Myanmore Magazine - No.26/ December 2018

No. 26 /December 2018 It’s free!

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SHARTRA

THE NATURE OF FASHION

EXPLORE OVER 2000+ RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND BARS

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I N M FOOD YA N A M A PP R

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No.26 / December 2018

magazine Managing Director Andreas Sigurdsson Managing Editor Issy D’Arcy Clark Junior Editor Min Ye Kyaw Cover Photo Kan Su Ho Photography Angel Ko Ko Thet Oo Maung Intern Jessica Liang Contributors Edwin Briels Illustration Ben Hopkins

20 What’s On 6 Cinema 8 The Tea Shop 10

Art & Production Kyaw Kyaw Tun War War Lwin

Eat & Drink Wine Link 32 Yankin Heights 33 New openings 34

My Inle Lake / Ethnic Recipe 31 Rangoon Rhythm 38 Tech Talk 40

Printer For All Printing House

Cover Story Shartra: The Nature of Fashion 12

Sales & Advertising sales@myanmore.com 0977 900 3701 / 3702

Features Meet the Designers 16 The Yangon Christmas Shopping Guide 20 The 3 Ambiances of Le Planteur 28 Who Runs the World: Sarah Easton 30 Q&A John Lwin 18 Travel The Road Less Travelled 24 Selamat Datang - Welcome to Malaysia 26

Publisher MYANMORE Magazine Pyit Thiri Thaw Lychee Ventures (Myanmar) Limited Permit No. 01588

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About Myanmore Myanmore is a registered brand under Lychee Ventures (Myanmar) Limited providing digital and print publishing as well as creative services. Myanmore is managing the leading online city guide www.myanmore.com and printed publications Weekly Guide, EnjoyIt, KnowIt. We also work closely with the team of DRIVE, the first and only premium car magazine in Myanmar.

Recently, we have launched application Sarmal (for finding restaurant & bars in Myanmar). The mission is to provide great content and experiences for residents in Myanmar.

Disclaimer No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from Myanmore. All details are deemed correct at the time of print. The editor, employees and contributors cannot be held responsible for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may occur. www.myanmore.com www.facebook.com/myanmore www.issuu.com/myanmore Follow us on Instagram and Viber.

What's on

Promotion

Christmas Market 1st to 15th December Marketplace by City Mart has brought the Christmas Market to you for the upcoming festive season.

Discover premium chocolates and wines gathered together and ready to serve you and your friends at parties. Christmas trees and festive decorations for your party will be waiting. Do not miss out the exciting activities on weekends.

Thuwunnabhumi Event Park - Upper Pazudaung Road, ThinganGyun Township, Yangon | 4:00 pm - 11:45 pm

Business

CitySpeak - Yangon City Development Energies & Utilities 6th December

of all skill levels. For reservation please contact 09257 999 601.

Dining

Wyndham Grand Yangon Hotel - No.11, Corner of Kan Yeik Thar Road & U Aung Myat Road, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township, Yangon | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Christmas Eve Tasting Menu at the Strand Restaurant

Nightlife

Deewali Mela 2018

24th December

6th December

Celebrate the evening before Christmas by enjoying a 6-course fine dining tasting menu, offering Christmas fare with a modern twist, created by Executive Chef Patrick Périé. Priced at $99 per person the evening also includes a glass of Champagne. For further enquiries or reservations, please call 01 243 377 or email fbd2@hotelthestrand.com

Marketplace by City Mart Golden Valley and 6.5 Mile - Yangon | All Day

Sports

Kalaw Trail Run 2018 9th December 2018

Join for a beautiful run through the picturesque hills of Kalaw in Shan State, Myanmar. Participants can choose between two distances, the Kalaw Half Marathon which is 21.1km and Kalaw Trail Run which is 12km.

The Half Marathon course will start in town, with a climb out of the valley and into the hills before returning through the pine forests and back to the starting point to finish. The Kalaw Trail Run is the perfect option for those wanting to experience the trails. Walkers are welcome and highly encouraged to join.

The British Chamber Myanmar, in partnership with Surbana Jurong, supported by PwC, will hold the second event in a series of four on Yangon City Development. The event will focus specifically on Energies and Utilities.

The breakfast briefing will be held at the Baker McKenzie Office, Level 18, Sule Square Office, and will include presentations from Surbana Jurong and PwC, followed by a panel session with additional representatives from Baker McKenzie and Frontier Myanmar Research Ltd. Entry Fee is free for members and $10 for non-members.

Sule Square Mall & Office - No.221, Sule Pagoda Road, Kyauktada Township, Yangon | 8:30 am - 10:30 am

Myanmar Project Management Symposium 2018 11th December

Deewali is The Festival of Lights and is being celebrated by the Indian Association of Myanmar (IAM) at Novotel Yangon Max on 6th December 2018. Bollywood singers Aditya Narayan and Rupali Jagga will be entertaining the crowd along with a dance troupe and delicious Indian food. Guests can also participate in lucky draw. Tickets are available at Corriander Leaf Ahlone, Corriander Restropub, Corriander Leaf Star City, Fire & Ice or contact Ravindra Jain on 09977117140.

Strand Hotel - No.90, Strand Road, Kyauktada Township, Yangon | 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Christmas Eve Dinner By Rose Garden Hotel 24th December

Novotel Yangon Max - No.459 Pyay Road, Kamayut Township, Yangon | 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Activities It was the night before Christmas and all was quiet except for the tempting, delicious smells from the kitchens of Rose Garden Hotel. Enjoy their specially prepared 5-course menu on this special day, which includes a welcome cocktail, free flow draft beer, house wine, soft drinks and Christmas carols for only $90 per person.

Advance reservations required.

Contact at 01 371 992.

13th Annual Flower Festival 15th December to 15th January

Kalaw - Shan State | 7:00 am - 10:00 am

Art & Stage

808 Festival Yangon 15th December 808 Festival’s 3rd Episode is set to rock Yangon on Saturday December 15th at Thuwunnabhumi Event Park. Headliners are Andrew Rayel and W&W with local support from FRED and MR.Y. Get ready for more announcements from some of the biggest artists soon.

Ticket prices are 30,000Ks (General Admission) and 70,000Ks (VIP).

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The Myanmar Project Management Symposium 2018 is Myanmar’s first conference for project managers, executives and project team members from various industries. Why should you attend? Exchange knowledge, make useful contacts and receive valuable insight in the practice of making projects successful. The Project Management Symposium will provide professional development opportunities for project managers

Road, Pyin Oo Lwin, Maymyo, Mandalay | All Day

The Flower Festival is held annually at National Kandawgyi Garden, Pyin Oo Lwin and this year marks the 13th festival. The event will be showcasing more than 200,000 foreign and local flower species. The opening ceremony of the festival will include a music concert, flowery fashion show and many more exciting activities. Stay tuned for updates.

National Kandawgyi Gardens - Nandar

Rose Garden Hotel - No.171, Upper Pansodan Street, Near Kandawgyi Lake, Yangon | 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

New Year’s Eve Set Dinner at The Strand Café 31st December Join the Strand Hotel as they herald the arrival of the New Year with their 4-course menu at The Strand Café,

MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

priced at $60 per person. For those wishing to continue the celebrations, an additional New Year’s Eve Countdown is available. Located by the outdoor swimming pool and garden guests can enjoy a selection of canapés, free-flow cocktails, local beers, selected wines and soft drinks, and a glass of Champagne as they welcome the start of 2019. Tickets are priced at $89 per person. For tickets please call 01 243 377 or email fbd2@hotelthestrand.com Strand Hotel - No.90, Strand Road, Kyauktada Township, Yangon | 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Chatrium New Year’s Eve Mamma Mia Story

Celebrate a Magic New Year’s Eve at Seeds Restaurant & Lounge 31st December Welcome in the New Year on the scenic deck of Seeds Restaurant & Lounge. Enjoy a welcome cocktail, a 7-courses tasting menu and a live band before enjoying a spectacular fireworks display.

Tickets for this exclusive event cost $115, to make a reservation please contact 09 253 999 847.

Seeds Restaurant & Lounge No.63(A), U Tun Nyein Street, Mayangon Township, Yangon | 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

31st December

The Chatrium are delighted to create a New Year’s Dinner with a special Mamma Mia story. Chit Kaung, Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein, Phyo Pyae Sone, Jewel, DJ Hein Min Latt, Here & Now Dance Group will do a special performance. The event will also include an international buffet dinner with free-flow wine, beer and soft drinks. For reservation please contact 01 544500.

Chatrium Royal Lake Hotel - No.40, Natmauk Road, Tamwe Township, Yangon | 7:00 pm - 11:30 pm

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Sky Bistro 31st December Sky Bistro will be holding a New Year’s Eve Dinner on 31st of December. An Asian, Myanmar and Indian buffet will be served before the countdown party kicks off the real fun. For reservation please contact 01 255 277.

Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro - Hitachi Tower(Sakura Tower), 21st floor, Corner of Bo Gyoke Road and Sule Pagoda Road, Kyauktada Township, Yangon | 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

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Cinema Cinemas

Now Showing The Grinch Fantasy, Musical, Animation The Grinch and his loyal dog, Max, live a solitary existence inside a cave on Mount Crumpet. His main source of aggravation comes during Christmastime when his neighbors in Whoville celebrate the holidays with a bang.

When the Whos decide to make Christmas bigger and brighter, the disgruntled Grinch realizes there is one way to gain peace and quiet. With help from Max, the green grump hatches a scheme to pose as Santa Claus, steal Christmas and silence the Whos’ holiday cheer once and for all.

Coming Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Animation, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi In this animated tale, parallel dimensions collide to bring a network of web-slinging superheroes together for the first time. One teenage boy

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from Brooklyn must unite them to stop a threat to all reality.

Cast: Shamiek Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Liev Schreiber, Jake Johnson, Nicolas Cage and more.

Mortal Engines Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thriller After civilization was destroyed by a cataclysmic event, a mysterious young woman, Hester Shaw, emerges as the only one who can stop London — now a giant, predator city on wheels — from devouring everything in its path.

Feral and fierce, Hester joins forces with Tom Natsworthy, an outcast, and Anna Fang, a dangerous outlaw with a bounty on her head.

Cast: Hera Hilmar, Hugo Weaving, Jihae, Robert Sheehan, Stephen Lang and more.

Aquaman Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi After discovering his true identity as the heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, Aquaman finds MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

himself caught between a surface world that ravages the sea and the underwater Atlanteans who are ready to revolt.

Cast: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Dolph Lundgren Bumblebee Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee the Autobot seeks refuge in a junkyard in a small California beach town. A teenage girl, Charlie, soon discovers the battle-scarred and broken Bumblebee. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns that this is no ordinary yellow Volkswagen.

MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Justin Theroux, Angela Bassett, Pamela Adlon Mary Poppins Returns Family, Fantasy, Musical The mysterious Mary Poppins returns to Depression-era London to visit Jane and her brother Michael, now a father of three, to help them rediscover the joy they knew as children.

Cast: Emily Blunt, Ben Whishaw, Meryl Streep, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Angela Lansbury, Emily Mortimer and more.

Cinemas in Yangon 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

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Tea Shop

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THE TEA SHOP Illustration by Ben Hopkins The Yangon Liquor Desert Yangonites who suffered during Great Tonic Water Drought of November 2017 are now truly reeling from the ban on selling imported liquor that came into effect at the start of October. The Yangon Region Department of Consumer Affairs announced to licensed liquor retailers that they would be unable to sell imported liquor unless they could prove it was imported legally – an impossible feat since importing liquor has been banned for decades. Tips on how to improve the flavour of locally brewed hooch include adding coffee beans to gin, red chillies to vodka and orange rind to whiskey.

By-Election Blues The by-elections of November 3rd proved to be a very telling moment for Myanmar’s ruling party, the National League for Democracy. Out of the 13 seats contested, 11 had previously been held by the NLD but after Saturday’s result they now hold seven. The Union Solidarity and Development Party won three of the seats, while the remaining three were won by the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, the Chin League for Democracy and one independent candidate. The next general election is due to be held in 2020.

Good News Day In an unexpected twist, the case against three journalists from Eleven Media who were facing an incitement charge was dropped on November 12th. Ko Kyaw Zaw Linn, Ko Nayi Min and Ko Phyo Wai Win were arrested in October for reporting negatively on the financial management of Yangon’s government. But though they may have won the battle, the war for Myanmar’s press freedom rages on.

Getting Rid of Rabies The cats and dogs of Myanmar are scheduled for a nationwide health-kick thanks to international animal welfare organisation Four Paws who have announced plans to give out one million anti-rabies vaccinations. The project, which will being next year and will continue until 2021, will focus on the strays in Yangon, Naypyidaw, Mandalay and other selected regions.

The New Laos Link The Wan Pong checkpoint in Tachilek, Shan State that marks the boarder between Myanmar and Laos has recently been given international status.

This follows the opening of the Myanmar-Laos Friendship Bridge in September, linking Tachilek with Luang Namtha, Laos. As there are no direct flights between Myanmar and Laos, the boarder agreement will now allow travellers with the necessary paperwork to pass between the two countries with ease.

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Cover Story

SHARTRA: THE NATURE OF FASHION From winning two TV talent shows to being inspired by the lotus weavers of Inle Lake, Shartra’s rise from unknown dreamer to innovative fashion icon has been anything but conventional. As he prepares to open the Saturday night show for Myanmar’s 7th International Fashion Week, Shartra shares his experiences on the nature of fashion. Interview and translation by Min Ye Kyaw. Words by Issy D’Arcy Clark. Photography by Kan Su Ho.

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linting golden angel wings stretching six-feet into the sky, a pair of panther-sleek grey velvet trousers, a sculptural and pearlescent wedding dress – anyone who has seen the clothes that come from the studio of Myanmar designer Shartra could be forgiven for thinking that the man behind them is every bit as dramatic and grandiose as his creations. But, though he is flamboyantly dressed in a black dinner jacket, festooned with emerald green sequins, in person Shartra is somewhat shy. When we meet on the banks of Inya Lake at the stunningly beautiful Seeds Restaurant & Lounge, he is gentle, softly spoken and eager to impress.

The setting for our meeting was a deliberate choice; Seeds is well known for having one of the best views in the city of the lotus flowers that cover the Inya Lake and these flowers have a particular significance for Shartra.

Back in 2015 Shartra was proclaimed the winner of the popular Myanmar TV show Style Secret, a fashion design

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competition show. While filming he had the chance to visit Inle Lake in Shan State and was amazed by the lotus weaving he saw there.

“I found out how they worked the lotus fabric with weaving tools and later I went back there to see more and speak with the weavers,” he explains.

“Now they all know me.”

This interest in lotus weaving later grew into a passion for Shartra and he began thinking of ways he could bring the material into his modern designs.

“I started using lotus fabrics in my wedding dresses. I saw how even when the lotus stems were snapped, the fibres remained attached to each other,” he says. “This seemed like a good sign for a marriage and I wish for my customers to carry this good luck symbol on their wedding days.”

With the increase in synthetic and mass-produced fabrics flooding the Myanmar market, it’s an interesting juxtaposition to see such an avantMYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

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Cover Story

garde designer cherishing such a traditional craft. But Shartra is serious in his commitment to preserving lotus weaving in Myanmar.

“It is important to keep that tradition alive since it is what the people of Inle Lake do for a living. We need to help them keep weaving by using local crafts and products in our daily style. I think they could improve if they keep going and creating new ideas.

Also, it boosts the tourism of our country.”

The 7th Myanmar International Fashion Week will be taking place in Yangon from December 7th–9th and opening the Saturday show will be Shartra himself. To mark this special event, Shartra revealed that he will be adding a unique element to his designs: lotus fabric.

But this world of glamour, fame and fashion shows was not always in the cards for Shartra, who grew up in Kyauk Phyu, Rakhine State. After becoming interested in fashion through watching Korean TV shows, Shartra began experimenting with his own clothes and style but didn’t realise that fashion was a career he could pursue as a man. After leaving his hometown for Yangon and finding employment in other fields – which “didn’t go well!” – in 2011 Shartra began to notice that both abroad and in Myanmar male fashion designers were making waves, leading him to learn how to create dresses himself.

Only three months into his new career, Shartra’s big break came when was offered the chance to appear on the TV program Designer’s Design on Myawaddy TV channel, which was aired across the whole country. True to the form he would later exhibit in 2015 with Style Secret, he won the show. Shatra became a household name, and he has never looked back.

From fashion shows to photo shoots, beauty pageants to talent contests; the list of places where Shartra’s dazzling designs have appeared is

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endless. His victory in Style Secret helped to open more doors in the fashion industry and he began to make a name for himself as a coveted wedding dress designer too.

“I want my dresses to be gorgeous, elegant and precious so the person who wears them will, of course, feel special, making her more confident in herself.”

For the 2017 International Fashion Week, Shartra was recognised as one of the up-and-coming stars tipped for success. He chose to promote female empowerment in his show, and the crowning glory was the moment a model stepped down the runway wearing a golden dress, adorned with huge gold wings.

“I wanted to create an inspirational dress for my model,” he explains.

“I made an ideal dress for a woman to encourage her to think of herself as a superhero with wings and to be proud of her beauty.”

In the year since, Shartra’s fame has grown and a cult following for his wild creations has developed. For this year’s International Fashion Week, Shartra reveals that he will be

continuing his mission to empower women but will be focussing his designs on a wedding dress collection.

“I want my dresses to be gorgeous, elegant and precious so the person who wears them will, of course, feel special, making her more confident in herself.”

Creating such dresses, often on a tight time scale, can be a daunting task for even the most practiced and equipped designer and Shartra admits that the workload can take its toll.

“To make a perfect dress, it takes days and nights for us to draw the patterns and designs,” he explains. “Sometimes, we have to rush it due to the deadline of the event or show. But when people say they like my dresses and my creations, it gives me the strength and motivation to work.”

Despite the pressures of his job, Shartra is able to cope because he learnt from the best. Myanmar

designer Mogok Pauk Pauk is widely revered as one of the greatest fashion designers in the country and her special relationship with Shartra has given the young designer a bedrock of knowledge and inspiration on which he has built his brand.

“Mogok Puak Pauk is my icon, we have a very good friendship. We hang out a lot and she taught me everything about being a designer. She’s like a mother to me, she is my guiding star, a friend and also a family.”

Being such a fabulous dresser himself it’s clear that Shartra has an interest in men’s fashion and he admits that he has plans to launch a ready-to-wear clothing line for men, amongst other ideas.

“I am still learning a lot of new things and I want to put more effort into fashion,” he explains.

“I’m even considering making shoes and bags. As a fashion designer, we are meant to make people happy and proud on their special day. I like that, so I will keep trying to do more, going as far as I can go.”

At 6pm on December 8th Shartra’s first model will step out onto the brightly lit stage of the Myanmar International Fashion Week. Only one man knows for certain what she will be wearing, but hidden in the folds of the spectacular creation will be the threads of a lotus flower. Like Shartra himself, it has traveled a long way to be there.

The Myanmar International Fashion Week 2018, managed by John Lwin, runs from 7th-9th December at Hexagon Complex.

With thanks to Seeds Restaurant & Lounge, No 63A, U Tun Nyein Street, Ward 10, Mayangone Township, Yangon 01 655 900

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Feature

MEET THE DESIGNERS As the curtain rises on the 7th International Fashion Week in Myanmar, meet four of the designers who will be showcasing their designs.

May Myat Waso Founder of Happy Heart The reason I wished to participate in the Myanmar International Fashion Week was because I wanted to promote our Myanmar dresses in a modern style. Most of my designs are modernized versions of tradition Myanmar designs but I also include tapestries and painting which are my own special creations. I grew up in Yangon and I have been working in the fashion field for more than 10 years. I have been interested in fashion since I was young.

My greatest ambition as a fashion designer is to promote my elegant Myanmar designs and to share my knowledge to my trainees who study fashion design at my Happy Heart Fashion Design Training Centre.

I like to use fabrics from Alvaasce Fabric Shop. They are sponsoring the International Fashion Week this year. Their fabrics are soft, fine and have beautiful colour, which is why I prefer to use them.

The Alvaasce by Happy Heart collection by May Myat Waso starts at 6pm on 7th December at the Myanmar International Fashion Week at Hexagon Complex.

Phwe & Thet Founders of Burmese Mahaythi Design Avenue We are sisters and the founders of Burmese Mahaythi Design Avenue.

Becoming fashion designers has been our dream since we understood that creating fashion helps others feel magnificent. We were determined to step into this field once after we both graduated from our MBA degrees. Our Burmese Mahaythi Design Avenue was officially introduced in October 2017 with the celebration of our very first solo fashion show.

In terms of our collection for the International Fashion Week, we had an idea to step out of the routine and create something that should be unique and different. So we brainstormed how to surprise the audience with our best efforts. Our collection is inspired from the things that we experience daily but our colour theme will be totally new and hasn’t been done by anyone else yet.

Our colour theme is the major focus of our show.

We believe that our collection will give something to the audience. As it is new for us, we encountered so many challenges and try-outs in the process of creating new colour theme and we are excited to wow the audience.

We love to wear free, comfort and fashionable dresses. But it also depends on the occasions and places we have to go. Our motto is “style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” In our opinion fashion gives you confidence in yourself.

The Burmese Mahaythi Design Avenue collection by Phwe & Thet starts at 8pm on 7th December at the Myanmar International Fashion Week at Hexagon Complex.

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Sandylinn Naing Founder of Touched by Heart At this fashion week, my creations are mainly wedding gowns, based on flowers and lace, and made using Moe Hti Nann Daw’s great fabrics.

I don’t have any fabric preferences as it changes in accordance with what the customer wants as well as the weather and social trends. Basically I like to create fabulous designs with every kind of fabric!

My greatest ambition is to be a designer who doesn’t need an introduction, but people will recognise my creations as mine.

The Touched by Heart collection by Sandylinn Naing starts at 7pm on 8th December at the Myanmar International Fashion Week at Hexagon Complex.

Mya Pwint Phyu Founder of Ladies’ Heart Fashion I grew up in Yangon and the age of 16 I became interested in fashion. Even as a very young girl, I always loved playing with dolls and making clothes for them. When I grew older I loved looking at fashion magazines and designing clothes for myself. Then at 18 I competed and won in the Miss Konica Beauty contest held here by the Konica Company of Singapore. Part of my award was a trip to Singapore and Hong Kong where I learnt the basics of fashion.

For my first show I was inspired by the ancient Rakhine King’s traditional fashion and culture. For the second I got my inspiration from nature, like the rough pointed shapes of rocks found on sea beaches and volcanic explosions. The third round features ideas similar to the second round but they were more elegant and classic men’s wear.

The fabrics I use depend on the theme of my inspiration. For example, in this show liked working with Rakhine traditional hand-woven fabrics in the first round and with imported brocades in the second. I have chosen Rakhine fabrics in order to promote them. I would say that my style is contemporary fashion modified and created from traditional Rakhine fabrics.

My biggest ambition is to introduce my creations and Myanmar traditional fabric and culture to the international market. I want to make unique and traditional men’s and ladies wear, using hand-woven fabrics of cotton and silk. This will also help the disadvantaged, jobless young women presently being trained in tailoring and garment production in the remote border areas of Myanmar.

The Ladies’ Heart collection by Mya Pwint Phyu starts at 7.30pm on 9th December at the Myanmar International Fashion Week at Hexagon Complex.

MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

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Q&A

JOHN LWIN: FATHER OF FASHION After being model scouted at a young age while living in Singapore, John Lwin enjoyed a successful career, modelling all over Southeast Asia between 1989 to 1995, from Hong Kong to the Philippines. Later, he moved back to Myanmar to start Stars & Models International and Myanmar’s International Fashion Week. Here he discusses his experiences in the industry and becoming the “Father of Models” in Myanmar.

Q How did you become involved in the modeling industry?

When I was young I never thought that I’d become a model. I was in a bus stop in Singapore and someone approached me and asked if would be interested in being a model. At that time I worked in the factory where I earned 25 Singapore dollars per day, so I said why not!

Q What did your experiences as a model teach you about the industry?

In Singapore they taught me how to do the catwalk, how to present clothes and how to shoot photos campaigns.

In Myanmar only actresses did that kind of work. I wasn’t interested in modelling – I only wanted the money.

In one month I could make up to 25,000 Singapore dollars. But my heart wasn’t in it. The first show that I did was for underwear and there was a dresser checking all the people that went on stage. And she thought my private parts were not in the right position so she reached in to make an adjustment! I didn’t see anything for the whole show – I was so shocked!

After that I realised that they treated us like a mannequin, they didn’t care about who we are.

Q What made you return to Myanmar?

In 1995 one of my friends wanted to do a fashion show in Myanmar and so he approached me to ask if I would come back to help. Then I recruited a lot of models. We went to universities, we went to schools and Bogyoke Market to recruit models. Then I trained them

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for one month. I did this show and I became very popular. I’m the first person to set up a modelling business here; my government company registration is 0001. That’s why people call me “Father of Models” because they say that I am the one who gave them the opportunity to become a model.

Q You are the CEO and founder of Stars and Models International, what are you looking for when you select a model to be part of your agency?

I have to see something in them, something that tells me that this person can be famous. There has to be an X-factor. I can’t explain it to you.

Q How did you come to start the International Fashion Week in Myanmar?

When I moved back here, I saw that there was no Myanmar designers.

I decided that we had to promote designers to help grow the fashion industry. This is the 7th year of the International Fashion Week, it started in 2011. Now it is very different. The first time we did it, the designers did not understand how to show their work. But now they can see other designers from around the world on the Internet. They understand about colour coordination and what colours to use each season. It’s more professional now.

Q What is the process for choosing a designer to be featured in the show?

I don’t approach designers who are already famous. I want to promote new designers. But some designers in

the show are famous so we have a mixture.

Q What are your expectations for Shartra’s collection?

This year he will use lotus fabric in his show. A lot of young designers can’t afford to buy their fabrics, they need support. So I found a lotus fabric supplier to support the show so he came make his dresses.

Q Mogok Pauk Pauk is returning this year - how would you describe the impact that she has had on Myanmar fashion?

She is a very famous designer and I think her show will go very well. She learnt her skills in Europe and after she came back she talk to me and told me she was now a designer. I organised for her to design the dresses for a show in Yangon and she became very famous.

Q Why do you think it is important for Myanmar to have an International Fashion Week?

There’s a lot of young people and old people interested in fashion. I hope everyone that’s interested in fashion will come to our show, it’s free but they need tickets. They can come to my agency or approach a designer for tickets. But no ticket means no seat – so please get one!

“When I moved back here, I saw that there was no Myanmar designers. I decided that we had to promote designers to help grow the fashion industry.”

The Myanmar International Fashion Week by John Lwin runs from 7th to 9th December at Hexagon Complex, Yangon.

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MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

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Feature

THE YANGON CHRISTMAS SHOPPING GUIDE From scanning the stalls of Bogyoke Market for a teak shoehorn to popping into Pomelo for a papier-mâché giraffe, we’ve all been faced with a general lack of inspiration when it comes to buying gifts in Yangon. But in recent months a new wave of artisanal shops have opened up across the city, marking a new era of gift-giving.

Here to help you prepare for the Christmas countdown is our definitive list of the best places to go Christmas shopping in Yangon.

Yangon Zay If Christmas shopping isn’t really your thing, but good food and fresh drinks really are, head to Yangon Zay. In amongst the food and drinks stall are a whole range of vendors including clothing brand Lilla, jewellery stall Pretty Little Gems, or Wolf Kitchen who sell pots of Himalayan salt in range of flavours. With a fresh, chilled coconut in hand, you can peruse the stalls at Yangon Zay to the sound of house music from DJ Yu KT. Open most weekends at the Tea Factory on Kan Yeiktha Street, head to Yangon Zay for your most convenient and fuss-free Christmas shopping experience yet.

Address: 2 Kan Yeiktha Street, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Yangon Opens: 10am-8pm on selected weekends

Young-On

Bonjour Located on the ever-improving Bogalay Zay Street, Bonjour is a treasure trove of high quality knickknacks and keepsakes. From a bronze turtle paperweight to a plush rattan picnic hamper, Bonjour is home to a mix of traditional Myanmar items, created with a modern twist. Founded

by Patrick Robert, the French interior designer and architect who is responsible for the current design of the Governor’s Residence, his 25 years experience in Myanmar have culminated in this collection of locallymade delights. Though on the more

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expensive end of the scale, Bonjour is the place to go to find something truly special.

Address: 94 Bogalay Zay Street, Yangon Opens: 10am-7pm

Young-On Young-On is the place where the traditional meets the trendy. Full of gifts that will travel well when they’re taken abroad, you’ll find plenty for mothers, sisters and girlfriends. From lacquer lunch boxes in bright modern

colours, to handmade children’s dresses and eco-friendly soy candles in cut-glass pots, the products are fun and reminiscent of Myanmar, while still being modern. Plus, if you simply can’t choose what to buy, gift cards are available so your friend or family member can drop in at anytime and choose the item what they want in person.

Address: Inside Burma Bistro, Corner of Merchant Road & Shwe Bon Thar Road, Yangon Opens: 11am-5pm Bonjour

MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

dacco.

Located off Parami Road, dacco. Helps to keep centuries-old traditional Myanmar crafts and culture alive. A great place to go for presents for fathers, brothers and boyfriends they recently introduced neckties made from men’s longyi fabric which make an excellent gift. Other possibilities include rattan waste-paper baskets, handcrafted wooden bowls and lacquerware cups from Bagan. dacco. also has a team of local artists creating intricate textile weaves from Shan,

Chin, Naga, Karen, Kachin, Mon and Rakkhine.

Address: Room 5, 12 Parami Road, 10 Quarter, Mayangone, Yangon Opens: 10am-6:30pm

The Atelier – YGN Walls A recent addition to 41st Street, YGN Walls is best known for decorating the alleyways of Yangon with their vibrant artwork but they have now opened a small concept store where you can

buy their art to take home. Featuring the bold prints, photographs and paintings created by the collective, bring a little piece of Yangon into your home this Christmas. A percentage of their profits will also go back into the YGN Walls project, helping to spread art in the city.

Don’t Miss These Products...

Address: 124, 41st Street Upper Block, Yangon Opens: 10am-6pm

Yuwaddy Shoulder Bags

These gorgeous handmade Karen cotton bags come in a variety of designs and colours and make a great gift. They can be purchased at Yuwaddy Center on Bogalay Zay and they accept orders via Facebook page.

Ma-Ngum Coconut Bowls dacco.

Ma-Ngum (which means coconut in Mon ethnic language) are bowls are made from 100% recycled coconut shells. Coated in a foodsafe mixture of oil and beeswax, these bowls are eco-friendly, biodegradable and perfect for a morning smoothie mix.

Palu Bamboo Straws

If you’re planning a Christmas in Yangon, why not pick up a pack of these bamboo straws from Palu so you and your gests can sip your Christmas Eggnog in style.

YGN Walls MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

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Travel

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED Though Myanmar has a rich and varied landscape and history, it’s all too often that travellers find themselves treading the same old routes. Bagan, Inle Lake and Mandalay are indeed worth the visit, but nearby are some lesserknown travel treasure troves that are often over-looked, but are well worth discovering. Edwin Briels, MD of Khiri Travel Myanmar shares his 15 years of knowledge and experience to inspire you to take the road less travelled.

When in Mandalay…

Visit the Ayeyarwaddy River, Mingun, Sagaing and Inwa The check-list of what to see in Mandalay can be found in a quick Instagram search; a selfie amongst the chalky white pagodas, another one at the wooden monastery, a visit to the palace and a snap of U Bein Bridge. But to me, Mandalay is also worth visiting to learn more about the Ayeyarwaddy River and the places that lie on its banks.

If you’re interested in archeology and history take a boat and visit Mingun to see the incomplete stone stupa Mingun Pahtodawgyi, the white Hsinbyume Pagoda and the Mingun Bell. North of Mingun is where the more interesting part really starts.

From here go on an overnight boat and camp on the riverside to see the endangered Ayeyarwaddy dolphins.

To the south lies Sagaing, which is home to a hill speckled with golden pagodas, and the ancient city of Inwa which has the spectacular Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan Monastery which was built by the wife of King Bagyidaw of the Konbaung dynasty, Queen Me Nu, in 1818.

When in Bagan….

Visit Salay Extend your trip to the Mandalay Region while visiting the temples of Bagan to discover the secrets of Salay.

Just over an hour’s drive from Old Bagan, Salay is home to a stretch of temples that were built by the settlers of the area, who were expelled from

Bagan by the first king for refusing to convert to his style of Buddhism in the 12th and 13th centuries. With a charming small-town atmosphere, a carved wooden monastery and riverside café, the town has an excellent home stay community that will give you the opportunity to explore rural Myanmar and see how the vast majority of people live in the countryside. You can visit Salay by bike on a 2-day trip, by car, by boat or a combination of any of these.

Pa O villages or take a bike trip to go further away. South of Inle Lake is a small river that leads to the second and third lakes of the region: Samkar Lake and Pekon Lake, it’s best to travel there by boat and return by car. While here you can visit the ancient stupas of Hmawbi, Taung To and the sunken stupas of Samkar. On the shores of the lake you will find the amazing Phaya Taung Monastery, home to over 1,000 children, as described in Children of the Revolution by Feroze Dada.

When in Inle Lake…

Visit Samkar Lake, Pekon Lake and Pindaya

North of Inle Lake lies Pindaya, a small town wrapped around the banks of a lake. Home to the Pindaya Inle Inn, which has a good restaurant and an even better pool, you can take your time here. The main attraction of the area is the Pindaya Caves, a vast network of caverns that go deep into

What’s makes Inle Lake really interesting is the surrounding villages in the mountains with fantastic views of the lake. Go for a guided trek to the

An ox cart ride along the beach in Rakhine

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MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

Hsinbyume or Myatheindan Pagoda in Mingun, Myanmar

rock face above the town. Filled with thousands statues of Buddah, from the miniature to the enormous, you can wander through this mystical garden grotto. Legend has it that a giant spider once lived in the cave and captured a Princess, who was later rescued by a Prince who killed a spider. Keep an eye out for the spider sculpture at the mouth of caves.

Ngapali Beach...

Visit Andrew’s Bay, Maung Shwe Lay Beach and Kyaukkalat Beach The shores of Ngapali Beach may be picture-perfect, but while you’re there be sure to go on a boat trip to explore Andrew Bay to the south. Here you’ll find great snorkeling and fantastic remote beaches, like Maung Shwe Lay Beach and Kyaukkalat Beach. Have lunch with a local family and take a guided stroll through Maung Shwe Lay village and see what life is really like in southern Rakhine. During a daytrip you have time to chat with the local monk and visit the local library set-up with the support of travel agents. A short ox cart ride leads to a traditional Rakhine house where you’re greeted with home cooked food that includes of course a lot of seafood, fish and some Rakhine spices. If you think he journey to get there is part of the fun I definitely encourage you to do the scenic drive from Yangon to Ngapali and stop along the way to discover the turtles in Gwa, walk with some rangers

in the protected nature reserve and spend a night at Arakan Nature Lodge on a remote beach.

When in Yangon…

Visit the Old Dhammazadi Road and Bago While in Yangon, either as an expat or a traveller, make the time to explore the old Dhammazedi Road.

Allegedly used by King Dhammazedi to travel from his palace in Bago to the Shwedagon Pagoda, the road runs from Thanlyin to Thongwa, Khayan to Ohn Hne to finally Bago. The three-hour drive will give you a day in the countryside with possibilities for biking, a home cooked lunch and

Cracked pagoda from the river

some sightseeing. Visit the ruins of the old Portuguese church in Thanlyin and be amazed by the Nat dance performances in Bago. Cap your day off by booking into the charming Han Thar Gardens hotel where the curries are excellent. Take the slow but scenic train back to Yangon the following day to skip all traffic jams.

Starting from January, Edwin Briels, MD of Khiri Travel Myanmar will share his experiences travelling in Myanmar in a monthly column.

Maung Shwe Lay Beach

MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

Khiri Travel 01 375 577 edwin@khiri.com khiri.com

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Travel

SELAMAT DATANG WELCOME TO MALAYSIA Malaysia, a 2.5 hour flight from Yangon, is known for its beaches, rainforests, and its wealth of natural beauty.

Flights from Yangon arrive into the capital, Kuala Lumpur and MYANMORE visits three destinations easily accessible for Yangonites for weekend trips; Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Malacca.

Kuala Lumpur Best for business, food and shopping Known as “KL” to locals, Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city of diversity and contrast, mixing heritage with modern skyscrapers, creating a city with its own unique character. CNN named KL as the 4th best shopping city in the world a few years ago and regionally it is known as a haven for foodies. KL is also a great place for business. It has a thriving start-up scene thanks to both lower living costs and the success of Grab.

KL is divided into a number of different districts. Bangsar is unique among the districts as it contains two different worlds living peacefully

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side-by-side. On one side you find trendy youngsters coming in and out of shopping malls and nightclubs. On the other side is a rather conservative culture seen in the district’s mosques, churches, and temples. As Bangsar is home to many of Kuala Lumpur’s rich society and expatriates, there are many fine dining and international restaurants located around the shopping areas. Bangsar Shopping Centre and Bangsar Village are two prominent shopping malls but most will flock to Mid-Valley Mall on the Federal Highway. There’s plenty to see in KL and if you are not into its many culture and sightseeing spots, just head for KLCC to tick of the Petronas Twin Tower, enjoy a coffee at the park below it and then spend a few hours at

the Bangsar Village for some trendy shopping.

A hotel located in the middle with easy access to major attractions, is Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar. It is also conveniently located for people visiting companies in Bangsar South, one of the hottest districts to live and work. Pullman hotels are geared towards a business audience and offer all the facilities you would expect with large rooms, meeting rooms, business lounge and modern restaurants.

Upgrade to business lounge access and you can enjoy drinks as the sun set over KL.

Airlines to Kuala Lumpur - AirAsia - Malaysia Airlines - Malindo Air Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar 1 Jalan Pantai Baharu, Jaya Tower 3, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia +60 3-2298 1888

MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

British, Dutch and Portuguese forts, museums and churches across the city. The Famosa, a former Portuguese fortress built in 1511 is a reminder of the European architectural heritages.

Malacca is home to a unique mix of historic and youthful attractions from its pink-hued Stadhuys building, built in 1650 by the Dutch, to the Jonker Street market, where you can buy freshly made cookies, Durian popsicles, chocolates, souvenirs and Malaysian bites.

Penang A place to settle down and relax With a heritage architecture going back to the 18th century, Penang is an island that can easily be reached from KL. An hour away from the mainland, its landscape of colonial, oriental and local influences, together with a social fabric woven of Asia’s richest cultures has made it an extraordinary island.

Many foreigners have chosen this island for their retirement as they can find plenty of good food at reasonable price, beautiful beaches, hills for hiking and wonderfully hospitable people.

At the north end of the island you will find the secluded resort ShangriLa’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Malaysia’s first deluxe hotel and resort located along Batu Feringgi beach. Since it opened in 1973, the resort has reinvented itself and is spearheading the state’s efforts in luring more tourists to the island. Its name Rasa Sayang, means a “feeling of love” making it the perfect choice for a romantic mini-break. As well as a 30-acre landscaped garden with a spa, yoga pavilion, golf course the hotel is also known for its beach access in Penang.

The city of Georgetown is listed a protected city under Unesco’s World Heritage Sites in 2008. Many of the residential and commercial buildings that were built in the 18th century during the British era are still in existence today. Areas that have been given this status and are worth exploring include Fort Cornwallis, Weld Quay, Beach Street, the Esplanade and the harbour area.

Witness the diversity as you wander through streets like Bishop Street, Church Street, China Street, Chulia Street and Little India. Don’t miss the Chinese clans houses; Khoo Kongsi, Cheah Kongsi, Tan Kongsi, Lim Kongsi, Yap Kongsi and Yeoh Kongsi, which were built by their respective clans after they settled on the island.

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Malacca Perfect for a culture-packed daytrip A two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, UNESCO declared Malacca a World Heritage Site in 2008. Malacca, also known as Melaka, was one of the greatest trading ports in Southeast Asia before Kuala Lumpur developed into the super city it now is.

Rich with heritage buildings and landmarks, Malacca was the location where the colonial forces first made contact with Malaysia meaning that you can still see the traces of

Malacca’s cultural sites are unparalleled. Visit the astonishing St. Paul’s church, the very first church in Malaysia and even Southeast Asia. Built in 1521 by a Portuguese nobleman Duarte Coelho, you can see a panoramic view of the whole city from here as well as a statue of St. Francis Xavier. The pope of Goa came through Malacca and the chapel has now become a museum for visitors.

Take a walk around the famous Malacca River amid colonial buildings.

Find My Kiehl’s Heritage wall, covered with murals – but stay alert for the big komodo dragons by the river!

How to Get to Malacca Train: Around 2.5 hours Bus: 2 hours

How to Get to Panang Flights: Direct from KLIA2 Airport or Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport Train-Ferry: Around 4.5 hours Train: Around 5 hours Bus: 4-5 hours Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa Batu Feringgi Main Road, Jalan Batu Feringgi, 11100 Batu Feringgi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia +60 4-888 8888

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Feature

THE 3 AMBIANCES OF LE PLANTEUR A three-tiered fine dining experience like no other

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he luxurious lakeside establishment Le Planteur is a restaurant to rival any gastronomic experience in the world.

Hidden away from the hustle of the city and situated on the serene shores of Inya Lake inside a stunning colonial house, the restaurant is an icon of Yangon life and in the upper echelons of international-standard fine dining.

Since joining the creative kitchen of Le Planteur in 2017, Executive Chef Jean Marc Lemmery has worked hard to add his unique flair to the menu.

Having worked previously at the 3-star Michelin restaurant in Hotel Balzac in Paris and Sketch in London, Chef Jean Marc decided to open his own restaurant, l’Alycastre in 2004 and it was awarded a Michelin star the following year. Following on from this success Chef Jean Marc moved to Bali to open a hotel and restaurant, before finally finding himself in Myanmar and at the helm Le Planteur.

In the year since his arrival, Chef Jean Marc has helped develop the threetiered experiences that La Planteur, culminating in “The 3 Ambiences” that the restaurant offers: Gourmet by Le Planteur Years of fine-tuning the menu at Le Planteur have created the symphony of flavours and fusions that it holds today. Using the finest ingredients, both locally sourced or freshly imported, the modern European and Indochine fine dining experience has become the signature of Chef Jean Marc, perfected with his Michelin background. Speciality dishes include turbot with purple gnocci and the smoked scallops risotto. To complete the occasion, the spectacular setting of Le Planteur affords its guests the opportunity to dine in style, whether

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it is indoors, on the terrace or on the scenic shores of Inya Lake.

Wine Bar by Le Planteur Drawing from an extensive and impressive wine cellar that is unrivalled in Southeast Asia, the Wine Bar allows guests of Le Planteur to explore the world through a wine glass. To make their exceptional collection of Grand Cru wines more accessible, the Wine Bar uses enomatic technology to allow guests to sample wines-by-the-glass from 32 different international bottles, while

still guaranteeing the wine’s integrity.

Wine tastings will also be paired with a selection of Shan tapas for guests to enjoy.

High Tea by Le Planteur The iconic high teas at Le Planteur are best enjoyed out in the garden during late afternoon, when the air is fresh and the views are spectacular.

Be spoiled by the sets of sweet and savoury homemade pastries, accompanied by varied choice of tea and champagne.

Special Offers Today Lunch Changing every day, this includes a starter, a main course and café gourmand. $18, Monday to Friday.

Business Lunch Changing every week, this includes starter, main course, dessert, espresso or tea. $29, Monday to Friday.

Spring High Tea Including a selection of finger food, fine tea or coffee and fresh juices. $20, available from Monday to Friday from 2pm to 5.30pm and Saturday Sunday from 12pm to 6pm Champagne High Tea Including a selection of finger food, fine tea or coffee, fresh juices and a glass of Taittinger Champagne. $37, available from Monday to Friday from 2pm to 5.30pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 6pm.

Address: Le Planteur, 80 University Avenue, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar Opening Hours: Lunch from 11:30 am to 2pm Afternoon tea from 2pm to 6pm Dinner from 6pm to 11pm Phone: 01 514 230

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MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

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Feature

WHO RUNS THE WORLD: SARAH EASTON

solo journey involving 36 hours and 4 connecting flights. Then when I eventually arrived in Yangon there was a power cut in my flat. Also trying to find vegan options when carb-loading the day before the marathon can be tricky.

What are the challenges with training in Yangon?

2,340km, 12 countries, 3 pairs of ruined trainers and 1 very determined woman. From being chased by Yangon’s street dogs to running on the Great Wall of China, Sarah Easton shares her experiences of doing a marathon a month for the past year.

Running in Yangon is hard, there’s street dogs chasing me, potholes, aggressive traffic, pollution and wading through monsoon flooding.

I have to run around 5am everyday, which is when most Yangon runners train. Meeting fellow runners through Yangon Running Club and Sanchaung Striders has been a huge help.

Which countries have you run marathons in?

top of the wall. It was my first non-road marathon that I managed to win.

What made you want to take on this challenge?

Myanmar, India, Bhutan, China, France, Norway, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Malaysia. My final marathon is on December 9th in Singapore.

What was your hardest marathon?

Having witnessed the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State at the end of November 2017, I decided I wanted to raise some money for this cause.

There have been tough times but this pales into insignificance compared to the ordeal these people have faced and their struggle to find a place to call home. My life in Myanmar is so privileged, it’s heart breaking that these atrocities happen in the same state as the beautiful beach resorts for holidaymakers.

Which was your favourite marathon?

The Great Wall of China was the best run, even though it involved over 20,000 steps and took me almost 5 hours! The weather was so clear, and I will never forget the views from the

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Sapa, it was 44km and it took me 6 hours and 42 minutes. The 2,000m elevation gain in the Vietnamese mountains combined with the rugged and technical terrain meant I was completely spent at the finish.

What was your lowest point?

After I ran the Midnight Marathon in Norway I had an extremely long

What are the charities that you’re raising money for?

I am raising money for the Centre for Social Integrity and Community Partners International, two organisations working in both remote areas of Myanmar and the refugee camps in Bangladesh. Any money raised will go towards improving the health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations in conflict-affected and hard-to-reach communities.

Vist Sarah’s Marathon Challenge on GoFundMe to donate.

Sarah’s Year in Numbers Countries : 12 Hours Spent Traveling: 200 Km Run So Far: 2,136 Km To Go: 204 Steps: 3,417,613 Injuries: 5 Calories Burned: 160,000 Songs Listened To: 1,500 songs and 130 podcasts Ruined Trainers: 3 pairs of Altras Best Time: 3:22 Funds Raised: $22,790 Target: $26,000

MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

My Inle Lake | Ethnic recipe

MY INLE LAKE: AUNG KO KO Aung Ko Ko, the General Manager of Villa Inle Boutique Resort, gives his insight into the best things to see, eat and do around Inle Lake.

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he Villa Inle Boutique Resort opened in 2011 and now has 27 villas. It has an organic garden and a 20 acre wood, which includes old teak trees, and an outdoor swimming pool. Guests can enjoy Asian fusion, Western and local food at the hotel’s restaurant.

For breakfast and lunch, Kyaung Eain, Mr. Toe and Eyeful Lake are good for local Shan noodles and warm tofu — they’re delicious. For those who wants to try simple Myanmar food, there’s a few food stalls at Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda.

At Inle, most hotels have their own bars but most people goes to Nyaung Shwe, a 20 minutes drive away, where there are many more bars. The best places for nightlife are Zee Kwat Bar and Peter Bar, with its 1980-style, most guests love the cocktails.

Beyond the Taste and Pwal Taw Win in Nyaung Shwe offer a wide range of local dishes like nga dote kha, wat tha chin and nga htamin nel which are really popular.

If you want to go hiking, there are a number of choices routes depend

where you want to go. There’re Kalaw to Inle, Inle to Inn Ni, which is a Pa-o village and many more. You can see the stunning scenery and local culture.

To get the best view of sunset go to any of the hotels on the east side of the lake. But to view the lake from above, the view from Red Mountain Winery is absolutely stunning.

At Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, you can experience hundred of leg-rowers on racing boats. The competition is the signature of Inle Lake. It’s once a year, so why not!

While on the lake keep an eye out for the tomato plants on the tiny floating islands! It’s amazing how local farmers plant the tomatoes on these floating islands.

Most of the best of places to buy souvenirs, crafts and local products are located at Inn Pop Khone, the weaving village where you can also buy cotton. Ywar Ma village is the best place to buy silverware.

Villa Inle Boutique Resort hotelininle.com 09 42835 4320

STEAMED HILSA SURPRISE FISH

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he reason this fish dish is known as a “surprise” is because the hour of pressure cooking does something quite miraculous. Waiting for you in the centre of the fish is the spine bone which, if everything is done right, should soften and will melt on your tongue deliciously.

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Ingredients 1 hilsa fish 1 pinch salt 1 tablespoon turmeric powder 1 tablespoon vinegar 3 lemongrass stems 3 garlic cloves 2 onions 2 tablespoons oil 1 tablespoon fish sauce

- Instructions - Clean the scales of hilsa fish, cut open the stomach, remove all the innards and clean thoroughly.

- Remove the head and tail and

MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

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chop the body into four parts.

Add the salt, turmeric powder and vinegar to a bowl and mix and knead the fish into the mixture.

Leave to marinade for 30 minutes.

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Chop lemongrass in pieces and place in the bottom of the pressure cooker.

Place the four pieces of kneaded fish on lemongrass and fill the pot halfway with water. Pressure cook for one hour.

Chop the garlic and onion pieces finely.

Fry the onions in oil until they are transparent. Then add the garlic and cook until the garlic is brown.

Add some water and the fish sauce to the cooked garlic and onions, and stir thoroughly.

Add the mixture to the pressure cooker, turning over the cooked fish pieces. Cook for a further five minutes before serving.

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Review

WINE LINK: NOT YOUR USUAL WINE BAR An international wine cellar to accompany fuss-free, affordable and simply good food.

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or some, the words “wine bar” may conjure images of candlelit banquettes, sommeliers dressed in velvet and eye-wateringly expensive menus. But upon stepping through the doors of Wine Link, tucked away in the Marina Residences on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, it instantly became clear that this is not that kind of wine bar.

The restaurant is bright and practical, somewhere big groups could gather for a birthday or families could return to regularly on a weeknight. True, they have a huge selection of wines on display from all around the world, from an Overstone Merlot from New Zealand to an En Passant organic wine from France, but many of their bottles are priced very reasonably, starting at around the 15,000Ks. As a result, Wine Link can be treated as an easygoing wine cellar, somewhere you can browse for a bottle to either enjoy at your table or take home.

Keeping prices affordable was key to Head Chef Kevin Cape, who purposefully created a menu to

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include 10 main dishes priced at 6,000Ks and under. This way, Wine Link is inclusive and suitable for winelovers of any budget.

The menu is undoubtedly a people pleaser; dishes include everything from whole pizzas for under 6,000Ks to slow cooked BBQ ribs or a spicy pork curry. To start we tried a rocket and Parmesan salad (3,900Ks) and spicy barbecue wings (4,900Ks), closely followed by grilled seabass with pesto (7,900Ks) and 18-hour slow cooked BBQ ribs (8,900Ks). Finally to finish we also ordered a crème brûlée and a rich chocolate indulgence (both 3,600Ks).

The food at Wine Link is not full of surprises. The dishes are all things that a western guest will have tried many times before, but Wine Link is deliberately not trying to create culinary shock waves. It’s fuss-free, affordable and, simply, good food. The best comparison would be to equate Wine Link to reliable chains like TGI Fridays or Jamie’s Italian and, fittingly, they also have plans to expand their

empire, with hopes for four more outposts in the next two years.

The beauty of Wine Link is in the appeal it will have for all, no matter their taste buds or wallet size. Just as you can pick your wine for the evening from the vast and varied selection, guests can choose the kind of experience they have when they visit Wine Link, from the lavish to the economical. We left feeling jealous

of the residents of Marina Residence who have Wine Link on their doorstep, and counting the days until they announce their next location.

Address: Marina Residence, No.8, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Mayangone Township Phone: 11am – 10pm Opening Hours: 01 650 635

MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

YANKIN HEIGHTS ROOFTOP RESTAURANT A rooftop restaurant with sky-high potential.

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t’s rare and glorious moment when you can get high enough in Yangon to appreciate how sprawling and multi-faceted the city truly is. Bars like Yangon, The Penthouse and Atlas have long held a monopoly over the birds-eye city view and so it was high time indeed that another challenger stepped up to meet them in the clouds. Cue Yankin Heights Rooftop Restaurant, situated on the 12th floor of 29 Aung Zeya Road.

Urban and modern, with walls lined with bottles waiting to be opened, Yankin Heights certainly looks the part. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow you to view the city from every angle and there’s also a small outdoor terrace if you want to feel a breeze.

To start we tried a couple of cocktails, one Greyhound, with gin, grapefruit and mint, and one Mind Easier, with vodka, soda and Kahlua, both priced at 4,800Ks for the 4pm-7pm Happy Hour. Both were surprisingly good, sugar-free and balanced, one sharp and refreshing, the other like a gentle version of an espresso martini.

The food menu is a little confusing, not only in the literal sense (we counted five menus, no wine list, many repeated items and some odd thisor-that options, but also in the fact that it’s split into Eastern and Western cuisine. The result is that if you’re in the mood for prawns, you could find yourself strangely torn between a New Orleans Po’ Boys Sandwich or a Thai Style Prawn Curry.

We opted for the latter (15,000Ks), as well as a Deep Fried Seabass (9,000Ks), accompanied by the Kailan with Crispy Pork (5,500Ks) and Chipotle Chicken Poppers (5,000Ks).

There were a few twists and turns.

The sauce that came with the chicken poppers was anything but chipotle (perhaps tartar?) while the prawn curry that we had so agonised over was not recognisable as a curry at all (we later deduced that it must have been the listing below, a River Prawn Butter Egg, which would explain the unexpected omelette taste and texture).

MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

But given that Yankin Heights is still having it’s soft opening, we can forgive them a few kinks that will no doubt be ironed out with more time and experience. The kalian and pork was superb and the seabass was crisp and impressively presented.

There’s plenty that makes us want to return to Yankin Heights, not least their breakfast menu, which has both Myanmar and European options. It’s got all the makings of an excellent venue for an unforgettable party and, in time, it’s sure to live up to its skyhigh potential.

Address: Floor R, 29 Aung Zeya Road Yankin Township Yangon, Myanmar 11081 Phone: 09 516 8110 Opening Hours: 7:30am-10pm

MYANMORE restaurant reviews are done independently and published anonymously. Meals and drinks are paid for by the publication.

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New Openings

What’s new this month?

Brooklyn Bar • Bar Another addition to Bogalay Zay Street, this little bar has big potential. With red brick walls and high vaulted ceilings, the bar has the capacity for live music events and plenty of fun, easy-going nights with friends, food and plenty of beer.

Address: 138-140, Bogalay Zay Street, Botathaung Township, Yangon Phone: 09 261 116 544 Opening hours: 11am-12am

Urban Bar & BBQ •Bar Offering wide range of dishes from salads to shrimp rolls, Urban Bar & BBQ is the place to head for a cheap and lively meal in downtown. If you’re in the mood for spirits order a Gin Fizz or a Negroni, or otherwise enjoy the beer deal during the Happy Hour from 3pm to 6pm. Football fans, in particular Arsenal supporters, are very welcome.

Address: 98/100, Phone Gyi Street, Lanmadaw Township Phone: 09 893 511 169 Opening hours: 4pm-12am

Find out more at sarmal.com.mm

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MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

Rangoon Boutique Cafe • Cafe

Mr. Jerry Thai BBQ and Hotpot

Sizzling chocolate brownies and sea salt coffee, the menu at Rangoon Boutique Cafe is enticing and surprising all at once.

Specialising in coffees, pastries and desserts, the cafe also offers traditional Myanmar noodle soups for anyone craving something savory. The warm and quiet atmosphere make it perfect for a first date too.

• Thai Fans of motel cheese and barbequed meat should make their way to Mr. Jerry’s. Fill your plate with the food on offer in the buffet and let the grill do the rest.

Address: No. 33, Waizayanta Road,Thingyan Kyon Township Yangon Phone: 09 40405 0341 Opening Hours: 11am-10pm

Address: Salone 7, Sanchaung Street, Sanchaung Township Phone: 09 699 953 330 Opening hours: 9am - 9pm

The Central Sweets • Korea The place to head for anyone with a sweet tooth, The Central Sweets is a food court filled entirely with sweet shops.

Choose between Yoghurtland, Remicone, Ambrosia and more and build yourself the tear of your dreams. Currently still in the soft opening period we can’t wait for it to officially open its doors for Yangonites.

Address: Corner of Kabar Aye Pagoda Road and Kan Bae Road, Yankin Township

MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

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THE BRITISH SCHOOL YANGON A NORD ANGLIA EDUCATION SCHOOL

Music

RANGOON RHYTHM: DORA ALEX Min Ye Kyaw talks with 18-year-old Dora Alex, who released her first ever music album First Thing First in September 2018 – and it went straight to Yangon’s Top 10.

M

usic has always been a part of Dora Alex’s life. Her father, Alex, is well known as one of Myanmar’s favourite singers and Dora has always been his number fan – more or less. “I remember falling asleep backstage of his show when I was 5 years old,” Dora giggles.

“And then again on the chair in the recording studio.”

Dora was raised together with her twin brother Kevin and their family of four is close-knit and supportive.

Having lived in many different houses throughout her life, Dora explains that she feels like the only thing that stayed constant in her life is her family — her dad, mom and brother. “That’s why they became home to me,” she says.

When Dora was young, she started learning the piano and how to play a guitar, both in school classes as well as private lessons with her dad – who she describes as funny and an amazing musician. Her upbringing led her to appreciate music of all genres and even today she can’t pick a favourite style.

Dora Alex

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MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

MYANMORE asked four people the following questions about Yangon life: What’s your favorite place to chill in Yangon?

What’s your favorite live band in Yangon?

What’s your favorite place to party?

Who’s your favorite local DJ? Aung Zaw Thet, 25 Medical student - District Cafe & Lounge, not a perfect place but it got its own chemistry.

- Bamboo Trio, a rare Jazz vibe.

- Level 2 is not that bad.

- I don’t have one in Yangon

Aung Zaw Thet

Dora’s own career in music started when her dad’s best friend, Kyar Pauk from the band Big Bag, was discussing the idea to record the English book The Strange Old Man. This inspired Dora to show him the songs that she had been writing in her free time. The recording sessions swiftly followed and her album, First Things First, was released two years later.

“First Things First is a part of me,” explains Dora. “The whole album was a process that I needed to go through to be the person that I am today.”

Dora feels that the lyrics are very self-explanatory. Some come from the books she has read, some come from her own memories and when she sits down with her guitar, the melodies come to her and she just lets them flow. For example, the song Wine is simply about how much she likes it!

“I’m not inspired by people but by situations,” explains Dora. “I’m inspired by situations I face that teach me something meaningful. By circumstances that allow me grow, learn, observe, but in the same time fail, fall, and make mistakes.”

Having performed at Yangon Zay once before her album was released, Dora is now looking for more gigs. As she’s leaving Yangon to study abroad, she is determined not to stop writing songs – but it undecided about whether she will choose to share them or not!

First Things First is out now. Find Dora Alex on Instagram and Facebook via doraalex.

MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018

Wint Thawdar Oo, 20 Fashion student - Harry’s Bar, I love their chicken wings.

- I don’t usually listen to live bands - FUSE, 7th Joint & Pirate Bar. - Y3LLO and Kendrick.

Wint Thawdar Oo

Natty Onrave Tamesang, 29 Public Relationship Manager - The Beer Factory, it has good vibes!

- The Four and Where is Charlie?

- The VIBE, it’s awesome!

- Dj Eric from the Penthouse.

Natty Onrave Tamesang

In the Charts Top Myanmar Albums Star Phyo Pyae Sone & Aung Htet

Masterpiece Po Po

Mar Irene Zin Mar Myint

Top Worldwide Albums Experiment Kane Brown

Origins Imagine Dragons

The Beatles [White Album] The Beatles

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Apps

TECH TALK Our roundup of some of the best tech to enhance your life in Myanmar.

Bouncer

Increasingly, people are becoming more worried about cyber security.

Bouncer is a new app that can safeguard users against the dangers of being too open online. It works by allowing apps momentary access to features like the camera when they are requested, but then turn off the permission immediately after.

Otter Voice Notes

For students, journalists and anyone else pushed for time, Otter Voice Notes is a game-changer. The app can both record and transcribe conversations to a high degree of accuracy, with smart software that can recognise different voices.

Voicetra

Voicetra app offers a high precision language translation with your spoken voice. It can also be used as a dictionary. While voice inputs cannot be used, the text input is supported. It can be translated into 31 languages while using for two different languages to communicate with each other by this app.

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MYANMORE magazine #26 December 2018