The Best Restaurant in Myanmar

Background Illustration for Restaurants

Given Myanmar's many different ethnic groups and regions, as well as the historical influences of neighboring Thailand, India, and China, the food of the country is fascinating—particularly for those happy to eat on the streets, in the markets, or at local eateries. Recent contact with the West and the influx of tourists—many not willing to gamble on the food safety of the street vendors—means that western tastes are catered to wherever tourists travel, such as Yangon, Bagan, Inle Lake, and Mandalay. If you tire of local food, it's easy to find pastas, pizzas, burgers, and the like in these destinations.

Kohaku Japanese

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Arguably Yangon’s, if not Myanmar’s, finest Japanese restaurant, Kohaku is a favorite with affluent Burmese, business travelers, and tourists looking for a change from local food, and is therefore full most nights, so call ahead. Everything’s fresh, especially the sushi (the fish is flown in daily), and the hamachi nigiri sushi is sublime. Best values are the generous all-you-can-eat buffet menus: the Japanese À La Carte Buffet (US$38; Monday to Thursday) and Kohaku Deluxe Buffet (US$42; Friday to Sunday).