Best Places to Eat in Bagan Myanmar

Indulge Your Taste Buds: The Best Food Experiences in Bagan

While Bagan is renowned for its breathtaking temples and pagodas, exploring this ancient city doesn’t have to be limited to just sightseeing!

Delicious Dishes on the Streets of Bagan:

  • Thit Kaut (Meat Salad): This popular Burmese dish can be found at numerous street stalls in Bagan. Try the Tea Leaf Salad (Lahpet Thoke), a unique and flavorful salad made with fermented tea leaves, or the classic **Chicken Salad (Thit Kaut Thoke) ** for a taste of this local favorite.
  • Mohinga: No trip to Myanmar is complete without trying Mohinga, the national dish. This savory fish noodle soup is a must-have and can be found in some restaurants and tea shops, often offering a unique “Bagan twist” on the traditional recipe.

Popular Street Food Finds:

  • Burmese Pancakes (Mont Hin Gar): These crispy, thin pancakes are made with rice flour and cooked on a hot griddle over charcoal. Try them plain or filled with sweet or savory ingredients like bananas, sugar cane, or even peanut butter!
  • Noodle Salads: Mont Khin Gar is just one of the many delicious noodle salads you can enjoy in Bagan.

Beyond Street Food: Restaurants to Try

While street food is a fantastic way to experience Burmese flavors, here are some other restaurants worth checking out:

  • The Moon Restaurant: Known for its stunning rooftop views and delicious Burmese and international cuisine.
  • Sunset View Restaurant: A great place to enjoy the famous sunset views over Bagan’s temples while savoring Western dishes like pizza and pasta.
  • Black Bamboo Restaurant: Offers a unique dining experience with traditional Burmese food served in a beautiful bamboo setting.

Tips for Enjoying Food in Bagan:

  • Try local delicacies: Don’t be afraid to try the variety of local dishes, including the aforementioned Mohinga. Many restaurants and street stalls serve this and other delicious Burmese staples.
  • Explore different cuisines: While Burmese food is the highlight, you can also find restaurants serving Western, Chinese, and Indian food.

Embrace the Street Food Culture:

  • Enjoy the atmosphere: Eating at a street stall is an experience in itself. Immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the delicious smells and sounds of the market while you eat.
  • Be adventurous: Try something new!

Remember:

  • Weather: The weather in Bagan can be extremely hot, so choose cooler times to dine, like early morning or late evening.
  • Respectful dining: Be mindful of local customs and dress respectfully when visiting restaurants (no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or revealing clothing).
  • Language barrier: Learn a few basic Burmese phrases for ordering food, or point to what you want on the menu!

Enjoy Local Flavor Variations:

  • Look for variations: Myanmar has a diverse range of cuisines, including Shan and Rakhine food.

Don’t miss out on the culinary delights that await in this ancient city!

Remember that these are just a few suggestions, and the best way to experience the local cuisine is to try it from different vendors and see what unique variations they offer.