5 must-eat dishes in Yangon – satisfy your cravings for fusion fare

Reflecting its relationship with India is the rice flour-based dosa which serves as a tempting introduction to Yangon's food scene. Hailing from South India, the dosa is often paired with a selection of pickles, ghee-filled dhal or a coconut curry and interestingly, can be enjoyed at any time of the day. In terms of where to go for some dosa when in Yangon, be sure to check out Little India's New Delhi Restaurant found at the corner of 28th street. Once here, you will be able to tuck into this crispy treat and wash it down with a cup of sweet chai tea.

If your taste buds yearn for a hearty feast comprising pork belly and an assortment of spices, then do make your way to the nearest eatery in town for a good helping of sipyan pork curry. Known to include a sprinkling or two of palm sugar that elevates taste levels considerably, sipyan pork curry is a common sight on menus across Yangon and for those staying at PARKROYAL Yangon which has arguably, the best Myanmar restaurant in Yangon, travellers like yourself will be afforded every opportunity to tuck into a world of flavour. As a word of advice, sipyan pork curry is best enjoyed with a serving of fresh vegetables and white rice that will complement the curry's signature texture and richness.

To have spent time in Yangon and not tried a bowl of mohinga noodles would be quite unfortunate indeed and therefore, it is always better to begin your cruise through Yangon's food culture with this local speciality. Unofficially, Myanmar's national dish, mohinga noodles also features as a popular choice of street food. Considered a form of rice noodles which is prepared in a fish broth consisting of garlic, ginger, kyaw fritters, hard-boiled egg and bitter banana blossom; this dish is often resorted to for breakfast. In order to taste some of the very best in Yangon, it is wise to head off towards the western section of the old town where a shophouse restaurant by the name of Myaung Mya Daw Cho will warmly welcome you and see to it that your tummy is well taken care of.

Nowhere else in the world would you encounter locals utilising tea leaves other than for brewing purposes than in Myanmar. Named 'lahpet thoke' which translates to tea leaf salad in English, this popular delicacy comes off as crunchy and healthy with every bite. Crafted in a manner where fermented tea leaves are smeared with garlic, ginger, chilli, lime juice, fish sauce and peanut oil; some takes on this salad also include toasted sesames and dried shrimp. Showcasing culinary diversity in every sense of the phrase, diners would do well to check into Rangoon Tea House located in the heart of the city which presents an outstanding version of lahpet thoke.

Now, who wouldn't love a barbecue and for that matter, a Burmese barbecue? Should you find yourself in the area known as 'Barbecue Street' or 19th street, then you will easily find a slew of charcoal cooking vendors and their respective stalls that will afford countless opportunities to savour this meaty celebration. What's more? On top of the skewer that you select, you can also open up a cold one that would make for the perfect accompaniment to your night out, here in bustling Yangon. In fact, do keep your eyes peeled for Shwe Mingalar Restaurant which is reputed for its diverse menu of skewers.