MYANMORE : Weekly Guide to Yangon - 16th March 2018

16 - 22 MARCH 2018

FREE COPY

Getting around Myanmar by bus

What’s On - march FRIDAY 16TH Opening Oliva restaurant - Free food and live band | Nightlife Oliva is opening its new branch at Institut Français de Birmanie and invites you to join and enjoy live music, free flow on beer and free appetisers RSVP: 09 979 336416. ? Oliva Yangon - 340, Pyay Rd, INSTITUT FRANÇAIS de BIRMANIE, Sanchaung Tsp | P 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Given Space 345 | Art & Stage Myanm/art hosts Maria Brinch as their first international artist in residence at Myanm/art. She brings with her new views on textiles and papers, and a body of work influenced by and honoring her time spent in Myanmar. ? Myanm/art - 98, Third Floor, Bogalay Zay St, Botahtaung Tsp | P 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Double Gold Night @ THE BEAT bar | Nightlife The BEAT is all about music so enjoy this night with the one and only favourite vocalist L Loon War presented by Myanmar's finest Whisky, Double Gold and unlimited special promotion all night long. Call @ 09762761569 for your table. ? THE BEAT bar - G3, Bo Myat Tun Tower, Corner of Mahabandula Rd & Bo Myat Tun Rd, Botahtaung Tsp | P From 7:00 pm

Live Music & Guest Bartender at Union | Nightlife End your week on a high note with live music and special cocktails right in the heart of downtown. Join us as we welcome Cambodian guest bartender Dara Sok, who will be shaking up classic cocktails with his creative Cambodian twists using local Myanmar flavours. | RSVP: 09 250 355 064. ? Union Bar and Grill - 42 Strand Road, Left corner of the Myanmar Red Cross Building, Botahtaung Tsp | P 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

‘Mad in Italy’ orchestra concert | Art & Stage The Embassy of Italy is glad to invite you to “Mad in Italy,” a concert performed by Mezzotono, a small Italian orchestra without instruments.

Admission is free, no registration is required. ? LOTTE Hotels & Serviced Apartments Yangon - No. 82, Sin Phyu Shin Avenue, Pyay Road, 6½ Mile, Ward 11, Hlaing Tsp | P 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

16TH-18TH Biggest Home Loan Expo at Tatmadaw Hall | Exhibition More than 300 housing projects will participate in “The Biggest Home Loan Expo” on for three days at Tatmadaw Hall. Not only will there be apartments projects but also many advanced luxury housing projects. ? Tatmadaw Exhibition Center - U WISARA Rd, Dagon Tsp | P 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

St. Patrick's Weekend | Nightlife There’s only one place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, and that’s with 50th Street. Come by for some lively Irish music by band Drunken Irish Barstools, shots, tasty Irish stew, and all-around good aul' craic all weekend long. | RSVP: 01 397 060. ? 50th Street Cafe Restaurant Bar - 9/13 50th St, Botataung Tsp | P From 8:00 pm

What’s On - march SATURDAY 17TH Artist Talk: Maria Brinch | Art & Stage Maria will be sharing her background in art, her inspirations and some of the methods behind her work. ? Myanm/art - 98, Third Floor, Bogalay Zay St, Botahtaung Tsp | P From 1:00 pm

Thingyan Boat Party | Nightlife The Thingyan Boat Party returns. From the people who brought you "The Sunset Boat Party" comes the Thingyan Boat Party. Water guns will be available on deck. And DJs will swelling beats from house music to gypsy, breaks to hip-hop and electronic music. ? The Royal Irrawaddy Boat - Botahtaung Jetty, Seikkan Tsp | P 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm

St Patrick's Day: Live music | Nightlife The Penthouse is hosting a St Patrick's day celebration in collaboration with Tuborg. Happy hours from 5 -7pm and from 7-9 pm free flow Tuborg Beer for 10,000 kyats only. Music with Velvet Avenue Entertainment from 7:30-10:30pm and DJ Japan from 10:30 onward. | RSVP: 09 771 239924. ? The Penthouse - 271-273, BargaYar Rd, Park side one building 8th floor, Sanchaung Tsp | P From 7:00 pm

Berlin at Roof Alchemy | Nightlife Once again Roof Alchemy bring the latest tracks from Berlin and Amsterdam’s underground clubs to Yangon. The organizer of ‘Berlin in the Basement’ and one of the people behind Rumours, Yangon's Boiler Room, have teamed up to go all-in and make you feel like you are in one of Europe’s legendary clubs. | RSVP: 09 254 272 460. ? Roof Alchemy - Yangon International Hotel Compound, Dagon Tsp | P From 9:00 pm

Green Glow Fitness Flow Workout Festival | Sports Infinity fitness is throwing an outdoor workout festival. Bringing popular international fitness master trainer and superstar trainers to perform Les Mills Program and other fitness programs in Myanmar. Are you ready to sweat and have fun? | RSVP: 09 42651 3001, 09 42651 3008. ? Myanmar Rowing and Canoeing Federation - Inya Rd, Kamaryut Tsp | P 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm

DJ Katty Q - Official Invasiv Pre-Party | Nightlife Friday rhymes with sexy DJ, this week at NYX. For the occasion, DJ Katty Q will heat up the place as the main headliner. Club doors open at 10pm till late. Dress code: Looks good, we're good. No flip flops. | RSVP: 09 780 006699. ? NYX Rooftop and Club - No.117, West Shwegondine Rd, Bahan Tsp | P From 10:00 pm

SUNDAY 18TH Yangon Zay, Market | Shopping Farmers’ market featuring food and flowers, organic fruits and produce vendors, live entertainment, kids activities, and all inclusive drink tickets to sip and savor. For more information contact 01 664 728. ? The Tea Factory - No. 2, Kanyeiktha St, KabarAye Pagoda Rd, Mayangone Tsp | P 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Open mic / jam session with Myu Htoi Awng | Art & Stage Recover from St Patricks Day at an open mic and jam session at Wired on 39. All players, singers, poets and comedians welcome. ? Wired on 39 - No. 200, 39 St, Kyauktada Tsp | P 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

What’s On - march Piano Rooftop Club Soft Opening | Nightlife Piano Rooftop would like to invite you and up to five guests to their Piano Rooftop Club soft opening party. The venue is located at Piano Bar Yangon. Special DJs line up: EMJ, Chacky, Mike Haider, the Bassclipper and DJ Nice. | RSVP: 09 777 229 750. ? Piano Bar - Parami St, Kamayut Tsp | P From 9:00 pm

TUESDAY 20TH BritCham Operational Excellence: Writing Performance Appraisals | Education In this practical workshop, you will practice techniques for planning, structuring and writing effective performance appraisals. You will also take part in meeting role plays to practise handling negative feedback. ? British Chamber of Commerce Myanmar Office - Junction City Tower, Pabedan Tsp | P 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

20TH-22TH Myanmar Infrastructure Summit 2018 | Business The 4th Myanmar Infrastructure Summit 2018 designed to provide a platform for international industry players and potential investors to gather in Yangon and be updated on market potential and development plan of various infrastructure sectors in Myanmar. | RSVP: 01 242 828. ? Sule Shangri-La, Yangon - 223 Sule Pagoda Rd, Kyauktada Tsp | P 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

WEDNESDAY 21ST Companies Law 2: Corporate Governance & Company Secretarial | Business The new Companies Law represents a fundamental change in companies regulation that will trigger a virtual overhaul of processes and procedures in company registration and housekeeping. This session will help corporate housekeeping and compliance officers navigate the new requirements, and take away a compliance blueprint for the new structure. | ? Sule Shangri-La Hotel - 223, Sule Pagoda Rd, Kyauktada Tsp | P 9:00 am - 11:00 am

CreativeLAB Pyae Soe Aung | Art & Stage An eclectic mix of people from all creative walks of life; from advertising, graphic design and the visual arts through to fashion, architecture, the crafts, photography and so on. | RSVP: 09 792 860091. ? Burma Bistro - No. 644, Corner of Merchant Rd & Shwe Bon Thar Rd | P 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

THURSDAY 22ND Connect@breakfast Media | Business Come and learn from three experts of the media sector in Myanmar: breakfast. | RSVP: 01 523 700. ? Meliá Yangon - 192, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp | P 8:00 am - 10:00 am

DISCLAIMER Information as of 13th March 2018. The events’ times and dates may change without notice. For more updated information, please check http://myanmore.com/yangon/events-calendar

Guide

Getting around Myanmar by bus

BY MIN YE KYAW

Readers often ask us to provide a rundown of the best bus operators in Myanmar so we thought it was high time to provide one. Since Yangon is the country’s commercial hub, most of the bus operators are based in the city and have smaller branches throughout Myanmar. Bus travel is generally more efficient than train travel and much cheaper than flying here. Buses range from air-conditioned express vehicles all the way down to local and mini buses. Remember to bring some warm clothes or a blanket for overnight journeys and consider earplugs and an eye mask.  Mandalar Min Express Daw Lai Lai Aye, the founder of Mandalar Min, started this business in October, 2007 and ran only the Yangon-Mandalay-Pyin Oo Lwin route.

After more than a decade of success, the firm services 19 cities with 27 routes and 100 buses across Myanmar. The destinations are Yangon to Naypyidaw, Tatkone, Meikhtila, Bagan/Nyaung Oo, Kyaut Pan Taung, Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin, Mawlamyine, Mudon, Than Phyu Zayat, Magway, Myingyan, Myawaddi, Myeik, Dawei, and Taunggyi.

Yangon outlets: Aung Mingalar Bus Station - Thudhamma Road, North Okkalapa Township, Yangon.

Ph - 09 5020181, 09 259354411, 09 253379954~64.

Aung San Stadium - Gyo Phyu Road, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township, Yangon.

Ph: 09 796782000, 09 73105000. http://mandalarminn.com.mm

 JJ Express Joyous Journey was established in 2011 and has taken the lead by deviating from convention and introducing using brand new buses. They pride themselves on their service, running first-class seats with lots of space and offering refreshments—bus attendants have even completed first-aid training and hospitality courses. Their destinations are Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Taunggyi and Naypyidaw.

Yangon outlet: Room. A5,6, Mawlamyine Street, Aung Mingalar Bus Station, North Okkalapa Township.

Ph - 09 73123571~74. https://jjexpress.net

 Shwe Mandalar Express Shwe Mandalar Express was the very first express service in Myanmar and boasts a fleet of quality models with airbags, two drivers and two helpers. Their routes are Yangon, Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin, Lashio, Mu Se, Naypyidaw, Hpa An, Kalay, Meikhtila, Taunggyi, Mawlamyine, Pakokku, Bagan/Nyaung Oo, Kyauk Pan Taung and Monywa.

Yangon outlets: Aung Mingalar Bus Station - Thudhamma Road, North Okkalapa Township, Yangon.

Ph - 09 2228735, 09 5042644, 09 420720058, 09 760410430, 09 459395553.

Aung San Stadium - Bo Min Yaung Street, East Wing Aung San Stadium, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township.

Ph - 09 796577730, 09 795830435. http://www.shwemandalarexpress.com

 Shwe Taung Yoe Shwe Taung Yoe features air conditioned express buses with air bags and a wide, comfortable seats for the passengers. Two drivers and two helpers are assigned to every bus and the firm also arranges free downtown transportation services at 6am and 5pm. They travel to Taunggyi, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Mawlamyine, Kyine Tone, Tachileik, Magway, Bagan/Nyaung Oo, Pakokku, Monywa from Yangon.

Yangon outlet: Aung San Stadium - Building 59, Room 1, Gyo Phyu Street, Hpa-Sa-Pa-La Housing, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township.

Ph - 01 637478, 09 73113001.

 Famous Express Famous runs 200 Swedish-brand Scania express buses for smooth and safe travel. Being one of the leading companies in Myanmar as a tour agency, Famous has a team of well-experienced persons, who ensure good journies for all types of customer. Their destination cities are Myingyan, Taunggyi, Pyay, Shwe Bo, Bagan and Taunggyi. They also have their own mobile app for booking and online payment.

Yangon outlet: A/3 Shwe Ka Bar Housing, 4th street, Min Dama Road, Mayangone Township.

Ph - 09 7781 00006.

 Elite Express Elite started their business in 2011 and initially offered business-class trips to Naypyidaw, Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin. Their destinations are Yangon, Naypyidaw, Mandalay, Bagan, Taunggyi, Pyin Oo Lwin, Monywa and Mawlamyine. You can also buy their tickets from www.tranlinkmm. com.

Yangon outlet: Aung Mingalar - 171/A, No.3 Main Road, Mingalardon Township Ph: 09977838311~377.

Aung San Stadium - Corner of Upper Pansodan Road and Bo Min Yaung Road, East Wing Aung San Stadium, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township Ph - 09977838411~433.

Also purchase bus tickets at: https://www.starticket.com.mm https://bnfexpress.com https://oway.com.mm

new menu

Rau Ram revamps its menu On its opening in 2016 Rau Ram immediately set itself apart from the Yangon food scene with a flurry of creative Southeast Asian fusion served in an almost speakeasy setting.

Nestled in an unassuming spot on the northeastern edges of downtown, the bistro this month reminds people why it has one of the most innovative little kitchens in the city by shaking up its menu.

Myanmore was recently invited to the chic venue to sample some of the new dishes. Past the bar is the dimly lit dining room, which has space for about 30 people. Rau Ram—named for the Vietnamese coriander—has a vintagevibe, decorated with jungle motifs and furnished with dark timber tables. irst up was the green papaya laphet thoke, a vegetarian serving that set up a night of mostly Myanmar-flavored fare. The rich and creamy avocado puree contrasted with the bite and zesty flavors of the som tam.

Another light starter came in the form of the simple but interesting tomato and watermelon caprese, a fresh and juicy plate of fruit, honey and herbs that was leveled with a creamy coconut milk ricotta.

Heaped on one of the mains was pork neck and lemongrass salad, a meaty indulgence drizzled with Thai fish sauce and kaffir lime.

The Burmese fish curry was coated in a sweet tamarind lime curry sauce and lemongrass. The seabass was tender and had good creamy notes, plus it came with handmade noodles.

Rau Ram has jumped between Thailand and Myanmar a lot with these new additions. The Thai spiced roasted duck breast is a good example. The kitchen was generous with the duck—which sat nicely with the red coconut curry and was flavored by kaffir lime leaves.

Each plate was met with excitement, especially the huge river prawns overflowing with scoops of crab stuffing. It was the side dip though, a delicious Sriracha butter, that stole the show. Unctuous and with a subtle kick, the butter was the perfect dunking pool for the soft prawn meat.

To finish was a light coconut sundae of fried banana and rum pineapple, a fitting final chord to Rau Ram’s clever new additions.

Rau Ram is located 64B Yay Kyaw Street, Pazundaung Township.

The restaurant opens daily at 6pm until 11pm.

The No.1 App for Restaurants & Bars in Myanmar www.sarmal.com.mm

review

bodhi nava

BY EDMOND SAILLAND Yangon needs more restaurants like Bodhi Nava. From the team behind Green Gallery, this light and airy café meets restaurant meets guesthouse serves up fresh, healthy, yet punchy fusion fare at a reasonable price. The staff are charmingly helpful and the location—at the foot of the Shwedagon Pagoda and close to Kandawgyi Lake—make it an excellent spot to take visitors.

The high-ceilinged interior with brushed concrete, black metal, and reclaimed wood gives the venue a relaxed, urban vibe. I started with the Rakhine chicken salad (4,500 kyats). A generous helping of moist shredded chicken was teamed with a citrus tang from lime juice, a crunchy punch from onion and garlic, and a heat from black pepper and chili. The perfect healthy dish for me but, due to the garlic, perhaps not one to wolf down before a hot date.

The hummus with Burmese tea leaf pesto and vegetable sticks (4,000 kyats) was a surprising find on the menu, but another perfect healthy snack that is often absent from Yangon living. The hummus was well-flavoured but a little too chunky and stiff for easy dipping. A brave fusion dish that won my heart was the English muffin topped with RaMon shredded pepper chicken and a tamarind and sesame sauce (5,000 kyats). The chicken itself tasted remarkably similar to the Rakhine chicken I had earlier but was well teamed with the soft muffin, sweet and sticky tamarind sauce.

The Mon-style Khao Soi with chicken (5,800 kyats) was a pleasing variation on the oh-no khao swe served up throughout Myanmar. The thick and creamy coconut soup had a spicy heat from chili and turmeric. We ended the meal with a mango smoothie bowl in celebration of the oncoming of Myanmar’s mango season. A semi-frozen mango and banana smoothie was topped with banana and nuts and seeds, including chia—a hipster staple still relatively elusive in Yangon. A beautifully light and healthy end to the meal.

I will be back to Bodhi Nava. In fact, before I even finished the meal I was already thinking how to incorporate a long lingering lunch there into a Sunday wonder around Kandawgyi Lake and the parks near Shwedagon.

Address: 17 Bahan 2nd Street, Yangon Phone: 09781265517 Opening Hours: 11am – 8pm

"A nice place to try new dishes and different concept, apart from other restaurants.

Love the environment tho!"

Nandar

www.sarmal.com.mm

Gallery

2018 MARCH ISSUE MYANMORE MAGAZINE LAUNCH 8TH MARCH 2018 PHOTOS BY LEO JACKSON & RASMUS STEIJNER

now showing

Now showing in Yangon cinemas from 16th to 22nd March 2018.

TOMB RAIDER Tomb Raider is a 2018 American action-adventure film which is based on the 2013 video game of the same name, with some elements of its sequel by Crystal Dynamics, and is a reboot of the Tomb Raider film series.

Junction City, City Mall, Nay Pyi Daw, Mingalar Sanpya Cineplex, Mingalar Cineplex (Gamone Pwint)

A WRINKLE IN TIME A Wrinkle in Time is a 2018 American science fantasy adventure film which based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Madeleine L'Engle.

Nay Pyi Daw, Mingalar Cineplex (Gamone Pwint)

THE HURRICANE HEIST The Hurricane Heist is an upcoming American crime-disaster-action film and follows a band of robbers who plan to use a Category 5 hurricane to cover their tracks of a bank robbery.

MUDRAS CALLING Mudras Calling is a Burmese Drama Movie directed by Christina Kyi with Stars : Zen Kyi, Hla Yin Kyay and etc.

Junction Maw Tin, Junction City, Junction Square, City Mall

SHWE KYAR Shwe Kyar is a Burmese Drama Movie directed by Wine with Stars : A Lin Yaung, Phway Phway and Thinzar Wint Kyaw.

Mingalar Sanpya Cineplex, Mingalar Cineplex (Gamone Pwint), Mingalar Cinema 2(Dagon Centre (II), Thamada Cinema, Thwin, Mingalar

KOH ZARLANN MHAR KO THAR ZATLITE Koh ZarLann Mhar Ko Thar Zatlite is a Burmese Comedy Movie directed by Ma Aye Aye Win with stars : Nay Toe, Tun Tun and Wut Hmone Shwe Yee. Mingalar Sanpya Cineplex, Mingalar Cineplex (Gamone Pwint), Shae Saung Cinema

Nay Pyi Daw

Junction Maw Tin | 01 225 244 Junction City | 01 9253591, 01 9253592 Junction Square | 01 527 055 City Mall | 09 764802081 Mingalar Sanpya Cineplex | 09 260 887 035 — 36, 01 230 3 165 Mingalar Cineplex (Gamone Pwint) | 09 779 054 671 — 73 Mingalar Cinema 2(Dagon Centre (II) | 09 732 54 091 — 92 Nay Pyi Daw | 01 251 277, 01 251 288 Shae Saung Cinema | 01 252 113, 01 388 034 Thamada Cinema | 01 246 962, 01 246 963 Thwin | 01 372 594, 01 388 033 Mingalar | 01 243057 Mega Ace (Tharkayta) | 01 556 782 Mega Ace (Tamwe) | 01 554 383 Mega Ace (North Okkalapa) | 09 971 750 91

myanmore Card Deals NARA THAI - 10% off a la carte food bill. Valid everyday. ? 1 Kan Yeikthar Street, Mayangone Township 09 777 151222

THE LIGHT HOUSE NOODLE SHOP - 15% discount on total bill. Valid everyday. ? 61/2 U Thin Phay Street, 16 Quarter, Hlaing Township 09777799228

See www.myanmorecard.com for more deals

emergency numbers POLICE STATION

AMBULANCE

199 / 01 549309

192

FIRE STATION

TOURIST SAFETY UNIT

191 / 01 252011 / 01 252022

01 642742 / 01 549209

TOURIST INFORMATION

YANGON GENERAL HOSPITAL

01 252859 / 01 378376

01 256112 / 01 265131

HOTLINE NUMBER 1876

About Us MYANMORE is your entertainment and lifestyle guide to Yangon. We provide daily updates of events, full scale directory, editorials, photos and much more. ) www.myanmore.com | f Facebook.com/Myanmore @ Info@myanmore.com | B Myanmore.com/Newsletter For advertising or other queries you can also call 09 779 003 701

THIS WEEK’S PHOTO Artist: Myo Pya. Image courtesy of Nawaday Tharlar Gallery. www.nawadaytharlar.com