The Food of Myanmar

The cuisine of Myanmar (formerly Burma) has been influenced by the respective cuisines of China, India and Thailand. However, in spite of this, Burmese cuisine has unique preparation techniques and distinct flavours unlike any other.

You could also find variations of it in some top restaurants but Burmese cuisine is still best
tasted on its mother land - Myanmar.

Different regions of Myanmar have different variations of "standard" dishes. Use of seafood is more prevalent along coastal cities such as Sittwe, Kyaukpyu, Mawlamyaing (formerly Moulmein), Mergui and Dawei, while meat and poultry are more commonly used in landlocked cities like Mandalay.

Fish and shrimp from rivers, lakes and streams, however, have traditionally been the main source of protein in a variety of ways, fresh, salted whole or filleted, salted and dried, made into a salty paste, or fermented sour and pressed.

Beef and pork, although certainly not forbidden, are avoided by many Buddhists and Muslims respectively. Vegetarian dishes are also common, as especially during the Buddhist lent (Wa-dwin), a three-month rains retreat, eating only before midday (u bouk saunk) and abstaining from meat (thet that lut) is observed by many devout Buddhists.

Burmese cuisine also contains a variety of salads (a thouk) centered on one major ingredient, ranging from rice, noodles, and glass vermicelli, to potato, ginger, tomato, kaffir lime, lahpet (pickled tea), and ngapi (fish paste). These salads have become a popular fast-food in Burmese cities.

Here is a popular expression that sums up the traditional favourites: "Of all fruit the best is the mango, of all meat it's pork, and of all leaves it's lahpet (tea)."

The best place to learn more about the food of Myanmar is at the Burmese Association of WA.

Learn about the Food of Myanmar by joining our Cooking Class and Demonstrations. Contact our Management Committee representative Sandra Baker or fill in the registration form below and post it to the Associations postal address.

Useful Links

AusAID - Aid Activities in Burma.
Australian Anglo-Burmese Society.
Burma Gateway - Australian Burmese Network.
Centerlink - Burmese publication.
Chindits United Football Club.
Commonwealth of Australia Burmese community profil.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Department of Immigration & Citizenship (Queensland) - Beginning life (in Burmese).
Global Education - Burma (Myanmar) at a glance.
Government of Western Australia - Office of Multicultural Interests.
LesRoc Jive - Rock'n'Roll - Latin Dance Classes.
Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre.
Myanmars.net - download Myanmar Unicode fonts for your PC.
Save the Children Australia - One year after Cyclone Nargis hit.
SBS Radio - Burmese Radio Program.
Silver Star Wanda'rers - Line Dancing Classes.
Smart Traveller - Travel advice on Burma.
The Buddhist World - Buddhism in Myanmar (Burma).
World Vision Australia.

Here are some traditional Burmese recipes for you to try out :

Ba Ya Kyaw & Mat Pair Kyaw | 90Kb PDF
Htoe Moke & Mandalay Pair Kyaw | 90kB PDF
Shwe Taung Khauk Swe | 108Kb PDF

Do you require the services of a Justice of Peace?

• Witness documents
• Certify true copies of originals
• Make a Statutory Declaration
• Affidavits to the Supreme Court
• Make representations to Government Agencies

Contact Lance Kavanagh JP
Justice of Peace for Western Australia
Mobile: 0425 143 820

Lance will also be sitting in at the BAWA office, 275 Stirling Street, Perth on Fridays between 1:00PM and 4:00PM.