Sar Pe Bi Lar? On your Myanmar holiday, you will certainly be asked this question which means ‘Have you already eaten?” It is a common greeting and shows how important food and dining are in the local culture.
At Odyssey we believe that discovering Myanmar’s culinary culture is a key part of the travel experience! By dining in local restaurants, browsing fresh markets and visiting popular tea shops you will gain a deeper understanding of the country and its people. And although not as famous as other regional cuisines, like Thai or Vietnamese, we are certain you will love some of Myanmar’s diverse dishes.
For an even deeper dive into the local food culture, we suggest a Myanmar cooking class or foodie tour. These are fun, tasty ways to learn more about traditional cuisine and the role it plays in daily life. Read on to discover our favorite Myanmar food tours!
PENNYWORT COOKING CLASS (BAGAN): The delightful Ms May is the founder and host of Pennywort Cooking Class. Her passion for food, her hometown and education are seemingly insatiable. In addition to running the cooking school from her home, she also runs a community library, offers affordable English-training for the neighborhood kids and is active in environmental organizations. Her cooking class starts with a market visit, where you will purchase the ingredients for your meal. Back at her house, you’ll prepare dishes using traditional methods such as mortar and pestle and charcoal stoves. The course wraps up with lunch, giving you the chance to taste the fruits of your labor!
EVENING TUK-TUK FOOD TOUR (MANDALAY)
Among local travelers, Mandalay is famous for having the best food! On Odyssey’s evening tuk-tuk food tour, we share the highlights and hidden secrets of the Mandalay food scene. Sample a diverse range of dishes, inspired by the city’s geographical position between India and China. Visit a vibrant night market, make offerings at a tranquil pagoda and sample exotic snacks, all the while accompanied by a knowledgeable, food-loving guide! The evening wraps up with dinner at a popular ‘beer station’, where Mandalay locals gather to socialize over a meal of barbeque and cold draft beer.
MORNING STREET FOOD TOUR (YANGON)
Skip the hotel breakfast and join a morning street food tour in Yangon! As the city comes to life, set out with your local guide to explore markets, street stalls and tea shops. Learn about the fresh – and sometimes unusual- ingredients on sale at a bustling morning market. Try a selection of savory and sweet snacks from street vendors, learning about the fascinating origins of the dishes as your taste buds rejoice. No Yangon food tour would be complete without a visit to a tea shop and you’re guide will take you to one of the best in town. Rub elbows with the locals while feasting on popular breakfast items and washing it down with delicious sweet tea. Getting hungry? Get in touch and we’ll start planning your Myanmar food holiday! Send an email (info@odysseymyanmar.com) or give us a call on 09 269869090
