If you ask us what Myanmar food is, we can’t say for sure what it is. Myanmar is majorly a Buddhist country, so tasting halal Myanmar food is a far-fetched idea for us Muslims in this part of the world. This Muslim-born Burmese hawker seller, however, proves that food is a universal language that brings people together irrespective of any differences. Put your tastebuds to a whole new experience at Little Myanmar! ?
P.S. Need more food recommendations in the West? Check it out here!
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Halal Authentic Burmese Food at Clementi
Helmed by Kyaw Kyaw Lin, this humble stall in a Clementi kopitiam began in 2019, after his original Myanmar eatery at Peninsula Plaza fell through. Their steady stream of Myanmar customers flooding their stall is a testament to their authenticity, which makes us even more curious to try them! Hmm, is the West the better side now? ?
Their stall sells a variety of dishes, but we’ve compiled a list of 7 dishes (including drinks and desserts as well!) that you have to try!
1. Tofu Nway
Credit: @jsrockfort for Instagram
Their most popular dish is Tofu Nway, or Warm Soft Tofu. It’s a Shan State speciality with rice noodles in warm, creamy tofu, which is made out of chickpeas! No wonder it’s extra creamy! Topped with fried crunchy peanuts, garlic, sesame seeds, a dash of soy sauce and sweet palm sugar sauce, this nutritious, comforting dish is a definite pick-me-up for rainy days, or, if you’re having one of those rough days. You’ll also get a side of chilli flakes and pickled vegetables!
P.S. This dish is vegan and gluten-free, so those with dietary constraints can happily consume it without any worries!
2. Shan Noodles
Credit: @dorimingo813 for Instagram
If you prefer your noodle dishes light, or you’re not a fan of food with creamy mouth-feels, their Shan Noodles will be suitable to your liking. Commonly found in Mandalay and the Shan State, thin, fragrant rice noodles are soaked in a flavourful chicken tomato gravy. The gravy is a perfect mix of savoury and sour with hints of spices which adds a little kick to the dish. Their generous toppings of chopped coriander, fried garlic and spring onions, and sliced chillies, adds on a refreshing flavour in each bite. It also comes with a side of chili flakes and pickled vegetables, so satisfy your cravings for spice and turn up the heat! ?
3. Mohinga
Credit: @peggy17688 for Instagram
Every country has its own national dish, and for the Burmese, Mohinga is widely considered to be it. You can find it almost everywhere in Myanmar, but now, we have the halal version right on our little island!
Mohinga is a rich fish broth dish served with noodles in them. It is frequently eaten as a breakfast food, and as uncommon it is to have fishy breakfast, the fishy taste isn't overpowering at all! It has a rather sour taste that pulls all the flavours together in a complex yet tantalizing mixture! For easier comparison, mohinga is similar to a lighter, yet flavour-rich ramen! Served with a side of chilli flakes, and an array of optional toppings such as egg, tofu, and vegetable garnishes, it adds on a punch to the already flavourful meal! If you love sour food, or craving umami-filled cuisines, or maybe you want to try Myanmar’s famed cuisine, mohinga will tickle your tastebuds. ?
P.S. You don’t only have to eat it during breakfast, rather you can enjoy it at any time of the day! Whether it is to beat Singapore’s unpredictable weather of either the sweltering heat or the colder rain, or you need a little boost of energy, slurping up some mohinga will do just the trick for you.
4. Myanmar Mixed Rice
Credit: @dorimingo813 for Instagram
Interestingly, you can savour some nasi padang dishes ala Myanmar style at Little Myanmar as well! Choose from a variety of rotating dishes that includes spicy eggplants, curried lady’s fingers cooked in curry and different types of curried meats which are milder in taste as compared to Indian curries, but still as aromatic! Just like a regular nasi padang set, each set comes with one vegetable and meat portion respectively!
5. Burmese Dum Biryani
Credit: @jsrockfort for Instagram
Another unique dish (and surprisingly a popular one as well!) is their dum biryani. Little Myanmar’s cuisine has some British-Indian influences, which explains the presence of Indian-style dishes. This Myanmar version is still as fiery and aromatic as the Indian version, but its uniqueness lies in the addition of shredded pickled veggies, fried shallots and optional ingredients like spiced, sambal-like eggs. It feels almost like the biryani we’ve come to love, but with a Burmese twist that adds a punch of extra flavour. This hearty , generous dish will fill you up for the day. ?
6. Lah Phat Yay (Burmese Milk Tea)
Credit: @dorimingo813 for Instagram
Are we truly Asian if we miss out on tea? Their milk tea is brewed with mildly smoky Myanmar black tea leaves, and a sweet mix of evaporated and condensed milk, which results in a thick, strong-tasting tea. It’s seriously addictive, and ordering just one more won’t be enough at all!
7. Faluda
Credit: Little Myanmar on Facebook
If you still have a hankering for something sweet, try their popular dessert drink Faluda. Faluda has Indian and Persian influences, and the Burmese adopted it due to colonisation. This refreshing treat mixes rose syrup and evaporated milk with crunchy basil seeds and grass jelly, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as the cherry on top! This cooling drink is definitely pleasing to the eyes and soothing to the mouth! ?
There’s so much more on the menu that we wished we could squeeze in here, but nothing beats better than heading down there and tasting them all! Do note this menu is from 2020, and the availability of certain dishes are subject to the owner.
Credit: @dorimingo813 for Instagram
Hope you like these suggestions, and share with us your favourites! ?
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: 9am-8.30pm daily (closed on Mondays)
Address: #01-220, Blk 328, Clementi Ave 2, S120328.