An insider’s guide to Yangon, Myanmar

EAT

Rangoon Tea House takes Burmese food to new heights with its classy, chic setting. Make sure you try their pyay paratha (flatbread served with a lentil and chicken curry), a dish widely loved across Myanmar. For Western fare, try Sharky’s on Pansodan Street, which has adopted a farm-to-table concept with its menu of fresh salads, local cheese and charcuterie platters. 999 Shan Noodle Shop is a great spot in the city for quick, tasty and cheap noodles. Do try their fried tofu and dumplings too.

DRINK

Opened last November, After 8 is popular for cocktails and shots designed by the self-fashioned “cocktail professor” Jarl de Vries from Amsterdam. On the other hand, overlooking the Shwegondine neighbourhood, there’s NYX Rooftop Bar. Named after the Greek goddess of the night, it’s where regional and international DJs perform.

EXPLORE

Shwedagon Pagoda’s golden roof remains prominent in any panoramic picture of Yangon; the splendid stupa glimmers with over 7,000 diamonds, rubies, sapphires and other precious stones. The National Museum of Myanmar is filled with Burmese art, history and culture, and the Yangon Gallery is perfect for those who want to view the work of contemporary local artists. Make sure to end the day with sunset views at Botahtaung Harbour before taking a short stroll to Botahtaung Pagoda.

SHOP

The major local bazaar is Bogyoke Aung San Market, where you can find antiques, Burmese handicrafts, jewellery and more. The market has over 2,000 stalls, so you’ll need comfy shoes and remember to flex your bargaining powers. Afterwards, cross over a connecting bridge to the recently built Junction City shopping mall for even more retail therapy.

TIPS

Yangon is best explored on foot. Though it isn’t the most pedestrian- or bike-friendly city, the downtown area has many attractions within walking distance of each other.

Singapore Airlines flies to Yangon daily. SilkAir flies to Yangon 11 times weekly. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com

Illustration by Ohn Mar Win

SEE ALSO: Yangon’s timeless tea houses

This article was originally published in the November 2019 issue of SilverKris magazine

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