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The civil unrest and the continuing COVID-19 pandemic haven’t made it straightforward to plan a go to to Myanmar proper now. I recommend you put together your self to go to as quickly because the scenario permits, as a result of this can be a nation you HAVE to go to.
It’s my private favourite nation in Southeast Asia, perhaps even in all the world. The persons are extraordinarily pleasant and useful.
There isn’t a different nation on the earth the place so many individuals smile at you and welcome you with a pleasant ‘mingalabar‘. This greeting actually means ‘could you be blessed’ and is as frequent in Myanmar as ‘hey’ in English-speaking nations.
And Myanmar could be very appropriate for vegans. You’ll usually discover loads of scrumptious plant-based dishes, or generally the locals will simply put together one thing for you on request.
On this weblog submit, I’ll take you across the nation and advocate locations to go to and eating places to strive. I’ve traveled to Myanmar 4 occasions now and can’t wait to get again there.
Editor’s observe: on the time of writing, the political scenario in Myanmar was quite unstable. The writer and I’ve chosen to publish this text anyway, to unfold consciousness about this lovely nation, its folks and its vegan meals, within the hope that overseas vacationers will be capable of go to within the close to future. As at all times, examine the most recent scenario earlier than setting out.
Myanmar or Burma?
It is a tough one to reply. To learn concerning the background on the nation’s identify, take a look at this Wikipedia web page and make up your individual thoughts.
I’ve requested many individuals within the nation and none of them minded very a lot. Each names, Burma and Myanmar, are broadly accepted. I actually use Myanmar, as I don’t just like the colonial, oppressive connotation of Burma, which is the identify that was given to the nation by the British colonizers.
Vegan Meals in Myanmar
Burmese delicacies is a combination of cuisines from numerous areas of Myanmar and is closely influenced by the cuisines of neighboring nations, particularly China, India and Thailand.
It consists of a wide range of salads centered on one main ingredient, starting from starches like rice, wheat and rice noodles, glass noodles and vermicelli, to potato, ginger, tomato, kaffir lime, lengthy bean, lahpet (pickled tea leaves), and ngapi (fish paste). These salads have at all times been in style as quick meals in Burmese cities.
Many recipes should not set in stone, and components could differ per area. Dishes could also be roasted, stewed, boiled, fried, steamed, baked or grilled, or any mixture of cooking methods. Burmese curries include fewer spices in contrast with Indian ones, and so they rely extra on garlic and ginger. Most Burmese dishes are ready with loads of oil.
Myanmar’s conventional desserts embrace contemporary fruits and jams, glutinous rice truffles, ice cream and steamed bananas.
Dishes don’t sometimes include animal components as you may discover in different Southeast Asian cuisines. The one ingredient you want to pay attention to is fish paste, which may be used for some dishes.
Ordering a vegan meal in a restaurant is greatest completed by explaining what it’s you do NOT need to eat. The time period ‘vegan’ just isn’t broadly understood and is commonly mistaken for vegetarian. So so long as you level out that you don’t eat meat, fish, eggs or milk merchandise you can be positive.
Vegan Eating places in Myanmar
Eating places that declare to be vegan are just about nonexistent in Myanmar. Should you examine the HappyCow app one can find only some inexperienced markers (used to point absolutely vegan institutions), and even these often have the phrases ‘vegetarian restaurant’ of their identify. However don’t fear, there may be loads of vegan meals round, it’s simply not at all times labeled as such.
Whereas absolutely vegan eating places are few, there are many vegetarian eating places in Myanmar. Due to the nation’s historical past as a former British colony, a number of locations are signposted in each Burmese and English. Which is a blessing, as a result of attempting to determine indicators which can be in Burmese solely may be fairly tough.
Helpful Phrases in Burmese
It may be very helpful to have some translations at hand. Though many individuals communicate English, particularly within the extra touristy areas, you can’t depend on it. Listed below are some phrases that come in useful when ordering meals. I recommend you print these out or save them in your telephone so you may level at them. Pronunciation is a complete different beast and is past the scope of this information.
Whats up မင်္ဂလာပါ
I’m vegan ငါ သတ္သတ္လြတ္ စားသူပါ
I don’t eat ငါ မစားဘူး
meat အသား
hen ကြက်
oyster sauce ကမာငံပြာရည်
seafood ပင်လယ်စာ
fish ငါး
milk နို
yogurt ဒိန်ချဉ်
butter ထောပါတ်
cheese ချိစ်
eggs ဥများ
honey ပျားရည်
thanks ကျေးဇူးတင်ပါတယ်။
Issues to See and Do in Myanmar
There are two main worldwide airports in Myanmar – Mandalay and Yangon (the previous capital). Most itineraries begin and terminate in these two cities. I desire to make use of Mandalay as my base of operations. It’s not essentially a reasonably metropolis, however it has an actual Burmese vibe. Yangon is turning into too trendy too quick in my view.
Mandalay
Town has a grid structure, with the palace and its moat being centrally positioned. The terrain is nearly utterly flat, so one of the best ways to get round is by bicycle. It would take a short time to get used to the visitors, particularly in case you have by no means traveled in an Asian nation earlier than.
Whereas it could appear a bit chaotic and lawless, after some time, the chaos begins to make sense. You simply must be assertive and decisive within the visitors, and issues will work out.
Issues to See and Do in and round Mandalay
You may simply spend per week or extra in Mandalay if you wish to discover all the pieces this vibrant metropolis has to supply. In case your time right here is restricted to some days, be sure to get to go to a lot of the sights talked about beneath.
Zay Cho Market
The native market on the nook of 84th and 26th streets is a must-see when in Mandalay. It’s a huge market the place folks from Mandalay and much past come to commerce and purchase meals and requirements.
Two multi-story buildings include something you might consider. From materials to kitchenware, spices and electronics. The moist market, for contemporary fruit and veggies, is exterior in an infinite array of market stalls.
Mandalay Hill
This space, within the northeast nook of the town, is scattered with spectacular temples and different sights most undoubtedly price seeing. Climb to the highest of the hill to get improbable views of the town and the palace beneath.
There are a lot of locations price visiting. My private favorites are Kuthodaw Pagoda, harboring the world’s largest guide. And the attractive Shwenandaw Monastery, constructed out of teak wooden.
Skinny Buddha
You received’t discover this one in lots of journey guides, however I believe it’s undoubtedly price a go to. In English it’s known as the “Skinny Buddha”, and that’s precisely what it’s. A large Buddha statue the place the Buddha seems emaciated. So far as I do know, that is the one such statue in existence.
Mandalay Palace
Its location and sheer measurement will inevitably draw you to the Mandalay Palace. The moat is spectacular, and its circumference is 8 km, a pleasant size for a motorbike experience. However I might not put this on high of your checklist. I personally discovered it fairly disappointing.
There are numerous previous buildings that make up the palace, however all are empty. There isn’t a royal ambiance. Go to it in case you have nothing left to do. Remember that you must go away your passport on the entrance gate.
Inn Wa (or Inwa)
A bit out of city, Inn Wa is the previous imperial capital. It has a big assortment of lovely temples and different good buildings and an amazing museum. The sights are all unfold out, so that you undoubtedly want some type of transportation.
I went there by bicycle (in 38o C warmth), however not less than I might get round. Remember that for those who cross the river, folks will likely be ready with horse-drawn carriages on the opposite aspect. It is a apply that vegans will certainly not need to help, so for those who don’t really feel like biking, higher rent a taxi for the day from Mandalay.
U Bein Bridge
In your approach to Inn Wa (or on the best way again), be sure that to go to the U Bein Bridge. It’s located within the township of Amarapura and is certainly a must-see. The teak wooden bridge spanning the lake could be very spectacular. It’s at its most lovely on the finish of the moist season when the underside half of the bridge is submerged in water.
Locations to Eat in and round Mandalay
Because of each the COVID-19 pandemic and the political scenario, not all eating places are presently open for service. Some are closed quickly, whereas others solely serve take-away meals. Earlier than you determine to go to, take a look at the most recent scenario. All of those eating places have a Fb web page the place they submit common updates.
Marie Min
Very centrally positioned, that is probably the most Westernized restaurant I’ve visited in Mandalay. As a result of it’s largely frequented by Western vacationers, it’s quickly closed. Nevertheless it’s undoubtedly price a go to as soon as they open up once more.
They’ve a really in depth menu of vegetarian dishes. Vegan dishes should not marked as such, so to ensure, confirm in case your dish comprises egg or milk.
All seating is upstairs, looking over the alley and the Rainforest restaurant reverse.
Aye Myit Tar
My private favourite, for those who desire to eat in a real Burmese restaurant. It’s not a vegan or vegetarian restaurant, so meat will likely be on show all over the place. However they are going to most undoubtedly organize for vegan meals on request.
Foremost dishes include so many aspect dishes that you simply received’t even be capable of end all of it. Fortunately, once I visited one of many waiters might clarify some issues in English and level out what all the pieces was. These have been largely pickled or spicy greens and spiced nuts. All the things was very tasty.
Diamond Ring Indian
It’s not Burmese meals, however a really good Indian restaurant with nice vegan dishes. Workers at Indian eating places sometimes know all about vegan dishes, so they’re at all times a protected wager.
A tiny restaurant on 35th avenue with an intensive menu of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Nova Espresso
Perhaps not an apparent alternative for a night meal, and even lunch, this espresso store has a very nice menu. It has a extra Western look than most eating places and occasional retailers and is, due to this fact, extra frequented by Western vacationers and younger Burmese folks.
Though the menu just isn’t vegetarian, they’ve some very nice vegan choices, reminiscent of pasta dishes and naturally rice dishes. Be certain to level out that you don’t eat meat/fish/egg/dairy and so forth.
Bagan
From Mandalay, most individuals make their approach to Bagan, most likely the spotlight of any journey to Myanmar. There are a lot of methods of getting from Mandalay to Bagan. There are common bus companies, or you may rent a non-public car, go by prepare or go on a river cruise.
The prepare may look like a very good possibility, however sadly, trains are notoriously uncomfortable in Myanmar. The tracks should not straight, which makes the prepare wobble lots. The 178-km journey takes 8 to 11 hours. I’ve by no means made this journey, however I’ve made different prepare journeys in Myanmar. Trains are undoubtedly not on the highest of my checklist in Myanmar.
Buses run commonly and are cheap, so that is most likely the most suitable choice in case you are on a funds and have restricted time. In case you are not used to visitors but in Myanmar, don’t sit within the entrance! Drivers all appear to be suicidal, and so they generally overtake different autos on blind corners. However there may be order within the chaos! Simply be sure to are driving within the largest car attainable, so no others will push you off the street.
A extra scenic and enjoyable possibility is to take a ship. There are numerous choices, relying on the time of yr. I’ve taken a river cruise as soon as, which is mainly a ferry boat with snug seating on the highest deck, for the perfect viewing choices.
These vacationer boats (no Burmese folks on this one, because it’s far too costly for locals) will take you to Bagan in 5 to 7 hours. Lunch is included, and they’ll serve a vegan meal on request. However don’t be shocked if it’s the identical meal given to different passengers with (a lot of the) items of hen eliminated.
If you wish to do what the locals do, take a slower ferry boat to Bagan. It would make numerous stops, will take simply twice as lengthy, solely presents plastic chairs to take a seat in (if any) however is way cheaper than the vacationer boat. In fact, no lunch is included.
Issues to See and Do in Bagan
Effectively, that’s a straightforward one. Go to as most of the greater than 2,000 pagodas nonetheless standing on this UNESCO World Heritage Web site as you probably can.
It’s not concerning the amount in fact, as it could take weeks to go to even half of them. Take your decide of probably the most lovely ones, or extra distant ones, whichever you favor. A few of these pagodas and temples are fairly touristy and draw busloads of vacationers (Western, Chinese language and Indian), whereas others are left utterly alone.
I might undoubtedly embrace the next pagodas/temples in a go to to Bagan: Dhammayazaka Pagoda, Lawkanaka Pagoda, Pyathetgyi Pagoda, Ananda Temple and Shwezigon Pagoda.
To get round this huge space, you will have transportation, as strolling all over the place is not possible. In case you are very courageous and match you might hire a bicycle, however keep in mind that most tracks include free sand, so that they’re not very appropriate for bikes.
In fact, it would be best to keep away from the horse-drawn carriages, that are sadly nonetheless on supply. The best choice by far is to hire an e-bike. These are electrical scooters (mopeds) that final all day, are rented out all over the place and are extremely low-cost. I usually pay US$4 per day.
Be sure you have not less than three full days in Bagan to take advantage of your go to.
Locations to Eat in and round Bagan
As Bagan is frequented by many Western vacationers, this vacation spot has a comparatively massive collection of vegetarian eating places. Those promoting with vegan/vegetarian menus particularly draw primarily Western vacationers. Anticipate increased costs than in additional genuine eating places.
Bagan really consists of three completely different cities, all conveniently known as Bagan by Western vacationers. Within the heart is Outdated Bagan, with most of the well-known pagodas and temples, the Bagan museum and fancy inns.
A couple of kilometers south of Outdated Bagan is New Bagan. Because the identify would recommend, this can be a pretty new space, primarily consisting of inns and eating places. Nevertheless it’s not a foul place to be. Bear in mind you don’t must be in Outdated Bagan to see pagodas; they’re all over the place, additionally in New Bagan. New inns are being constructed on a regular basis, and this a part of city is rising shortly.
A couple of kilometers north of Outdated Bagan is the township of Nyaung U. It’s not a very lovely or engaging place, however that is the place most ferries from Mandalay dock. It has its fair proportion of inns and eating places, however it’s additional away from all of the pagoda motion.
Moon – Be Variety to Animals – Outdated Bagan & New Bagan
Very extremely acclaimed by many TripAdvisor reviewers, this properly embellished restaurant in Outdated Bagan (they’ve now opened one other location in New Bagan) has an amazing menu with vegan and vegetarian dishes.
It undoubtedly has a extra Western really feel, and dishes are priced accordingly. The one two occasions I’ve been sick from meals poisoning whereas touring in Myanmar, it occurred simply after consuming at Moon. It may very well be a coincidence, however they’re off my checklist solely.
Yar Pyi Vegetarian – Outdated Bagan
Run by a stunning Burmese household, this restaurant is located subsequent to Moon. They’re attempting to compete with their Lonely Planet and TripAdvisor-endorsed neighbor, and I believe they undoubtedly deserve it! The seating and ambiance is much less fancy, however the meals actually isn’t! The couple could be very welcoming and will likely be eager to talk with you.
Black Bamboo – Nyaung U
In search of vegan meals in Nyaung U, I bumped into this restaurant. It’s extra upmarket and has an exquisite backyard setting. The menu just isn’t vegan/vegetarian, however there are many scrumptious plant-based dishes to select from. It’s costlier than common, however the meals is scrumptious.
Golden Bamboo – New Bagan
A low-budget restaurant on the primary avenue in New Bagan, they’ve a really in depth menu with many vegan dishes. The place is frequented by Western vacationers but additionally by Burmese vacationers. The meals right here is scrumptious, and parts are massive. I’ve eaten right here many occasions and can proceed to return on future visits.
Mount Popa
From Bagan, most vacationers make their approach towards Kalaw and past to Inle Lake. A pleasant cease alongside the best way is Mount Popa, a monastery on high of a mountain. The city itself is hardly price visiting except you might be hungry or thirsty, however I undoubtedly advocate a climb to the highest of the mountain and a go to to the monastery.
The steps are lined with canopies to protect you from the solar (or rain), however it’s an extended approach to the highest. The mountain is residence to households of monkeys, who’re fairly aggressive. They hold chasing one another, and lots of of them are damage and have open wounds. It’s not a reasonably sight and is one thing to pay attention to.
As soon as on the high, you can be rewarded with an attention-grabbing monastery and temple, and naturally breathtaking views of the encircling lands.
Kalaw
This mountain city was constructed by the British occupiers to get away from the stifling warmth within the lowlands. It’s now a quiet city, largely visited by folks happening a trek within the surrounding jungle. There are a lot of treks to select from, starting from half-day to multi-day treks, accompanied by native guides.
Other than the trekking, the city has some lovely structure, pretty gardens and even a prepare station. It’s pretty to remain for just a few days and uncover the city heart, the native market and the attractive Shwe Oo Min pagoda with an attention-grabbing Buddha cave.
Locations to Eat in Kalaw
There are many eating places promoting vegan meals. I’ve not visited all of them, however I can advocate these ones.
Thiragaya 7 Sisters
A beautiful restaurant with a homely ambiance simply off the primary street in Kalaw. There are numerous small rooms for eating. The cook dinner speaks good English and can fortunately make vegan meals on request.
They’ve a particular part of the menu for vegetarian delicacies, starting from curries to noodles and salads.
Everest Nepali Meals Heart
Clearly not genuine Burmese meals, however very good vegan meals nonetheless. A big menu with many plant-based dishes, together with thalis that include many small aspect dishes.
Nyaung Shwe (for Inle Lake)
In all probability the second-most touristy place in Myanmar after Bagan, Nyaung Shwe is the bottom level for visiting the beautiful Inle Lake. The busy city consists virtually solely of inns and eating places, catering for the vacationers that go to the lake and its surrounding space.
Nyaung Shwe just isn’t straight located on the lake. A 6-km canal will take you to the lake itself.
Issues to See and Do in and round Nyaung Shwe and Inle Lake
Most sights are located on the lake itself, from floating gardens to markets and temples. One of the best ways to go to all of them is to rent a ship (and driver) from the docks on Strand Highway in Nyaung Shwe.
A ship seats 5 folks in cozy chairs. 5 Western vacationers, that’s. I’ve seen native boats with 25+ folks on them, however they aren’t fairly as snug.
Disclaimer: as quickly because the boats enter the lake, ‘conventional’ fishermen will likely be ready for picture ops. I’ve been advised they’re paid by the native vacationer board however will strive for some ideas by posing with their nets, balancing on one leg. And subsequently pushing a lifeless fish in your face. As a vegan, I don’t notably endorse this apply. Simply one thing for you to pay attention to.
A full day will sometimes take you to any or the entire following websites:
- Floating gardens: completely a must-see, particularly for vegetable-minded folks.
- Nga Phe Kyaing Monastery (also referred to as Leaping Cat Monastery): an exquisite monastery in a shocking location.
- Shwe Inn Dein Pagoda: an exquisite cluster of pagodas at a distant temple, most actually price a go to. You’ll have to stroll the previous couple of kilometers.
- Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda: proper within the heart of a floating city, a shocking temple in an amazing location. The encompassing city can also be price a stroll.
Your boat driver will take you to many retailers, the place he’ll earn a fee for dropping you off. A few of these retailers and workshops are price visiting, others not a lot.
- Silk weaving: plant-based silk is woven from fibers extracted from the stems of lotus flowers that develop on the lake. That is, in fact, a much better different than having silkworms making silk. Workers will fortunately clarify the method, and naturally present you the store. Remember that lotus silk clothes are extraordinarily costly!
- Cheroot making: different retailers are specialised in making cheroot cigars, historically smoked by many individuals in Myanmar.
- Concentrate on retailers that make use of ladies from the Kayan tribe, those with the brass rings round their necks. They don’t seem to be from this space, and their sole goal is to attract in vacationers. It’s a pathetic sight and likewise fairly embarrassing to see.
Locations to Eat in Nyaung Shwe and Inle Lake
There’s an abundance of vegan meals on supply, which shouldn’t come as a shock with so many Western vacationers round. I’ve solely visited just a few of the eating places within the space however will surely advocate these ones.
Inle Pancake Kingdom – Nyaung Shwe
Actually, pancakes?? Effectively, they’re scrumptious and may be made vegan on request. The restaurant advertises with the slogan ‘Are you bored with rice?’, and many individuals are after just a few weeks in Myanmar. That is the proper place for some different meals. It’s family-run, and so they produce great-tasting pancakes with contemporary fruit.
Golden Moon – Inle Lake
This fantastic-looking restaurant is located on the lake and may solely be reached by boat. It’s the proper place to have your lunch when taking a ship tour. Be certain to inform your boat driver that that is the place you need to cease for lunch.
It’s a properly embellished place with tables on the primary flooring, overlooking the canals and the lake. The employees is absolutely pleasant and attentive and can put together vegan meals on request.
Many dishes will likely be vegan anyway, however they are going to take particular care to ensure all the pieces is vegan for you. I loved a stunning tofu curry and haven’t discovered such a pleasant one anyplace else.
Yangon
Subsequent cease on most itineraries can be Yangon, the previous capital. There’s not a lot in between that’s price seeing, except you need to discover the newly erected capital metropolis, Nay Pyi Daw.
It’s an extended day’s drive from Nyaung Shwe to Yangon, however as soon as you might be out of the mountains and onto the Yangon-Mandalay freeway, issues go fairly easily.
Buses make a few stops alongside the best way. These often happen at truck/bus stops with a few buffet eating places and market stalls promoting sweets. To me, the dishes on supply didn’t look very appetizing, and lots of of them had meat in them.
Your greatest wager can be to order a vegetable dish and boiled rice, in any other case carry your individual meals alongside. For emergencies, I at all times carry some vegan snacks in my bag.
Issues to See and Do in and round Yangon
As the previous capital, and by far the most important metropolis within the nation, Yangon has all the pieces you’d count on from a significant Asian metropolis. Improvement has sky-rocketed within the final decade, and new inns and flashy purchasing malls are being constructed everywhere.
Yangon attracts a global crowd, and costs have additionally gone up significantly. Some lodge rooms have tripled in worth in contrast with 10 years in the past. The primary Western fast-food chain to get its foot on the bottom was KFC, and others are more likely to observe.
Fortunately there may be loads of previous allure left within the metropolis; lovely colonial buildings are all over the place. Town heart can simply be explored on foot, however taxis are available and cheap.
Shwedagon Pagoda
As probably the most sacred of all pagodas in Myanmar, this one is an actual eye-catcher. It’s located on high of a hill and may be seen from far-off, particularly at evening when it’s superbly lit. The grounds include many temples and stupas, with the big, gilded stupa on the heart.
Many Burmese folks come right here to pay their respects to the Buddha. It’s an amazing place to take a seat and observe.
Scott Market
Often known as Bogjoke Aung San market (named after the daddy of Aung San Suu Kyi), that is the place to seek out some last-minute souvenirs. It’s much less genuine than the market in Mandalay, and really a lot geared toward Western vacationers, however price a go to nonetheless. The central half is targeted on artwork, souvenirs and jewellery.
Nationwide Museum
Should you’re serious about studying concerning the historical past of the nation, it is best to undoubtedly go to this museum. It has 4 flooring and is sort of huge. The gathering is big, so you may simply spend all the day right here if you wish to see all the pieces. I’ve visited just a few occasions, and every time I had the place to myself.
Locations to Eat in Yangon
Due to the worldwide crowd of expats, there are many eating places that publicize vegan meals. One in every of them even claims to be vegan (though they nonetheless use honey). Many of those eating places are up-market and have near-Western costs.
I’ve been to a few them to examine them out, however I didn’t eat there. In case you are within the temper for a classy ambiance, being surrounded by expats and wealthy Burmese, take a look at a few of these locations: Sofaer & Co, Rangoon Tea Home or Nourish Cafe.
However don’t fear, there are many cheap vegetarian eating places and different locations that supply vegan meals.
Monsoon
That is my private favourite, however it appears to be closed now. A bit fancy, and a bit costlier than my regular funds, however an amazing place to eat. The menu is in depth, with many worldwide and Burmese dishes. The waiters deal with you want royalty. Hopefully it’s going to open up once more within the close to future.
999 Shan Noodle Store
A series restaurant with just a few areas in Yangon. They’re small eateries for Burmese shoppers, however menus in English can be found. It’s non-vegetarian, however many dishes are vegan or may be made vegan on request. This isn’t a spot to linger, however the meals is nice. It’s served shortly after ordering.
Nepali & Indian Meals, Pure Vegetarian
My private favourite for non-Burmese meals. At this small restaurant positioned at 648 Service provider Avenue, most dishes are vegan, and 95% may be made vegan. The proprietor could be very pleasant and completely satisfied to speak about veganism and vegan meals. Pretty meals for a really reasonably priced worth.
Conclusion on Vegan Journey in Myanmar
Myanmar is a improbable nation to go to, with the friendliest folks in Southeast Asia. It’s not but spoiled by tourism and has a lot to supply guests serious about its tradition. The sights are superb, with Bagan equally as spectacular as Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Above all, it’s straightforward to journey as a vegan in Myanmar, as most dishes are vegan already or can simply be made vegan.
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