Win Thaw Tar
 6
Ethnic cuisines and distinctive restaurants in Yangon
Exterior of the Yangon bus cafe. Photo: Zarni Phyo
By Myo Satt
I
f one would like to have good
food, there are many restaurants
in Yangon to choose from.
However, I would like to list down
some local restaurants which, from
my own personal experience, offer
good food and services.
Healthy Me
Like the name suggests, this
restaurant sells mainly healthy
Western food and drinks. One
can also try the breakfast which
it serves in the morning. The
Western breakfast one can
enjoy are various kinds of toast,
garlic bread and poached eggs as
well as delicious oatmeal which are
made by soaking oats overnight to
become tender.
Other foods available at that
restaurant are foods which are
paired with rice under the name
Protein Rice Bowl. They also serve
foods that mainly include fish,
which are under the Meat Lover
menu, healthy pasta, and Western
style healthy salads.
Customers can order from
the restaurants menu and can
also inquire from staff on food
recommendations.
As for drinks, there are a variety
of cold drinks to choose so one can
choose whichever he or she prefers.
There are also detox drinks, which
remove toxic substances from the
body.
Although the restaurant with
its neat and tidy decorations and
good service is a good place to relax,
the prices are a bit high. Its hours
are from 9am to 9pm and this
restaurant is situated at 86 Bogyoke
Road in Yangon, just across from
the Ruby Mart.
Mawlamyine Swel
There are only a few restaurants
that sell real tasty Mon cuisine in
Yangon and Mawlamyine Swel is
one of them. At this shop customers
can not only enjoy Mon cuisine but
also Thai cuisine and a variety of sea
food dishes.
So that customers wont be
confused, the menu is divided into
sections such as Mon cuisine, Thai
cuisine and seafood.
The restaurant is most suitable
for those who want to taste new Mon
cuisine. As seafood is very tasty
when it is fresh, Mawlamyine Swel
is the right place for sea food lovers
as the food is very fresh here.
Based on my personal
experience, Mon-style fried prawns
and eel soaked in marian plums
has a sour taste and is also very
delicious.
This restaurant serves only soft
drinks. The restaurant is situated
at No 36, 3rd Street, Lanmadaw
Township in Yangon and the service
hours are from 10am until 10pm.
This restaurant is suitable
for those who like Mon food and
seafood and the price is also
reasonable.
Yangon Bus Caf
Yangon Bus Caf exists for those
who want to enjoy coffee and snacks
in a bus-like environment. A No
39 bus was decorated as a caf and
the display is charming while the
interior decoration is also very
unusual and attractive.
The caf offers many kinds of
coffee and is suitable for coffee
lovers. The prices of coffee ranges
from K2,500 to K5,000. It also
offers fresh fruit juices, milk and
chocolate drinks.
Cakes and desserts which are
great to go with coffee are available
there. If you want to enjoy some
unique food, I would advise the
Bubble Waffle. It is very tasty as it is
crispy, and the waffle is combined
with ice-cream and jelly.
The decoration of the shop is
more attractive in the interior
section but if you dont want to sit
inside, you can sit outside and enjoy
the food. The opening hours are
from 9am to 9pm and it is situated
inside Kandawgyi Natural Park.
The Spicy House
This shop will be familiar to those
who love Malar Hinn, which is an
assortment of vegetables and meat
cooked in Mala (spicy Chinese
Sauce). The Spicy House is one of
the most famous shops in Yangon
that sells Malar Hinn.
Unlike other shops, the Mala
Sauce that is used to prepare their
dishes contains about 20 different
Chinese spices.
You can order two kinds of
Malar Hinn: the dry type and the
type with more gravy (soupy). One
of the positive factors of this shop
is that customers can choose their
preferred side-dishes (vegetables,
mushrooms, meat, seafood, etc.) to
be added into the Malar Hinn.
Only the freshest of these raw
products are used, and they are
neatly arranged. The cost of the
Malar Hinn will vary according
to the types and amounts of raw
products that you have chosen.
If you are unable to decide what
to include, then you can also order
a pre-arranged set by the shop. The
price of the set starts from K6,000
for one person.
Moreover, you can adjust the
spiciness of the Malar according to
your preference. Those who are not
fans of very fiery flavours can order
a non-spicy Malar Hinn.
Usually, Malar Hinn is eaten
together with noodles, but white
rice can also be ordered for those
who crave it.
In addition to Malar, dishes such
as fried rice, sweet-and-sour meat,
Kung Pao, Pork and bell peppers,
and stir-fried spicy dried-chicken,
are available there with prices
ranging from K4,000 to K12,000.
You can cool your taste-buds off
with Spicy Houses exclusive
Milo Dinosaur drink, and other
beverages.
The Spicy House opens from
11am till 9pm and a total of three
shops are open and located at
Hledan Center, Junction Mawtin,
and at Market Place of 6 1/2 mile.
So, make sure to go to your nearest
shop and enjoy an explosion of
flavours there.
Kokang Kou Fu Restaurant
The Kokang Kou Fu restaurant
is a shop where you can taste the
Kokang traditional dishes. The
restaurant is adorned with a touch
of the Kokang ethnics culture.
A wide variety of dishes can be
ordered here, because the shop sells
over 260 dishes. The most famous
and the most popular dishes at this
shop are mashed potatoes, chicken
cooked with quince fruit, and
steamed pork with flour. Aside from
Kokang dishes, Chinese culinary
dishes can be ordered too.
The Sakaw Rice (rice in
the center of a bamboo platter
surrounded by other dishes) at this
shop is one of the most well-known
in Yangon. This dish will initially
start with eight different dishes and
will be arranged according to the
quantity of people.
But you cannot just walk in and
order this at any time; a booking
and a pre-order must be done in
advance.
Kou Fu restaurant opens from
10am until 9:30pm and there are
a total of two Kou Fu restaurants:
one inside the Kandawgyi Park, and
another at Baho Road in Ahlone
Township.
Translation by Win Thaw Tar, Khine
Thazin Han and Kyaw Soe Htet
Myanmars cuisine is as diverse as its people
this country has 135 races, so one can only imagine
the adventures that await the food lover. As an
introduction of sorts, listed here are some of the
ingredients that make Yangons local cuisine unique.
Ingredients
Ngapi
Ngapi is a paste made from salted, fermented fish or shrimp, is considered the
cornerstone of any Burmese meal. It is used in a versatile manner in that it is used in
soup base, in salads, in main dishes and also in condiments. Popular varieties depend on
the region. Ngapi is usually made by fermenting fish or shrimp that is salted and ground
then sun dried. Many variations exist. Ngapi is a generic term which applies only to the YANGONS
content. Like cheese, it can be distinguished based on main ingredient and regional
origin. Ngapi can be distinguished from the type of fish used to make it. Ngapi can come
from whole fish (such as ngapikaung), from small fish (mhyinngapi) or from prawns.
Ngapi is a main ingredient of Lower Burmese cooking and is used as a condiment or
additive in most dishes. Raw ngapi is not intended for direct consumption.
UNIQUE
Dried shrimp
Dried shrimp are shrimp that have been sun-dried and shrunk to a thumbnail size.
They are used in many Myanmar cuisines, imparting a unique umami taste. A handful FOOD TRAIL
of shrimp is generally used for dishes. The flavors of this ingredient are released when
allowed to simmer.In Burmese cuisine, dried shrimp is called bazun-chauk and is used DOWNTOWN & CHINA TOWN
widely in cooking, such as salads, soups and condiments. It is primarily used along the
coast and coastal ethnic minorities cuisines. Toasted whole dry shrimps are used in a FOOD HUNTERS GUIDE
wide variety of Burmese salads such as laphet (fermented tea leaves), tomato and kaffir
lime salads. Shredded dried prawns are used to prepare condiments such as ngapikyaw
and balachaungkyaw. Dried shrimp is also used as stock for Burmese thin soups.

Glutinous rice
Glutinous ricecalled kaukhnyin,Sticky rice is also very popular. Sticky rice is mostly
used in most of Myannmar snacks especially in hilly regions like shan, kayah. A purple
variety known as ngacheik , is commonly a breakfast dish for Myanmar. Sticky rice is
not generally eaten as the main component of a complete meal with curry dishes and If youre on this Downtown & Chinatown
a soup.Sticky rice in the lowlands is the basis for the creation of various snacks and
desserts. food trail, its all within walking distance
Laphet or a short taxi ride away. At peak hours,
Lahpet, also spelled laphet, lephet, letpet, or leppet in English is Burmese for fermented
or pickled tea. Burma is one of very few countries where tea is eaten as well as drunk.
Its pickled tea is unique in the region, and is not only regarded as the national delicacy
its better to walk, given the gridlocks
but plays a significant role in Burmese society. Its place in the cuisine of Myanmar is
reflected by the following popular expression: Of all the fruit, the mangos the best; of
that can happen. From great hawker
all the meat, the porks the best; and of all the leaves, lahpets the best. In the West,
laphet is most commonly encountered in tea leaf salad. fare to interesting restaurants, this food
Bamboo shoots or bamboo sprouts trail brings you some of the best in My-
Bamboo shoots or bamboo sprouts are the edible shoots (new bamboo culms that
come out of the ground) of many bamboo species including Bambusa vulgaris and anmar fare. And who knows, as you walk,
Phyllostachysedulis. They are used in numerous Myanmar dishes and broths. They are
sold in various processed shapes, and are available in fresh, dried, and canned versions. you might just discover your very own
In Burma (Myanmar), bamboo shoots are called myahait. They can be used in a soup
called myahaithcaut tar la bot. The preparation of this dish generally follows three favourite Myanmar food stop amongst
steps. At first the bamboo shoots are collected from a bamboo forest (called warr taw in
Burmese). Bamboo can be found in the whole of Myanmar but the bamboo shoots from the thousands of outlets that dot Down-
the two northernmost regions (Kachin State and Sagaing Region) are soft and good in
taste. The bamboo shoots are then boiled in water after which they can be cooked with town and Chinatown.
curry powder, rice powder etc. One of the most famous dishes in Burmese cuisine is a
sour bamboo shoot curry called myahaithkyainhainn, a specialty of Naypyidaw in central
Burma.
 2 Bane Mont 3 Nan Gyi Noodle
Ye Kyaw Burmese Pan Cake

1 Inle Style Curry Pack

8 Khaw Pote 17 Rakhine Mont T

15 Burmese Tea 17
13
18
14

16 Kachin Style Chicken 11 12 10

18 Green Tea Salad

14 Pork Sticky Rice

12 Keema Parata

13 Inle Mixed Sour Fish & Rice

 4 Burmese Delight

5 Fried Chicken with

Mohinga 6 various style rice

2
1 9

8
7

15
16
3
7 Biryani

6
5 4

11 Soy Bean Cold Drink

9 Kachin Beef Chop

Mawlamyaing Style
10 Rice and Curry
Famous Places
Bogyoke Market
Bogyoke Market or Bogyoke Aung San Market is formerly known as Scotts
Market and it is a major bazaar in downtown area of Yangon city. It is
located in Pabedan Township. Because of its colonial architecture, this
market is one of the tourist attractions in Yangon.
Thein Gyi Zay(Market)
Zay means Market in Burmese. This market was built in 1905 and also a
major bazaar, located in Latha township. You wont see so much food here.
But this place is one of the biggest markets in Myanmar.
Chinatown
Chinatown in Yangon is a nice place to get some good food and drink.
This comes alive at evening and till midnight. Many restaurants and bars
open there and color the night life. Many kinds of fresh fruits are sold near
Chinese temple.
Yangon Night Market
Yangon night market or Kwee Phyo night market is located on Strand road.
The market has a really long length along the road and opens from 5pm
to 11pm. You can find a small night market near MaharBandoola park too.
Most of the vendors in Yangon are opening their stalls here.

Food stalls along the bank of Inya lake. Photo: Zarni Phyo
By Myint kay thi
I
nya Lake is the largest lake
in Yangon and is a popular
recreational area for Yangonites
and a famous location for romance.
Known as Inya Kan Baung (Inya
Lake embankment), it is one of the
famous places in Yangon and is said
to be a place not to miss visiting as
teenagers tease each other that they
are not modern youths if they have
never been there.
Many composers mention of
Inya Lake in their songs as the lake
has pleasant surroundings, while
quite a number of Myanmar movies
have scenes of Inya Lake and its
surrounding environment.
Inya Lake is surrounded by
Pyay road, Parami road, Kabar
Aye pagoda road and Inya road,
the famous Yangon University and
Yangon Institute of Economics.
So, the lake is always crowded with
people and a popular rendezvous
for student couples from Yangon
University.
The appeal of Inya Lake is that
people can walk on its embankment
feeling the gentle breeze of the lake
and also relax on the green grass of
the embankment. There are also
huge shady trees along the bank of
the lake where families can have
picnics under these trees.
If we go to Inya Lake early in
the morning, we can see people
exercising individually or in groups.
The place is more crowded in the
evening than in the morning.
The number of visitors is more
than normal in the evening rush
hour and weekends, according to a
food stall seller.
Along with the lure of Inya Lake,
the food stalls on the bank of the
lake are also popular. Although the
prices of foods from these stalls
are slightly more expensive than
other parts of Yangon, people still
go there.
Although I dont often go to Inya
Lake, I visit it sometimes. I like
walking on the bank of the Lake
after having Mote Tee (rice noodles
in a peppery soup) at the Min Street
Mote Tee shop. I think we can get
fresh air there. I usually go there in
the evenings, said Ma Yamin Ei, a
company employee.
She said that sometimes when
she feels exhausted after a long days
work and feels like meeting friends,
she visits the bank of the Inya Lake
to have some snacks at the stalls
with them.
When I meet with my friends,
we usually have snacks. It is easy
to gather friends here. And we can
walk to be relaxed after having
snacks. I feel this place is more
comfortable than other places.
Thats why I come here, she said.
There are many fried snack
shops at Inya Lake. Once you enter
the Inya Lake Park from the side of
Yangon Institute Economics, your
first sight will be the fried snack
shops. These shops prepare their
snacks early in the morning so as
to be able to cater to customers
throughout the day.
An employee from a fried snack
shop said that their employer, who
started doing this business since
Inya Lake became popular, has
expanded their business by opening
up two more branches.
As all walks of life come to Inya
Lake every day from the morning,
the food stalls have to be prepared
to sell snacks and foods from 8am
until evening. Fried snacks from
Inya Lake, especially Butee Kyaw
(Gourd Fritter), are very famous.
The lure of
Inya Lake
A haven for
romantic couples
and local snacks
enthusiasts
Whether the popularity is because
of the taste of the snacks or because
of the location of the shops is
anybodys guess. scenery that it provides, many feel
After I finish my class, I
sometimes go there with my
friends. I love the tempura fritters.
Although its quite expensive, its
worth it, said Ma Thandar Lwin.
If you mention Inya, the Phyo Myat Min.
tempuras and pork sticks will pop
up in your mind. As people keep
talking about them, I went there
on purpose to try them out. Theres
also the Min Street Mont Tee (rice
noodles in a peppery soup) shop,
said Ko Soe Min.
Inya Lake and its surroundings
are a favourite places for couples,
and the benches on the bank of Inya
Lake are always occupied with young
lovebirds even under the hot sun.
The park is not big enough.
But the couples go there, said Ko
Soe Min, who used to be a frequent
visitor there during his childhood
days.
When I was young, I went there
and had fun with my friends. Now,
I only go there on the days like New
Year Days, or when I feel like going
there.
7
Although the prices of the food
in Inya Lake are above-average
because of its location and the
they are reasonable.
I also come here sometimes
with my friends and play my
guitar and sing songs. Here is very
pleasant in the evenings, said Ko
We usually eat pork sticks.
Here it is a bit expensive than other
places but it is worth it. Staying on
the bank is very relaxing, he said.
The people who come to Inya Kan
Baung enjoy spending their leisure
time in the evening. But vacant benches
on Inya Kan Baung are very rare as they
are always occupied with couples from
morning to until evening.
In our shop, the evening is the
most crowded time with customers,
young people as well as families.
Some people come here on their
birthdays, said a worker at a
restaurant on Inya Kan Baung.
Apart from the restaurants and
stalls, vendors selling sandwiches
and ice-cream will occasionally
appear, too.
Translation by Khine Thazin Han, Win
Thaw Tar, Kyaw Soe Htet and Emoon
 8
A fiesta of colours and bargains
The Night Market
Visitors scroll among the food stalls at the new night market. Photo: Aung Myin Ye Zaw
It is often the heart and soul of a city, the vibrant presence of vendors, food and
local colours at night markets. Aung Kyaw Min discovers why Myanmars night
markets are on the rise.
T
he new night market
on Kannar main road
(formerly known as Strand
Road) along the Yangon River gets
crowded with long queues of people.
The night market and its stalls are
crowded early evening onwards not
only with government employees
and office workers but also with
visitors looking for bargains.
This night market spans four
townships that include Pabedan,
Kyauktada, Latha and Lanmadaw
downtown.
The new night market was
built a few months back under the
direction of Yangon Region Chief
Minister, U Phyo Min Thein and is
being managed by the Yangon City
Development Committee.
As traffic jams were becoming a
problem for city dwellers, Yangon
Region Government in an attempt
to solve these traffic jams planned
the new night market which was
officially launched on November 23,
2016.
This night market is not only aimed
at providing trading space for
vendors but also to manage Yangons
growing night life and to lessen
traffic jams.
The night market operates daily
from 3pm to 11pm and fishmongers,
greens and groceries vendors are
permitted to market their produce
only between 6am to 11am and are
not allowed to sell in the evenings.
From what was a total of 6000
street vendors in Yangon city, at
present this new night market can
only accommodate just about 1600
vendors.
After organising the number
of street vendors in downtown
Yangon, an area offour feet by
eight feet was allocated to each
vendor free of charge who were
then allowed to sell at the new
night market.
Although this new night market
is not built in an open space like
a typical market or a night open
market but beside a main road,
electrical wiring for lighting
and water drainage pipes were
systematically installed by the
Regional Government.
Garbage collection is also
arranged to collect the waste
products from the stalls after sales
hours. CCTV cameras and mobile
toilets are conveniently located
to make the night markets more
user-friendly and safe.
A former multi-grill shop
owner at the corner of 13th street
Ko Thet Paing said: For now our
biggest problem is space, narrow
stalls with not much room and
consequently poor sales. The good
news is I saw an announcement to
collect taxes for water, electricity
and garbage starting from this
month. It is good. We dont need to
give other taxes.
Sometimes when checks
are conducted by enforcement
authorities, it is discovered that
vendors re-rent or sell their stalls
which are originally allocated for
particular vendors or owners. On
the days when one fails to open the
stall, there is someone else using
that stall.
When the night market was
first opened there were some
vendors who complained that the
allocations were not fair but the
situation is slowly improving.
To meet demands and to reduce
traffic congestions, plans to open
a second night market on 52nd
street in Pazundaung Township
is underway. The new night
market will have approximately
130 stalls. Select vendors selling
products along the downtown
areas, including Anawrahta Road,
Maha Bandoola Road, Botahtaung
Pagoda Road and Bo Myat Tun
Road will be invited to open up
stalls in the new night market.
However, as 52nd Street is situated
in Pazundaung Township vendors
from that township will get
priority when space allocations are
made. Though, the Yangon City
Development Committee (YCDC)
has not yet set the exact date to
launch the night market, they are
working fast to get the project off
the ground as quickly as possible.
U Tint San, a resident from
11th street, Lanmadaw Township,
notes that the markets which once
disappeared and have reemerged
during the tenure of the present
leadership, still has much to do
and improve the market to make it
into a better quality night market,
like the ones in neighbouring
countries. In the past when night
markets were popular, the famous
ones were those near Bogyoke
Aung San market, Myay Ni Gone
night market and Kyi Myin Taing
night market. All of whichare no
longer in operation except for Kyi
Myin Taing night market that is
struggling to survive.
It is said that night markets in
other regions usually set up stalls
selling traditional food and clothes
to attract tourists. However the
Strand Road night market is not
being set up for that purpose
presently, as priority is being
given to solving the traffic jam.
Later, this night market will be
modernised with developments
done stage by stage, said Yangon
City Development Committee
(YCDC) Secretary Daw Hlaing
Maw Oo.
Tour guides have observed that
it is an interesting experience
for tourists to wander around the
stalls, taking in the sights and
sounds. For now only traditional
food, fruit and delicacies are
being traded by stall vendors
and that too attracts tourists,
despite the absence of clothes
stalls, confirmed tourist guide U
Kyaw Kyaw Soe who brings in the
tourists after viewing the sunset at
the jetty. It is good to walk among
the stalls but it is too narrow. U
Kyaw Kyaw Soe did note that food
quality, while generally good could
be improved with better hygiene
standards such as protecting food
from dust from the roadside.
YCDC Secretary Daw Hlaing
Maw Oo agrees. Vendors, she said,
will be trained on better hygiene
and skills preparation, and those
vendors who do not attend such
training will be prohibited from
operating stalls.
In upgrading, we need to
upgrade in quality. We have a plan
to upgrade the knowledge of all
vendors. We have no plan to move
them away. The plan is only to
upgrade their level. Later, there
are plans to link the Strand Road
night market area up to Bogyoke
market, she added.
Night markets are popular
tourism attractions around the
world and Myanmar wants to
capitalise on this as part of the
tourism infrastructure. Opening
a floating market on the river bank
is in the pipeline for the future.
But for now we developing the
project in stages, said Daw Hlaing
Maw Oo.

Interior decoration of the DAB restaurant in Mandalay. Photo: Than Naing Soe
By Than Naing Soe
M
yanmars ancient capital
is a treasure trove of sorts
not only is it a reservoir
of culture, manifested in a great
number of pagodas, monasteries
and tea houses, and has scenic
landscapes, it also offers varied and
eclectic cuisines.
Visitors to Mandalay are
spoilt for choice when it comes to
food. Restaurants not only serve
traditional dishes but also Chinese,
Indian, Japanese, Korean and
European cuisines.
The Myanmar Times checks
out some exciting eateries in and
around the city.
Yoon Khin Khin popular
authentic Myanmar and oriental
food
For breakfast, check out Yoon Khin
Khin for authentic Myanmar dishes
and other oriental food, especially
delicious dim sum.
The cooks prepare some 40
types of dim sum dishes, mostly
with chicken, pork, fish, prawn,
crab, squid and other seafood and
served with aromatic green tea.
Guests can enjoy their meals
amidst a serene atmosphere as the
restaurant is surrounded by lush
greens including rain trees, Eugenia
trees and persimmon trees.
Located in a quiet quarter
next to Shwe Naing Ngan Hotel,
in Chan Aye Thar Zan Township,
the spacious restaurant can
accommodate up to about 12 people
as a group.
Besides dim sum, Yoon Khin
Khins menu has a variety of other
food, like kauk nyin (glutinous rice)
and fried snacks, different kinds
of pauk si (Chinese dumpling),
mohinga and kaw yay khauk swe.
Beverages and fresh fruit juices
are also served for breakfast.
In addition to breakfast,
authentic Myanmar cuisines and
Chinese dishes are also available
throughout the day.
Vanilla Garden Restaurant
savoury Asian and Western food
The restaurant offers an elaborate
spread of cuisines some 50 types
of European food and over 100
Asian dishes for customers to pick
and choose. There menu also offers
9
Take a bite
of Mandalay
Mandalay not only a trove
of Myanmar culture but
a place with variety of
eclectic cuisines
what it calls Todays Special. It is located at Ngu War Street, 2pm, while traditional Myanmar is mixed with lychee and then
Drinks are also aplenty fruit between 67th and 68th street, near rice and curry dishes (including cooked in hot oil with plum essence.
juices, milkshakes, cocktails plus the Mandalar Thiri Stadium, which chicken, pork, beef, mutton and Although somewhat sourish, it has
a variety of foreign liquor and beer was one of the venues for the 2013 fish), are available from noon to a rich taste.
such as Myanmar Premium and Southeast Asian Games. evening. There is also a range of Guests at the floating hotel and
Heineken. Some of the popular Western tasty Chinese and Thai appetisers to restaurant will enjoy a cool breeze
Vanilla Garden Restaurant, dishes served here are the choose from. from the Ayeyarwady River and
situated on 31th street between 65th Australian beef, Japanese beef, view the sunset near Gaw Wein jetty
and 66th street, Pyi Gyi Myat Shin, toothfish and salmon, as well as Karaweik floating hotel stuffed along the riverside.
Chan Aye Thar Zan Township and hamburgers and sandwiches. chicken Every evening from 7 pm to 9
known for its wonderful ambience, The menu lists about 20 kinds of The hotels signature dish is the pm, guests are entertained with
can accommodate up to 400 people Western food. Karaweik style chicken curry. The exciting programs such as puppet
at any one time. So it makes an Thats not all. Myanmar dishes chicken is stuffed with preserved shows, U Shwe Yoe and Daw Moe
ideal venue for wedding receptions, are also offered here. Dishes such egg, leek and beet root, and then dances, and traditional Myanmar
birthday parties and social get- as koh taung mont tee, Mandalay wrapped in cloth and steamed. The Chinlone (cane ball) shows.
togethers. mont tee, mohinga, koe kant meat is later fried. Translation by Win Thaw Tar, Khine
Those who wish to enjoy their noodle, steamed duck noodle Other special dishes include Thazin Han, San Layy, Kyaw Soe Htet
meals in privacy can request soup, and steamed duck noodle- fried kalian (Chinese kale) and and Emoon
for private rooms that can salad, can be ordered from 7am to shrimp with lychee. The shrimp
accommodate up to 20 people.
Customers can also request for
singers to entertain them while they
dine. Strains of classical songs and
harp and xylophone music complete
the ambience at this restaurant.
Hotel Dingar breads and cakes
Mandalay has very few hotels that
bake European-style cakes and
breads at separate stations; Hotel
Dingar can boast such a station to
bake its European-style breads and
cakes, which it touts as hygienic and
suitable for diabetics.
The breads and cakes at
this hotel are not as tender as
Myanmar customers prefer but
their European style roughness is
popular with foreigners.
The favourite among customers,
however, is the pizza which is
available with a selection of meats,
seafood, vegetables and condiments.
The pizza is freshly made and
served warm.
The plus points at Hotel Dingar
is its location and views it affords
of the Shan Mountain range on
the east of Mandalays moat and
fortress wall and Sagaing Mountain
ranges on the west. You will find the
hotel on 35th Street, between 72nd
street and 73rd Street, Mahar Aung
Myay Township.
As meals are served both on
the ground level and top level of
the hotel, diners get to enjoy a
panoramic view of the city.
DAB Restaurant Western
delicacies If Western cuisine is
your preferred choice when in
Mandalay, head to DAB Restaurant.
 10
Long before hipster and modern cafes made coffee and tea enjoyment
a popular pastime all over the world, the people of Myanmar have been
enjoying the fruits of high-quality coffee beans and traditionally brewed teas.
Myanmars coffee and
tea regain popularity.
By Toe Wai Aung
C
offee, which is not a new
industry for Myanmar,
was first introduced by the
British in the 1800s.
With a terrain of tropical
lowlands in the south and high
elevation plateaus in the north,
good soil and lots of rainfall,
conditions in Myanmar are optimal
for coffee production.
Coffee beans are plucked
from coffee trees which are about
three years old. The coffee beans
which are currently trading in
local markets are mostly Arabica
beans which come from the Chin
and Shan states which are in
the northwest and northeast of
Myanmar.
According to Daw Nyunt Nyunt
Oo, owner of Su coffee powder
shop, many locals and foreigners
prefer Myanmar coffee powder over
the many emerging instant coffee
brands in the market.
Su coffee powder shop began
its business in Yangon in 1973 and
enjoys a good reputation as the
coffee beans are ground only when
a customer purchases coffee powder.
Daw Nyunt Nyunt Oo expanded
her business to offer instant three-
in-one products at the end of 2015,
but said pure coffee powder still
remains one of the most popular
products especially among those
who appreciate handmade coffee.
At present, there are many
brands of coffee in the local market
such as Shwepuzun, Shweyinmar,
Lonestar, Pot Pot, Arnandar, Rich,
Shwe La Won and Premier.
The main content in coffee
is methylxanthine, also called
caffeine, which stimulates the
nervous system. The content of
caffeine in coffee beans is around
one to two per cent. The other
contents include hydroxycitric acid,
chromium and bitter orange which
can increase body metabolism up to
30 per cent.
According to international
medical experts, the onset of
Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons
disease, dementia, heart disease,
diabetes mellitus type 2, cirrhosis of
the liver and gout can be reduced by
drinking coffee.
Myanmar people mostly
enjoy instant coffee as a form
of refreshment at street stands.
Although the average cup of coffee
costs K2,000 to 3,800 at major
foreign coffee chains about 10
to 20 times what people pay at
the stands most shops are still
enjoying brisk business.
A recent wave of foreign coffee
chains including Black Canyon
Coffee and True Coffee have opened
in Myanmar and is changing the
local food culture, giving many
locals a new look at the brew.
The foreign chains, with their
diverse menus and sophisticated
service, are growing in popularity
as the countrys middle and upper
classes are growing.
Australian coffee chain Gloria
Jeans Coffees also opened its first
shop in Myanmar. It has said it
plans to open another eight outlets
soon.
But Myanmars traditional tea
shops are still doing brisk business,
and have recently enjoyed a revival
in popularity.
One can enjoy both traditional,
handmade tea as well as foreign-
made instant coffee and tea at these
tea shops.
Traditional handmade tea,
priced between K200 and K500
per cup, is made by steaming
and grinding tea leaves before
placing them in a water filter and
submerging them into boiling water.
Sugar and condensed milk are then
added to the drink.
Tea tastes better if it grows on
high mountains. There are three
kinds of tea - Shwe Phe, Kha Kant
and Hnin Tat. We rotationally get
good quality tea with the support
of nature in each season, said U
Pyay Nyein, manager of Nagar Pyan
Dried Tea Leaves Enterprise. Coffee powder packed at Su coffee shop in Hledan. Photo: Nyan Zay Htet
We produce sweet dried tea
by drying the plucked tea leaves While some tea shops maintain These tea variations are really
before they lose water. They can the quality of their offerings and popular among the tea-drinkers:
be used well within two years after take care to prepare their beverages Cho Saint(sweet & creamy), Kya
production. They can also be used the traditional way, tea lovers Saint (strong and creamy), Pawt
for long term depending on the bemoan the fact that an increasing Kya(strong and less sweet), Cho
preservation, he said. number of shops are taking short Pawt(less sweet), Pawt Saint(less
U Pyay Nyein said dye used to cuts by selling instant-steamed teas sweet and creamy), Kyauk Padaung,
be added to pickled tea leaves some which are of inferior quality. Pone Nhar, and Ma Kho, said Ko
eight years ago, but after discussions Nowadays, the quality of tea has Zar Ni Tun.
between food safety organisations, declined as most of the teashops, When you sit down at a teashop,
the use of dyes were stopped. due to insufficient workers, are you would order the tea variation
When Myanmar was under selling instant-steamed tea, instead that suits your taste, as a test for the
British rule, Bombay Burma of the traditional step-by-step skill of the tea-master there.
Company established a factory in brewed tea, said U Nay Than Soe, But now, whatever you order,
Namsan of northern Shan States in Nagar Pyan Branch Manager of the taste is the same and thus you
1937 to produced tea leaves (sweet) Mingalar Taungnyunt Township. have to either add light green tea, or
and green tea leaves. These tea The instant method ask for black tea, and have to brew
leaves were exported to India and compromises on the taste, and the tea by yourself for the variation
England. isnt as healthy for consumers, he you want.
Tea is now planted on claimed. For those who really love tea, we
mountainous regions, and is A tea lover from South Okkalapa have to be satisfied with drinking
planted either by sowing the seeds, Township, Ko Zar Ni Tun, said low quality tea now, he said.
planting the young tea plants, or there are many tea variations to suit Translation by Win Thaw Tar, San Layy,
by grafting. different preferences. Khine Thazin Han and Kyaw Soe Htet

Lets Raise
A Glass,
Myanmar
Myanmars after work
crowds and young people are
changing the watering holes in
search of that relaxing drink,
while energy drinks and colas
are gaining popularity too.
The Myanmar Times unwinds
trying out a tipple after work.
M
yanmars chattering
classes are in high spirits
these days. The local
public house or pub, or better still,
beer station as the locals prefer to
call it are picking up business as
after work crowds make a beeline
for these watering holes to unwind
and catch up on the local gossip.
At the same time, the soft drinks
market is gaining popularity as
well.
Pricey beer stations where not
only drinks are served but also
live entertainment is performed
are equally getting popular for a
handful of Myanmars up market
working crowd. But it is the
smaller pubs that are seeing a
swell of business and patronage.
In smaller suburban streets and
neighbourhoods, quaint and less
informal joints which sell liquor
are usually more crowded then the
high level restaurants and beer
stations in the city.
With different brands and
variedly priced liquors and
beverages listed on the menu, it
caters to different budgets that
even the poorer working classes
can spend their evenings here.
Normally, I choose the RC
(Royal Club) whiskey. It doesnt
give you a hangover, and the price
is affordable. But, when I have
more cash, and would like to spend
the evening with my friends and
colleagues, I drink the blue label,
which is Grand Royal. I meet up
with my friends at these joints to
while away the evenings explains
25-year-old Ko Than Naing about
his choice of liquors and his place
to hangout.
The Royal Club whiskey that is
consumed by many of the working
classes costs about K900 for four
shots. Described as having a
mellow flavour and with no side
effects such as hangovers the
next day, it is understandable why
many people prefer this brand.
The people have to choose
liquors that they can afford.
11
With lifestyle options changing and liquor and beverage market growing, more are turning to drinks
Alas for alcoholics they drink Kyaw Min, says that he usually tired, or she wishes to drink soft drink and MGS Company that
the cheaper spirits rather than drinks M-150 energy drink when something that she doesnt drink produces Stat Cola soft drink.
whiskeys. They cannot afford the either travelling or at work. He all the time. She then, like most The soft and aerated drinks
better quality ones as they are also drinks the formerly famous of her generation, coolly reaches market in Myanmar is thriving.
constantly drinking and emptying Lippo brand as well. I just feel out for Coca Cola. Or other fizzy With lifestyle options changing,
their wallets. These people face this drink energises me. So I drink drinks from Thailand. more and more people want to try
health problems as the quality and it every time when Im feeling tired, Myanmar has soft drink these drinks, and Myanmars liquor
the cleanliness of their alcohols or just stressed out, he adds. companies such as Loi Hein and beverage market is growing,
leaves a lot to be desired. For Ma Zin Mar she says Company that produces Blue catering to a new generation while
But the consumption of poor that she chooses to drink these Mountain soft drink, Pin Ya convincing the older it is time to
quality alcohol is now on the wane beverages only when she is feeling Company that produces Max Plus expand their beverage options.
and the youths relaxing at the pubs
choose to drink whiskey.
A restaurant owner from Insein
Township, Daw Htay, observes
that majority of people who visit
her restaurant consume the
RC whiskey or the Grand Royal
whiskey. The people who can
afford the expensive liquors are
rare. There is almost no one who
orders high-quality spirits. You
only see it a few times, she says.
But for those who are not hard
liquor consumers they choose
beer instead. The exclusive
and expensive whiskies with
prices ranging from K5000 up to
K100,000 are popular among the
up market circles. These liquors do
little damage to the body and can
even be beneficial if you drink it in
moderation.
But aside from liquors there
are many kinds of beverages
circulating in the market that
will cool and quench your thirst.
There are many drinks that are
locally produced as well as foreign
made brands. Take the energy
drink, it is a hit among a majority
of consumers, and there are many
variations available to cater to
their demands.
Usually, I drink energy drinks
such as Shark, preferable to
other beverages. I regularly take
it especially when I am exhausted
from travelling, stressed from
working all day or when I sweat
too much. These drinks energies
me so I drink them, says Ko Thein
Naing, who travels a lot to rural
regions due to his job demands.
A company staff member, Ko
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