Burma Burma’s New Tea Shop Menu Is An Ode To Myanmar’s Tea Shop Culture

It is often said that if one wants to understand India, they should spend some time at the ubiquitous tapris or roadside tea shops across the length and breadth of the country. 

Like in India, tea shops in Burma (present-day Myanmar) are living spaces where friendships brew and stories simmer over comforting cups of Laphet Yay (Burmese milk tea). They are an intrinsic part of the country’s culinary and cultural fabric. 

Paying an ode to this defining culture, is Burma Burma’s new tea shop menu, ‘From Burma, With Tea’. From hot and iced teas to crackling snacks and comforting bowls, the tea shop menu will transport you to a tea shop in Burma. The menu is available across all Burma Burma stores across the country till September 30. 

Star Drink 

Not a big fan of tea, I decided to play it safe. While the compact menu features both hot and cold teas, a summer evening demands something chilled. Without much thought, I went with the coconut iced tea. 

The creamy and aromatic drink is a total hit. It features iced black tea stirred with coconut milk and topped with milk foam. The highlight element is the coconut custard chunks that occasionally treat your palate as you take deep sips. It almost resembles a boba tea, only that the chunks offer a burst of coconu,t unlike the flavourless tapioca pearls. 

These chunks not only elevate the drinking experience but break the texture of the drink and add to its velvety nature. The coconut iced tea is paired with sunflower seed crackers and pumpkin seed and jaggery crackers.

What’s More? 

Other than the coconut iced tea, from the hot teas, one must try the Yangon royal tea. It is a classic Burmese sip made with strong black tea and crowned with an indulgent layer of cream. This tea was once served to the royals of Yangon. Another must try from the hot teas is   the creamy Bagan tea that is picked from the markets of Bagan. 

To pair with the drinks, start with their seared tofu and avocado salad where  seared tofu, avocado, tomato, and scallions are tossed with lime and chilli-garlic oil. You could also go with their Chin State potato croquettes that feature a five-spice flavoured mock meat filling. While I believe mock meat is an acquired taste, I also assure that the croquettes will grow on you till the last bite. 

The cracklin’ Burmese Dumplings are a must try. Filled with edamame and shiitake, the crispy, fried dumplings are served in a batch of four. They are flavoured with the Kalar Lay– Burmese curry powder and paired with a mustard chilli dip. 

If you are looking for something more comforting, the tea shop noodle bowl should be your pick. The udon noodles are tossed with vegan protein, slow-cooked onion and chilli curry and topped with crispy wheat flakes, fried onions, and roasted chilli. The bowl comes with just the right amount of spices and makes for a hearty meal. 

The tea shop toast— honey-glazed toast, soaked in custard apple milk, and finished with a luscious dollop of clotted cream makes for a perfect dessert to close the meal on a sweet note. 

Information

Dates: September 1- September 30

Available across Burma Burma stores across India

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