Street food at an unbeatable price

Street food is one of the best things about traveling. It's a great way to try new things and get a feel for the local culture. And there's nothing better than finding a hidden gem in a busy market. That's why I love to eat at local night markets when I'm traveling. Not only do you get the real local taste of the food, but you also get to meet the people who make it. You can learn about various types of their culture and their history of the country, and you might even make some new friends. So next time you're planning a trip, be sure to include some time for exploring the local night markets and trying the delicious street food.

You know where this is going, don’t you? Well, I am going to tell you about a night market (China town) in my city, Mandalay. Let me start with its location. 

Location 

Mandalay night market is a great place to find fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious fried foods as well as spices and other groceries. The market is located in the city center, at the intersection of 34x76 street. Even though it is called a night market, it also opens in the morning. Fruits, vegetables, spices and groceries are commonly sold in the morning.

When the night falls, the place becomes lively with street vendors and many street food stalls which offer different styles of food including Burmese and Chinese cuisine. Some fruit stalls and vegetable stalls run until night. Mandalay Night Market is the perfect place to explore local culture and try new food at an affordable price. So if you're ever in Mandalay, be sure to check it out!

Opening hours

Night market opens from 6 pm to 11 pm. The best time to come is around 7 pm when most of the stalls are open and the atmosphere is more lively.

What kinds of foods do they sell at this night market?

If you're looking for a delicious and affordable meal, the Mandalay night market is a great place to go. They sell a variety of street foods, mostly Chinese and Shan dishes such as shan noodles, chicken leg salad, Kyay oh (pork noodle), pork on stick, and so on.

In addition, you can find some good and decent snacks and drinks such as grilled meats, Thai food, seafood, roasted duck, deep fried snacks, fried rice, yogurt, and some seasonal fruit juices. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to know what to choose. Here are some recommendations for the best foods to try at this Mandalay night market.

Pork on stick 

If you find yourself in Burma, don't miss out on the popular street food known as Wet-Thar-Dote-Htoe which consists of pork that is cooked and seasoned with soy-bean and other seasonings. So the pork becomes soft and sweet, and various parts of the pig can be used, including the meat, skin, cartilage, and organs like the intestine, liver, kidney, spleen, heart, lungs, and tongue. It's then cut into thin slices and served on small bamboo sticks (skewers). All of the meat is served on a large metal pan with a charcoal stove underneath, keeping it nice and warm.

You can find Wet-Thar-Dote-Htoe in many regions of Burma. It's originally from Mandalay, but you can now find it in other cities. The dish gets its name from the literal translation of "pork on stick." Wet-Thar-Dote-Htoe is a popular street food among locals and visitors alike because of its juicy texture. Be sure to try it the spicy sauce for an extra kick! So next time you're looking for a quick and tasty snack, be sure to give Wet-Thar-Dote-Htoe a try.

Pork on stick
Pork on Stick
Vendor selling Pork on Stick
Vendor selling pork on stick

Myay-Oh Mee shay

If you're looking for a delicious and hearty dish, look no further than Myay-Oh Mee Shay. This dish, brought over by Chinese immigrants, is made with rice noodles and fresh vegetables cooked in a clay pot. Additionally, it features meat and other ingredients are bean sprouts, rice flour gel, onions, garlic, chickpea flour, ginger and coriander.

Not only is this dish flavor-packed, but it's also filling - perfect for a winter meal. And cooking it in a clay pot helps to lock in all the flavors. So next time you're looking for something new to try, give Myay-Oh Mee Shay a shot - you won't be disappointed!

Mee Shay
Mee Shay Noodle

Kyay Oh 

Kyay Oh is favorite Mandalay street food and it's a delicious traditional Chinese dish made with rice noodles and pork bone broth. The broth contains meatballs, chicken, intestine and pork, which gives it a rich, hearty flavor. The real Kyay Oh is traditionally served in a copper pot, which helps to keep the soup hot and fresh.

As additional ingredients, you can add a bit of tomato sauce (ketchup) and chili peppers. The tomato sauce adds a touch of sweetness, while the chili pepper gives the soup a bit of spice. For the toppings, you can slice some boiled eggs. You can eat Kyay Oh with the soup or without it. Either way, it's a delicious dish that will leave you satisfied.

Shan Noodle

Shan noodles remain a favorite dish among the people of Myanmar. This tasty noodle dish was invented by the Shan people, and it remains popular all across the country. It is usually served a as a breakfast dish. This food is made with rice flour and are typically lit up with oil or fat. They are then garnished with shredded cabbage, peanuts, bean sprouts, sesame seeds and green onions. The noodles can also be served with chicken or beef broth.

Shan Noodle
Shan Noodle

Shan tofu 

If you're ever in the mood for something a little different, be sure to try Shan tofu. This unique dish is made from yellow lentils and chickpeas flour, rather than the usual fermented soybeans. The flour is mixed with water, turmeric and salt, then heated until the mixture is well mixed and smooth. Shan tofu is thick and sticky, so it's typically cut into small pieces and served hot.

One of the best ways to enjoy it is in Shan tofu salad, where the dish is served cold with green veggies and a light dressing. Whether you're looking for a new culinary adventure or simply want to try something unique, Shan tofu is definitely worth a try.

Fried Tofu and Shan Tofu Salad

Night markets are just for food, right?

Wrong! Most people think that night markets are just for food. Actually, I believe night markets are the places which allow you to explore real local traditions and lifestyle. You can see all kinds of people strolling around the night market such as housewives, civil servants, company employees, couples and children. You can also feel the hospitality of the locals and vendors by eating at their street stalls.

A Family eating Pork on stick in the market

Is the food cheap? 

Absolutely. This is one of the night markets in Myanmar where you can have local street foods at an unbeatable and affordable price. You can fill 80 percent of your stomach by spending 2000-3000ks (1-3 USD).

So if you are a food lover like me and you have a chance to come to Myanmar, try to visit this famous night market in Mandalay. You are guaranteed to have a food-tastic time! 

How to get here?

Like I said, It is located in the city center of Mandalay. So, you can get a taxi/ tuk-tuk or you can use a scooter. Do not bring your car because the place is so busy and you will have a hard time finding a parking spot.

Mandalay Night Market is central market place of daily local life in the city, and are also the kinds of markets that captivate a curious traveler's imagination. This is the best place to enjoy local Mandalay street foods at an unbeatable price. If you're ever in town, be sure to check it out! You won't be disappointed.

Posted 
June 18, 2022