Mandalay’s culinary scene is a flavorful blend of traditional Burmese cuisine, regional specialties, and influences from the ethnic communities in the area. Here’s a guide to what you should eat while exploring Mandalay:

Mandalay Mee Shay A must-try dish unique to the region, **Mandalay Mee Shay** consists of rice noodles served with a savory pork or chicken sauce, garlic, peanuts, pickled vegetables, and a squeeze of lime. It’s a flavorful, hearty meal that reflects the city’s rich culinary traditions.

Shan Noodles Originating from the nearby Shan State, **Shan Noodles** are popular in Mandalay. This dish features thin rice noodles in a light, fragrant broth with minced chicken or pork, garnished with peanuts, green onions, and pickles. You can also try the dry version, where the noodles are tossed with a soy-based sauce.

Nan Gyi Thoke (Burmese Spaghetti) **Nan Gyi Thoke** is a thick rice noodle salad tossed with chicken curry, bean sprouts, boiled egg, and crunchy fried onions. It’s a dry noodle dish that’s both rich in flavor and texture, often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack in Mandalay.

Mohinga Myanmar’s national dish, **mohinga** is a comforting fish-based soup with rice noodles, flavored with lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and fish paste. Topped with crispy fritters, boiled eggs, and fresh herbs, it’s a popular breakfast dish across the country, including in Mandalay.

Tea Leaf Salad (Lahpet Thoke) A unique Burmese delicacy, **tea leaf salad** (or **Lahpet Thoke**) combines fermented tea leaves with a mix of crunchy nuts, seeds, garlic, tomatoes, and chilies. The tangy, slightly bitter flavor of the tea leaves mixed with the crisp textures makes for a refreshing and savory salad, often enjoyed as an appetizer or snack.

Tofu Nway (Warm Tofu Noodles) This is a dish made with soft chickpea tofu, served warm over noodles and topped with herbs, garlic, and a spicy sauce. It’s a traditional Shan dish, but you’ll find it all over Mandalay. The texture of the soft tofu and the bold flavors of the sauce make it a popular local comfort food.

Kyauk Kyaw (Burmese Jelly Dessert) **Kyauk Kyaw** is a traditional Burmese dessert made from coconut milk and agar jelly, offering a light and refreshing treat. The jelly is often served in layers and is mildly sweet, making it a perfect way to cool off in Mandalay’s warm weather.

Burmese Curries Mandalay is a great place to experience authentic Burmese curries, which are milder than Indian curries but packed with flavor. Typically made with chicken, pork, or fish, these curries are served with rice, pickled vegetables, and a variety of sides such as fresh herbs, fried garlic, and lentil soup.

Street Food Mandalay’s street food scene is vibrant, offering a variety of snacks and light meals. You can try dishes like **samosas**, **paratha** (a flaky flatbread), and **Burmese tempura** at local street stalls. Another popular snack is **mont lin ma yar**, tiny rice flour pancakes filled with quail eggs, spring onions, and chickpeas.

Nangyi Thoke This dry noodle dish features thick, round rice noodles mixed with curried chicken, bean sprouts, and hard-boiled egg. It’s typically eaten for breakfast or lunch and offers a rich, spicy taste with various textures.

Indian-Influenced Dishes Due to its diverse population, Mandalay offers a range of Indian-influenced dishes, such as **biryani** and **chapati** served with curry. These can be found at many local restaurants and food stalls around the city, reflecting the blending of cultures in Mandalay.

Mont Lone Yay Paw A popular dessert, **Mont Lone Yay Paw** are sweet glutinous rice balls filled with jaggery (palm sugar) and served during festive occasions. The chewy texture combined with the sweetness inside makes it a delightful treat.

Mandalay’s diverse food offerings showcase the region’s cultural richness and traditional flavors, from savory noodle dishes to sweet desserts. Whether you’re eating at local markets, street stalls, or traditional restaurants, Mandalay’s cuisine is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.