One of our readers was enjoying a Washington Post feature that asked diplomats based in the US capital where they eat when they’re homesick. It piqued her curiosity for Yangon’s ambassadors.
Where do they eat in a city where not everyone’s comfort food is readily available? She contacted Myanmar Mix and we spread the word.
Five of them shared with us their go-to restaurants and meals when they’re missing home—or just hungry for their favourite dishes.
British: Dan Chugg, ambassador since May, 2018
“On my first foreign posting, I suffered an anxiety attack. The doctor diagnosed me with ‘culture shock’ and said I should go to a UK-style bar, eat fish and chips, have a beer, and watch some Premiership football. I did. And immediately felt better! Fortunately, I haven’t suffered from anxiety attacks since.
“But if I’m feeling homesick I’ll still watch football—the Car Spa is fun for that. For drinks, I head to the British Club for English Ale or a G&T. And for food I go for that other British staple: curry. The Marina Restaurant is the closest you’ll get to a great British curry house!”
Israel: Nir Balzam, deputy chief of mission since August, 2017
“Israel's diversity means that we have many different cuisines such as Middle Eastern, European, North African and many more places Jewish people came from to establish the state of Israel. What we miss the most is the street food. You can always pass by and grab a pita with falafel, shawarma, bourekas (filled pasty), sabich, hummus or just a good fresh sandwich.
“It’s not easy to find Israeli food in Yangon but whenever we miss home we either go to Prime Grill, which has great Middle Eastern food such as shakshuka, hummus, falafel, Moroccan fish and fresh salads, or to Novotel Yangon Max to have some of their tasty shawarma.”
Italy: Alessandra Schiavo, ambassador since July, 2018
“It may happen to everybody to feel a bit homesick sometimes; on those occasions, food can be a way to feel closer to home and ‘re-discover’ some familiar flavours. Italian cuisine is known for the authenticity and quality of its ingredients, and in Yangon it is possible to find some restaurants whose talented Italian chefs manage to replicate some of the best dishes of our country.
“Being Italian also means to enjoy the spontaneity of a meal at home with your beloved ones, especially after a long working day. Also in this case, we can rely on some resourceful businessmen committed to import our best food and wine products to Myanmar. Italy is not so far after all!”
The Czech Republic: Jaroslav Doleček, ambassador since April, 2015
“Although I am from the Czech Republic, Myanmar food is one of my favourites. I love going to restaurants where I can get authentic Myanmar cuisine. My favourite dish, of course, is mohinga! The smell of fresh fish and tender banana stem makes my mouth water. I eat mohinga in restaurants, or sometimes my Myanmar friends cook it for me. I am sure that I will miss the taste of mohinga when I am far away from Myanmar.
“On fine Sunday evenings, my wife and I always sit on the terrace and enjoy the beauty of Yangon. Our companion is a pot of green tea from Shan state and tea leaf salad with tomatoes. Last, but not least, Myanmar mangoes, especially from Mandalay, are the best I have ever tasted in my life. The fragrance and sweetness cannot be compared with others and they taste so lush. When mangoes season comes, mango is one of the fruits on my breakfast table—everyday.”
The Philippines: Eduardo E. Kapunan, Jr., ambassador since June, 2017
“My favourite restaurant in Yangon is Kohaku Restaurant in Chatrium Hotel. In my opinion, Kohaku offers the best Japanese buffet in Yangon. Diners can avail of an a la carte buffet, which makes it extremely convenient for them to focus on enjoying the delicious food and good conversation with their family and friends. The sashimi and sushi are always extremely fresh and finely prepared.
“Dishes such as the ramen, grilled prawns, and Yakitori are perfectly cooked and tender. I am never disappointed when I dine at Kohaku because of the great food and excellent service!”
