9 Traditional Burmese Foods to Try

Burmese cuisine is a beautiful blend of flavours, drawing inspiration from neighbouring Thailand, India, and China while maintaining a distinct character of its own.

The balance of salty, sour, spicy, and umami flavours, often enhanced with fermented ingredients and bold spices, makes every dish an experience. Here are some of the most traditional and beloved dishes from Myanmar, showcasing the country’s deep culinary heritage.

1. Mohinga (Rice Noodle Soup)

Often considered Myanmar’s national dish, Mohinga is a comforting breakfast staple. Thin rice noodles swim in a fragrant fish broth thickened with toasted rice powder.

The soup is flavoured with lemongrass, turmeric, and garlic, giving it a mildly spicy, earthy depth. Crunchy toppings like crispy fritters or boiled eggs add texture. Whether enjoyed from a street vendor or homemade, this dish embodies Burmese comfort food at its finest.

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2. Ohn No Khao Swe (Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup)

A Burmese take on curried noodle soup, Ohn No Khao Swe combines soft wheat noodles with a silky coconut milk based broth, enriched with tender chicken and seasoned with turmeric and garlic.

It’s topped with crispy fried noodles and fresh lime, striking a beautiful balance between rich, creamy, and tangy flavours. This dish has influences from Northern Thai and Indian cuisines but remains uniquely Burmese.

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3. Laphet Thoke (Fermented Tea Leaf Salad)

More than just a salad, Laphet Thoke is an essential part of Burmese culture. Fermented tea leaves bring an umami rich tang, mixed with crunchy peanuts, fried garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and tomatoes.

The result is an explosion of textures and flavours; savoury, slightly bitter, nutty, and refreshing. Often served at gatherings, it’s as much a social dish as it is a snack.

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4. Shan Noodles (Rice Noodles with Spiced Meat Sauce)

A specialty of the Shan ethnic group, this dish features silky rice noodles topped with a tomato based minced meat sauce, often made with chicken or pork.

Aromatic and slightly spicy, it’s garnished with crushed peanuts, pickled mustard greens, and fresh herbs. The combination of the hearty sauce and delicate noodles makes it a favourite throughout Myanmar.

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5. Mont Lin Ma Yar (Burmese Rice Pancakes)

Known as “husband and wife snacks,” these bite sized crispy rice pancakes are cooked in pairs, one filled with quail eggs or spring onions, the other with shredded coconut or chickpeas.

Lightly crisp on the outside and soft inside, they offer a delightful mix of sweet and savoury flavours. Found at street stalls, they are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle.

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6. Ngapi Yay (Fermented Fish Paste Dip with Vegetables)

Ngapi Yay (Fish Paste Dip with Vegetables)

Ngapi Yay is a fundamental element of Burmese dining. This pungent, umami packed dip is made from fermented fish paste, often mixed with lime juice, chilies, and garlic.

It’s typically served with an array of fresh or blanched vegetables like cucumbers, long beans, and eggplant. The deep, salty intensity of the dip contrasts beautifully with the crisp freshness of the vegetables, making it a staple at family meals.

It embodies the essence of Myanmar’s coastal flavours and is essential for anyone wanting to experience authentic Burmese cuisine.

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7. Mont Di (Rice Noodles with Spicy Fish Sauce)

Mont Di is a light yet flavourful dish made with thin rice noodles tossed in a pungent fish sauce infused with garlic, chili, and turmeric oil.

It can be found in various regional styles, but the most popular version originates from Rakhine State, featuring shredded fish, fresh herbs, and crunchy toppings like fried onions. The flavours are bright, spicy, and deeply satisfying, making it a common street food choice.

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8. Burma Style Fried Tofu (Tofu Thoke)

Tofu Thoke is a delightful salad made with crispy fried chickpea tofu, shredded cabbage, tomatoes, and roasted peanuts, all tossed in a tangy dressing of lime juice and fish sauce.

The crunch of the fried tofu against the freshness of the vegetables creates a perfect balance of textures. It’s a popular street snack, often enjoyed as a light yet flavourful meal on hot days.

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