Is there such a thing as Myanmar town in Bangkok? You have Chinatown, Korea town (Sukhumvit soi 12), somewhat of a Japan town (Phromphong & Thonglor) — but an area packed with Burmese restaurants and Burmese people? You betcha.
PETCHBURI SOI 15-17:
Petchburi road, despite being parallel to Sukhumvit, is admittedly a bit of an empty long line of Bangkok. On the surface, there’s just nothing much of interest on it. Yes, there are some office buildings and condos that have popped up over the years, but it still doesn’t have any kind of scene or anything cool on it. When you drive along it, you see mostly indistinct buildings or shophouses.
But go into Petchburi soil 15 and 17 and you will discover Bangkok’s Burmese town. This is where Burmese people gather, eat, drink, socialise, and even go to the gym (yes there is a gym full of Burmese people here). All the restaurants and bars that line these alleys are all Burmese. And if you eat at one of these places, English will probably come handier than Thai. Of these, we like Zawgyi Bar & Bistro (https://maps.app.goo.gl/a6qSN2CCfKxW7djZA) on soi 17 where you are likely to be the only non Burmese table. The Mohinga here was very good, as well as mutton salad.
Also Mandalay Food House (https://maps.app.goo.gl/m4aDqD1mwreJsp5dA) on the adjacent soi 15 is another one we recommend. The fried eels with spices was a winner. The atmosphere in the entire area is very casual, with most of the diners choosing to sit outside rather than inside with aircon, and just chat and smoke away while snacking on their favourite dishes.
JUST OFF PETCHBURI ROAD:
Outside of this little Burmese enclave of Petchburi soi 15 and 17, you can also find other very good Burmese restaurants in areas close by. Our Favourite one in all of Bangkok is probably Kalyana Restaurant (https://maps.app.goo.gl/RJzSbPSJCB2WWuti9), near Ratchprarop SRT station. Kalyana was expanded and renovated not long ago and now feels like the most upscale of the bunch. It’s also won a few awards over the years. We love the tea leaf salad here, which is tossed for you table side by the waitstaff. There are also some noodles dishes here that we love.
Ratchaprasong area also has a popular spot called Feel Myanmar (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wi8Ko5q7LD2VVA6b9), tucked away on Ratchdamri soi 1, across from CentralWorld. This place is apparently a big chain back in Myanmar, and its location makes it the most centrally located Burmese restaurant in the city.
ASOKE:
Asoke also has some worthy Burmese restaurants. Shwe Htee https://maps.app.goo.gl/jTi4yZEE5S5oiKnR8 is a casual bright little place known for their Shan style dishes. You’ll find it in Ocean Tower 2. This place is said to be the most authentic of them all according to local Burmese people who live in Bangkok. They offer Burmese breakfast too, and if you are too lazy to go to Asoke, good news, they are deliverable on Line Man app.
Another one in Asoke with different ambience is La La Shan Pyae Restaurant (https://maps.app.goo.gl/ncvg99qK2GbVE9Gy7) which is darker and dimly lit as it is down in the basement of PS Tower. This place has a large extensive menu and even features some Western-Burmese fusion items like pizza with Burmese toppings, and Burmese tea leaf and chicken linguini (which was surprisingly very tasty). When it comes to pure Burmese dishes, you will find a larger variety here than most restaurants. The Shan style catfish with bamboo curry, and the pounded pork were a couple of faves among the many dishes we tried. This place seems to be popular with Japanese clientele, possibly because of its Asoke location, and being next door to Shakariki.
Despite being a neighbouring country to Thailand, Burmese food is not so well known here. But it is delicious and the flavours are easy on the palate. The fact that central Bangkok is seeing more and more Burmese restaurants is only a sign to how the cuisine is up and coming and waiting to be discovered by more people. So why not try one of these places? The tea leaf salad alone will make you hooked.
