The Most Popular Burmese Food, Ranked

Choose the food you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:32
When one enters a Burmese restaurant or browses through a cookbook specializing in the cuisine, the variety of dishes can be both inviting and overwhelming. A reliable ranking of the most popular Burmese foods can serve as a helpful guide for those unfamiliar with the cuisine, indicating which dishes might offer the most rewarding culinary experiences. By casting votes for your preferred dishes, you contribute to a dynamic tally that reflects current tastes and preferences within the community of Burmese food enthusiasts. Such participation not only aids in forming a consensus about the standouts in Burmese cuisine but also enhances your own understanding and enjoyment of these flavorful dishes.

What Is the Most Popular Burmese Food?

  1. 1
    53
    votes
    Mohinga is a traditional breakfast dish made with fish broth, rice noodles, and various toppings such as boiled egg, fried chickpea fritters, and coriander. It is considered the national dish of Myanmar and is widely enjoyed throughout the country.
    Mohinga is a traditional Burmese dish considered the national dish of Myanmar. It is a flavorful fish soup served with rice noodles and an array of toppings. The broth is made from catfish or other freshwater fish, which is slow-cooked with various aromatic spices and herbs. The dish has a distinct savory and slightly tangy taste, complemented by the sourness of lemon juice or tamarind paste. Mohinga is typically enjoyed for breakfast or as a comfort food throughout the day.
    • Origin: Myanmar
    • Type: Fish soup
    • Primary ingredient: Catfish or freshwater fish
    • Serving temperature: Hot
    • Accompaniments: Rice noodles, hard-boiled eggs, banana stem, fried fritters, coriander, lime wedges
  2. 2
    40
    votes
    Shan noodles is a popular noodle dish originating from the Shan State in Myanmar. The noodles are made from rice flour and are served with a variety of toppings, including chicken or pork, crispy fried garlic, and chopped green onions.
    Shan noodles, also known as Shan khao swe, are a popular Burmese dish originating from the Shan state in Myanmar. This dish consists of rice noodles served in a savory broth topped with various condiments and ingredients. It is a staple street food that can be found in many cities across Myanmar.
    • Noodle type: Rice noodles
    • Broth: Savory
    • Condiments: Garlic oil, chili oil, soy sauce
    • Protein: Choice of meat or tofu
    • Vegetables: Sliced onions, green onions, crunchy bean sprouts
  3. 3
    19
    votes
    Laphet thoke
    Wagaung · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Laphet thoke is a salad made with fermented tea leaves, peanuts, sesame seeds, and other ingredients such as tomatoes, cabbage, and garlic. It is a popular snack and is often served with deep-fried crispy noodles.
    Laphet thoke, also known as tea leaf salad, is a popular traditional Burmese dish that is typically served as a starter or a snack. It features a unique combination of fermented tea leaves, mixed with a variety of ingredients to create a flavor-packed salad.
    • Main ingredients: Fermented tea leaves, cabbage, tomatoes, peanuts, garlic, onions, chili, oil, and various optional ingredients like dried shrimp or fish
    • Flavor profile: Savory, tangy, and slightly bitter
    • Texture: Crunchy and slightly chewy
    • Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
    • Serving temperature: Room temperature
  4. 4
    18
    votes
    Ohn no khao swè is a soup made with coconut milk, chicken, and rice noodles. It is a popular comfort food and is often served with a variety of toppings such as boiled egg, fried garlic, and sliced lime.
    Ohn no khao swè is a popular Burmese dish known for its rich and flavorful coconut chicken broth served with noodles. It is a traditional dish in Myanmar and is commonly enjoyed as a breakfast or lunch option. The dish is a combination of tender chicken pieces cooked with aromatic spices, such as turmeric, ginger, and garlic, and simmered in a creamy coconut milk broth. The chicken broth is then poured over rice noodles and garnished with various toppings like crispy fried onions, hard-boiled eggs, lime wedges, and cilantro.
    • Main Ingredients: Chicken, coconut milk, rice noodles
    • Flavor: Rich, creamy, and aromatic
    • Spices: Turmeric, ginger, garlic
    • Garnish: Crispy fried onions, hard-boiled eggs, lime wedges, cilantro
    • Texture: Soft noodles, tender chicken
  5. 5
    17
    votes
    Nga htamin is a dish made with fish and rice. The fish is cooked with rice, turmeric, and other spices, and is often served with a side of fried fish and vegetables.
    Nga htamin is a traditional Burmese dish known as fish rice. It is a flavorful and rich dish made with cooked rice and fish, typically catfish, that is marinated in a combination of spices, garlic, and turmeric before being fried and mixed with the rice. The dish often includes additional ingredients such as onions, chili peppers, ginger, coriander, and fish sauce to enhance the flavors.
    • Main Ingredients: Fish (typically catfish), rice
    • Marination: Spices, garlic, turmeric
    • Additional Ingredients: Onions, chili peppers, ginger, coriander, fish sauce
    • Preparation Method: Fish marinated and fried, mixed with cooked rice
    • Flavor Profile: Savory, aromatic, and slightly spicy
  6. 6
    15
    votes
    Kyay oh
    Hintha · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Kyay oh is a noodle soup made with beef or pork, vegetables, and noodles. It is often served with a spicy chili paste and is a popular street food in Myanmar.
    Kyay oh is a popular Burmese noodle dish that is typically served as a soup. It is made with rice noodles, slices of pork or chicken, and a variety of toppings and garnishes.
    • Noodle Type: Rice noodles
    • Protein: Pork or chicken (sliced)
    • Broth: Clear soup broth
    • Toppings: Fried garlic, sliced onions, coriander, and crispy pork skin
    • Condiments: Fish sauce, chili sauce, and lime wedges
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    Htamin gyaw is a dish made with fried rice, vegetables, and various meats such as chicken or pork. It is often served with a side of soup or salad.
    Htamin gyaw, also known as Burmese fried rice, is a popular dish in Myanmar. It is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that is typically made with leftover rice. The dish is stir-fried with various ingredients and seasonings to create a delicious and filling meal.
    • Main Ingredients: Rice, vegetables, protein (optional)
    • Seasonings: Garlic, onion, soy sauce, fish sauce, chili flakes
    • Additional Flavors: Shrimp paste, tamarind paste, lime juice
    • Common Veggies: Carrots, peas, green beans, cabbage
    • Protein Options: Chicken, pork, shrimp, tofu (optional)
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    Mandalay mohinga is a variation of the traditional Mohinga dish, which originated in the city of Mandalay. It is made with thicker rice noodles and is often served with a side of crispy fried bread.
    Mandalay mohinga is a popular Burmese noodle soup dish that originated in the city of Mandalay. It is considered a staple breakfast dish in Myanmar and is loved by locals and tourists alike. The soup is made with a flavorful fish broth and is filled with a variety of ingredients such as rice noodles, catfish flakes, lemongrass, garlic, onions, ginger, and fish sauce. It is usually garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and crispy fried onions. Mandalay mohinga has a rich and savory taste that is both comforting and satisfying.
    • Origin: Mandalay, Myanmar
    • Main Ingredients: Rice noodles, catfish flakes, fish broth
    • Flavor: Rich and savory
    • Garnishes: Cilantro, lime wedges, crispy fried onions
    • Typical Serving: Bowl or plate
  9. 9
    5
    votes
    Kauk nyin paung is a dish made with sticky rice, coconut milk, and shrimp or fish. It is often wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked.
    Kauk nyin paung is a traditional Burmese dish made with rice cooked in clay pots, resulting in a delightful combination of crispy and tender textures. It is a popular street food that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
    • Ingredients: Rice, water
    • Cooking Method: Clay pot cooking
    • Texture: Crispy exterior and tender interior
    • Flavor: Subtle and aromatic rice taste
    • Serving Style: Usually served with a side of pickled vegetables or spicy condiments
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    Mont di is a dessert made with glutinous rice balls, coconut milk, and palm sugar. It is often served with a side of sliced fruit such as mango or banana.
    Mont di is a popular Burmese dessert typically made with sticky rice, coconut milk, and jaggery. It is a sweet and creamy treat that is often enjoyed as a snack or a dessert after a meal. The dish is believed to have originated in the Shan State of Myanmar.
    • Main Ingredients: Sticky rice, coconut milk, jaggery
    • Texture: Soft and chewy
    • Flavor: Sweet and aromatic
    • Serving Temperature: Warm or at room temperature
    • Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds or shredded coconut

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Ranking factors for popular food

  1. Authenticity
    The dish should truly represent Burmese cuisine and be made using traditional ingredients, methods, and techniques.
  2. Popularity
    The popularity of the dish among both the local Burmese population and international visitors should be taken into account. The more people enjoy a particular dish, the higher it will rank on the list.
  3. Accessibility
    The availability of the dish in restaurants, street food stalls, and home cooking should be factored in. The easier it is to find and enjoy a particular dish, the more popular it will be.
  4. Cultural significance
    The role of the dish in the history, traditions, and culture of Burma should be considered. Some foods might be particularly significant during certain festivals, celebrations, or events.
  5. Presentation and appearance
    The visual appeal and presentation of the dish can also contribute to its popularity. A dish that looks appetizing and well-presented will likely be more popular than one that does not.
  6. Versatility and adaptability
    Some Burmese dishes are easily adaptable to different tastes, preferences, and dietary needs, making them more popular among a wider audience.
  7. Nutritional value
    The health benefits and nutritional value of the dish can also influence its popularity, particularly among those who are health-conscious.
  8. Affordability
    The cost of ingredients and preparation can affect the popularity of a dish. Some dishes may be more popular because they are budget-friendly and easily accessible to the general population.
  9. Unique features
    Some dishes might have exceptional features that make them stand out among other Burmese foods. This can include unusual combinations of ingredients or distinctive cooking techniques.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Burmese food. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1979 views
  • 192 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular burmese food

Burmese cuisine is a unique blend of flavors, influenced by neighboring countries such as India, Thailand, and China. The food is characterized by its use of fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and spices. Rice is the staple food of Burma, and it is usually served with a variety of side dishes, including curries, soups, and salads. Some of the most popular Burmese dishes include mohinga (fish soup with rice noodles), laphet thoke (pickled tea leaf salad), and shan-style noodles (rice noodles with pork or chicken). Burmese food is known for its bold flavors and vibrant colors, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts around the world.

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