29 APRIL - 5 MAY 2016
feature:
burger guide
What’s On FRIDAY 29TH APRIL RAVE The Night Away | Nightlife Rave the night away with DJ Cash Yo, DJ Kash, DJ Right D and DJ Terrror Bass at Phantom Lounge Brought to you by WHITE CASTLE Entertainment. 15000Ks per person including 1 free Beer. ? Immortal Titans Wine Bar and Dining - 49, Moe Kaung Road , Yankin Township | P FROM 9:00 PM
Open Mic Night (Renovate and Create) (XI) | Art & Stage Open Mic is back. Everyone is welcome to perform a song, a poem, a play, or anything she/he wants! ? Rooftop - No. 62 (A), Yaw MIn Gyi street | P FROM 7:00 PM
Whisky World Cup | Activities 20 whiskies from 20 countries. 5 whisky tastings to decide which country makes the best whisky in the world. Come to support your country. Or just to enjoy great whiskies in good company. Group A (29 April) FINLAND, GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, TAIWAN & WALES Competition! For venue information and to book contact Yangonwhiskyclub@gmail.com ? Mahlzeit - 84 Pann Hlaing Street, San Chaung Township | P FROM 7:30 PM
NEW HAPPY HOUR AT 50TH STREET They have a new Happy Hour at 50th Street & it begins. For every Monday to Sunday, happy hour is from 7pm to 9pm and 50% off you can get. Buy 3 get 1 free promotion also exist. ? 50th Street cafe Restaurant and Bar - 9/13 50th Street, Botataung Township | P 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Kokkine Live Music | Nightlife Enjoy their Kokkine Music Live with fresh feeling. ? Kokkine Swimming Pool - 34, Kokkine Swimming Pool St., Saya San (North-West) Ward, Bahan Township | P FROM 7:00 PM
SATURDAY 30TH APRIL Relaxing Yoga Weekends at Chatrium | Sports Every Saturday & Sunday. Enrolment fee: USD 130 per person (10 times visit, validity 2 months) Daily Rate: USD 15 per person per visit. Ms Chie Yamaji, the trainer, is a certified massage therapist in Japan since 2006. ? Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon - No 40 Natmauk Road, Tamwe Township | P FROM 7:30 AM
HOUSENATION | Nightlife Enjoy Housenation at Scott’s Bar with special guest Mikey Mike (Freqs, Zulu Records) Los Angeles/ Bangkok. RSVP required- 09 794 244468. ? Scott's Bar - No.58/1B, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, near Micasa Hotel, Bahan Township | P FROM 8:00 PM
FAB 40 | Nightlife FAB is back. It will held 10 PM till late at J-ONE Music Bar and entry is 5000Ks. PRE PARTY AT FAHRENHEIT is 8 to 11 PM. Free Entry. ? J-One Music Bar - Bo Cho Street (Near Union Business Centre), Tarmwe Township | P FROM 10:00 PM
Live at retro bar every Saturdays | Art & Stage Every Saturday there will be Live at Retro Bar. Go and enjoy the live band. Enjoy your times with live music. ? Retro Bar - 62-63 street, merchant road, Yangon | P FROM 6:00 PM
What’s On International Jazz Day concert | Art & Stage celebration of jazz music in Myanmar. Headlining the event is Susanna A Risberg – a young, award-winning jazz guitarist from Sweden who will be joined by accomplished local musicians including 88 Degree Band and the Bamboo Trio. Free Event. ? Institut Francais de Birmanie - Pyay Road, Yangon | P FROM 7:00 PM
Rangoon Rock Bombs For HIV Kids | Art & Stage For the purpose of providing some help to HIV Infected Kids by Myanmar Helper and 7 Rock Bands including The Story, Break The Curse, I-Force, Wonder Rock, Psychological Pain, Epic Soul & Stay Close To Fear! ? Maha Bandoola Garden - Maha Bandula Park Street, Yangon | P 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
In Shadows: Mayco Naing Photography | Art A solo exhibition by Mayco Naing of photographs illustrating shadows in colour, against a backdrop of the sacred and profane, emotion and meditation, and perspective through repetition. The exhibition is divided into print and projection in a highly individual examination of photography. Free Event. ? The Rough Cut - 19 Minn Street, Sanchaung Township | P FROM 6:00 PM
Meet, Mourn, Enjoy & Get relieved | Nightlife Since the offices and banks reopened. Those unbearable traffic, Long Holidays which will only be back next year, Piles of work awaits & of course extremely hot weather. Enjoy the drinks and food. Meet, Mourn and Get relieved from these stress. ? Bar One 4 Gastro pub - No. 6 (C), West May Kha Street (3), Mayangone Township | P FROM 7:00 PM
SUNDAY 1ST MAY (MAY DAY) Global Harmonies Singing Session - Yangon | Art & Stage Go and experience the joy of group harmony singing – it’s good for mind, body and spirit! No experience needed – songs will be taught by ear. Free Event. ? Institut Francais de Birmanie - Pyay Road, Yangon | P 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
German Frühschoppen | Dining Following the German tradition, they hold their Frühschoppen the first Sunday of every month! White sausages, sweet mustard, pretzels, potato salad, cabbage salad, free flow of German beer! All you can drink and eat for 32,500 kyat! Bavarian music and coziness all inclusive! To book a table, you can give us a ring or send an email to reservation@mahlzeit-myanmar.com ? Mahlzeit - 84 Pann Hlaing Street, Yangon | P 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
MONDAY 2ND MAY Myanmar Entrepreneurs Monthly Meet Up | Business Workshop This is the second meetup of Myanmar Entrepreneurs Network Monthly Meetup (MMEN). They were excited to hear that some of you had met useful contacts, and some even managed to form mutually beneficial partnership for your business during the first meetup! For first time members, MMEN is a platform for fellow entrepreneurs and investors to gather, share ideas on doing business in Myanmar, learn from each other on key areas (e.g HR, Financing, law) or even possibly form partnership! There is no entrance fee. ? Ya Kun Cafe Myanma - Ya Kun Cafe Myanmar, Bogyoke Aung San Road and 29 Street, Yangon | P 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
What’s On May Classes | Sports Myanmar Women’s Self Defense Center has 2 courses upcoming in May. The classes will charge KS 40,000 for the full course of 8 classes, payable on the first day of the class. Space is limited in each class, so please sign up soon at https://mwsdc.wordpress.com/contact/ RSVP: 09 795 596 885 ? Xpress Fitness Junction Mawtin, Starting April 30, Saturday & Sunday, 2:00 – 3:30. ? 124, 50th Street (Middle Block), 2nd Floor, Starting May 4, Wednesday & Thursday, 6:30 – 8:00
TUESDAY 3RD MAY Ham,Cheese, & Wine Frenzy | Dining Folks, They have, as every Tuesday and Thursday, a special deal on platters! 10% discount on all platters & wines by bottle. So, don’t miss it! ? The Lab - 70A Shwe Gone Daing Road, Bahan Township | P FROM 6:00 PM
Open Mic with Brian | Nightlife 7th Joint Bar & Grill is having an open mic session with Brian every Tuesday. Don’t miss out! Contact Brian on 09253967971 or 7th Joint Bar & Grill 09260600552 to book a slot.! So go down sing along ! ? 7th Joint Bar and Grill - Shwe Asia Building, Corner of 48th Street on Mahabandula Road. Botatuang Township | P FROM 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY LAUNCH & EXHIBIT Relics of Rangoon | Activities They host the inaugural launch of Relics of Rangoon, a photo and research book by Philip Heijmans. The culimination of 2 years of research, RoR is the most comprehensive book on Yangon’s heritage to date, featuring photographs and history of 200 of the city’s most prominant buildings. The launch, which will offer the book to the public for the first time, will also have an exhibit from the book’s author Philip Heijmans, along with historical photos provided by the gallery. Ticket Available at http://www. relicsofrangoon.com/ ? Pansuriya Gallery - No 100, Bogalayzay street, Botahtaung Township | P 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
LADIES NIGHT OUT | Nightlife Buy one Cocktail, Get 2 special Shooters. Happy Hour (7:00PM to 9:00PM), Tequila Free Flow 09-44-800-8530, 09-2600-379-50 (Reservation) ? The 1st Container Bar & Grill - No.276A, Waizayandar Rd, Bet Parami St & Thitsar St, South Okkalarpa Township | P 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
THURSDAY 5TH - 8TH MAY Housing & Lifestyle Expo - 2016 | Activities House.com.mm will exhibit Housing & Life Expo 2016 at Tatmadaw Hall with the best projects of the international construction companies. And other furniture items and products will be showed too. To RSVP, please send a sms “YES” to 09450000414. ? Tatmadaw Hall - Tatmadaw Hall, U Wizara Road, Yangon | P 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM DISCLAIMER Information as of 5th April 2016. The events’ time and date may change without notice. For more updated information please check http://myanmore.com/yangon/events-calendar
burger guide
Jeff's Kitchen Beef Burger, Photo credit Jeff's Kitchen
Burger RunDown As one of the most globalized dishes in the world, for better of for worse, every city is sure to have multiple burger joints and customers who crave them. In Yangon, burger restaurants are disproportionately on Dhama Zedi Road for some reason. MYANMORE has a more complete directory of Yangon burgers, so this here is a short list of great burgers categorized by price range. While you have to pay more for the best, there are incredible options for less than 5000 Ks.
SAVOY HOTEL // 129 Dhamazedi Road While it may be cliche for many Yagonites, listing Savoy as one of the best burgers is a necessary formality. Every Savoy Burger has a perfectly fried egg that complements the beef and relish, yet is constructed to be easy to eat. Burgers go for roughly $12, with a pint of Tuborg on Wednesdays.
SHARKY'S // 117 Dhamazedi Road or on Upper Pansodan Soo gourmet it may not be not be burger according to some burger purists. Cut into quarter slices, served on a beautiful thick cutting block, with a side of caramelized onions, cheese, sundered tomatoes and artisan sauces, you may be more comfortable to eat this dish with a fork. They have about 7 burger options, with the average price around 15,000 Ks. You can get one of the best veggie burgers here as well for 10,000 Ks
JEFF'S KITCHEN // 4a KanYeikThar Street Jeff's has a tall and narrow burger that is still filling for 9800 Ks. Jeff's is a relatively new restaurant that serves western food with thai influences. The burger carries this concept with the use of sweet sauces and grilled fruit between the buns. The beef patty is 190 g served with cheese, egg, bacon and grilled pineapple. While this list is meant to highlight beef, the cheaper and more distinctive burgers are Jeff's Chicken and Soft-Shell Crab choices- served with sweet tomato chutney, onion marmalade and gherkins and spicy aioli respectively.
A.J'S BAR & GRILL // No.132, Anawrahta Road Opening at 5pm, A.J's is exclusively a dinner spot. But it is controversial whether burgers should be eaten for lunch. A.J's is a high-end all-
American grill that can serve burgers on the rarer side for those who crave a western gourmet patty. They several options, including pulled pork, that are covered in sauces to prevent the meat from drying out. Burgers go for around 8000 Ks. This is your spot if you're craving a down-home American burger.
COFFEE CIRCLES // 107 Dhamazedi Road Sharky's is next door, but this is the place to relax in air conditioning with wifi, coffee and a burger. We recommend the Mushroom Burger or BLT Deluxe which go for 5000 Ks. The meat is cooked just under medium and smoky in flavour. Their menu is massive, with Myanmar choices as well.
BURGERLARY IN YANGON
John Dee's, Photo credit John Kee's
JOHN DEE'S // Kabar Aye Road John Dee's has the best 'burger on a budget' in Yangon. It is self descirbed as Euro Food, but it is more accurate to refer to the cuisine as casual American mid-western food. The burgers are 100% beef from Australia cooked by a chef who trained under a Chicago chef with beef expertise. You can get a quarter-pound burger for 2000 Ks, which is great, but we recommend stepping up for the namesake patty: the Butterfly Burger for 3500 Ks.
PEPPERS // 612 New Univesity Avenue A growing chain in Yangon, Pepper's has become one of the big names for Myanmar nationals who want western food. It is hard to argue considering that the food is quite good and affordable. Their burgers are nothing ground-breaking, but a classic take of a medium-well burger. It calls itself Mexican, which is debatable, especially with their burgers which are quite traditional.
ENJOY KITCHEN // Corner of 90th Street & Daw Thein Tin Road A hidden place in Kantawlay that serves interesting burgers with halal standards. The burgers aren't the most filling because the meat patties are on relatively thin. We recommend the spicy burger which has chillis served inside the patty, make it a double if you're really hungry. Burgers are only a piece of the menu which is predominately halal cooked Myanmar and Thai dishes. The staff does not speak English so be ready to use some Myanmar.
NEW BURGER // S27 U Chit Maung Road, Yangon More of a fast food joint that stays open late, often for 24 hours. They serve chicken burgers on par with Lotteria, and dishes like fried rice and morning glory on par with most teashops. Stop by if you're partying in Yankin and want a midnight snack.
review
Account Of How Thingyan Has Changed In The Town Of Myeik BY GWAN HO TONG As Myanmar continues to open up to the world, cultures and traditions of the country are being influenced by Western culture and lifestyle. With Thingyan getting closer, I would like to talk about the affect globalization has on these traditions, specifically looking at my hometown, the town of Myeik. In Myeik, a coastal town in Tanintharyi Division, Thingyan has traditionally been celebrated in a more humble way. Most vehicles on the road were motorcycles and very few cars. But as the town becomes more accessible the town is no longer stuck in time. Instead of getting splashed for Thingyan while riding bikes and trishaws, people are doing to splashing from the back of pickup trucks. While there are big mandats, with similarities to those of Yangon— wooden stages with water hoses and music—there are few of them. Most are small pandals made out of bamboo. Burmese traditional dance groups, Burmese orchestra (sine wine), or oldie Burmese songs like Ko Gyi Kyaw have always been the featured attractions. But this is quickly modernizing with EDM raves being the music of choice for Thingyan celebrators. One unique aspect of Myeik Thingyan is the tradition of a ta hti. If you were born on the same day of the week that coincides with the last day of Thingyan, you are considered to be a ta hti. This is considered to be bad luck. As an offering, people may buy a flower pot, put a particular kind of leaf in it, and place the pot in front of the house of an a ta hti. People may also give snacks—typically traditional Burmese treats made of coconut milk or jelly—to their friends and neighbors who are a ta hti. This practice is still popular amongst the older generations, but younger generations, like my own, don’t really care about it anymore and I believe that the custom is diminishing as a result. Rural places like Myeik are changing, this can especially be seen for Thingyan. The mandats, the customs, and the technology are different than they once were: they are more modern, more western. I am not sure whether to be sentimental, or simply accept it as part of the natural evolution of culture and tradition, but like it or not, Myanmar and Thingyan are changing.
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review
A Myanmar Impression Of Pastamania BY ZARA THWIN WHAT IT IS Wondering where to bring the kids and family or a place where you can get a soul soothing meal? Look no further than the casual and spacious Pastamania on Inya Road. With over 50 restaurants across nine countries, the Singaporean franchise has finally opened its doors to Yangonites. ATMOSPHERE Set in an alluring four storied Italianate building, Pastamania looks over the bustle before Golden Valley. The interior adorns decor reminiscent of an Italian bistro. Upon entering, we heard children laughter and knew this was a children-friendly environment. On the second story, there are two private rooms. Eight people can dine in each room with the rate of 10,000ks per hour. RECOMMENDATIONS There is pizza, classic pasta dishes and a variety of fruit-infused Italian sodas served in fancy glass jars. The pasta and pizza dishes range from 7000ks to 12,000ks. You get to pick which pasta you want and can essentially design your own dishes or pizza pies. The restaurant also serves beer (3500ks) and wine (20,000ks per bottle).... We started off with a healthy Frutti Greenie smoothie (6000 Ks) and a thirst quenching glass of Passion fruit flavored Italian soda. As for dinner we had two salmon dishes: Ravioli di Salmone, a classic Italian ravioli dish with salmon filling drenched in a luscious cream of rich and tangy flavors. Then we had the Grilled Salmon with Fusilli, the juicy grilled salmon was served with a dash of granola and raisins alongside the fusilli in a delicate cream sauce and vegetables dressed in vinaigrette. FINAL THOUGHTS This is a classic chain restaurant that is well-above the fast food category. The food is fresh tasting and accessible to anyone, a haven for expat picky eaters. The upper floor can provide more of a peaceful ambiance than the lower floor, in which some kitchen noise can be heard. No.7 Inya Road, Kamayut Township, Yangon.
review
Return Of the Speakeasy BY CATHERINE SMITH WHAT IT IS The Blind Tiger is a one-year veteran of the Yangon restaurant scene; after closing its original incarnation last year, it’s finally re-opened on Seik Kan Thar Road (at street level/near corner Merchant). Look for the large paw print outside! They are known for an innovative tapas menu and an expansive cocktail list. ATMOSPHERE Like the previous one, it aims for a exclusive, speakeasy-like environment. The interior is a similar layout and style as the original – an upstairs ‘balcony’ area overlooking a downstairs bar and dining area, plush and sumptuous décor, and walls hung with fabulous artworks (for sale). So lots of similarities (including the friendly and attentive staff) but somehow this incarnation feels more welcoming and relaxed. RECOMMENDATION Nearly all the tapas were impressive– crab cakes were lightly pan-fried and moist; Spanish meatballs had a real kick (unless it was the Burmese mule…); short ribs were delicious (after marinating more than a day in a rich barbecue sauce) and garlic shrimps were super-fresh and supergarlicky... Deep-fried squid with aioli was the tastiest of the seafood choices; the only slight disappointment was a fish tapas which was a little sweet for our palate. The barman was happy to chat about his cocktail recipes, many of which include exotic infusions – vodka infused with chili and strawberry added to fresh mango, palm syrup and ginger to make the Burmese mule... Kiwi-infused white rum with sake, passion fruit & mint for a Sacati cocktail. And we loved the lemon-infused vodka in the Burmese Slipper... Our only suggestion would be to add a small salad, or non-fried tapas dish to the menu (the manager said this was planned). FINAL THOUGHTS Fantastic to see the return of The Blind Tiger – not bigger, but better, than before (open for lunch soon – sandwiches & salads). Sit at the downstairs bar if you can’t resist the delicious cocktails….safer than negotiating the spiral staircase to the balcony! No. 93/95 Ground Floor Seik Kan Thar Road (Lower Block), Kyauttadar Township, Yangon
Gallery
SHAKESPEARE LIVES IN YOU 23RD APRIL 2016 PHOTOS BY PT@IMAGES
THINGYAN WATER FESTIVAL 2016 13TH APRIL 2016 PHOTOS BY HONGSAR & PT@IMAGES
now showing
Start Showing from 29th April 2016 to 5th May 2016.
THE BOY Junction Square | 01 527 055 Junction Maw Tin | 01 225 244
THE JUNGLE BOOK Nay Pyi Daw | 01 251 277, 01 251 288 Mingalar Sanpya Cineplex | 09 260 887 035~36, 01 230 3 165 Mingalar Cinema 2(Dagon Centre (II) | 09 732 54 091, 09 732 54 092 Junction Square | 01 527 055
FAN Mingalar Cinema | 01 243 057 Mingalar Sanpya Cineplex | 09 260 887 035~36, 01 230 3 165 Shae Saung Cinema | 01 252 113, 01 388 034
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR Nay Pyi Daw | 01 251 277, 01 251 288 Shae Saung Cinema | 01 252 113, 01 388 034
LONDON HAS FALLEN Nay Pyi Daw | 01 251 277, 01 251 288
A CHIT SIT (BURMESE) Thamada Cinema | 01 246 962, 01 246 963 Thwin | 01-372594, 01 388 033 Mingalar Sanpya Cineplex | 09 260 887 035~36, 01 230 3 165 Junction Square | 01 527 055 Junction Maw Tin | 01 225 244
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About Us Myanmore Yangon 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 2507 36695, 01 375680
THIS WEEK’S PHOTO Artist: Sue Htet Aung. Image courtesy of Pansodan Gallery. | ) www.pansodan.com