5 - 11 june 2015
feature: guide to bakeries
weekly guide
What’s On FRIDAY 5TH JUNE MYANMAR GOLF TOUR 2015 | SPORT Myanmar Golf Tour 2015 in Yangon presented by IBTC from 2nd June to 5th June 2015. The Tour includes Professional Level Golf Competition + Amateur Level Golf Competition + Women Golf Competition. (Handicap 0-12). ? Military Golf Course - Pyay Rd, 7.5 Miles, Mayangone Tsp | P FROM 6:30 AM
GELATO MASTER CLASS | ACTIVITIES Do you feel like making your own ice-cream? Go and join the free seminar of making Gelato (Italy ice-cream) from the professionals of MEC3 International School of Gelato. Please RSVP via 01570017, 09250800626, 09250800698. ? Myanmar Event Park - Shin Saw Pu Rd, Sanchaung Tsp (near Myay Ni Gone City Mart) | P 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM
AUSTRALIAN FOOD ADVENTURE – WINE & DINE NIGHT | DINING A special private dinner night to kick off this fanta-STEAK food adventure will be held on Friday, 5 June 2015 at Bago Room, Lobbly Level. Hosted by their award winning guest chef MIKE TAFE. Limited tables only! Call (951) 242828 or email fbsecretary.ssyn@shangri-la.com for tickets. ? Sule Shangri-La Hotel - 223 Sule Pagoda Rd (opposite Sakura Tower) | P FROM 6:00 PM
What’s On THE ART OF BARTENDING: PREMIUM REFRESHING COCKTAIL SHOW | ACTIVITIES Myanmar Bartenders Association and Johnnie Walker presents “The Art of Bartending : Premium Refreshing Cocktail Show” at Food & Hotel Myanmar 2015. ? Myanmar Event Park - Shin Saw Pu Rd, Sanchaung Tsp (near Myay Ni Gone City Mart) | P 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
SATURDAY 6TH JUNE YANGON RUNNERS | SPORT Their weekly runs will start from Balance Fitness 2 at 6:15am on Thursdays and 7:15am on Saturdays. Please ‘check in’ when you arrive so they can track runners more efficiently. There will be a pre-run warm up in the yoga studio and warm down. All levels of runners are welcome! ? Balance Fitness 2 - No 103, the corner of University Ave Rd & Thanlwin St, Bahan Tsp | P FROM 7:15 AM
100 CITIZENS DEBATES ON CLIMATE CHANGE | ACTIVITIES Thousands citizens around the world will take part in a transnational event: “World Wide Views on Climate and Energy. World Wide Views on Climate and Energy is a global citizen consultation, providing unique information about how far citizens around the world are willing to go. As the number of seats is limited to 100, PLEASE REGISTER by phone at +95 (0)9 448 019 899. ? French Institute - 340, Pyay Road, Sanchaung Tsp (Close by Hanthar Waddy Bus stop) | P 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
NATIONAL DAY CIVIC HACKING | ACTIVITIES The 2014 Census Data is about to be released! If you would like to collaborate with developers, designers, civil society organisations to make the census data more useful and accessible for everyone in Myanmar, please go to Phandeeyar. Free but register here: http://evnk.co/nationaldayofcivichacking ? Phan Dee Yar - 561 Merchant Rd, Ygn | P 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
METROPOLIS- FILM CONCERT WITH TWO PIANOS | ART & STAGE The Goethe-Institut is proud to contribute the newly restored and completed version of Metropolis to the great Memory Film Festival 2015 in Yangon. The silent movie classic will be screened together with the life accompaniment on two grand pianos. Free tickets and seat reservation under ticket@goethe.yangon.org ? National Theatre - Myoma Kyaung St, Dagon Tsp | P 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
HIP HOP HARDCORE PARTY | NIGHTLIFE EDM Party Time! DJ Ye Min Zest, DJ Sofi, DJ Nat Zoe. Special Guests : Aung Thu (Ghetto 8), Cyko Lamp, Htat Naing, Ice Cold, PTO, Zar Ye. Pre Tickets: 7500 Ks / Show Tickets: 10000 Ks / BLK+VIP 5 Cards: 80000 Ks. Organizer: Htat Naing Htun- 09256098523, 09973983912 ? J-One Music Bar - Bo Choke St (Near Union Business Centre), Bahan Tsp | P 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
What’s On SUNDAY 7TH JUNE “STOP & GO” BBQ | DINING As long as you don’t say stop, they will serve continuously French BBQ! USD $20 Net Per Pax including side salad, French fries, dessert and one bottle of Myanmar Beer as well! ? L'Alchimiste - No 5, U Tun Nyein Street, Mayangone Tsp (not far from L’Opera) | P ALL DAY
SINGAPORE BUSINESS FEDERATION NETWORKING SESSION | BUSINESS Tea Networking Session with Singapore Businessmen based in Yangon.*Welcome Speech by Mr Argus Ang, President of the Singapore Association in Myanmar and Presentation on Doing Business in Myanmar, by IE Singapore (Yangon Overseas Centre). All SAM Members are welcome! ? Parkroyal Hotel – 33, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd, Dagon Tsp | P 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
GOLDEN BELT CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 | SPORT The semi-fianl Lethwei (Boxing) match organized by H & S Group. Tickets available at Zaw Pyit Taing Htawn (Video) No.180, Ground Floor, 35th St (Middle Block), Kyauktadda Tsp. For more info contact 01 249117, 09254214160. ? Thein Phyu Sport Ground - Thein Phyu Rd (Near Kandawgyi Lake) | P FROM 2:00 PM
What’s On NETBALL IN YANGON | SPORT Mixed Social Netball.Netball is changing venues to an undercover court for the rainy season. From this Sunday they will play at ISY. Same time, 4pm. Free to play. Beginners welcome. ? L'Alchimiste - No 5, U Tun Nyein Street, Mayangone Tsp (not far from L’Opera) | P FROM 4:00 PM
MONDAY 8TH JUNE JAPANESE FOOD & 90s MUSIC CLASSICS | NIGHTLIFE Enjoy Japanese Food & 90’s music classics with DJ Bay Tar every Monday starting from 7 pm onward. ? Gekko - 535, Merchant St, Kyauktada Tsp (same building with Lokanat Galleries) | P FROM 7:00 PM
GREAT STORIES | NIGHTLIFE Union Bar & Grill presents Great Stories; Cigar smoke, single malt and blends. Buy one Cigar. Buy one get one on all single malts and blends every Monday. ? Union Bar - 42 Strand Rd (Same building as Red Cross by Strand Road) | P FROM 7:00 PM
What’s On TUESDAY 9TH JUNE TUESDAY WITH MOVIE | ACTIVITIES Join “Tuesdays with Movie” Connect Institute movie club! 2:30pm4:00pm, Every Tuesday.Air conditioned room in the centre of downtown. Free pop-corn, chips and soft drinks. Fun games and quizzes. Thought-provoking discussions and more! You can bring your friends or make one there. ? CONNECT Institute - 3A Pansodan Business Tower, Corner of Anawrahta Road and Pansodan Street, Yangon | P 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
FOCUSED DISCUSSION| TOPICS TO BE DETERMINED | ACTIVITIES Please join them on Tuesday, June 9th at The Strand Hotel at 7 PM. Share your experience, learn from others, and connect with fellow business owners and entrepreneurs. Both from abroad, as local Myanmar. RSVP@http://www.meetup.com/Yangon-Business-Network-Seizing-Opportunities-Together/events/222928949/?a=ea1_grp&rv=ea1&_ af_eid=222928949&_af=event ? Strand Hotel - 92 Strand Rd, Kyauktada Tsp (Next to the British Embassy) | P 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
INNOVATION, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIAL CHANGE | ACTIVITIES What do you do after making billions of dollars creating eBay? You start a firm that invests in entrepreneurs who are making the world a better place. Hear from the Managing Partner of Omidyar Network, one of the world’s biggest philanthropic investment firms. RSVP @ http://goo.gl/Nzr7CD ? Phan Dee Yar - 561 Merchant Road, Yangon | P FROM 6:00 PM
TUESDAY 9TH - 10TH JUNE MYANMAR CORPORATE FINANCE 2015 | BUSINESS A unique and differentiated conference through the use of a multiple executive roundtables approach – whether you are a “buyer” or “seller” of finance – the Myanmar Corporate Finance International Summit 2015 provides the singular platform for you to meet and exchange information and solutions with potential partners, financiers and investors! ? Chatrium Hotel - 40, Natmauk Rd, Tamwe Tsp | P 9:30 PM - 5:30 PM
What’s On WEDNESDAY 10TH JUNE SCOTTISH DANCING IN THE VILLAGE HALL | SPORTS Join with them and James Erskine for some Scottish Dancing! The British Embassy club for British Embassy staff, also open to fee-paying bar members. RSVP @ britishclubrangoon@gmail.com ? The British Club - Alan Pya Pagoda Road | P FROM 6:30 PM
SALSA | NIGHTLIFE Salsa @ Salud! Every Wednesday night from 8pm onwards. 5,000 Ks entry includes free Mojito, beer or cocktail of your choice.Please call 09262277338 for the confirmation. ? Salud - 7C, Wingabar Rd, Bahan Tsp (Close by Clover Hotel) | P FROM 8:00 PM
THURSDAY 11TH JUNE COSMOBEAUTE MYANMAR 2015 | BUSINESS Cosmobeauté is supported by one of Myanmar’s leading organization in the beauty industry, Myanmar Hair Professionals Association (MHPA). “The Art of Makeup Show Live” that will be held on 11th June at 1PM to 3PM, which is on the first day of Cosmobeauté Myanmar 2015. ? Myanmar Convention Center - Min Dhamma Rd (Close by Victoria Hospital) | P 9:00AM - 6:00 PM
HAM & WINE FRENZY | DINING Ham & Wine Frenzy every Thursday at the Lab. 10% Discount on the Wine by bottle and on the platter if ordered together. ? The Lab Bar - 70A Shwegondaing Rd, Bahan Tsp (Shwegondaing Junction) | P FROM 5:30 PM
BBQ NIGHT | DINING Home made sausages, Chicken, Pork, Imported beef, Pasta salad and Vegetables. With free flow of beer, wine and soft drinks! ? The Rendez-Vous - Institut Français de Birmanie, 340 Pyay Rd | P FROM 7:00 PM
DISCLAIMER Information as of 2nd June 2015. The events’ time and date may change without notice. For more updated information please check http://myanmore.com/yangon/calendar
Happy Hour TONY ROMA'S Daily: 2:30 pm to 6 pm : 9 pm until close 1 for 1 Free for Draught Beer, Romarita Rampage, Wine by the Glass, House Spirits, Magners ? No.42-A, Sayar San Road, Bahan Township t +951 860 3907
Review
FAHRENHEIT OF COOL BY MAX TOOMEY
WHAT IT IS
The latest hip offering in Yangon offers original drinks, Mexican-Myanmar fusion food and a welcoming, LGBT friendly, vibe.
ATMOSPHERE
Low lights, clean lines and distressed walls give the place a very trendy European feeling whilst staying on the right side of edgy. The soundtrack brings you back into the mid-late noughties and is at about the right level that you can talk without straining your ears. The outdoor space out the front – once it stops raining again – is going to be great for long evenings al fresco.
RECOMMENDATION
The menu is very much intended as a fusion of east meets west – the most obvious of these being the pad tai chimichanga from which – once cut open – noodles spill. All the meats are prepared and cooked in Myanmar traditional styles, except with all the fat cut off. Of the three taco options of garlic ginger curry chicken, spicy beef and steamed sweet pork, the pork comes out the best. The tomato salad that comes with many of the mains follows the family recipe of one of the chefs (who’s Shan) and is fresh and crisp. Nothing was particularly spicy – I think they’re aiming at people like me who suck with spice – but ask for spicy and you shall receive. While the food is good – Mexican purists might cavil but I’m squarely a fan – Farenheit is shooting towards being a bar first where you happen to be able to get tasty and interesting fare. The cocktail menu lists classics such as old fashioneds, mojitos and martinis alongside more curious inventions. The Ginger Fahrenheit, if you like your drinks strong in flavour, is meant for you. A mixture of Campari and beer, the Campari Shady comes out tasting not quite like either but makes for a perfect after-work drink with bite. On the beer side, Farenheit have done something a little special by importing Hoegaarden, corona and an 8.6% strength blonde beer. At between $3.50 and $4.50 they’re perhaps a little expensive but if you’re missing proper beer you’re in for a treat.
FINAL THOUGHTS
At the time of writing there’s a bit of a curfew on. Farenheit is an excellent place to spend the last few hours of your night before everything shuts. All in all I think this might be my favourite bar in Yangon. Bo Gyoke Road, Corner of Botahtaung Pagoda Road, Daily 5pm onwards
Bakeries Guide
Credit to La Tartine
BAKERIES Although the bakeries in Yangon had not grown as strong as that of the cafe scene, we have high hopes that in the near future we will soon be able to smell the delish aroma of freshly baked croissants greeting us every morning.
ACACIA TEA SALON
Acacia Tea Salon offers one of the most unique bakeries in Myanmar, offering delicious snacks such as pastries, puffs, pains and breads and sweets, such as cakes, crème pies and cream-based desserts. ? 52 Saya San Road, Bahan Township t 01 554739 P 10am to 10 pm
DAREN BREAD
Authentic Taiwanese and a unique-to-Yangon-style of bread that includes a range of flavoured buns such as ‘rose yogurt’ and ‘green-tea’ as well as the more standard and traditional loaves that include chocolate and the more healthy whole grain and raisin. The ovens and kitchen are located behind glass, giving customers the opportunity to watch and observe the busy but brilliant bakers at work. The staff are friendly and attentive; and the breads affordable. ? No.57,Yaw Min Gyi Street, Dagon Township t 09 253522048 P 9am to 10pm
II FORNAIO BAKERY @ L ’OPERA
Il Fornaio, located at the entrance of L ’Opera Italian Restaurant, is an old timer and one of the bakery shops that first started providing quality baked goods and sandwiches. Enjoy their array of freshly-baked bread, pastries and cakes, either at the bakery itself or as a take away. ? 62D Kan Yeik Thar, U Htun Nyein Street (next to Inya Lake Hotel), Mayangone Township t 01 665516, 01 660976, 09 73030755 P 9am to 5:30pm
LA TARTINE FRENCH BAKERY
La Tartine serves good quality croissants, pastries, macaroons and have recently added sandwiches to their menu. Our hot tip is their 'almost croissant' and the Three-chocolate crisp tart. Oo la la! ? Pearl condominium, Block A, Ground Floor, Bahan Township t 01 557 448 Ext; 858 P 7am to 8pm
PARISIAN CAKE & COFFEE
P 7am to 10pm
Parisian provides the community with nicely-presented and packaged pastries, sweet treats and have made their bakery a pleasant pit stop for a quick fix for cake and coffee. It is not hard to spot one of their branches across Yangon. Main branch ? No.446-466, Lower Kyeemyin Daing Road, Kyeemyin Daing Township, (Opposite West Yangon Hospital) t 01 223361, 01 214568, 01 2301512, 01 211451
Kyauktada branch ? No.(132), Sule Pagoda Road, Kyauktada Township
Hledan branch ? Near Hledan centre, Hledan Road, Kamaryut Township
SHARKY’S
Sharky’s is not only known for their ice-cream, it’s also known for their bakery section. Their multi-grain bread is very popular. ? 117 Dhamazedi Road, Kamaryut Township t 01 524 677 P 9am -10pm
YANGON BAKEHOUSE
There are three wonderful things about the Yangon Bakehouse. The first is that they are a social enterprise that train and educate disadvantaged women. The second is their food, with a terrific variety of baked goods, all made to quite wonderful standards. The third is now, they have a second branch! Pearl Condo Branch ? Pearl condominium, Block C, Ground Floor, Bahan Township t 01 557 448 Ext;818, 09 2501 78879 P (Monday to Saturday) 7am to 7pm, Sunday closed
Inya Road Branch ? Inya Training Café, 30 Inya Road, Kamaryut Township t 09 977117947 P 7am to 5pm
YANGON PARIS BAKERY
9 am to 9 pm
Main branch ? G12, Marketplace by city Mart, Dhamazeddi Road, Bahan Township t 01 655861
Lanmadaw Branch ? Cnr Anawratha St and Lan Thit St, Junction Mawtin, Lanmadaw Township t 01 523840, 01 655861
Come here for a delicious selection of snacks, bread, cakes, pastries, puffs and sandwiches. The local staff make quality products. They can also organise special parties, meetings and catering services.
For a complete guide, please visit http://myanmore.com/yangon/2015/05/bakeries/
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Article
U Khin Sein in his second floor lounge with his protege, Aung San. The former tailor has lived here six decades
LISTENING FOR ECHOES Virginia Henderson & Tim Webster capture the wonderful stories and images belonging to heritage homes of Yangon. Sixty-five years ago, when I first arrived in Yangon as a student, all along this road were wooden houses with compounds and gardens, just like this. Then people started to do it up, meaning they’d build a new brick house. That spread over the next forty or fifty years. Slowly the properties would change hands, and then these high rises came within the last twenty years. The first ones were three or four stories high and that was considered high during those times.” Eighty-one year old Peggy, one of more than fifty storytellers in Yangon Echoes, reflects on the changes to her neighbourhood during her lifetime. “This is now the only old wooden house left on this road. These days, developers often come to ask about this property, as it is a prime location. We are offered a lot of money but refuse it. We don’t want or need that. These old buildings are important. It’s heritage. I don’t know much about history and I’m not a politician, but this is what I feel.” In her foreword to Yangon Echoes, Ma Thida (Sanchaung) shares how the book amplifies previously unheard voices, inviting readers on an adventure beyond the mute facades of antique buildings into the intimacy of homes. “Here we can begin to understand the lives and nature of this city, truly and deeply,” she urges. An anthology of oral histories, Yangon Echoes – Inside heritage homes records everyday life through domestic connections to old places. As a popular history of buildings, the book charts social space and urban folklore, linking past to present via living memories. Storytellers speak of joy and tragedy, simple pleasures and aching issues. They share thoughts and feelings of living through Yangon’s emergence from decades of isolation to engagement with a rapidly spinning world. Told with courage and charm, these informal stories of home offer insight into
what has happened and is now happening to the city. While growing international attention focuses on Yangon’s legacy of built form and its famous colonial-era structures, the city’s wealth of personal memories has been largely overlooked. What meanings do heritage places retain for the people residing inside? Oral history values personal interpretation, the subjective over the objective. Folkloric, it speaks of events as remembered and told to us by our elders. Often couched in the intangible, it is difficult to grasp and quantify, yet full of meaning. From scattered archives, sage advice pointed us toward the wisdom of Yangon’s older hearts and minds. Aware of an uncertain window of opportunity, we commenced this listening and documentation project two years ago, seeking to understand how Yangon Daw Tin Tin Nwe and U Aung Htoo have is experienced by residents. lived in Lower Pazundaung Road for more Success of the work de- than thirty years. Their three room shack pended on people feeling accommodates six. confident that sharing their often deeply personal stories would serve a common good. The gathering of these histories began through the age-old process of knocking on doors and having a chat over a cup of tea. Sites more hidden away were suggested by word of mouth. Growing in breadth, the book embarked on plumbing the depth of Yangon’s character. Conversations were recorded over eighteen months, yielding more than a hundred and forty interviews. Over repeated visits, familiarity was built and friendships have been forged. While many older folk were keen to have their histories heard and retained for posterity, some remained reticent, conscious of disturbing authorities or even fearful that exposure might lose them their homes. Occasionally, the camera tripod was mistaken for a developer’s surveying tool, something that caused only slightly less anxiety than when it was confused with a weapon. Yet for every wary occupant, still others relaxed their guard to share often surprisingly intimate details. In conversations, senses of place and notions of identity resonated. Some stories link strongly to particular eras in Yangon’s contemporary history. Invitations to abodes in repurposed spaces disputed conventional notions of home. Understanding the complexities of ‘Dangerous Buildings’ was meanwhile stretched by insight into the mechanics of local governance and property development. We also became privy to the challenges borne by those whose antique homes persist. What choices do owners of heritage homes have at this time of unprecedented urban change? What drives their decision-making? Several homes have disappeared since our first visits to them. It’s sobering to stand in front of a vacant block and struggle to recreate an image of what recently seemed familiar. People who told us that they had nowhere else to go have now gone. Along with the construction boom and advent of traffic gridlock, Yangon is undergoing profound sociological change. For more information, visit: www.timwebster.com.au FB: Yangon-Echoes-Inside-Heritage-Homes Tel: 09-250 156 750
Gallery
Memory Film Festival- Michelle Yeoh in Yangon!, 31st May 2015 Photos by pt@images
Fahrenheit Launch Party 30th May 2015 Photos by pt@images
New Openings SHABU BOY MYANMAR Shabu Boy Myanmar is located on the 2nd floor of Adamas Restaurant. They mainly serve shabu and grill buffet with a Thai style sauce and seafood sauce. ? No.154, Kanbawza Road, Mayangone Township, Yangon. 01 541064, 09 25400663 P 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
ROYAL PAVILION CHINESE RESTAURANT, NOVOTEL YANGON MAX HOTEL The Royal Pavilion Chinese Restaurant offers traditional Chinese cuisine inspired by Cantonese influences with other local delicacies also available. It has a dining room and 4 private rooms. ? 459 Pyay Road, Kamayut Tsp, Yangon (+95)1 2305858, (+95)1 2305868 P 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM / 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
GOLDEN PHO VIETNAMESE CUISINE Golden Pho is a recently opened Vietnamese restaurant in Yaw Min Gyi Area. Golden Pho means golden noodle. ? No.62 (A-4), Yaw Min Gyi Street, Dagon Township., Yangon. 01 254957 P 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Card Deals NERVIN CAFE AND BISTRO 15% off total bill! Cannot be combined with other discounts or promos. Valid Monday to Friday.Up to four people on each card. ? Karaweik Oo-Yin Kabar, Kandawgyi Nature Park, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township, Yangon. t 01-541 188 / 09-43132636 (Mobile)
FROZEE Buy 1 Get 1 Free (80g gelato cup/160g gelato cup) Valid Monday to Friday, 1 person per card ? 23 Nawaday Street, Dagon Township, Yangon. t 01-233 874
See www.myanmore.com/yangon/card/ for more card deals
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This WEEK’S photo Artist: Sue Htat Aung. Image courtesy of Pansodan Gallery. | ) www.pansodan.com