Yangon, like many Asian cities, is a foodie paradise. The city is home to thousands of establishments, from scrumptious roadside stalls to bustling teahouses to rooftop bars that would not be out of place in Moscow or Beijing. Yet a cluster of restaurants that features more refined cuisine—like one would find in Singapore or Hong Kong—is lacking. Yangon has not placed a single restaurant on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Bangkok, just an hour’s flight away, has placed nine.
Myanmar was shut from the world for many years. Learning and sharing opportunities were limited, which could help explain the divide. But my feeling is that Yangon has also been overlooked by the world’s food critics. This list is my attempt to change that.
Yangon’s 25 Best Restaurants is based on an on-and-off five year review of literally hundreds of restaurants. Rankings are based on cuisine and atmosphere regardless of price. Flavour takes priority over decor. Clearly, I was unable to try every restaurant in Yangon, so this list will be updated as I discover new places, some close and quality changes.
My tastes are noticeably Western and this shows up in the ranking. Freshness and refinement are valued over local authenticity. The list starts with the best and works its way down. Readers may disagree, but for me that is a good thing. I would like to start a discussion on which are Yangon’s best restaurants and what makes a great one. Enjoy!
Myanmar was shut from the world for many years. Learning and sharing opportunities were limited, which could help explain the divide. But my feeling is that Yangon has also been overlooked by the world’s food critics. This list is my attempt to change that.
Yangon’s 25 Best Restaurants is based on an on-and-off five year review of literally hundreds of restaurants. Rankings are based on cuisine and atmosphere regardless of price. Flavour takes priority over decor. Clearly, I was unable to try every restaurant in Yangon, so this list will be updated as I discover new places, some close and quality changes.
My tastes are noticeably Western and this shows up in the ranking. Freshness and refinement are valued over local authenticity. The list starts with the best and works its way down. Readers may disagree, but for me that is a good thing. I would like to start a discussion on which are Yangon’s best restaurants and what makes a great one. Enjoy!
#1 Shwe Sa Bwe
This gorgeous restaurant, tastefully decorated with Myanmar art and brightly painted with Art Deco touches, is arguably Yangon's best. A non-profit culinary boarding school for aspiring chefs and waiters, this hidden gem just north of Inya Lake serves up sophisticated fare in a homey atmosphere. The menu changes regularly, so it is impossible to pick a favorite dish, but the food is generally outstanding and inventive. Given that the chefs are not always experienced, the quality differs from the start of their semester to the end. Sometimes they try a little too hard, but there is a charm in the learning process. Cocktails are second to none, music selection is perfect, and the backyard garden is a lovely setting in the dry season. Shwe Sa Bwe is not the cheapest but well worth the visit.
Location: 20 Malikha St., north of Inya Lake (Mayangone)
This gorgeous restaurant, tastefully decorated with Myanmar art and brightly painted with Art Deco touches, is arguably Yangon's best. A non-profit culinary boarding school for aspiring chefs and waiters, this hidden gem just north of Inya Lake serves up sophisticated fare in a homey atmosphere. The menu changes regularly, so it is impossible to pick a favorite dish, but the food is generally outstanding and inventive. Given that the chefs are not always experienced, the quality differs from the start of their semester to the end. Sometimes they try a little too hard, but there is a charm in the learning process. Cocktails are second to none, music selection is perfect, and the backyard garden is a lovely setting in the dry season. Shwe Sa Bwe is not the cheapest but well worth the visit.
Location: 20 Malikha St., north of Inya Lake (Mayangone)
#2 Sofaer & Co.
Sofaer and Co. is special in almost every way. Starting with the most important element: the dishes are innovative and skillfully prepared. Each bite is a joy. On my last visit (truth is I have been at least a half-dozen times) I had the Vietnamese bun while my friend had a laksa, except that neither were what they claimed but rather wonderfully flavourful interpretations of the classic dishes. It is hard to mention the food without discussing the clever and proficiently prepared cocktails. The historical location—the building was built by Iraqi-Jewish entrepreneur Isaac Sofaer in 1906 and has been renovated to preserve its heritage—adds a je-ne-sais-quoi to the dining experience. Could the atmosphere be a bit more cultivated? Sure, but when the food is this good and interesting, it is hard to focus on anything else.
Location: Pansodan St. just south of Merchant St. (Downtown)
Sofaer and Co. is special in almost every way. Starting with the most important element: the dishes are innovative and skillfully prepared. Each bite is a joy. On my last visit (truth is I have been at least a half-dozen times) I had the Vietnamese bun while my friend had a laksa, except that neither were what they claimed but rather wonderfully flavourful interpretations of the classic dishes. It is hard to mention the food without discussing the clever and proficiently prepared cocktails. The historical location—the building was built by Iraqi-Jewish entrepreneur Isaac Sofaer in 1906 and has been renovated to preserve its heritage—adds a je-ne-sais-quoi to the dining experience. Could the atmosphere be a bit more cultivated? Sure, but when the food is this good and interesting, it is hard to focus on anything else.
Location: Pansodan St. just south of Merchant St. (Downtown)
#3 Shan Yoe Yar
Likely one of the most pleasant dining experiences you will have in Yangon, Shan Yoe Yar delivers where it counts. This is not your run-of-the-mill Shan noodle eatery. The Shan specialties—from pounded vegetables to sour soup to the not-to-be-missed tamarind fried fish—are so deliciously prepared that you will want to stay for hours just to sample everything. The cooking is also consistent and precise, especially at their gorgeous heritage home location on Wa Dan Street. The second floor is particularly charming. Not to be missed.
Location: Wa Dan St. just north of Bo Gyoke Rd. (Ahlone) and Sule Square (Downtown)
Likely one of the most pleasant dining experiences you will have in Yangon, Shan Yoe Yar delivers where it counts. This is not your run-of-the-mill Shan noodle eatery. The Shan specialties—from pounded vegetables to sour soup to the not-to-be-missed tamarind fried fish—are so deliciously prepared that you will want to stay for hours just to sample everything. The cooking is also consistent and precise, especially at their gorgeous heritage home location on Wa Dan Street. The second floor is particularly charming. Not to be missed.
Location: Wa Dan St. just north of Bo Gyoke Rd. (Ahlone) and Sule Square (Downtown)
#4 Burma Bistro
Set is an elegantly renovated colonial-era building on Merchant Road, Burma Bistro not so much refines Burmese cuisine as spins it into something new and inspired. The food is delicious, but presentation comes first. Among the most photogenic are the rice in bamboo and Vietnamese rolls. The design is spectacular. Whoever did the renovation deserves some sort of prize. It is worth taking a stroll around the two floors and balcony overlooking busy traders downstairs. The Burmese fare may be more traditional elsewhere, but sometimes atmosphere alone is reason enough to dine out.
Location: Merchant Rd. between 29th St. and Shwe Bon Thar Rd. (Downtown)
Set is an elegantly renovated colonial-era building on Merchant Road, Burma Bistro not so much refines Burmese cuisine as spins it into something new and inspired. The food is delicious, but presentation comes first. Among the most photogenic are the rice in bamboo and Vietnamese rolls. The design is spectacular. Whoever did the renovation deserves some sort of prize. It is worth taking a stroll around the two floors and balcony overlooking busy traders downstairs. The Burmese fare may be more traditional elsewhere, but sometimes atmosphere alone is reason enough to dine out.
Location: Merchant Rd. between 29th St. and Shwe Bon Thar Rd. (Downtown)
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#5 Hong Bao Dim Sum
Think you know dim sum, right? Not until you try Hong Bao Dim Sum. This restaurant takes well-known dishes such as shrimp in rice rolls and xiaolongbao and transforms them into unique inventions, blending flavours and textures in unexpected ways. Each piece is expertly prepared. Presentation is impeccable and every bite is perfect. This Hong Bao (there are several) is located in a Myanmar heritage residence in Dagon—supposedly haunted by friendly ghosts—in what used to house the Water Library. The white walls, wood carvings and light make it a comfortable experience. But come for the food.
Location: Ma Naw Hari St. just off Pyay Rd. (Dagon)
Think you know dim sum, right? Not until you try Hong Bao Dim Sum. This restaurant takes well-known dishes such as shrimp in rice rolls and xiaolongbao and transforms them into unique inventions, blending flavours and textures in unexpected ways. Each piece is expertly prepared. Presentation is impeccable and every bite is perfect. This Hong Bao (there are several) is located in a Myanmar heritage residence in Dagon—supposedly haunted by friendly ghosts—in what used to house the Water Library. The white walls, wood carvings and light make it a comfortable experience. But come for the food.
Location: Ma Naw Hari St. just off Pyay Rd. (Dagon)
#6 Cellar Door Wine Bistro
I am not usually one for mall restaurants, but there is an attention to detail and quality at the Cellar Door Wine Bistro that ranks it among Yangon’s best. Plonked high on Pyay Road in an open-air shopping centre, the tiny Cellar Door boasts high-end Western cuisine and a solid wine selection. The raclette and charcuterie are like something you would eat in Lausanne. Fish and meat are cooked to perfection. The chef is wonderfully liberal with butter in the sauces. Local produce is incorporated well into Western dishes. The atmosphere is surprisingly pleasant given the location. Big glass windows looking onto greenery and music at exactly the right volume make this a pleasant surprise if a bit far from the city center.
Location: 1st Floor, Marketplace, No. 69 Pyay Rd. (Hlaing)
I am not usually one for mall restaurants, but there is an attention to detail and quality at the Cellar Door Wine Bistro that ranks it among Yangon’s best. Plonked high on Pyay Road in an open-air shopping centre, the tiny Cellar Door boasts high-end Western cuisine and a solid wine selection. The raclette and charcuterie are like something you would eat in Lausanne. Fish and meat are cooked to perfection. The chef is wonderfully liberal with butter in the sauces. Local produce is incorporated well into Western dishes. The atmosphere is surprisingly pleasant given the location. Big glass windows looking onto greenery and music at exactly the right volume make this a pleasant surprise if a bit far from the city center.
Location: 1st Floor, Marketplace, No. 69 Pyay Rd. (Hlaing)
#7 Alex's Gastro Bar
Alex's Gastro Bar serves urbane Western and Asian food in a plush room that straddles the line between sophisticated and gaudy. The service is top notch and the ambiance welcoming. What places this restaurant so high on the list though is the cuisine. Alex's gets top marks for flavour and presentation. Among the best dishes are the pumpkin soup with cream, scallops in cognac sauce and caramelized pork chop with tom yum paste. The desserts are outstanding as well. Surprisingly, Alex's is nearly always empty, giving it a Naypyitaw-esque feel. But that is what makes it a great find.
Location: Yaw Min Gyi St., attached to the Loft Hotel (Yaw Min Gyi)
Alex's Gastro Bar serves urbane Western and Asian food in a plush room that straddles the line between sophisticated and gaudy. The service is top notch and the ambiance welcoming. What places this restaurant so high on the list though is the cuisine. Alex's gets top marks for flavour and presentation. Among the best dishes are the pumpkin soup with cream, scallops in cognac sauce and caramelized pork chop with tom yum paste. The desserts are outstanding as well. Surprisingly, Alex's is nearly always empty, giving it a Naypyitaw-esque feel. But that is what makes it a great find.
Location: Yaw Min Gyi St., attached to the Loft Hotel (Yaw Min Gyi)
#8 Mahlzeit
Who would have guessed that Southeast Asia’s most authentic German restaurant would be found in the ground floor of a Sanchaung high-rise? But there it is, serving delicious schnitzel, pork knuckle, kasespatzle and even kaiserschmarrn. The baskets of freshly baked breads with flavoured butters are a nice touch. OK, so the chairs are a little uncomfortable and the German pop music is cheesy ("Du bist die liebe meines lebens!"). But does it matter when the service is so conscientious and you are downing a litre of imported German beer? High quality and dependable, as you would expect from a German restaurant.
Location: 84 Pan Hlaing St. just off Baho Rd. (Sanchaung)
Who would have guessed that Southeast Asia’s most authentic German restaurant would be found in the ground floor of a Sanchaung high-rise? But there it is, serving delicious schnitzel, pork knuckle, kasespatzle and even kaiserschmarrn. The baskets of freshly baked breads with flavoured butters are a nice touch. OK, so the chairs are a little uncomfortable and the German pop music is cheesy ("Du bist die liebe meines lebens!"). But does it matter when the service is so conscientious and you are downing a litre of imported German beer? High quality and dependable, as you would expect from a German restaurant.
Location: 84 Pan Hlaing St. just off Baho Rd. (Sanchaung)
#9 800 Bowls
This is the highest ranked cheap-o place on this list. The Chinese noodles and dumplings are the freshest in town. The difference in taste is evident. If you disregard the basic but clean setting, you are in for a treat. Some customers naturally go straight for the bao, but I would pick the noodle, pork and dumpling soup.
Location: Maha Bandula Rd. between 47th St. and 48th St. (Downtown)
This is the highest ranked cheap-o place on this list. The Chinese noodles and dumplings are the freshest in town. The difference in taste is evident. If you disregard the basic but clean setting, you are in for a treat. Some customers naturally go straight for the bao, but I would pick the noodle, pork and dumpling soup.
Location: Maha Bandula Rd. between 47th St. and 48th St. (Downtown)
#10 AJ’s Bar and Grill
There is only one reason to visit this non-descript second floor downtown joint: the burgers. Considering that there is not much else that is special about AJ’s—some might event call the place dingy—it says something about the quality of the burgers that the restaurant shows up this high on the list. Juicy, meaty, flowing with cheese poured from a hot skillet onto your plate. Among the best anywhere. Who knew?
Location: 132 Anawrahta Rd. between 48th St. and Bo Myat Htun St. (Downtown)
There is only one reason to visit this non-descript second floor downtown joint: the burgers. Considering that there is not much else that is special about AJ’s—some might event call the place dingy—it says something about the quality of the burgers that the restaurant shows up this high on the list. Juicy, meaty, flowing with cheese poured from a hot skillet onto your plate. Among the best anywhere. Who knew?
Location: 132 Anawrahta Rd. between 48th St. and Bo Myat Htun St. (Downtown)
#11 Acacia Tea Salon
Consistently one of my go-to places to read a book or take an afternoon tea, Acacia Tea Salon is straight-up colonial. This restaurant / patisserie / café is set in a thoughtfully decorated heritage home. Light and white are the themes. Rooms are comfortable and private. The food and drinks are solid though not spectacular and a bit overpriced for what you get. The menu features a vast tea selection, as the name of the "salon" would imply. The lunch should not be overlooked, especially the fish dishes. A great getaway in the city.
Location: Saya San Rd. (Bahan)
Consistently one of my go-to places to read a book or take an afternoon tea, Acacia Tea Salon is straight-up colonial. This restaurant / patisserie / café is set in a thoughtfully decorated heritage home. Light and white are the themes. Rooms are comfortable and private. The food and drinks are solid though not spectacular and a bit overpriced for what you get. The menu features a vast tea selection, as the name of the "salon" would imply. The lunch should not be overlooked, especially the fish dishes. A great getaway in the city.
Location: Saya San Rd. (Bahan)
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#12 The Strand Café
The Strand Café has gone through quite a renewal over the last few years. Previously a mediocre hotel restaurant, it has become a respite from the downtown bustle. The food is not bad either. Brunch may be the star: Mohinga, pancakes, croissant and jam, eggs benedict and anything else you might want. But lunch and dinner are no pushovers either, featuring reliably prepared Western and Asian dishes. The draw though is the luxurious yet inviting venue. Colonial style without making you feel guilty for appreciating it. Sarkies Bar across the lobby mixes one heck of a cocktail too.
Location: Inside Strand Hotel, Strand Rd. between 38th St. and Seikkantha St. (Downtown)
#13 Seeds
Seeds bills itself as a “fine dining getaway”. In many ways it is. Located on a stunningly groomed obscure portion of Inya Lake, the owners must have poured a fortune into landscaping and renovating their world-class building and pavilions. The restaurant itself is possibly the most stylish in Yangon. Unfortunately, they have passed the cost onto the customer. The main courses, which include the Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb on Mustard Chutney and Pan Seared Seabass on Heirloom Tomato Confit, start above $30 a plate. Is the meal worth the price? Absolutely not. But the ambiance cannot be beat.
Location: No. 63 U Htun Nyein St. on Inya Lake (Mayangone)
Seeds bills itself as a “fine dining getaway”. In many ways it is. Located on a stunningly groomed obscure portion of Inya Lake, the owners must have poured a fortune into landscaping and renovating their world-class building and pavilions. The restaurant itself is possibly the most stylish in Yangon. Unfortunately, they have passed the cost onto the customer. The main courses, which include the Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb on Mustard Chutney and Pan Seared Seabass on Heirloom Tomato Confit, start above $30 a plate. Is the meal worth the price? Absolutely not. But the ambiance cannot be beat.
Location: No. 63 U Htun Nyein St. on Inya Lake (Mayangone)
#14 Governor’s Residence
The Belmond Governor’s Residence is no ordinary hotel restaurant. Situated in a 1920s teak mansion surrounded by a manicured jungle featuring a pool and peacocks, this place sets the standard for Myanmar elegance. The cocktails, which have won awards, rightfully get special attention. Presentation is impeccable even if the service is sometimes slow. Unfortunately, mediocre execution means that the Western-Asian fusion cuisine has more potential than merit. Still, the gin-cured salmon with avocado mousse and rack of lamb with onion coulis come recommended.
Location: Inside Belmond Governor's Residence, 35 Taw Win Rd. (Dagon)
The Belmond Governor’s Residence is no ordinary hotel restaurant. Situated in a 1920s teak mansion surrounded by a manicured jungle featuring a pool and peacocks, this place sets the standard for Myanmar elegance. The cocktails, which have won awards, rightfully get special attention. Presentation is impeccable even if the service is sometimes slow. Unfortunately, mediocre execution means that the Western-Asian fusion cuisine has more potential than merit. Still, the gin-cured salmon with avocado mousse and rack of lamb with onion coulis come recommended.
Location: Inside Belmond Governor's Residence, 35 Taw Win Rd. (Dagon)
#15 Gekko
Gekko has been a mainstay in Yangon for years and for good reason. It consistently delivers dependable cocktails and the sushi is scrumptious. Whether it’s the upstairs couches, the dark table behind the bar or the high seats by the large windows, the setup makes you want to settle in for hours. Great jazz soundtrack is a bonus. A bit pricey but nevertheless a place I return to over and over. Sometimes an old reliable friend is what you need.
Location: 535 Merchant St., between Pansodan St. and 37th St. (Downtown)
Gekko has been a mainstay in Yangon for years and for good reason. It consistently delivers dependable cocktails and the sushi is scrumptious. Whether it’s the upstairs couches, the dark table behind the bar or the high seats by the large windows, the setup makes you want to settle in for hours. Great jazz soundtrack is a bonus. A bit pricey but nevertheless a place I return to over and over. Sometimes an old reliable friend is what you need.
Location: 535 Merchant St., between Pansodan St. and 37th St. (Downtown)
#16 Nara Thai
This could be the best Thai restaurant in Yangon. Tucked at the northern reaches of Inya lake, coming here might be a trek for some, but one well worth the trouble. When it comes to the food, we couldn't find fault. Flavours and heat were well balanced in every dish, from coconut soup to pomelo salad to sweet and sour fried fish. The decoration is pleasant if nothing to write home about. The dishes, on the other hand, are simply yummy.
Location: No. 1 Kan Yeikthar Street, off Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. (Mayangone)
This could be the best Thai restaurant in Yangon. Tucked at the northern reaches of Inya lake, coming here might be a trek for some, but one well worth the trouble. When it comes to the food, we couldn't find fault. Flavours and heat were well balanced in every dish, from coconut soup to pomelo salad to sweet and sour fried fish. The decoration is pleasant if nothing to write home about. The dishes, on the other hand, are simply yummy.
Location: No. 1 Kan Yeikthar Street, off Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. (Mayangone)
#17 Union Bar and Grill
It almost pains me to place Union Bar and Grill so high on the list. Union is a cynical money-grab. The menu aims to please foreigners with comfort food from home: Bangers and mash, burgers, a “rainbow wellness bowl”. But I have to admit, they do cook well and the cocktails are reliable. The restaurant is tastefully decorated in a hipster-meets-banker way that persuades you to return again and again despite yourself. Maybe business-people do know what I want.
Location: 42 Strand Rd., corner of 42nd St. (Downtown)
It almost pains me to place Union Bar and Grill so high on the list. Union is a cynical money-grab. The menu aims to please foreigners with comfort food from home: Bangers and mash, burgers, a “rainbow wellness bowl”. But I have to admit, they do cook well and the cocktails are reliable. The restaurant is tastefully decorated in a hipster-meets-banker way that persuades you to return again and again despite yourself. Maybe business-people do know what I want.
Location: 42 Strand Rd., corner of 42nd St. (Downtown)
#18 Root
Yangon’s go-to Wa restaurant passes all tests. The atmosphere is relaxing, the food is top-notch and the price is right. Among the tastiest dishes were the grilled chicken and the rice plates. Root gets props for all the events it puts on as well. The Wa marketing machine is well oiled.
Location: Bo Myat Htun St. just south of Maha Bandula Rd. (Downtown)
Yangon’s go-to Wa restaurant passes all tests. The atmosphere is relaxing, the food is top-notch and the price is right. Among the tastiest dishes were the grilled chicken and the rice plates. Root gets props for all the events it puts on as well. The Wa marketing machine is well oiled.
Location: Bo Myat Htun St. just south of Maha Bandula Rd. (Downtown)
#19 House of Memories
Housed in General Aung San’s former office, this lovely restaurant serves up the usual Burmese fare, albeit in a more polished setting. The architecture and history are the main draws; each room is decorated to make one feel like they are in a place of consequence. The food itself ranges from passable to wonderful. The tealeaf and tomato salads were as appetizing as I have had and the Kachin chicken was delicious. That said, the food is under-spiced to suit Western palates. While not exactly revolutionary, House of Memories satisfies.
Location: No. 290 lane off U Wisara Rd. (Kamaryut)
Housed in General Aung San’s former office, this lovely restaurant serves up the usual Burmese fare, albeit in a more polished setting. The architecture and history are the main draws; each room is decorated to make one feel like they are in a place of consequence. The food itself ranges from passable to wonderful. The tealeaf and tomato salads were as appetizing as I have had and the Kachin chicken was delicious. That said, the food is under-spiced to suit Western palates. While not exactly revolutionary, House of Memories satisfies.
Location: No. 290 lane off U Wisara Rd. (Kamaryut)
#20 Jing Phaw Myay
Kachin food is gaining popularity in Yangon, perhaps thanks to the success of Jing Phaw Myay in Sanchaung. A hole-in-the-wall that sometimes runs out of ingredients and electricity, Jing Phaw Myay serves up some of the most delicious food in the city. The spicy shredded beef and Kachin chicken are some of the most popular dishes. But I cannot get enough of the Kachin rice. I do not know what vegetables and spices are in there, but keep it coming.
Location: Kyun Taw Rd. just north of Bagaya St. (Sanchaung) and other locations
Kachin food is gaining popularity in Yangon, perhaps thanks to the success of Jing Phaw Myay in Sanchaung. A hole-in-the-wall that sometimes runs out of ingredients and electricity, Jing Phaw Myay serves up some of the most delicious food in the city. The spicy shredded beef and Kachin chicken are some of the most popular dishes. But I cannot get enough of the Kachin rice. I do not know what vegetables and spices are in there, but keep it coming.
Location: Kyun Taw Rd. just north of Bagaya St. (Sanchaung) and other locations
#21 Indian Tadka
Indian Tadka is a chain restaurant. But who cares; the food is fantastic. Despite listing more items on the menu than there are stars in the sky, every dish is deliciously prepared. With all that selection, it is hard to choose a favorite. The tandoori chicken, spinach paneer, chicken korma and naan breads all keep you wanting to eat well after you were full. Unexpectedly, the courtly serving dishes were one of the highlights.
Locations: Pyay Rd. (Hlaing), Myanmar Plaza (Yankin), Maha Bandula Rd. (Downtown)
Indian Tadka is a chain restaurant. But who cares; the food is fantastic. Despite listing more items on the menu than there are stars in the sky, every dish is deliciously prepared. With all that selection, it is hard to choose a favorite. The tandoori chicken, spinach paneer, chicken korma and naan breads all keep you wanting to eat well after you were full. Unexpectedly, the courtly serving dishes were one of the highlights.
Locations: Pyay Rd. (Hlaing), Myanmar Plaza (Yankin), Maha Bandula Rd. (Downtown)
#22 Yhet’s Sushi and Soba
Do not let the peeling paint and sparse décor fool you, this is perhaps the best Japanese restaurant in Yangon. In a city that plays host to dozens of mediocre Japanese joints, Yhet’s prepares outstanding sushi, soba and other delights. The fish is noticeably fresher than anywhere else; the owner even claims to ship it in from the Tokyo fish market.
Location: No. 52 37th St. just south of Merchant Rd. (Downtown)
Do not let the peeling paint and sparse décor fool you, this is perhaps the best Japanese restaurant in Yangon. In a city that plays host to dozens of mediocre Japanese joints, Yhet’s prepares outstanding sushi, soba and other delights. The fish is noticeably fresher than anywhere else; the owner even claims to ship it in from the Tokyo fish market.
Location: No. 52 37th St. just south of Merchant Rd. (Downtown)
#23 O’thentic
This cozy French restaurant may specialize in crepes but it is not a one trick pony. They serve a nice brunch and have been known to mix up the menu with quiches, pies and other French specialties. What makes this restaurant great is its attention to detail. There is not much variety, but what they cook, they cook well. The big open windows and friendly staff are a plus.
Location: Corner of Yaw Min Gyi St. and Bo Yar Nyunt Rd. (Yaw Min Gyi)
This cozy French restaurant may specialize in crepes but it is not a one trick pony. They serve a nice brunch and have been known to mix up the menu with quiches, pies and other French specialties. What makes this restaurant great is its attention to detail. There is not much variety, but what they cook, they cook well. The big open windows and friendly staff are a plus.
Location: Corner of Yaw Min Gyi St. and Bo Yar Nyunt Rd. (Yaw Min Gyi)
#24 Nepali and Indian Food
My South Asian friends claim that Nepali is the most authentic South Asian restaurant in Yangon. According to them, the chapati, saag paneer and nepali daal are just like at home. Who am I to argue, though the roasted cauliflower was my favorite. The decor is, um, basic, but with dishes this delicious, with just the right amount of kick, who is paying attention.
Location: Merchant Rd. corner of Shwe Bon Thar Rd. (Downtown)
My South Asian friends claim that Nepali is the most authentic South Asian restaurant in Yangon. According to them, the chapati, saag paneer and nepali daal are just like at home. Who am I to argue, though the roasted cauliflower was my favorite. The decor is, um, basic, but with dishes this delicious, with just the right amount of kick, who is paying attention.
Location: Merchant Rd. corner of Shwe Bon Thar Rd. (Downtown)
#25 Excelsior
The newest addition to the fancy-schmancy Yangon restaurant scene deserves a whole book on its design. Formerly the headquarters of the colonial-era Steel Brothers Company, then part of the Ministry of Trade, the building has been stunningly renovated into a hotel with restaurant and cafe. While the cuisine is still being refined--the creme brulee was cold and the panini bread was tasteless--the chefs get props for innovation and effort. My fish dish was excellent and the pineapple and mint smoothie is a must try. It is not quite there yet, but soon the Excelsior could boast one of the go-to restaurants in Yangon.
Location: Building No. 19/43, Bo Sun Pat Street (Downtown)
The newest addition to the fancy-schmancy Yangon restaurant scene deserves a whole book on its design. Formerly the headquarters of the colonial-era Steel Brothers Company, then part of the Ministry of Trade, the building has been stunningly renovated into a hotel with restaurant and cafe. While the cuisine is still being refined--the creme brulee was cold and the panini bread was tasteless--the chefs get props for innovation and effort. My fish dish was excellent and the pineapple and mint smoothie is a must try. It is not quite there yet, but soon the Excelsior could boast one of the go-to restaurants in Yangon.
Location: Building No. 19/43, Bo Sun Pat Street (Downtown)
Bonus: #26 Fook Mun Lau Seafood
It does not get more authentically Chinese than Fook Mun Lau. Housed in a gargantuan cube on the shore of Inya Lake, Fook Mun Lau offers some of the freshest and most Hong Kong-esque dim sum in the city. The Wisconsin 1990s prom hall character only adds to the authenticity. Do not miss the shrimp in rice rolls and pork dumplings.
Location: Mya Kyune Thar Amusement Park off Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. (Yankin)
It does not get more authentically Chinese than Fook Mun Lau. Housed in a gargantuan cube on the shore of Inya Lake, Fook Mun Lau offers some of the freshest and most Hong Kong-esque dim sum in the city. The Wisconsin 1990s prom hall character only adds to the authenticity. Do not miss the shrimp in rice rolls and pork dumplings.
Location: Mya Kyune Thar Amusement Park off Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd. (Yankin)
