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Myanmar |
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WARNING: In recent months, there have been widespread demonstrations against the authoritarian rule of the military junta. The junta has cracked down on these otherwise peaceful protests, in some cases by firing on unarmed crowds and by imprisoning many monks, and as a result the protests have stopped. Though it is now safe to visit, the situation is fluid and may quickly change, and it is advisable to keep up-to-date on the political situation.
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| Location
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| Flag
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| Quick Facts
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| Capital
| Naypyidaw
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| Government
| Military dictatorship
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| Currency
| kyat (MMK)
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| Area
| total: 678,500 km2
land: 657,740 km2
water: 20,760 km2
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| Population
| 42,909,464 (July 2006 estimate)
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| Language
| Burmese (official), English, Shan dialects, Kayin, Mon, Chinese dialects (Hokkien, Cantonese), Hindi, Tamil
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| Religion
| Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim 4%, animist 1%, other 2% (mostly Hindu)
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Myanmar >>
EAT
Forecast currently unavailable.
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 EAT
Burmese food is a blend of Chinese, Indian and Mon influences. Rice is at the core of most Burmese food, and good vegetarian food is widely available. Burmese food is often extremely pungent. Food is inexpensive at most restaurants (around 500-1500 kyat), but those looking for five-star cuisine should eat at hotel restaurants.
What to eat
Because the Burmese cuisine is a medley of many regional influences, it has many characteristics. Seafood is more common along the coastline, while preserved meats are more common in inland areas. Many Indian, Chinese, and Shan dishes are served throughout the country. Some dishes to try are:
- Mohinga (pronounced mo-HIN-ga) is a dish of thin noodles in a curried soup (orange in colour). Its taste can range from sweet to spicy, and is usually eaten during breakfast.
- Onnokauswe (pronounced oun-NO-kao-sui) is a dish of thicker noodles in a thick soup of coconut milk. Often added is chicken, and it has a strong taste and odour.
- Laphet thote (pronounced la-peh THOU) is a salad of fermented tea leaves and a variety of nuts. It is commonly mixed with sliced lettuce, and is eaten with rice. The dish originally comes from Shan State.
- Mee swan (pronounced mee-SUAN) is a Chinese dish of noodles in a broth, served with herbs and little meat.
- Palata (prounced pa-la-ta) is an Indian bread (prata), which is fried and served with sugar for breakfast, or with curried meats for lunch and dinner.
- Shan food The Shan are an ethnic group who inhabit Shan State around Inle lake, near the Thai border. Their food is marvelous and spicy. It can be found in Yangon if you search.
Where to eat
- Biryani restaurants (pronounced dan-PAO-sain) are available throughout Yangon (especially the cantonment). The three main competing restaurant chains are Yuzana, KSS (Kyet Shar Soon), and Nilar. All are halal.
- Oriental House is known for its Guangdong-style dim sum and Cantonese cuisine. It has franchises in Yangon and Mandalay, and is also available at the Yangon International Airport.
- Golden Duck (pronounced shui-BE) specialises in Chinese cuisine, and has franchises in Mandalay and Yangon.
- Shwe Pa Zun (pronounced shui-ba-ZUN; No.246/248, Corner of 9th and Anawrahta Street, Lanmadaw Township) is a well-established bakery/restaurant chain, with two expansive stores in Yangon. Its bakery sells excellent paluda (Indian faluta), ice cream and milk with an assortment of gelatin.
- Black Canyon Coffee Found in Mandalay (Next to Sedona Hotel) and in Yangon (next to International Hotel) offers Air-conditioned dining and wonderful Starbucks-style coffee for all those yearning for a quality caffeine shot in this country.
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