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Bagan Street Food: A Guide To Burmese Food In Bagan, Myanmar

Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Food & drink Heidi

Bagan is a destination not to be missed on your trip to Myanmar. Among the aspects that make a trip memorable, cuisine holds a special place in a Bagan itinerary. Its cuisine is a blend of flavors and influences that reflects the city's diverse cultural heritage. Bagan street food is very rich and diverse with Myanmar's unique culture. Let's explore the must-try dishes in this culinary paradise!

I. Bagan Night Market
II. Mani Sithu Market

I. Bagan Night Market

Bagan Night Market, also known as Bu Paya Market, is located along Bu Pagoda, where many shops, restaurants and food trucks gather. Open from 6 pm to 10 pm daily, this vibrant market offers the perfect combination of culinary delights and scenic views. You can witness the mesmerizing sunset over the Ayeyarwady River near Bu Pagoda or explore the nearby Tharabar Gate.

1. Burmese curry

Start a culinary journey through the Bagan street food, where curry rice takes center stage, much like in other regions. Among the various places, the Bagan Region is the home of the Burmese Kingdom and a hub for the best of Burmese cuisine.

Curry rice, a popular dish in Myanmar, has a variety of meat options such as chicken, fish or beef. What makes Burmese curry rice different is its richness. Over time, the curry develops a clear separation between the flavored oil layer and the seasoned layer. Usually enjoyed with a bowl of rice, these curries are accompanied by a range of side dishes, including pickled vegetables, refried beans and chili sauce. In the culinary landscape of Bagan, the Burmese curry rice served in local restaurants is often tailored to suit the preferences of international palates, featuring a balanced richness without excessive oiliness. If you're eager to savor the authentic flavors of Burmese curry in Bagan Night Market, don't hesitate to indulge in this gastronomic experience.

2. Coconut Chicken Noodles

The delicious flavors of Kaukswe, the delightful Burmese dish combine the richness of curry with noodles and a variety of side dishes. Preparing this dish is very easy, requiring only a few available spices to enhance its already exceptional flavor.

One of the most delicious dishes of Bagan street food is the traditional offering of rice noodles with coconut juice and chicken. Some establishments opt for a unique approach, using minimal water and relying predominantly on coconut juice to infuse the rice noodles with flavor. The base of this dish typically comprises coconut and chicken soup blended seamlessly with rice noodles. To add a touch of variety, people incorporate extra ingredients such as bean sprouts or slices of egg into the rice noodles. Beyond the renowned Burmese curry, rice noodles with coconut juice and chicken stand out as authentic Burmese food that you must try during your visit to Bagan.

Coconut Chicken Noodles (Kaukswe)

3. Tea-leaf salad

Having the unique culinary experience of Latphet in Bagan Night Market, a Burmese tea-leaf salad that is known as Lahpet, holds a special place in the hearts and palates of the Burmese people. In Myanmar, tea is not only a beverage but also finds its way into desserts and, in this case, into a delightful salad that can serve as a snack, an appetizer plate, or a complement to rice dishes.

Green tea leaves are softened with hot water, then washed thoroughly to remove the bitter taste. Then, the tea leaves are mixed with oil and spices and left in the refrigerator for a few days. To create this unique dish, there is a harmonious combination of sour and slightly bitter tea leaves with shredded cabbage, sliced tomatoes, crunchy beans, nuts and peas. The ensemble is then enhanced with the aromatic infusion of garlic oil and a sprinkle of chopped peppers. Its freshness, nuttiness and crunch make it an ideal appetizer. Central to the salad's composition are the Burmese fermented green tea leaves, known as Lahpet. Tea-leaf salad is very good for your health because it is rich in fiber and low in calories.

This may concern you:
>>Bagan Travel Guide
>>Places To Stay In Bagan

II. Mani Sithu Market

In the heart of Nyaung-U, the bustling Mani Sithu Market is the town's main market, offering a wide variety of food and daily necessities.This vibrant market is a permanent fixture, housed under a light wooden structure that spans a substantial city block. Let's explore some Bagan street food at this market.

1. Burmese fish noodle soup

Originating in the northern region of Myanmar, this fish noodle dish has become popular, especially in the Bagan region. Distinguished by its uniquely tender rice noodles, unlike those found in other Southeast Asian countries, Bagan's fish soup rice noodles offer a remarkable softness. The broth is an important ingredient made from fresh fish, giving the soup its characteristic fresh taste. A delightful infusion of lemongrass, banana stem, ginger, garlic, and onions unfolds as they slowly simmer, creating a broth that balances herbal, lemony sweetness with a pungent earthiness. Fish sauce subtly enriches the broth with the essence of the sea, while local fish contributes a hearty depth.

This symphony of sweet, sour, and salty flavors is ladled over rice noodles and presented with an array of accompaniments, including fresh lime, dried red chilies, cilantro, thinly sliced red onions, and additional fish sauce. The customization is in your hands—you can adjust the condiments according to your personal preferences. Soft-boiled eggs, crispy fried onions, crispy fish cakes and a variety of herbs and spices are added, providing a variety of textures and flavors. Mohinga is a favorite breakfast dish in Burma. This is an experience that you should not miss in Mani Sithu Market.

2. Burmese sweets

Burmese sweets are known as Moun (sometimes written Mont). In Myanmar, these treats are as snacks and often enjoyed with a cup of tea during the morning or afternoon. These offerings encompass savory delights that are steamed, baked, fried, deep-fried, or boiled. Burmese fritters, crafted from battered and deep-fried vegetables or seafood. What distinguishes Burmese sweets from their Southeast Asian counterparts is their modest sugar content, relying instead on the natural sweetness from ingredients such as grated coconut, coconut milk, rice flour, cooked sticky rice, tapioca, and fruit.

Among the standout Burmese sweets is Hsa nwin ma kin, a creation of small cakes featuring crumbly semolina flour blended with coconut milk, and raisins. Additionally, Bein Moun and Moun pyit thalet, Burmese-style pancakes, offer a choice of sweet or savory options. The allure of Burmese desserts is such that they are often enjoyed throughout the day.

Corn fritters

3. Deep fried-food

Burmese cuisine is famous for its fried dishes. With many different sizes and shapes, this favorite dish is very famous in the list of Bagan street food. Fried foods include donuts, fried bread and crispy donuts... each with its unique flavor. But the soul of this dish is the sweet and sour dipping sauce made from tamarind. It is this that creates the appeal of the dish.

The majority of these fried wonders are meticulously prepared from sticky rice flour, rice flour, or a harmonious blend of both. In the skilled hands of local artisans, these flours are artfully combined with onions, garlic, and ginger, infusing the concoction with a symphony of flavors when immersed in the sizzling oil pan. To further enhance the culinary journey, additional ingredients such as coconut fiber, tomatoes, sesame seeds, curry, and more are masterfully integrated into the flour mix.

Embark on a culinary adventure with Bagan street food at vibrant markets, combined with a journey to explore sacred temples, picturesque natural landscapes and the hospitality of the local people. When planning your trip to Bagan, be sure to take time to explore all that this wonderful city has to offer. For more information about Bagan tours, contact Autour Asia - your trusted travel companion.

It is advisable to refer to the following circuits:
>>Myanmar trip package
>>Myanmar 6 days
>>Myanmar 9 days

5/5 - (1004 Vote)

Anne

5.0 Excellent

Is it easy to find vegetarian or vegan food in Bagan?

Come to Myanmar, enjoy Bagan street food, it is relatively easy to find vegetarian and vegan options in Bagan. Burmese cuisine has many plant-based dishes. Lahpet Thoke, vegetable samosas, and rice-based dishes are common vegetarian options. However, vegan travelers should double-check for any animal products (like fish sauce) used in the preparation of some dishes.

Maryosh

5.0 Excellent

What’s the significance of food in Bagan’s culture?

Bagan street food, like in much of Myanmar, is deeply intertwined with the country's cultural and religious traditions. Meals are often shared communally, and street food vendors play an important role in providing affordable and accessible meals to both locals and tourists. Traditional dishes, like Lahpet Thoke (tea leaf salad), have symbolic significance, representing the balance of flavors and harmony in life. Street food is also a way for travelers to connect with local communities, offering a glimpse into the everyday lives of the people in Bagan.

Solenn

5.0 Excellent

What is the best time to visit Bagan for street food?

Travel to Myanmar and experience street food in Bagan is in the cooler months, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for outdoor dining is the best moment. This is also the peak tourist season, so there will be more food vendors around, especially in the evenings when the markets are bustling. During this time, you’ll find an array of freshly made street food options, as well as local snacks and sweets. Evenings are especially popular for Bagan street food, as temperatures cool down after the hot daytime sun.

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