Burmese cuisine is like that hidden gem you stumble upon and can’t stop raving about.
It’s a beautiful blend of flavors—sweet, sour, salty, and spicy—all coming together in ways that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
If you’re a foodie looking to explore something new, Burmese recipes are your golden ticket.
Trust me, once you try these dishes, you’ll wonder why you didn’t dive into this culinary world sooner.
From hearty noodle dishes to refreshing salads and comforting soups, Burmese food has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, these recipes are totally doable and absolutely delicious.
So, buckle up, because we’re about to take your kitchen on a flavorful journey to Myanmar.
Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into the 10+ best Burmese recipes you need to try at least once in your life.
1. Mohinga The Ultimate Burmese Comfort Food
Mohinga is often called Myanmar’s national dish, and for good reason.
This hearty fish-based noodle soup is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a rainy day.
It’s packed with rice noodles, tender fish, and a flavorful broth made with lemongrass, ginger, and garlic.
Topped with crispy fritters and fresh herbs, it’s a bowl of pure comfort.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb catfish or tilapia
- 4 cups fish stock
- 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
- 1-inch ginger, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 cup rice noodles
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and chili flakes for garnish
How to Make It:
Start by simmering the fish in fish stock with lemongrass, ginger, and garlic. Once the fish is cooked, remove it, shred it, and set aside.
Add turmeric and fish sauce to the broth. Cook the rice noodles separately.
Assemble by placing noodles in a bowl, topping with shredded fish, and pouring the broth over. Garnish with eggs, cilantro, lime, and chili flakes.
Why We Chose It:
Mohinga is the heart and soul of Burmese cuisine. It’s flavorful, comforting, and a must-try for anyone diving into Burmese food.
2. Tea Leaf Salad (Lahpet Thoke)
If you’ve never tried fermented tea leaves, you’re in for a treat.
Lahpet Thoke is a unique salad that combines pickled tea leaves with crunchy nuts, seeds, and fresh veggies. It’s tangy, crunchy, and utterly addictive.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fermented tea leaves
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 tomato, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 green chilies, sliced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
How to Make It:
Mix the tea leaves with cabbage, tomato, and garlic. In a separate pan, toast the peanuts and sesame seeds until golden.
Add them to the salad along with green chilies. Drizzle with fish sauce and lime juice, then toss everything together.
Why We Chose It:
This salad is a flavor explosion and a great introduction to Burmese cuisine’s unique ingredients.
3. Shan Noodles (Shan Khao Swè)
Shan noodles are a staple in Myanmar, especially in the Shan State.
These noodles are served with a savory tomato-based sauce, tender chicken, and a side of pickled veggies. It’s simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb rice noodles
- 1 lb chicken, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Pickled mustard greens for serving
How to Make It:
Cook the rice noodles and set aside. Sauté onion and garlic, then add chicken and cook until done.
Stir in tomato puree, soy sauce, and turmeric. Simmer until thickened. Serve the sauce over noodles with pickled greens on the side.
Why We Chose It:
Shan noodles are a crowd-pleaser and a great way to experience Burmese flavors.
4. Ohn No Khao Swè (Coconut Chicken Noodles)
This creamy coconut chicken noodle soup is pure comfort in a bowl. The rich coconut broth, tender chicken, and soft noodles make it a dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 lb egg noodles
- Lime wedges and cilantro for garnish
How to Make It:
Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken and cook until browned.
Pour in coconut milk and broth, then simmer until chicken is tender. Cook noodles separately and serve with the soup. Garnish with lime and cilantro.
Why We Chose It:
It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor—a must-try for coconut lovers.
5. Burmese Curry (Hin)
Burmese curry is a fragrant, mildly spiced dish that’s perfect with steamed rice. It’s simpler than other curries but just as delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef or chicken
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups water
How to Make It:
Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger. Add meat and spices, then cook until browned.
Pour in coconut milk and water, then simmer until meat is tender. Serve with rice.
Why We Chose It:
It’s a simple yet flavorful curry that showcases Burmese cooking at its best.
6. Samusa Thoke (Samosa Salad)
This salad is a creative twist on samosas. It’s made with chopped samosas, chickpeas, and a tangy tamarind dressing.
Ingredients:
- 4 samosas, chopped
- 1 cup chickpeas
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 green chili, sliced
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make It:
Mix chopped samosas with chickpeas, onion, and chili. Whisk tamarind paste and fish sauce, then drizzle over the salad. Garnish with cilantro.
Why We Chose It:
It’s a fun, flavorful dish that’s perfect for snacking or as a side.
7. Be Mont (Burmese Pancakes)
These sweet, crispy pancakes are a popular street food in Myanmar. They’re filled with coconut and jaggery for a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup jaggery, grated
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Mix rice flour and coconut milk to form a batter. Heat oil in a pan, pour a ladle of batter, and sprinkle jaggery and coconut on top. Fold and cook until crispy.
Why We Chose It:
It’s a sweet, crispy treat that’s perfect for dessert or a snack.
8. Nan Gyi Thoke (Burmese Chicken Noodle Salad)
This salad features thick rice noodles, tender chicken, and a rich coconut dressing. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for lunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb thick rice noodles
- 1 lb chicken, boiled and shredded
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make It:
Cook noodles and set aside. Mix coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, and chili powder. Toss noodles and chicken with the dressing. Garnish with cilantro.
Why We Chose It:
It’s a filling, flavorful dish that’s perfect for noodle lovers.
9. Balachaung (Spicy Shrimp Relish)
This spicy, crunchy relish is a staple in Burmese kitchens. It’s made with dried shrimp, garlic, and chilies, and it’s perfect for adding a kick to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried shrimp
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 red chilies, sliced
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp oil
How to Make It:
Soak dried shrimp in water, then drain. Heat oil and sauté garlic and chilies. Add shrimp and fish sauce, then cook until crispy.
Why We Chose It:
It’s a versatile condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any dish.
10. Htamin Jin (Fermented Rice Salad)
This tangy rice salad is made with fermented rice, fish, and fresh herbs. It’s a unique dish that’s both refreshing and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice, fermented overnight
- 1 cup cooked fish, flaked
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 green chilies, sliced
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make It:
Mix fermented rice with fish, onion, and chilies. Drizzle with fish sauce and garnish with cilantro.
Why We Chose It:
It’s a unique, tangy dish that’s perfect for adventurous eaters.
11. Mont Lin Ma Yar (Burmese Cup Cakes)
These bite-sized cakes are a popular snack in Myanmar. They’re made with rice flour, coconut, and jaggery for a sweet, chewy treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup jaggery, grated
- Oil for greasing
How to Make It:
Mix rice flour, coconut milk, and jaggery. Grease a pan, pour the batter into small cups, and cook until set.
Why We Chose It:
It’s a sweet, chewy snack that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Conclusion
There you have it—10+ amazing Burmese recipes that’ll take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.
From comforting soups to zesty salads and sweet treats, Burmese cuisine has something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, head to the kitchen, and start cooking