Monday, December 23, 2013

Restaurant Aung Thuka in Yangon, Myanmar

Before my trip to Yangon which took place in early October 2013, I really wanted to go back to this restaurant which I frequently ate more than 20 years ago. However, I could never remember its name. As I was still able to place the restaurant and described it, my friend easily knew the place as this place is very popular in Yangon.

They now have a much better sign board

Burmese curry rice shop

View of one of the restaurant serving area

View of the restaurant

View of the various curries and dishes

Another view of the dishes
Curries with vegetables and ngapi (Burmese budu or fermented fish)


Boiled veges to be eaten with ngapi (ulam ulam)

Burmese belacan

Ngapi, it's very pungent but goes well with the boiled veges

After dinner lepe (fermented tea leaves with nuts)

Rock palm sugar for dessert.
The food is simple and nice. Various curries with veges and ngapi. Complimenary soup and desserts (lepe and rock palm sugar). This place is very crowded during lunch as eating out for dinner is still rather uncommon or frequent.

I love their butter fish curry but it's always finished by lunch time so no chance this time.

View from the outside
There are now a number of other bigger and brighter curry houses but I will still be back here the next time.

Until the next time, cheers. 


Myanmar tea shops

I love going to the tea shops in Myanmar. It seems that tea shops are always crowded as this is the main place to chill out (void of Starbucks and expensive coffee joints) and also the favorite place to catch up on gossips and do conduct a business deal or two.

In the few days that I was there, I managed to go to three tea shops. Always a joy and it brings back good memories. Although the small stools are no longer there and the place are much more modern, the vibes of the place is still there.

This is a must do experience if one were to visit Myanmar. As for food hygiene, I personally believe that it is perfectly safe and have never encountered any problems. However, please do not be too adventurous if you do not have a strong stomach.

View of the first tea shop (forgot the name)

View of the serving counter

Nice cup of Burmese tea - strong and sweet

Nice and crispy naan.

Yummy

The next tea shop is called Lucky Seven and I believe this is the most popular tea shop chain in Yangon. They have a number of locations and most people would know where they are located.

View of the serving counter and kitchen

The place is rather comfortable with wifi too

View of the tea shop
Attentive servers
Had to try the puri
Pastries and samosas
Notice that the waiters are all very football jerseys and shorts with numbers. This is to easily identify in the event of a complaint or any other issues. Cheap way of a uniform too. Most of these are young boys from the villages and other states. They are given food and accommodation but very low wages.

The third teashop was more rustic and traditional as it was out of the city centre. Unfortunately, I did not take any photos of the place.

The above was taken during my trip in Octover 2013.

Until the next time, cheers. 

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Talart Faifah (Railway Night Market) in Srinakarin Road, Bangkok

This market is called this name as it used to be located at a railway depot just next to Chatujak market. The market only open at night. However, the market is now moved to Srinakarin Road Soi 51. It is open daily from 5 pm to midnight except Mondays. It is located just behnd Seacon Square. Being a new market, the advantage is that it is not as cramped and there are modern amenities such toilets and proper  parking and seatings. Great pains has also been done to recreate the old place which includes old warehouses.

From the car park
They have a large open air car park
One of the entrance with statues
Fountain and nice resting place
As usual, there are many stalls selling collectibles, souvenir, clothes, phone acessories, etc, etc.m Not to mention the many many food stalls and outlets available.

Selling BB and air guns
A coffee shop which has an "old look". Cool!!
Items made from wood
Food court
A local hot dog/burger outlet
Drinks and food stall
Food stalls on the right and others on the left
A simple bar
This stall is packing them in with a long queque waiting to eat
Some art





Old cameras for sale
Shishas anyone?
Antique area
Shop selling antiques
Another antique shop
An old signage for sale
Selling old cars.
Nice decor
Nice idea for a small drinks stall
Mobile bar?
We went on a Friday night at around 10 pm and it was not too busy. Just right. We attempted again to go on Saturday night at 7 pm and the traffic jam was absolutely crazy. We turned around after being stuck for almost 2 hours.

Until the next time, cheers.