20 Burmese Foods You Need to Try (+ Best Dishes)

Burmese food is some of the most flavorful and delicious fare around.

This unique cuisine is sure to blow your mind with its flavorful and exotic dishes.

The flavors are rich and complex, with a blend of spicy and savory notes that complement each other well.

From spicy curries to delicious desserts, there’s something for everyone in this recipe roundup.

So, get ready to explore some new flavors because I’m very excited to share these Burmese food recipes with you today!

1. Creamy Coconut Burmese Chicken Curry 

Creamy coconut Burmese chicken curry is a dish that is sure to please any coconut lover.

This curry is made with chicken, coconut milk, and a variety of spices. 

The result is a rich and creamy curry perfect for any night of the week.

To stay true to the authentic Burmese cuisine, I highly recommend serving this creamy deliciousness with rice, noodles, or naan.

2. Burmese Eggplant Curry – Khayan Thee Hnut

Burmese eggplant curry is one of my all-time favorite Burmese dishes. 

This tasty dish is made with soft cubes of Khayan thee hunt.

It’s a type of Burmese eggplant well-known for its subtle sweetness, smoky flavor, and slightly crisp texture. 

Top it all off with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro for an extra hint of herb goodness for the perfect comfort dish!

3. Mohinga

Mohinga is one of the most popular traditional Burmese dishes. It’s a true testament to the incredible diversity and flavor of this intricate cuisine. 

This delicious dish consists of fresh fish, aromatic herbs, fragrant spices, and all sorts of other flavorful ingredients. 

I like to serve Mohinga with fried onions or fish cakes, but hard-boiled eggs or squash fritters will also work well.

4. Fish Curry (Burmese Style)

This particular recipe is inspired by the Burmese version of the fish curry.

It uses a variety of fresh herbs and spices to create a flavorful and fragrant curry. 

You can make it with any type of fish, but I prefer to use trout or salmon. You can also use shrimp, scallops, or any other type of seafood. 

The key to making a good fish curry is to use fresh ingredients and to cook the fish just until it is cooked through.

If you overcook the fish, it will become dry and tough. 

5. Burmese Ginger Salad | Gin Thoke

Burmese ginger salad is a breeze to make. It has thinly sliced ginger as the main ingredient. This salad is a delicious blend of sweet, spicy, and salty flavors. 

The fresh flavors absolutely burst in your mouth as you bite into each silky shred of ginger.

And the savory notes give the salad a satisfying complexity. 

And it’s super easy to make. Just whisk everything together in a bowl and toss it with some fresh greens!

6. Burmese Kaukswe

Burmese kaukswe is a noodle soup dish that is made with ingredients like thick rice noodles, tofu, ginger, garlic, and coconut milk. 

The soup is usually served with a side of lime wedges and chili flakes.

But if you ask me, I’d say that crispy fried onions are another great topping option.

Burmese kaukswe is perfect for colder days or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s so comforting and filling.

7. Burmese Tofu with Garlic, Ginger & Chilli Sauce

This protein-rich recipe combines silky, savory tofu with garlic, ginger, and a spicy chili sauce that really packs a punch. 

If you’re in the mood for something light, refreshing, and satisfying, this Burmese tofu is sure to satisfy your cravings. 

And don’t be scared by the heat. The chiles add some extra depth of flavor to this tasty dish that will keep you coming back for more!

8. Burma Superstar Tea Leaf Salad

Burma tea leaf salad is one of the most popular dishes in Burmese cuisine. 

The salad is made with interesting ingredients like fermented tea leaves, peanuts, sesame seeds, and lettuce.

It has a slightly funky, umami-rich flavor that I absolutely love.

The salad is also incredibly healthy since fermentation is known to promote gut health. 

9. Burmese Fried Rice

Burmese fried rice might just be the best kind of fried rice there is!

This dish is packed with flavor and texture, thanks to the combination of sautéed veggies, fragrant spices, and crispy rice. 

It’s also incredibly easy to make. Simply sauté veggies of your choice in oil or butter, mix everything together with some cooked rice, and that’s it.

When I’m feeling extra spicy, I also like to add some soy sauce for extra umami goodness.

10. Burmese Khow Suey (noodles in a curried coconut sauce)

I remember the first time I tried the Burmese khow suey a couple of years ago.

At first glance, this dish may not seem like anything too special. It’s just a bowl of noodles in a basic curry sauce. 

But when you taste it, you realize that there’s something truly magical about this dish.

The creamy coconut sauce is rich and flavorful, and the spice level can be adjusted to suit your tastes. 

11. Falooda

Falooda is a delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

The dish is made with a variety of traditional ingredients, including jelly, milk, and rose syrup.

Falooda can be served with a variety of toppings, but my personal favorite is a scoop of ice cream, pistachios, almonds, or cashews. 

I also like to refrigerate it for several hours to allow the flavors to blend. 

12. Instant Pot Burmese Samosa Soup

Instant pot Burmese samosa soup is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic dish. 

My favorite thing about this dish is that it has so many different spices. Yet all of them blend so nicely to create a delightful harmony of flavors.

In no time at all, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying soup that’s perfect for a quick meal or snack.

13. Fiery Burmese Chicken and Green Beans

This fiery dish will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

I must add that this recipe is not for the faint of heart, as the fiery chili peppers will set your mouth on fire. 

If you can’t handle the heat, just double down on hot spices. It’s all up to you!. 

The chicken is cooked in a fiery chili garlic sauce, and the green beans add a hint of sweetness and crunch. 

I like to serve this dish over steamed rice to mellow down the heat from all the spices.

14. Mandalay Mee Shay

Mandalay mee shay is a dish made with pork, noodles, and vegetables that’s perfect for cold winter days. 

I prefer using medium-thick rice noodles, but if you don’t have any in your pantry, regular thin noodles will do just fine.

You can also add a fried egg on top, and if you’re not a fan of pork, you can replace it with chicken or beef.

15. Lahpet Thoke (Pickled or Fermented Tea Leaves)

Lahpet thoke is a traditional Burmese dish that is often served as a side dish or appetizer. 

The dish is made by fermenting tea leaves in water, lime, and spices and then mixing in the rest of the ingredients. 

I like to serve mine with rice, noodles, or seafood because it adds a delicious mix of flavors and textures. Bon appetit!

16. Burmese Iced Tea

Burmese iced tea is an incredibly refreshing beverage that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. 

It has a sweet, nutty flavor and is super easy to make. All you need is some tea leaves, sugar, and a touch of evaporated milk.

An additional splash of condensed milk goes on top for extra richness and flavor. 

Whether you’re relaxing after a long day or enjoying some time with friends, this iced tea is the perfect way to unwind and treat yourself!

17. Mint Chicken with Thai Basil and Minced Meat

When it comes to the ultimate summer dish, nothing beats mint chicken with Thai basil and minced meat. 

This flavor-packed recipe is bursting with crisp, refreshing flavors that are sure to invigorate your tastebuds and leave you craving more.

The key to making this dish taste extra delicious is using high-quality ingredients. 

So be sure to pick up a bunch of fresh mint leaves and some fragrant Thai basil from the market before you get started.

Dried basil and mint just won’t give it the same punch!

18. Easy Burmese Pumpkin Curry

If you’re in the mood for a delicious, hearty curry, this easy Burmese pumpkin curry is just the recipe for you. 

Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s packed full of flavor and can be on the table in under an hour. 

My favorite way to serve this dish is with coconut rice or ginger salad. There’s no way you can go wrong with these.

19. Golden Egg Curry

Golden egg curry is a dish that will make you feel like royalty. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor. 

This type of egg curry is made with coconut milk and turmeric. The eggs are usually hard-boiled, but you can also use soft-boiled eggs too. 

If you want to take it up a notch, you can try making this dish with duck eggs instead of regular hen eggs.

20. Burmese Lemongrass Chicken Curry

Burmese lemongrass chicken curry is rich, savory, and packed with flavor, yet surprisingly light and refreshing at the same time. 

The combination of chicken and lemongrass results in a dish that is always perfectly tender and juicy, no matter how long you cook it. 

And with just the right amount of heat from chilies and spices, this curry is guaranteed to leave you craving more!