3 Must Try Burmese Dishes

Whether you're in the country of Myanmar itself or at home in the States, there are plenty of avenues in which you can sample Burmese food. These range from street carts serving quick and easy, yet exceptionally delicious, dishes on the go or a private dining experience that brings to you the finest in Burmese cuisine. No matter which route you take, you have to try at least one of the incredible and authentic dishes.

Mohinga

Although it is traditionally served as a breakfast dish to the natives, foreigners tend to enjoy this meal at all times of the day. Mohinga is often considered the national dish of Myanmar and it's easy to see why. This dish embodies the tropical and distinctly Asian flavor of the country. It is a soup dish that consists of a shallot and herbal fish-based broth, with an added texture of crunchiness courtesy of a banana tree's pith. It is then seasoned to the diner's taste with a healthy combination of dry chili and lime. There are numerous other options that the mohinga fan has at his or her disposal as well, including the option of deep fried vegetables or a hard boiled egg sliced atop.

Hto-Hpu Nwe

The name of this dish literally translates to "warm tofu" – and, oddly enough, that isn't what this dish is at all. Hto-hpu nwe is actually a porridge constructed from chick peas. This is what gives the dish its distinctive yellow tinge. Afterwards, tender bits of marinated pork or chicken and rice noodles so thin that they are almost transparent are placed on top of the dish. Chili oil is then drizzled throughout the bowl, giving it that extra spicy edge that is so endemic to dishes from Southeast Asia. To cut through the spice and act as a palate cleanser, the dish is usually served with a side of pickled vegetables.

Curry

Burmese curry, much like Indian curry, isn't simply one dish, but rather belongs to a family of dishes. Although it is similar to Indian curry, it diverges in a number of different ways. It tends to be a bit meatier and oilier, and is generally served with a litany of side dishes that dwarf Indian curry's sides. Among them, you'll find tart salads, soup, boiled vegetables, rice, and fried vegetables. You'll also find a variety of sauces that can be added to the curry sauce, including fish sauce, dried shrimp oil, and various chili-based sauces.