Joanna James
Located in the heart of Myanmar’s capital city, Myoma Market is one of the most essential aspects of the fabric of Nay Pyi Taw. Attracting crowds of both locals and tourists, there is nothing this expansive market doesn’t have with snacks, delicacies, clothing, fresh produce and more. Despite its vastness, the market is effectively organised into different sections, thus making it easier for visitors to navigate and find what they are looking for. While the market is one of the best places for shopping, it's also a good place to witness some of the city’s local traditions, cultures and way of life. Here are a few key things to do at Nay Pyi Taw’s Myoma Market to get to know the city.
Exploring the culture of Nay Pyi Taw is synonymous with trying out the city’s street food which you can do at Myomar Market just a few minutes from PARKROYAL Nay Pyi Taw. You can be part of a guided tour or go exploring the market by yourself and enjoy a range of dishes that convey the unique identity of Myanmar. The market has delectable snacks such as spring rolls, samosas and the local favourite Mohinga which is considered the country’s national dish. You’ll also find plenty of treats that satisfy your sweet cravings, including palm sugar sweets, coconut pancakes, and more. As you wander past the various shops and vendors you can also stop to witness the exquisite culinary skills of local vendors and learn about the local ingredients that are the foundation of Burmese food.
Once you’ve enjoyed plenty of local snacks and treats you can wash it all down with a cup of local tea. Tea shops are fairly prominent in Myanmar and are reflective of the local Burmese teac culture that holds a significant place among the country’s traditions. So it is no surprise that Myoma Market would feature tea shops that serve as cultural and communal spots for locals and tourists. This will be your best chance to enjoy a ‘laphet yay’ which is a strong black cup of tea flavoured with condensed milk and served with various sweet and savoury snacks. You might also get to witness the traditional art of tea making which is a practice passed down through several generations.
Another way to get acquainted with Myanmar’s culture at Myomar Market is to check out the various traditional clothing items available at the market if you are staying at a nearby hotel in Nay Pyi Taw. The Longyi is a handy piece of cloth that is commonly worn by both women and men and is widely available in various cottons, silks, and fabrics in a variety of patterns including stripes, and colourful tapestries. You can watch shopkeepers sewing various clothing items and adding final touches to garments right there in their shops. You can also learn plenty about their craft and even get their help to try on Longyi which is closely tied to the local culture.
Given that Myanmar is known for its abundance of gemstones, Myanmar has plenty of vibrant gemstones and jewellery available. You’ll find plenty of stalls and shops offering both raw and cut gemstones of different types including sapphires, jade and rubies. You can also witness the expertise of these vendors as they set stones into delicate rings, bracelets, necklaces and other jewellery types with the right amount of finesse. Despite the allure of gemstone shopping at Myomar Market, it is best to go exploring with a tour guide or local who has a good understanding of gemstones to help you distinguish between imitation gems and authentic ones.
In addition to the snacks, clothes and jewellery Myomar Market also has plenty of handicrafts and souvenirs for travellers and tourists. The market features several stalls that sell artisanal products like wooden carvings, lacquerware, handwoven baskets and puppets, all of which carry significant cultural value and showcase the craftsmanship and talent of local communities. You can even chat to the stall owners to learn more about their products, how they were made and the various cultural meanings they hold.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
