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here's nothing quite like a tasty snack to tide you over until your next meal. But what if your snack could also double as a delicious treat? That's where Myanmar snacks come in. From preserved fruits to roasted seeds and nuts, there are delicious snack that's something for everyone to enjoy. And the best part? These snacks are easy to find in any local market or snack shop. So, next time you're feeling peckish, be sure to give one of these delectable snacks a try. Bon appetit!

Like many other countries in Asia, including Myanmar and delta the other Myanmar, local cuisines and signature foods are not just found in Myanmar traditional food but also in local snacks and desserts. Nowadays, most of the desserts have become street food snacks that are sold in the morning or night markets of the townships. There are many Myanmar Traditional Street Snacks that are freshly made by local in many street corners and vendors and you must try while you are in Myanmar. But in this article, we will mention some local snacks which are ready to eat and can be preserved with different flavors and tastes that are easy to find in many street corners.

For those with a sweet tooth, Cream balls and marrow candy are popular choices. For those who prefer savory snacks, deep fried snacks such as fried vegetables and dried fish, sticky rice cake, and fritters are great options. In general, Myanmar street snacks can be categorized into 6 groups;

1) Preserved Fruits

For those with a sweet tooth, preserved fruits are the perfect snack. A popular treat among Myanmar teenagers and adults, preserved fruits are a combination of fruit and jam or syrup. The main ingredients are jaggeries or palm sugar, dry or fresh fruit, corn syrup, and salt. Additional ingredients are added to create a mellow, sour, or hot flavor. The most common Myanmar preserved fruits are Jackfruit, star gooseberry, plum, Marian, Kaduk, Mango, Lemon, Marrow, Tomato, Durian, and Pineapple. These snacks are affordably priced and widely available in convenience stores or online. Airtight packaging preserves the taste and smell of the fruit.

The making of preserved fruits is a fairly simple process. First, jaggeries are melted and combined with the other main ingredients. The mixture is mixed then boiled until it becomes thick like syrup. Next, the desired fruits are added to the mixture and cooked until they become soft. Finally, the preserve is jarred or canned and sealed tightly to maintain its flavor.

As mentioned earlier, preserved fruits get their unique flavor from a combination of sweet and tangy ingredients. Jaggeries impart a natural sweetness to the snack while the addition of tamarind or another sour ingredient provides balance. Other spices like chili powder can be added to create a spicier preserve. No matter what combination of flavors you prefer, there's a preserved fruit out there for you to enjoy.

If you're visiting Myanmar or live in the country and are looking to try some preserved fruits for yourself, you're in luck! These snacks are widely available throughout the country at affordable prices. You'll find them sold in small shops as well as large supermarkets. Online retailers also sell a variety of preserved fruit products if you're looking for something specific.

Maung Perserved Plum (Spicy)
Maung Perserved Plum (Spicy)

2) Brittles

If you're looking for a delicious and crunchy snack to enjoy any time of day, look no further than Myanmar brittles! These tasty treats are made from a variety of different ingredients including beans, peanuts, and toasted sesame seeds. The most common type of Myanmar brittle is Peanut brittle and Sesame Brittle, which is made from a mixture of roasted peanuts, toasted sesame, white or brown sugar, salt, and sometimes even tamarind. Yum!

The lightly crushed peanuts and sesame are roasted and mixed with melted brown sugar, then cooled for about 2 hours and cut according to the desired shape. You can find plenty of locally made brittle shops near the pagodas and souvenir shops.  Usually, I buy brittle from the morning road market because they are freshly made and can be bargained for more pieces. 

Whether you're a foodie or just looking for a tasty snack to enjoy on the go, be sure to check out Myanmar brittles the next time you're in the area. With so many delicious flavors to choose from, there's something for everyone! Bon appetit!

Seasame Brittles
Seasame Brittles

3) Burmese Sweets

A wide variety of sweets are popular among both children and adults alike. Myanmar candies come in many different shapes and sizes and can be enjoyed as a quick snack or served as a dessert.

Jaggery

It is a famous traditional Myanmar candy that is made from palm sugar and sap. It is delicious snack also a syrupy ingredient for many dishes, including desserts. Pure Jaggeries have the medical value of giving good blood circulation and it's also believed to cool your body down.

Jaggeries come in brown color and have different shapes like balls and sticks. Myanmar people consider jaggery as Myanmar chocolate and known to locals as plum or brown slab sugar. Jaggery is produced in Yesagyo Township of theMagway region, which is a famous destination for jaggery production.

Jaggery
Jaggeries

Myanmar toffees and Cream Balls

Myanmar toffee is a kind of sour candy that dissolves as soon as you put it in your mouth. The most common type of Myanmar toffee is tamarind toffee and plum toffee because they can boost digestion and release dizziness. It includes tamarind juice, sugar, butter, milk, salt, and water which give the candy sweetness and sour taste.

Another candy-coated snack is a cream ball which Myanmar enjoys after a spicy meal. It includes coconut milk, water, cornstarch, vinegar, and sugar. This snack is very sweet and milky in flavor, so Myanmar people prefer to eat a small amount at a time. Parami Malai Sweet and Shyam Sweet are Popular brands in Myanmar.

Different types of Milky Cream Ball from Parami Malai Sweet
Different types of Milky Cream Ball from Parami Malai Sweet

4) Burmese Chips

Chips are not only popular in Myanmar but also all over the world as a beloved snack for all ages. Myanmar chips are usually made from Fresh Vegetables such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, or bananas. The most common type of Myanmar chips are Potato chips, which are deep fried snacks made from Potato, salt, sugar, chili, and oil. Unlike other chips, Potatoes are peeled and have  thin slices as the filter or rectangular shapes before being deep fried in hot oil. Myanmar people typically served chips as an appetizing snack or as a dish with rice. A savory snack that is perfect for satisfying your hunger in between meals. Myanmar chips and fritters can be found in any local market or snack shop.

Different Shapes of Potato Chips
Different Styles of Potato Chips

If you are a fan of crispy and savory Fritters here are famous Myanmar deep fried; peas and bean powder crunchy sticks which are fried chickpea flour or bean powder in a circular shape, Fried Dried Fish Crackers, Dried Tofu Chips from Shan State, Banana Chips, etc. You can also buy raw dried salted fish and tofu in the markets and fry them yourself at home. If you're looking for a delightful snack that will satisfy your savory cravings, look no further than Myanmar chips!

5) Burmese Cakes

Myanmar cakes are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth. There is a wide variety of options to choose from, so you can find something that fits your taste. Whether you're looking for something delicious or savory flavors, Myanmar cakes have got you covered. The most popular cakes are Sticky Rice Cake which is oily and savory flavors and Moon Cake which is popular around Chinese New Year. So next time you're in the mood for a heavy snack, be sure to try out some of these cakes.

Myanmar Cakes are produced mainly in the Mandalay Region and are widely used as souvenir gifts to loved ones and served as desserts in donations. It is an enjoyable treat that can be served at any time of the day. It can also be bought in many regions according to the distribution of Local Brands.Myint Myint Khin is a popular local brand in Mandalay that produces  a variety of snacks and desserts such as sticky rice cakes, moon cakes, bean cakes, bean sticks, butter cookies, pudding, etc.

Sticky Rice Cake from Myint Myint Khin
Sticky Rice Cake from Myint Myint Khin

Pathein Halawa

Pathein Halawa is a sweet dessert that originated in the Pathein region of Myanmar (Burma). It is a popular sweet that is made from rice flour, coconut milk, jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), and sometimes sesame seeds. Pathein Halawa is known for its unique texture and flavor, which is both chewy and slightly crunchy. It is often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee and is a popular gift to bring back from Myanmar. You can buy it from various halawa shops and I want to recommend this.

Different Types of Halawa (photo credit)
Different Types of Halawa (photo credit)

6) Roasted Seeds and Nuts

As the Myanmar Economy is mainly dependent on agriculture, there are various kinds of seeds and nuts available in Myanmar. A healthy and nutritious snack that is perfect for those looking for a quick energy boost. Roasted seeds and nuts can be found in any convenience shop or street food anywhere. These are roasted and then salted or flavored to taste. Some of the most popular Myanmar seeds and nuts include peanuts, watermelon seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.

Roasted seeds in Morning Market
Roasted seeds in Morning Market

One type of seed that is particularly special in Myanmar is the Cashew Nut Seed. These seeds are the proud product of the Tanintharyi Region and are produced by Local Women. They are good for blood circulation and include vitamins and minerals. If you're looking for a healthy snack option, Myanmar roasted sesame seeds and nuts are a great choice.

Roasted Cashew Nuts
Roasted Cashew Nuts

You can buy those snacks in most local food street vendor and souvenir shops in which their availability differs according to destination. Here are some shops you can buy in Myanmar online;

Myanmar Traditional snacks are a great way to add variety to your diet. Most of those snacks are produced and sold by local families who own small local food businesses. There are so many choices and a wide variety of options to choose from, so you can find something that fits your taste. Whether you're looking for something sweet, savory, or spicy, Myanmar snacks have got you covered. So next time you're in the mood for a snack, be sure to try out some of these delicious Myanmar options.

Posted 
March 10, 2023