Chinese food

THERE are so many restaurants in Yangon serving foreign cuisine that it can be difficult choosing one for a meal with family, friends, colleagues or that someone special.

To make it easier for you to choose, here’s a guide to my favourite restaurants, according to the type of cuisine they serve.

Bon appétit!

Western cuisine
If you want to savour delicious western food in an elegant setting, the place to go is Monsoon on Theinbyu Road, which has been serving a scrumptious selection of dishes since it opened about two years ago.

Western fare on the menu at Monsoon (which also serves an extensive selection of dishes from Myanmar and other Southeast Asian countries), includes pasta and spaghetti. But many diners nominate the mixed grill, beef tenderloin or pork chops as their favourite western dishes.

European food

Monsoon also offers a comprehensive range of drinks, from fine wine and cocktails to an impressive selection of fruit and vegetable juices. Made from seasonal fruit and vegetables, they’re great for your health.

Japanese cuisine
Ichiban-Kan, in the north wing of Aung San Stadium, opened more than 10 years ago and quickly became a favorite for Myanmar and foreign diners who enjoy Japanese food.

There’s a wide selection of seafood and noodle dishes. A favourite dish for Japanese diners in the cool season is Tenzanusoba (boiled noodles served with fried vegetables and a piquant sauce). Japanese believe that this dish will make them live longer.

Indonesian food

The favourite dishes of Myanmar diners include include grilled Saba fish and Miso (soybean) soup.

Other popular dishes on the menu include Torikaranage (chicken fried in batter), Gyoza (dumplings stuffed with minced pork), Okonomi Yaki (Japanese pizza) and Dashimaki (egg roll).

Sake is the most appropriate beverage to accompany your meal at this restaurant, operated by Ms Kahori Komaru.

All ingredients except chicken and pork are imported from Japan. So, you can enjoy an authentic Japanese taste.

Thai cuisine
If you enjoy spicy food, you’ll be more than satisfied with many of the choices available at Sabai Sabai, on Dhammazedi Road, which has offered diners a selection of more than 250 Thai dishes since it opened about 10 years ago.
There’s nothing like spicy Thai fare to add some heat to your palate during the cool season.

Yam Woon Sen Talay (spicy glass noodle salad with seafood) is a favourite, especially with women, who enjoy its sour, salty and spicy taste.

Among the most popular dishes at Sabai Sabai are Yam Pla Duk Fu (fried catfish salad) and Pla Neung Manow (steamed giant sea perch fish with lemon).

Not all the dishes at Sabai Sabai are spicy. They include Moo Ping (charcoal grilled sweet pork on a skewer) and Goong Gred Thong (fried prawns), which are among the favourite dishes of children.

Japanese food

Foreign diners wary of hot food often opt for Tom Kha Gai (chicken in coconut milk with galangal) because it’s not too spicy.

Indian cuisine
Delicious, nutritious Indian curries can be served with rice or with breads, such as nan and paratha.

Maharaja Indian Restaurant, on Bo Min Khaung St, serves some of the best cuisine from the Subcontinent in town. Its menu boasts a choice of about 70 curries, featuring seafood, chicken and mutton. The meals are prepared with spices imported from India.

Mutton Sheek Kebab (mutton grilled with a mouth-watering mix of spices, chili, coriander leaves, garlic and ginger) is a much sought-after dish that is popular with adults and children alike.

One of the restaurant’s most popular dishes is Chicken Tikka Masala (grilled chicken served in a curry made from masala – mixed spices – and tomato paste).
Another popular place for Indian food in Yangon is Asoka Restaurant on Pho Sein Street.

Chinese cuisine
China is famous for its huge range of regional fare, all with their own distinctive flavours, and many are available at Summer Palace Chinese restaurant at Traders Hotel.

The menu features about 80 à la carte dishes, including Beijing duck, shark fin soup, king prawns and clay pot stews. Those who enjoy dim sum can choose from among about 100 dishes.