Steps away from 19th street’s famous barbecue stalls, a trendy cocktail joint is reinvigorating Yangon’s slightly insipid bar scene.
Named after its address, A150 Chinatown Bistro is a three-floor sultry den doused in red neon light emanating from Chinese script.
On a recent Sunday evening, students were getting sloshed from a beer tower underneath a huge wall painting of three ancient warriors on horseback, wielding automatic weapons in front of a Chinese tank.
The artist was seemingly inspired by Ming dynasty novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and the figure wearing green armour looks like general Guan Yu whose favoured weapon, a guandao, is displayed on the middle floor. (That may also resonate with any devoted player of the video game Dynasty Warriors.)
Other middle-floor curiosities include a guzheng—a seven-string instrument dating from ancient times—and a large poster of Bruce Lee.
In the clammy attic are two toilets, a couple of couches, and a storage space that may hold more treasure, supporting the speakeasy’s likely claim as “Myanmar’s first Chinese antique-themed bar.”
From the exposed brickwork and dark wood stairs to the red lanterns and red window shutters, the décor achieves the right blend of authenticity and modernity.
Meanwhile, the flattering lighting brings a Bladerunner vibe that stokes the desire for selfies (as if people needed the encouragement).
Judged on a Hong Kong orange chicken dish (3,500 kyats) and beef bao (3,000 kyats), the food is sharable and passable but nothing to write home about.
Drinks are also well priced; Shanghai Mule, Sichuan Sour, and Taiwanese milk drink-infused Wonboy Vodka cocktails are 2,000-3,800 kyats.
Beers are 1,500-2,200 kyats per glass and towers are 13,000-20,000 kyats. Rice wine (3,000 kyats) is served in ceramic cups and jugs and a bottle of Sichuan-imported spirit baijiu is 25,000 kyats. This will get you extremely drunk. Juices brought in from a nearby shop, though fresh, are disappointingly served in plastic pouches with plastic straws.
There are, however, plenty of fun touches, including enamel mugs, Chinese board games, and two Chinese opera masks looming over customers.
Smoking is downstairs only and the Wi-Fi is strong. In the daytime, A150 is a good place to enjoy some snacks and watch the rain. And if it gets the music right, it has big potential to become a downtown favourite in the evenings.
Address: 150/A, 19th street, upper block between Maha Bandula and Anawrahta streets, Latha Township, Yangon
Open: 1pm to 11.30pm
Contact: 09 266 995 158
