Fantastic Chettinand restaurant in Yangon, Myanmar

When I spent a lot of time in Yangon about twenty years ago, I hardly ventured into an Indian restaurant (except for briyani) and therefore do not have much memories of Indian food. So, I was rather surprised when my Burmese friend suggested this place. As he had spent a number of years studying in KL, he is well versed in the Indian cuisine.

This restaurant has also been around for decades and recent renovations makes it at par with Indian restaurants in Malaysia. It is located in the heart of the city.

Restaurant signage

Where the curries are 

View of the curries

Looks the types of curries...yummy

Yummy crab curry

Innards curry

Friendly servers, probably not many tourists come here

Really good stuff

What can I say

One of the best rasam I had (piping hot too)

Fantastic tea too

The place was crowded during lunch and very noisy too as the waiters shout to the counter who then repeats the order and this is going on all the time. Although noisy, it does add character to the place.

I must say the food is really good and the variety of curries is stunning. Lots of seafood curry which we don't get much in Malaysia. The rasam was also fantastic and piping hot, the way I like it. I had two refills. With a very nice tea to top it off, it was a perfect meal. Luckily I did not eat much rice but the temptation was so great...if not, there goes the work in the afternoon.

Until the next time, cheers. 

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.