MYANMORE Magazine - No.8/ June 2017

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Yangon, Mandalay & Beyond

No. 8 / June 2017 It’s free!

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THE HERO OF INYA LAKE more action | more entertainment | more lifestyle

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No. 8 / June 2017

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100+ venues

What’s On 6 Promotions 8 Father's Day Special Movies 10 New Openings 12 Briefings 14 Cover Story 16 The Hero of Inya Lake

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THE HERO OF INYA LAKE

Junction City Guide 22

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The Hero of Inya Lake: Phone Kyaw Moe Myint Photography Amour & Co Photography

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Yangon, Mandalay & Beyond

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COMING UP FOR AIR: MAYCO NAING more action more news more lifestyle

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4 / MYANMORE magazine #8 June 2017

Managing Director Andreas Sigurdsson Editors Natty Tangmeesang Samuel Foot Contributors Dominic Horner Malika Gupta Marcus Sigurdsson Phone Depar Min San Zar Ni Bo Susan Bailey Sondang Grace Sirait Photography Amour & Co Photography Art & Production Kyaw Kyaw Tun Hein Htet Publisher MYANMORE Magazine Pyit Thiri Thaw Lychee Ventures (Myanmar) Limited Permit No. 01588 Printer Shwe Naing Ngan Press No. 90 (C), Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon.

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Sales & Advertising sales@myanmore.com 0977 900 3701 / 3702 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 the printed publications Weekly Guide, EnjoyIt, KnowIt. We also work closely with the team on DRIVE, the first and only premium car magazine in Myanmar.

Recently, we have also launched digital platforms such as Myanmore and Sarmal (restaurants & bars in Myanmar) mobile apps. The mission is to provide great content and experiences for residents of Yangon to enjoy and explore.

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.

Travel Dom's Day Trips: Escape to Dala 26 Bangkok to Yangon: The hard(er) Way 28 Emerald Palace Hotel - A Real Jewel in Nay Pyi Taw 32 Where Luxury means Business 34 Food & Drink 38 Demystifying Indian Food Culture Loaf & Rice Bar & Restaurant Minn Lan Wellness Mandalay Spa Guide 42 Kettlebells 44 Q & A 46 Horoscope 47

Apology In MYANMORE we always strive to provide great content and great experiences. In the previous issue of May 2017, we failed in the Q&A article when we mistakenly used the wrong name in the title of our interview with Mr Jeremy Kingston, COO, FMI Air. We are very sorry for this mistake and inconvenience it has caused.

Andreas Sigurdsson Managing Director

WHAT'S ON | EVENTS Nightlife

DJ night - Yu KT 10th June 2017 | 10:00 PM - 1:00 AM DJ Night is back, join Yu KT for a night of deep, future, tech house at Gekko on June 10th from 10pm - late. FREE ENTRY. "REVERSE HAPPY HOUR" 50% OFF SELECT DRINKS 10PM - CLOSE. RSVP : 09 970 874559.

Gekko Restaurant - 535 Merchants St, Botahtaung Tsp, Yangon

MOKSI 10th June 2017 | 10:00 PM - 3:00 AM FUSE presents " MOKSI " (Light Up The Night Vol. 18). Headliner: MOKSI, Supporting Artists: BG, Biggy X Hane Nanda, Dynamite, Kitty. Cover Charge @ 10,000ks/person with Table Package. Walk-In Fees @ 20,000ks/ person. (Regular Access). RSVP : 09440007788, 09440007779.

FUSE - 4th Floor, Myanmar Plaza, Yankin Tsp, Yangon

Luminescence 15th June 2017 | 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Hi guys, MIS is back with another event for you all so get ready for *drum roll* P R O M. The price for the ticket is 25,000 kyats and the theme for this year is "Hollywood". This year, they are doing something different so the dress code is black, red and gold. Take lots of pictures at the event and tag them with the hashtag to be featured in their page the following day. RSVP : 01 901 0532.

Vintage Luxury Yacht - 6, Botahtaung Jetty, Botahtaung Tsp, Yangon

Tranceportation 2 1st July 2017 | 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM The music cruise will lead you along Ayeyarwady’s river along with dancing to Deep House, Techno and Psytrance Music the whole afternoon until midnight. Entertaining activities on board include Games, Fire Dance show, and Exploration & Ecstatic Dance workshop. Beer, Food, Juices and more can be enjoyed in the chilling area, where you can take a rest and enjoy the activities. Ticket Price is 15,000 Kyats. RSVP : 09796140175.

Wardan Jetty - Near Wardan Rd, Lanmadaw Tsp, Yangon

Activities

World Environment Day 10th June 2017 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Celebration of world environment day hosted by iNature with a cool topic presented by U Htun Lwin, role plays, games, refreshment, entertainment, iRead celebration for reader of the month and so much more. RSVP : 09 736 60244.

American Center - 14 Taw Win Rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon

Art & Stage

UnDer Dawg Festival 12th June 2017 | 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM Living Sound Entertainment presents UnDer Dawg Festival with CL, Nelly and Soulja Boy. Ticket Prices are CUBE B [ Standing ] - 30,000 Kyats, CUBE A [ Standing] - 65,000 Kyats, VIP [STANDING] - 200,000 Kyats, VIP [SITTING] 300,000 Kyats and VVIP PACKAGE - 800,000 Kyats. And tickets hotline: 09260702700, 09260702800, 09454545461, 09454545462.

Thuwanabhumi Event Park - Thanthumar Rd, Between Shwe Ingyin Housing & Chanthar Gongyoung Housing, Thingangyun Tsp

6 / MYANMORE magazine #8 June 2017

WHAT'S ON | EVENTS Myanmar Music Festival - Yangon National Theater 18th June 2017 | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Tickets Dining

Sports

In this concert, they are honored to premiere seven new compositions, written for this tour by composers from the United States, Peru, Taiwan, and Myanmar, including the Ministry of Culture's very own U Hlaing Win Maung. These pieces explore both traditional Myanmar and Western instruments in the most exciting new combinations. Free Entry.

National Theatre of Yangon - Myoma Kyaung St, Dagon Tsp, Yangon

Listings Add your own event on events. myanmore.com or contact us on events@myanmore.com

The 2nd Annual European Food Festival in Myanmar

Light of a Nation 30th June 2017 | From 7:00 PM

The Chaines Des Rotisseurs Baillage du Myanmar is delighted to announce the second European Food festival, to be held at Rose Garden Hotel,Yangon on June 24th. Tickets are priced at 20,000 kyats and the money will be donated to 3 local charities.

Myanmar national icon “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang returns to the ONE Championship cage this June in Yangon against Bigdash. Aung La N Sang promises to give a performance more worthy of the rightful challenger, as he will have had a full training camp and will enter the biggest fight of his life well prepared. It’s going to be another epic clash that fans will certainly not want to miss.

Rose Garden Hotel - 171, Upper Pansodan St, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp, Yangon

Thuwannabhumi Event Park - No.8/11 (B), Thanthuma Rd, Thingankyun Tsp, Yangon

24th June 2017 | 3:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Buy your tickets here

BOOKME.COM.MM myanmore.com/yangon/tickets Do you want to sell tickets?

Contact us on 09 779 003 701 / 702 or events@myanmore.com

MYANMORE magazine #8 June 2017 / 7

PROMOTIONS | DEALS

FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL

Father’s Day Brunch @ Sule Shangri-La 18th June 2017 | 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM The best celebration for our favourite man. An international buffet along with games and a lucky draw with prize from Emporio Armani. Cap it off with a free flow of wine, sparkling wine, and draught beer for only US$38 nett per person at Café Sule. | RSVP : 01 242828.

Father’s Day @ Chatrium Royal Lake Hotel 18th June 2017 | 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM Celebrate Father’s Day with your family by hosting dinner at Tiger Hill Chinese Restaurant | Chinese A la Carte Buffet Dinner costs 26 USD per person, at Kohaku Japanese Restaurant | Japanese Buffet Dinner costs 40 USD per person and at the Emporia Restaurant | International Seafood Buffet Dinner costs 32 USD per person. Dinner includes one glass of healthy drink, Red wine or white wine for DAD, Happy Father’s Day cake & card, memorable instant family photo. | RSVP : 01 544 500.

Ladies Night at J Bar

Rainy Season Promotion

Every Wednesday

till 30th June

Enjoy a free drink for Ladies (Two Glasses). FREE Entry and Live Entertainment by LNR Unplugged. Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Happy Hour from 5 pm - 7 pm.

20% off room charges for every karaoke room.

Nightlife

Father’s Day Special Brunch Buffet @ The Strand Hotel 18th June 2017 | 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM Celebrate Father’s Day at The Strand Café, with our Buffet Brunch and to mark this special day Dad will be entitled to a complimentary cocktail prepared by our barmen at Sarkies Bar. (voucher to be redeemed anytime until end of August 2017). Priced at $42per head, inclusive of house champagne and wines. RSVP: 01 243 377.

FATHER'S DAY BRUNCH and GRILL @ Belmond Governor’s Residence 18th June 2017 | 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM Enjoy a day honoring all Dads, with barbeque, brunch, swimming, games and the best lucky draw prizes in Yangon! Our gourmet brunch includes a Welcome Mandalay Sour Cocktail or Sparkling Wine and an extensive buffet with grilled specialties, fresh baked breads and pastries, desserts, unlimited Dagon Beer, smoothies, soft drinks and more.Grand Prize Lucky Draw: Win a 3-night luxury river cruise in Myanmar with our sister ship, Belmond Road to Mandalay. | RSVP : 01 229 860.

Nightlife

J Bar 01 2304402, 01 2304403

50 Shades of BOOZE Every Wednesday No more ladies night and no more unfairness ! Ladies and gentlemen can enjoy the BUY 1 GET 1 FREE on ALL BOOZE (standard drinks) all night long.

The Penthouse 09 771 239924

Ladies Night Every Wednesday DJ MR.Y at 8pm with Hip Hop, Rnb, House, etc. FREE cocktails to ladies at 7pm. 50% Off on Frozen cocktails.

20% Off on Sparkling Wine. HAPPY HOUR 5pm – 7pm. Bucket Beers Deal (Buy4 get 2).

Yangon Yangon Rooftop Bar 01 255 131

Guys Night Every Thursday Special promotion of Guys' Night Out awaits you. Enjoy a night out with your friends & get your 50% discount on selected beverages from 9 pm - 12 am.

(Time Out bar will open from 5 pm) Time Out Sports Bar 01 2305858

Ladies Night Friday Every Friday Come and chill as part of Ladies’ Night at Time Out with special promotion!

Ladies, buy your first drink and enjoy 2 hours free drinks, from 9 pm - 11 pm.

Time Out Sports Bar 01 2305858

Voice Industry KTV Entertainment 09 45888 9292

Travel

Special Pre-Monsoon Promotion till 30th June A special Pre-Monsoon promotion for your special holidays to relax at Esperado Lake View Hotel with MMK – 89,000 net per night for Premier City View Room and MMK – 99,000 net per night for Premier Lake View Room, including Oil Massage for 1 time for 1 person.

Esperado Lake View Hotel 01 861 9486

Ngwe Saung Rainy Season Promotion June 2017 Relax and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the sea with Bay of Bengal Resort.

Deluxe Garden View (Double room) - US D 55 per night, Deluxe Garden View (Triple room) - US D 70 per night, Deluxe (Double room) - US D 70 per night, Bengal Suite (Double room) - US D 80 per nigh.

Bay of Bengal Resort 01 661 577

Dining

Moroccan Chhiwat Week 12th to 17th June 2017 The Strand Café continues the culinary journey as part of our International Menu promotion, allowing you to experience first-hand the delights of this Mediterranean country, offering a kaleidoscope of taste sensations, and a seamless blend of Arabic and modern cuisine.

The Strand Hotel 01 243 377

8 / MYANMORE magazine #8 June 2017

PROMOTIONS | BUSINESS

Transportation

Hello Cabs Taxi Service No.24, Aye Yeik Mon 2nd Street, 4th Ward, Hlaing Township 01 9339111 http://www.hellocabs.com.mm

Oway Ride Myay Nu Street, Sanchaung Tsp 01 239 9100 https://www.owayride.com.mm/

Relocation

AGS Movers Myanmar 15, Mya Wut Yi Lane (4) Mayangone Township, Yangon +95 1658108 https://www.agsmovers.com/branches/ asia/myanmar/myanmar

Asian Tigers Mobility Room 504, M.M.G Tower, #44/56, Kannar Rd, bet 41st - 42nd Sts , Botataung Tsp 01 250 290, 09 541 2751 yupar@asiantigers-myanmar.com http://www.asiantigers-mobility.com

MEBS Global - Cargo & Freight, Warehouse Block C, F1-09, 2nd Flr, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Pearl Condominium, Bahan Township 01 542 357 http://www.mebs-global.com

Laundry

Shine Professional Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services No. 111/A, Nga Htat Kyee Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp, Yangon 01 545700, 09 8612273, 09 260700712, 09 791799014 customerservice@shinelaundry.net http://shinelaundry.net

5àsec Myanmar Laundry Service Corner of Inya Road & Dhammazedi Road, Kamaryut Township, Yangon 09 454550945 info.mm@5asec.com http://www.5asec.com.mm

Gems & Jewellery

FRANCK MULLER BACKES & STRAUSS YANGON Sedona Hotel, No.1 Kabar Aye Pagoda Road,Yankin Township 01 860 5539 http://www.franckmuller.com

LALIQUE Sule Square, Level 1, Room 115, Sule Pagoda Rd, Pabedan Tsp 09 964046996

Mia Ruby 79 Pansodan Street, Kyauktada Township, beside Rangoon Tea House, Yangon, Myanmar 09 457 183424 http://www.miaruby.co

Star Residence Star City (A5 Building), Kyaik Khauk Pagoda Rd, Thanlyin Tsp 056-23150 (ext. 1166, 1162, 1128) leasing@ted-starcity.com https://www.starcityyangon.com

Shangri-La Serviced Apartments, Yangon Kan Yeik Tha Rd, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp + 95 1 394 469 servicedapartments.slry@shangri-la.com http://www.shangri-la.com/yangon

Car Rental

Yoma Fleet B-1, 1st Floor, Yoma Bank Building, FMI City, Hlaing Thar Yar Township, Yangon, Myanmar 09 797 005366, 09 797 005370, 09 450003 5280, 09 254 126 940, 09 795 979676 soe@yomafleet.com http://www.yomafleet.com

Europcar 74, Lann Thit Road, Innsein Township 09 964 722884, 01 646330 http://www.europcar-myanmar.com/ Health

SP Gems No.30A, Pyay Rd, 7 Mile, Mayangone Tsp 01 660397, 01 666052, 01 666053 spgems.myanmar@gmail.com http://spgems-myanmar.com

Real Estate

Pun Hlaing Estate Sales & Marketing Main Sales Gallery & Sales Office – Pun Hlaing Golf Club House, Pun Hlaing Estate, Hlaing Tharyar Tsp 01 687 777, 01 684 013 phgerental@spa-mm.com http://www.punhlaingestate.com

Evergreen Dental Care Myanmar

Beyond Boundaries Yoga No.28, Level 3, Boyar Nyunt St, Yaw Min Gyi, Dagon Tsp 09 776 436745 yogabeyondboundaries@gmail.com http://www.beyondboundariesyoga.com

Inya Day Spa Address 1 - 16/2 Inya Rd, Kamaryut Tsp | 01 537 907, 09 301 73497 Address 2 - 3rd Floor, Junction City, 354/D Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabaedan Tsp Address 3 - Star City, Kyaik Khauk Pagoda Rd, Thanlyin Tsp inyaspa@gmail.com http://www.inyaspa.com

Travel

Taw Win Garden Hotel No.45, Taw Win Center, Level 3, Pyay Road, Dagon Township 01 8600080 Ext: 3000 http://www.tawwingardenhotel.com

Thahara No. 608, Floor 3, Merchant Rd, between Bo Son Pat & 31st Sts, Pabedan Tsp 01 441 3410, 09 42000 7010 info@thahara.com http://thahara.com

No.6, Min Ye Kyaw Zwa Road, corner of Pyay Road, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, Myanmar 01 395 395 http://evergreendentalmm.com

Wellbeing

Y.G.N Health Spa & Wellness Center No.20, 3rd and 4th floors, Pearl Road, Golden Valley, Bahan Tsp 09 777 3333 58

Do you want to be listed?

Contact us on 09 779 003 701/702 sales@myanmore.com

MYANMORE magazine #8 June 2017 / 9

CINEMA

Buy Your Tickets Online!

Beat the traffic. Buy your tickets for Junction City online at www.bookme.com.mm

Showing this Month Wonder Woman Action, Adventure, Fantasy Before she was Wonder Woman she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained warrior. When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war to end all wars, discovering her full powers and true destiny.

Director: Patty Jenkins Writers: Allan Heinberg (screenplay), Zack Snyder (story by) Stars: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright The Mummy Action, Adventure, Fantasy An ancient princess is awakened from her crypt beneath the desert, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia, and terrors that defy human comprehension.

Director: Alex Kurtzman Writers: David Koepp (screenplay), Christopher McQuarrie (screenplay) Stars: Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, Annabelle Wallis

Show Times Pick up our weekly guide or log on to www.myanmore.com

10 / MYANMORE magazine #8 June 2017

Cars 3 Animation, Adventure, Comedy Lightning McQueen sets out to prove to a new generation of racers that he's still the best race car in the world.

Director: Brian Fee Writers: Brian Fee (original story by), Ben Queen (original story by) Stars: Owen Wilson, Cristela Alonzo, Chris Cooper

CINEMA

Transformers: The Last Knight Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Humans and Transformers are at war, Optimus Prime is gone. The key to saving our future lies buried in the secrets of the past, in the hidden history of Transformers on Earth.

Director: Michael Bay Writers: Art Marcum (screenplay), Matt Holloway (screenplay) Stars: Laura Haddock, Mark Wahlberg, Gemma Chan WIT NYIN KA KYOE Burmese, Thriller, Drama A girl who is thirsty for love, takes what she wants since childhood, if she fails, she destructs. And a friend by the grace of the young woman in his heart which was thrown into the abyss, and a righteous man who loves to loyal and faithful to his woman. When the three of them meets, ...

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 Junction Maw Tin / Junction City 01 225 244 Junction Square 01 527 055 Mega Ace (Tharkayta) 01 556 782 Mega Ace (Tamwe) 01 554 383 Mega Ace (North Okkalapa) 09 971 750 91

Director: Steel (Dwe Myittar) Writers: Pone Nya Khin (original story by), Min Nyi (screenplay) Stars: Aung Ye Lin, Shwe Hmone Yati, Thin Zar Wint Kyaw Credit to: http://www.imdb.com

MYANMORE magazine #8 June 2017 / 11

new openings Yangon

Le Bis-Tro-Ké

01

French Do you remember Le Competitor at Yaw Min Gyi Street? Well, it transformed into this newly hide out place in Yangon’s French Dining experience.

The owner is friendly, motivated and warmly. Try the whole new menu of Le Bis-Tro-Ke. 42, Yaw Min Gyi Street, Dagon Tsp 09 45285 2578 11 am — 11 pm

01

Sofaer & Co 02 Asian Fusion Sofaer & Co’s space preserved most of the original features of the building – including the encaustic Victorian-era tiles from Manchester, steel beams from Lancashire and wood panels from possibly the era of the Vienna Café and Burma Book Club. The clean, contemporary design pays homage to the history of the building, featuring our own designed, locally made furniture with the signature Burmese rattan weaving, locally commissioned artwork and reclaimed glassware from Nagar Glass Factory.

02

60 Pansodan Road, Lower Block, Kyauktada Tsp www.sofaerandco.com 09 962 466575 11 am — 11 pm

Vista Do Rio Kayan Traditional Fine Dining 03 Kayan (Eastern Myanmar

03

Si Daw Gyi Cafe (Taunggyi) 04 Well, this one is originated from Shan State, Taunggyi since 2014 and famous among locals, travelers and of course foreigners’ favourite place. Now the owner family launched Yangon branch this month. This place is specially popular about their signature Shan Noodle, Mee Shay and Dumplings.

Must try their Shan Noodle and To Fu Nway, which will give homesick treatment for those who miss their hometown Taunggyi.

No.4/5/6, Yadanar Road, Corner of Wai Za Yan Tar Road, Beside Aung Yadanar Clinic, Thingangyun Tsp 09975553433 09799867074 6 am — 8 pm

Zillion Bar & Karaoke Asian Fusion | Karaoke A new opened KTV and Bar with amazing decorations and food with fair price. Karaoke rooms are wide, high quality sound system, even toilets in every room and the difference from others is they have a bar with indoor and outdoor seating. Cocktails, drinks and shishas and of course Happy Hour deals!

Near Aung Thukha And Thai Plus, Shwegondaing 4 Street, Bahan Tsp 09 775 994733 3 pm — 11:30 pm

Outer Room Restaurant & Bar Thai | Karaoke

A new Traditional Kayan restaurant with various foods and khaung yay.

And they have nice view over the pazundaung creek with sunset at evening.

Once you step into Outer Room Café and Bar, you will find out that here is the place you can remember the “another happiness” that you enjoy the nature. Enjoy the original fusion cuisine.

No.251, Corner of Taung Htate Pan Road and Mya Mar Lar Street, Near Kamarkyi Bridge, Thuwunna, Thingangyun Tsp 09 975 546778 1 pm — 11 pm

Room G-1,3 Ground Floor, Building A, Pearl Condominium, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Tsp 09 96080 1133 http://outerroom.net

new openings R&D Cafe and Restaurant 05 Thai | Southeast Asian Do you remember Rice & Noodle from Nawaday Street? Yes, they change to a new location, Inya Road with a new menu and food. Now they have multi cuisines, including Thai.

No.135, Corner of Inya Road & Dhamma Zedi Road, Bahan Tsp 09 42823 4564 8:30 am — 9 pm

Asia House Restaurant 06 Chinese | Thai Asia House Restaurant is a casual dining place serving Burmese, Chinese and Thai food in a comfortable setting.

They also have a bar serving cocktails, mocktails, draught beer, wine and various other beverages.

No.99/101, Phone Gyi Street, Lanmadaw Tsp 09 972 353397 12 pm — 9 pm

The Pizza Company (Downtown Branch) Pizza | Italian Here The Pizza Company comes to downtown area near Junction City.

A restaurant chain and international franchise with focus on pizza and Italian inspired cuisine.

Bo Gyoke Road, Beside KFC, Pabedan Tsp http://www.thepizzacompany-myanmar. com 9 am — 9 pm

Golden Paradise Asian Fusion Golden Paradise brings the great taste of Singapore food right to the doorstep of Yangon with Mala Food.

No.18A, Bo Yar Nyunt Street, Yaw Min Gyi, Dagon Tsp 09 979 009040 10 am —10:30 pm

Mandalay

Brolly Sky Bar Bar Whenever you want a business talk, romantic candle light dinner or chitchat drinks after a busy day, Brolly Sky Bar will always meet your satisfaction.

04

22nd Street, Between 65th and 66th Streets, on rooftop of Hotel Yadanar Oo, Aungmyethazan Tsp 09 962 012197 11 am — 11 pm

Unique Mandalay Tea Room Myanmar Unique Mandalay Tea Room is a perfect choice whether you fancy a mouthwatering Burmese breakfast, or an ideal place to have a cup of Burmese Milk Tea with your friends and family.

05

70th Street, Between 27th and 28th Streets, Chanayethaza Tsp 09 778 888366 6 am — 5:30 pm

06

BRIEFINGS Yangon

Yangon

Sports

Travel

Vietjet announces Hanoi to Yangon route

Aung La N Sang Returns Home for Second Shot at World Title Myanmar national icon “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang returns to the ONE Championship cage this June in Yangon against Bigdash. Aung La N Sang promises to give a performance more worthy of the rightful challenger, as he will have had a full training camp and will enter the biggest fight of his life well prepared.

“The last fight I took on short notice and I wasn’t at my best. This time, with better preparation and a full training camp, I vow to give a much better account of myself,” said Aung La N Sang.

Known as one of the world’s most renowned athletes from Myanmar, whose constricting style of fighting has earned him the moniker of ”The Burmese Python”, Aung La N Sang has emerged as one of the top middleweights in the world. Before dropping a decision loss to Bigdash in Jakarta earlier this year, Aung La N Sang was riding a four-fight winning streak.

Travelers from Myanmar can explore more of Vietnam as Vietjet, Asia’s favourite low cost airline today announces its newest international route connecting Vietnam’s capital Hanoi to Yangon.

To celebrate this announcement, passengers from Myanmar can purchase flights priced from just 12,000MMK (USD9.00) one way excl. tax.

with an arrival time of 13:30 back into Yangon.

The new route’s tickets are available for booking within the golden hours from 11:30 to 13:30 daily at www.vietjetair.com (also compatible with smartphones at https://m.vietjetair.com) or at www.facebook.com/myanmar (just click the “Booking” tab).

The inaugural flight on this new route will commence on 31 August 2017 as it looks to meet the increasing travel demand of individuals, tourists and businessmen between Vietnam’s capital city and the thriving Burmese financial hub.

Payment can be easily made with debit and credit cards of Visa, MasterCard, JCB, KCP and American Express.

Vietnam’s capital city is the second destination to be connected with Yangon following its Yangon to Ho Chi Minh City service that was launched in 2015.

The Yangon to Hanoi route will operate daily with a flight time of just 1 hour 55 minutes per leg. Departing Yangon at 14:30, the short flight will arrive in Hanoi at 16:55 (local time). The return flight takes off from Hanoi at 12:05,

The new route is expected to meet the travel demand of tourists and businessmen that will inevitably develop regional integration whilst boosting trade thanks to the airline’s convenient flight time and amazing airfares.

14 / MYANMORE magazine #8 June 2017

Three big wins at home in Yangon had earned him a rockstar following with throngs of rabid fans waiting for him at every turn. Born in Myitkyina in the mountainous Kachin State, he belongs to an ethnic minority known as the Kachin. As such, Myanmar has arguably never had a bigger star.

But as much as Myanmar loves Aung La N Sang, the local hero gives just as much love back and expresses his pride in representing the nation on the global stage of mixed martial arts.

“Competing in Yangon in front of all my fans is such an honor, and I promise to do everything within my power to bring the belt back to Myanmar! It’s going to be an epic battle of attrition, and the better man will emerge victorious on the night,” Aung La N Sang concluded.

As for the champion Bigdash, nine straight victories has earned him ONE

Championship gold and immortality.

While admittedly Aung La N Sang has turned out to be one of his biggest tests to date, losing the title is not an option, he stresses.

“Aung La N Sang is one of the toughest fighters I have ever faced, and it will be an honor to come into his hometown to perform,” said Bigdash.

This time Bigdash will be defending his title on his opponent’s home turf, in front of what he expects to be an overwhelmingly pro-Aung La N Sang crowd. However, the middleweight kingpin from Rostov-on-don, Russia remains confident in victory despite any geographical disadvantage.

“I am not worried about the hometown advantage, because a true champion can fight anywhere and under any circumstance,” said Bigdash.

“I am excited to get back inside the cage and expect nothing less than a spectacular showing in Myanmar.

Although I respect Aung La N Sang and what he brings to the table, I am returning home victorious, and with my belt still over my shoulder.”

Aung La N Sang and Bigdash lock horns in the main event of ONE: LIGHT OF A NATION, set for 30 June at the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar. Additional bouts have yet to be confirmed and will be announced at a later date. It’s going to be another epic clash that fans will certainly not want to miss.

Buy your tickets on www.bookme.com. mm or www.myanmore.com/yangon/ tickets/

ÂŽ

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MYANMAR FINANCIAL CENTER (MFC) Asia Business Center, 2nd Floor, (Corner of Mahabandoola Rd. and 48th St.)

Botahtaung Township, Yangon

cover story

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THE HERO OF INYA LAKE

By Sam D. Foot One of Myanmar’s most successful athletes is cleaning up the country - and he wants you to help him.

If you were a novice yachtsman, Phone Kyaw Moe Myint (Carl), would be the type of guy you would want driving you on. Behind the steely, confident gaze of Myanmar’s national sailing manager, a firm, impeccably adopted North American accent betrays the drive and passion of the man as he speaks.

The Vice President of the Myanmar Yachting Federation wears many hats;

aside from managing and coaching all levels of Myanmar’s sailing programme, Carl Myint is a prominent businessman, a well-known local stakeholder in Yangon society, and an extreme sports competitor.. oh, and he also happens to be a multiple Southeast Asian gold-medal winning sailor… who won his first gold at the tender and record-breaking age of 16.

Most recently, however, Carl has

assumed the role of Myanmar Country Coordinator for Trash Hero. You may have seen him on stage at the recent Yangon Ted Talk, vocally promoting the international volunteer organisation whose mission statement is “to create sustainable, community-based projects that remove existing waste, and reduce future waste by inspiring long-term behaviour change.” In a country unaccustomed to dealing with the very real issues of environ-

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mental pollution and post-consumer water, his talk has elevated the debate to the next level - in the week following the talk, stakeholders throughout the country have rushed to get on board with Carl’s message.

We met him fresh from filming the latest installment of Lose2Win, Myanmar’s equivalent of The Biggest Loser. The coach had been putting the contestants through their paces on a paddle-board challenge at Yangon’s Sailing Club on Inya Lake.

He is pumped after the day’s event: from the outset, it is clear that Carl is someone who is very serious about the things he gets involved with.

Sport Hero For a nation lacking the sporting infrastructure of its Asian cousins, Carl’s sailing success is remarkable and is, to this day, remembered by people across the country. Starting at the Yangon Sailing Club - and it’s four small Optimist boats - on the Western bank of Inya Lake, the young man was prised away from his beloved tennis to begin a new adventure on the water. “My brother had already been sailing for two years.” He confides. “My Dad said: ‘“try out the programme”’ - I was reluctant, I didn’t want to do it. I thought sailors were… well, they weren’t tennis players! But, I came to one clinic here and never left. I found my friends here and sailing soon became the way to go.”

Carl’s effort and his family’s dedication to the sport quickly paid dividends. His first gold came in the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games of 2001, sailing alongside his brother in the International 420 class and snatching a memorable victory in the very last race of the event.

This made Carl the youngest gold medalist at the time - he was just 16 years old. In total, the team left KL with three gold medals: the highest ever SEA Games haul in sailing. From then on, he largely switched his focus to coaching the youth of Myanmar - still working out of the old base: the Inya Lake Sailing Club.

In 2013, the SEA Games came to

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Myanmar. “We had to compete... we had to find a way.” Carl remembers.

Once again teaming up with his brother - twelve full years since their first gold - he gave it, what he confides as probably his “one final push.” After months of Herculean preparations, the Myint brothers began getting back into competition mode for the double-handed dinghy finals. Remarkably, they stormed the event: 2013 was another golden year for Myanmar’s sailing team at the SEA Games, bringing home a total of two more golds, including one for windsurfing.

Trash Hero Carl’s commitment to Trash Hero flows directly from his sailing story, and from his love of Inya’s waters. “I’ve been on this lake my whole life,” he says, proudly, as we gaze across one of the finest views offered in all Yangon.

“I love this lake - this is my home.”

Yangon Sailing Club has always taken great pride in its role as custodian of Inya. However, as years pass, Carl has noticed ever increasing amounts of pollutants finding their way into his lake and, despite the best efforts of him and his young sailors, the flow of garbage has slowly become too great to contain.

This is an evermore familiar story within Myanmar. Rapidly rising consumption levels have begun to catch up with years of low investment in urban infrastructure and now threaten not just the aesthetic beauty of some of the nation’s areas of urban and touristic interest, but also the country’s environmental heritage.

“We needed another way.” Carl remembers. “My sailing mentor introduced me to the founder of Trash Hero, Roman Peter, and from there we kickstarted! Look, I have a lot of kids under my programme. Parents trust me with their children, therefore it’s my responsibility to - yes, train them to sail - but to make sure they are safe.

I won’t allow kids to become sick from swimming in the lake - pollution is now knocking on my door, it threatens the sport and that threat is real!”

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As with an increasing number of areas across Southeast Asia, Trash Hero was the solution. After originally being formed to clear Thai beaches in 2013, Trash Hero chapters have quickly sprung-up across the world. Today, over 21,000 volunteers worldwide have participated in more than 1,000 cleanups in 8 different nations. Events - like Carl’s paddle-board and dinghy based litter pick-ups - are proving to be fun and fulfilling ways to meet new, like-minded people. “The organisation works simply because the idea works.”

He points out. “It markets itself - nearby organisations come and help and everyone chips in. It’s not a for-profit event. We have strict guidelines: we cannot accept money, we can’t use company logos. It is run purely by dedicated, motivated volunteers.”

After countless emails to the group’s founder, the Yangon chapter held its first meet. “One hundred and thirty-five people showed up.” Carl remembers, gleefully. “I mean, with these numbers we could make major changes: on our first clean up we picked up over 400 kilos of trash.

We’ve since held five events at this lake and we’ve picked up anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 kilos of waste. It’s making an impact now.”

With a new-found army of such volunteers, Carl has valiantly seen to it that Trash Hero has taken root across the nation. “After eleven months of operations, we now function in four different cities - 5,000 heroes have picked up over 20,000 kilos of trash.”

Following the enthusiasm drummedup at Inya, there are now active chapters for Mandalay, Ngwe Saung beach and Pyin Oo Lwin. Events are monthly, but the national coordinator believes they will soon operate on a weekly basis.

However, as Carl points out, this huge achievement is but a small drop in a large lake. The most recent reliable report on the subject - a 2012 World Bank investigation - showed that Yangon produces over 2,000 tonnes of waste per day, with Mandalay and Naypyidaw relatively far behind, but between them producing over 55 per20 / MYANMORE magazine #8 June 2017

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cent of all Myanmar’s waste. The real amount discarded in 2017 is, no doubt, significantly higher.

Despite this, what Carl has found is an attractive, low-cost approach to tackling the issue, one which has a proven pedigree and is scalable across the country. With it’s slick branding and the magnetic social aspect that events offer, Trash Hero is largely about raising awareness - perhaps the most vital issue in a country experiencing significant social changes and becoming more receptive to new concepts with every passing day.

Furthermore, when it comes to big challenges, Carl is not one to shy away. “We will work with anyone [to solve the root problems of waste]!

In fact, after my Ted Talk, City Mart approached me. That’s a huge move. A big problem is plastic bags and plastic bottles, and City Mart might want to get away from plastic bags. They could start charging, but then people would

be upset - and that would be fair - but with perseverance, why not?” Knowing that changes begin at home, Carl will soon start removing plastics from the bar at the Sailing Club and also at Vantage Tower (the office from where he operates) - but he would love to work with the Alpines and Coca-Cola’s of the world to start addressing the problem.

However, it is always difficult - and usually foolish - to blame one group for the failings of a whole system. Carl understands this, choosing not to blame individuals, politicians, or business for the increasing amount of detritus finding it’s way into Yangon’s streets and waterways. “The waste is coming from people - pedestrians, people at roadside cafes. But, in Myanmar, consumers are still sensitive to costs, and companies still need to make profits.

We can’t point the finger or blame anyone, we have to work together and raise awareness and understanding - I consider Trash Hero to be more of a

movement than an organisation: it’s all volunteers with their spare time who are making this happen. We need to try and make everyone feel this way about our environment.”

So where now for Carl? Trash Hero will continue to grow, that is certain. “I just got a call from Lashio, from an adventure club, asking to start a chapter. And that’s what we want: if someone wants to start a Trash Hero volunteer group, that’s good for me! I am Myanmar’s country coordinator and my main goal now is to find regional leaders who are motivated and committed to monthly or bi-monthly clean-ups in their community, their town, or wherever.

Guidelines are strict, and I will never let anyone take over Trash Hero to use it as a CSR [a corporate social responsibility venture] - we don’t want to work with people who will use it to ‘greenwash’ a business.”

And what about his sailing career? “I am still very much a part of it: from

a coach, to a manager, and now I am the vice-president. I still train the kids, they’re still my minions, you know?”

This year will see the squad return to the site of his 2001 glory, Malaysia. Just don’t expect to see him battling the waves this time.

Can Myanmar revisit the golden days?

Carl is realistic: “Sailing’s changed. The nations like Thailand and Singapore now command huge budgets; they now have better boats, better coaches… Singapore makes the Olympics!

The last time Myanmar reached the Olympics was at Rome in the 1960s!

But we are working on it. One way or another we will work on it! I would give up my two SEA Games gold medals to be at the Olympics - to walk the march of nations, as a coach or a team leader, that would be the greatest honour of my sporting life... Be sure, we will continue to fight!”

And, as he heads off (for a bit of competitive jet-surfing in China), fight on Carl undoubtedly will, to win both further medals and a cleaner future for Myanmar - all from the beautiful, serene, and spotlessly clean banks of Yangon’s Inya Lake.

---To join Carl for his Trash Hero events (or to become a new Trash Hero chapter leader!), visit the website: www. trashhero.org and the Facebook page, Trash Hero Myanmar

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FEATURE | JUNCTION CITY GUIDE

YOUR NEW CAFE HUB

By Samuel Foot

For perhaps the first time in Yangon shopping mall history, Junction City’s Food Street has succeeded in offering diners a humongous range of well-priced restaurant options in one place. As you would expect, the glam new mall also boasts a fantastic range of cafe options.

Essentially all the big players operating in Myanmar - plus a few new companies, both homegrown and from abroad are to be found, vying for your coffee money. does not go overboard with sugar and cream.

SHWE PALIN Shwe Palin - or Golden Throne - is a chain which is fast becoming my favourite homegrown Myanmar fastfood joint.

The fare is an iconoclastic blend of a number of different Asian street food favourites. Everything offered on the diverse menu is of a good standard, and prices are exceptionally reasonable.

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KOI Koi is a quirky Taiwanese company offering high-quality bubble teas, juices and other favourites of the sweet and colourful Taiwanese fast food scene. A spin-off from Taiwan’s largest bubble tea franchise (the 50 Lan - or 50嵐 - brand), Koi at Junction City is the very first of the chain to be opened in Myanmar.

Koi’s signature drink is the ‘Golden Bubble’ milk tea - an offering which distinguishes itself with its fine ‘golden’ tapioca balls. It is light, not too sweet and, notable, allows the drinker to taste the tea blend. Other milk teas 22 / MYANMORE magazine #8 June 2017

We sampled the various noodle dishes - including a fresh tasting mohinga, some filling wanton noodles and, the pride of Shwe Palin, the spare-rib noodles - a large bowl of unusual, glutinous, dark broth (a la shark-fin soup) served with delicious floury noodles and a number of flaky pork ribs. Indeed, it is in this type of food (homely, Cantonese) that Shwe Palin excels.

The zongzi - the famous meat stuffed, bamboo leaf wrapped rice triangles are exceptionally good: as authentic

on Koi’s menu include a choice of honey, hazelnut, chocolate milk, and, unusually, Ovaltine.

Koi also offers konjac jelly and grass jelly milk teas, and tangy passion fruit drinks with a choice of ai-yu jelly or aloe vera cubes. For those not in the mood for diary or additional toppings, Koi also sells a variety of refreshing green tea mixes, including plum, mango, honey and peach. The most radical innovation offered by Koi is it’s range of ‘macchiato’ drinks.

As you would expect, the store is also very nicely branded. In terms of taste, unlike other bubble tea joints, Koi

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FEATURE | JUNCTION CITY GUIDE as any in Hong Kong. Likewise, the dim sum is satisfying and well-priced, as is the broad selection of baozi.

good price. The addition of Kurobuta pork to the menu is also a most welcomed surprise.

Shwe Palin also offers a range of fresh fruit juices and milkshakes - using seasonally available fruits - and a number of hot and cold teas and coffees. If you are in need of a quick bite at a very good price, I will always recommend a brief visit to the Golden Throne.

We also sampled Bangkok Cafe’s smoked salmon and avocado pizza thin-based and fresh, just as it should be. The cafe sells a range of pizzas - Thai Sausage, Parma Ham, and the ubiquitous Hawaiian - and pastas, including lasagna and a carbonara.

Happily, there are a number of salads on the appetizer menu to accompany, including a tuna, caesar and smoked salmon. To complete the meal, Bangkok Cafe’s dessert menu is pretty comprehensive: aside from offering Taiwanese snow ice, the cafe serves up all the Western classics: toast and tea, panna cotta, creme brulee, crepes, waffles and a tiramisu.

J’DONUTS The nation’s favourite fast-food dessert joint has been around for a startling twenty years. With the opening of the new Junction City branch, there are now twenty-eight J’Donut stores in Yangon alone.

The newest branch of this colourful franchise offers all the old favourites - a truly huge selection of donuts and cakes; cheerful animal designs for the kiddies, donuts with sprinkles, donuts with dustings, fillings, and jams, some covered in cream, others filled with goo, donuts with nuts, donuts with faces… and the syrupy juices and milkshakes accompanying are just as luminous.

Prices are extremely competitive 500mmk for any donut, or 400mmk for a drink (except teas and coffees) - hugely reassuring to anyone needing an instant boost to their blood-sugar levels.

BANGKOK CAFE Junction City also hosts the first Bangkok Cafe restaurant, a mid-price eatery which offers some very interesting dishes at decent prices. Despite the name, Bangkok Cafe does not solely deal in Thai food, but offers an extensive menu including classic pan-Asian and European mains and desserts.

Located in a snazzy, dimly lit space resembling an upmarket Bangkok terrace, Bangkok Cafe offers all the Thai classics, and heaps more. Understandably, I dived straight into the wagyu beef steak with gravy, mushrooms, wedges and asparagus. The meat was unbelievably good - cooked rare and marbled to perfection. It is hard to find the beer-weened, lovingly massaged cow meat in Yangon but this is the real deal, imported direct from Japan - yet sold in Bangkok Cafe at a fantastically

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GLORIA JEAN’S COFFEE Australia’s internationally known Gloria Jean’s Coffee brand is establishing itself as the major player in the premium coffee-to-go market. Junction City is the third branch in Yangon, adding to the Myanmar Plaza and International Airport outlets.

Junction City’s branch is certainly the most relaxed, coffee-shop-like space of all three. The cafe, tucked away in a quieter corner of the mall, is perfect for those looking for a conventional coffee shop-cum-office space environment: the decor is understated and sleek, with plenty of charging points, wifi, and a choice of seating; including bar stools, curved sofas and armchairs. Wifi is also available to customers.

Gloria Jean’s primary product is coffee. Using Arabica beans selected from around the world and roasted in Oz, the chain serves up the kind of brews you would expect from other mid-range Western brands - a reassuringly convenient place where you are guaranteed to get an internationally respectable coffee of good size at a decent price.

Finishing our epic trawl of cafes, we tested Gloria Jean’s meals: the cafe also serves food. On the menu are various pastas, noodles, and rice and meats dishes, plus a host of breakfast options including mohinga, congee and numerous Western dishes. The menu at Junction City differs from,

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and is more extensive than, that at Myanmar Plaza and, with dishes costing between 3 and 7,000mmk, is also very good value.

01 Gloria Jean's Coffee 02 KOI 03 Shwe Palin 04 Bangkok Cafe 05 J'Donuts

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FEATURE | JUNCTION CITY GUIDE The opening of Junction City marks a significant departure point for Myanmar’s commercial history.

For the first time, we see superbrands entering the Myanmarket and, with this, no doubt a whole host of changes in the country’s branding and shopping experience. But, on the second floor, whilst walking past the columns displaying grainy photographic images of Myanmar’s various ethnicities in past times - aptly placed in Junction City where the past is extremely rapidly marching into a snazzier, shinier future - you find a host of shops offering some of the country’s finer handicrafts, keepsakes for those looking for something a bit different to bring home after a visit to the country.

Where the Modern Meets the Traditional

By Sam D. Foot

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ZH - Myanmar Jewelry If it’s unadulterated Myanmar luxury that you are in the market for, look no further than ZH. Specialising solely in amber, the store offers a range of 24 / MYANMORE magazine #8 June 2017

stunning, genuinely beautiful stones - many of which retail at four figure (USD) prices. From pure, polished rock to jewellery and a variety of auspicious figurines, all items sold originate from Kachin state.

One of Asia’s most treasured gems, the mesmeric fossilised resin is valued for a variety of purposes: aside from representing a sage investment, the Chinese have long associated amber with health, good fortune and spiritual

healing. ZH provides the customer with amber of a full range of tones and hues - visitors are greeted by a nectarous palette of colours ranging from translucent yellow to luminent orange.

Most sought-after is purple amber, a

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cloths and clothing from a number of states including Chin and the Inle region. The Junction City branch is the company’s second in Yangon, adding to their well-known flagship store on Pansodan Street.

Apex Souvenirs

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variety found only in Myanmar and the most expensive type globally available.

Similar to Myanhouse, Apex offers a range of Myanmar-made products including hand-carved figurines, puppets, silver and stone jewellery, bronzes and a comprehensive range of pan-yun lacquerware including tiffin sets, masks, boxes, statues and tapestries. Apex have three outlets in Yangon, including a branch at the International Airport.

Nine Gems Myanmar

For those wanting to further individualise these treasures of Myanmar, ZH can personalise pieces - adorning amber with platinum or gold to a customer’s specifications.

Myanhouse Myanhouse, the country’s largest handicraft store, is developing a reputation as the place to pick up a memento of Myanmar. Based in Mandalay, the company offers a huge range of items, including jewellery, lacquerware, dolls, and rosewood boxes and carvings. The store offers a number of traditional products from Myanmar’s union territories, including some incredibly unique headwear worn by the Naga people, buffalo-bone carvings, various fine

Nine Gems is a market leader in affordable gold jewellery. The Thai company now have two branches: the flagship store may be found in Central World, Bangkok. Featuring unique designs, the store specialises in 18k Italian gold, white gold rings, necklaces, earrings and brooches.

Nine Gems also offers a broad range of fine diamond products, with a guarantee that all stones used are GIA certified and of at least G+ quality. Ideal for those looking for simple elegant pieces and for those wanting more elaborate, jewel adorned offerings, Nine Gems sells at a very good price point: all items offered are under $500, with most bearing even lower price tags. The company can also work

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on commissions, with a team of designers able to create bespoke items. .

Aung Wood - Wooden Valley An established Myanmar firm, Aung Wood began operations in 1989 selling lengths of teak on the export market.

The company now offers a huge variety of Myanmar traditional wooden handicraft products in a large range of teaks and softwoods. A gift for any occasion can be found here amongst the eclectic mix of products on sale: everything from tiny turned objects to large, elaborately carved centrepieces.

A cursory glance of shelves throws up shoe horns, chess sets, statutes, coasters, spoons - if it can be made from wood, it is likely to be here. The company also offers lacquerware from their factory in Bagan, furniture, bronzes, burlwood products, and tapestries. The Junction City branch is the third Aung Wood in Yangon, with other stores open at Bogyoke Aung San Market and the Taw Win Centre on Pyay Road.

Green Heaven Green Heaven - which now has three branches in Yangon and a flagship branch on Pyay Road - is establishing a lead in the jade retail market, with every price level catered for. Selling only A quality jade mined in Kachin and Shan states, Green Heaven offer collectable pieces, pendants, earrings, and bands, plus larger products, such as bead necklaces and statues.

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01 Myanhouse 02 ZH - Myanmar Jewelry 03 Apex Souvenirs 04 Green Heaven 05 Aung Wood - Wooden Valley

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TRAVEL | DAY TRIP

YANGON

Dom’s Day Trips: Escape to Dala

By Dominic Horner

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Visiting Dala Township is a great way to get a snapshot of rural Myanmar without even leaving the greater Yangon area. First, you need to get to the Pansodan Ferry Terminal located on Strand Road. Once there, head to the foreign ticket office and pick up a 4,000 Ks return ticket to Dala (free bottle of water included).

Once in Dala, you’ll need either a motorbike or a driver. You should be able to rent a bike for around 8,000 – 10,000 Ks for around four to five hours and around 12,000 – 15,000 Ks for a driver. No need to worry as to how you’ll find them. As soon as you walk up the gangway, a host of wouldbe renters or drivers will come upon you.

The ferries – which arrive every 15 minutes or so – make for a fun 10-minute mini-cruise. Expect to be crammed in with commuters, hawkers and terrified squawking chickens hanging from motorbikes. The views are great and you can feed the seagulls along the way.

Though it’s a great way to see another side of Yangon and is a very pretty place, the town centre doesn’t boast much in the way of most obvious tourist attractions. It is however, a real joy to explore, and you should have no

TRAVEL | DAY TRIP

problems discovering your own little hidden gems. Aside from Shwe Sayan Pagoda, all the following attractions are to be found outside Dala.

The Mummified Monk (Shwe Sayan Pagoda) On the first turn on the left coming out of Dala you’ll find the Shwe Sayan Pagoda and, within the Pagoda, a mummified monk embalmed and covered in gold leaf. There’s a rather convoluted history written in English on the wall. (Located in Dala) Baungdawgyoke Pagoda (aka the Snake Temple) The temple is about 30 minutes of drive from Dala and about 15 minutes outside Twante. There are no signs for the temple, so keep your eyes peeled for the golden archway on your left with some red towers in the distance.

Head through the arches and you’ll reach the Pagoda situated in the middle of the lake. Waiting for you inside the pagoda are more than 30 Burmese pythons. Some are hanging from the tree in the middle of the pagoda, some coiled up around the windows and you may even find one or two crawling on the floor. Needless to say, if you don’t like snakes, this would be your worst nightmare, so don’t go in there. Access to the pagoda is free and the pathways over the lake leading to the pagoda make for some great photo opportunities. (Located on the Dala-Twante Road) Dreamland About five minutes before Twante you’ll reach Dreamland. Here for 2,500 Ks you can use the pool and for the same price you can hire skates and use the Rollerblade Park. Considering that Dreamland is in the middle of nowhere, everything’s remarkably good. The pool is at a decent temperature, the poolside and deck chairs are clean and the skate park is both fun and oddly inviting set amongst all the trees. The food they serve up in the restaurant isn’t bad either.

(Located on the Dala - Twante Road, East of Dala)

Twante Market

The Oh-Bo Pottery Sheds

Twante is an attractive little riverside town with a couple of tourist spots to keep you occupied for an hour or so. In the centre of town you’ll find Twante’s fun we-sell-everything market. The air is full of rich aromas and it’s a good place to grab something to eat.

(Located near Twante ferry landing)

Twante has a long and prestigious history of producing pottery for the region and there are several places in town where you can see the potters at work and pick up some nice ceramics.

The most famous workshop is the OhBo Pottery sheds where, we’re told, it’s possible to try your hand at a bit of moulding. (Located in the Oh-Bo district)

WARNING: We’ve heard multiple reports of people being overcharged in Dala, where drivers and guides would agree to a full-package price only to claim later that it was an hourly rate.

Suddenly you owe 50,000 Ks and your day is ruined. Make sure your agreement is as clear as possible before you step foot in a taxi or trishaw.

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TRAVEL | DAY TRIP OUTBOUND

Bangkok to Yangon: The Hard(er) Way

By Sam D. Foot

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TRAVEL | ROAD TRIP A relatively understated town (despite being the largest in Thailand’s Western provinces), Kanchanaburi is the perfect place to get some R&R after the madness of Bangkok.

Flights are boring. Go overland.

Visa runs can get tedious. In fact they almost always get tedious and, sometimes, they get weird and very very expensive. Well, I know they do for me. Bangkok is the obvious option for most of Yangon’s expats - but tell me you aren’t bored of it... just a little?

Surely there is an alternative to once again selecting that ‘return flight’ option on Skyscanner?

From hard-won experience, I can tell you that one way of ‘coming home’ - ever-increasingly favoured by backpackers, ex-pats and other oddities - is the overland route from Bangkok to Yangon.

How does the route work?

Bangkok Not too much need to cover the Big Mango here - if your end destination is Yangon, you are no doubt already acquainted with it as intimately as any city in Myanmar. (A point to mention: just make sure you go to the Myanmar Embassy off Sathorn Road and pick up your visa - e-visas / visas on arrival cannot be collected at the overland border!)

The easiest and most cost-effective way to begin the journey to the Southern border crossing is by taking a leisurely train ride through Thailand’s pleasant and fertile changwat to Kanchanaburi. There are two train options: Firstly, it is possible to take a direct train from the outlying Thonburi station. Trains leave twice a day (7:45am and 1:45pm), cost around between 200 to 350 baht, and take around three hours. If you can’t make either of the Thonburi trains, it is possible to take a ride from Hua Lamphong to Ban Pong, a sleepy town in the Ratchaburi foothills that serves as node joining Thailand’s Western railways to the Southern line leading to Singapore. Trains to Ban Pong are far more frequent and cost between 50-350 baht. From here, catch the 50 baht bus at the stop just past the prominent clock tower at the town’s central roundabout which takes two hours to reach it’s destination.

Kanchanaburi A relatively understated town (despite being the largest in Thailand’s Western provinces), Kanchanaburi is the perfect place to get some R&R after the madness of Bangkok. Guesthouses line the River Kwai (where you can still

visit the sombre, eponymous “bridge over” - now a major, slightly ungainly tourist hotspot - compensated by the beautifully maintained, peaceful and evocative Allied Cemetery), and are exceptionally good value considering the relaxing river views many of them offer. From Kanchanaburi you can hire a bike - or join a tour - and visit a number of the areas of natural beauty contained within the gorgeous surrounding countryside. For those so inclined, the nightlife is pretty standard Thai town fare - go-go bars and street food - but it is all contained to a relatively good natured corner of the city, and is easily dodged if needs or wants be.

Thai Border (Phunamron) From Kanchanaburi’s central bus station, it is a short bus ride to the Thai border. Local buses leave to the border encampment of Phunamron every couple of hours. The bus costs sixty baht, and roughly two hours, you will be deposited at the Thai border checkpoint.

Myanmar Border (Htee Kee) For those who have researched this trip on the internet, this part seems to

be the hardest to navigate... it isn’t. The bus drops you at the checkpoint itself, where you walk through immigration, get stamped, and then enter no-man’s land. As soon as you walk past the Thai immigration hut you will be greeted by people hawking lifts to Dawei. On the Thai side, the ride should cost you about $35 in baht. Alternatively, take a 100 baht jaunt a few kilometres across to the Myanmar checkpoint to find a lift to Dawei for slightly less, around $25 in kyat. After passing through one of the most rudimentary immigration offices you are likely to find anywhere in the world - hosting two chairs, a couple of box files, one table and (on occasion) a clutch of chicks and hens, you are now (back) in Myanmar...... separated from the interior by a not-unsubstantial tropical forest and mountain range - the Tenasserim Hills.

The roughly five hours of all-terrain driving are surprisingly entertaining and enjoyable - largely due to the incredible vistas you encounter as the single rough track carves its way through the spectacular region. Dense green forest gives way to stunning panoramic views of granite peaks and deep riverine valleys as you climb higher and further into the range, meeting very few others save the occasional small shack hawking snacks and drinks.

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By the time you reach the checkpoint immediately preceding the diminutive village of Myitta, the road becomes far wider, smoother and busier - with lorries ferrying commodities from point to point becoming a far more frequent sight. A couple more hours drive through rural and semi-urban Southern Myanmar, and you reach Dawei.

Dawei Dawei is a relatively quiet but growing port city which, in the coming decades, will (if development projects are reinitiated) almost inevitably become a globally relevant special economic zone and logistics hub. The capital of Tanintharyi province, the entirety of this section of Myanmar only opened up to foreign tourism in 2013 and, from the perspective of the adventurer, remains gloriously unexplored and underdeveloped. Hotel rooms are a little hard to come by, so book in advance.

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The Dawei Peninsula Aside from the jovial, extravagantly friendly nature of almost all of Dawei’s residents, the real joy of the region lies in it’s almost entirely undiscovered beaches - and, yes, the beaches on Dawei’s peninsula are the real, 100%, pristine, deal. Probably not for long: it’s almost painful to put this fact into print in the knowledge that I will be playing my small part in turning this stunning part of the world into soon to be gap year resorts; all buckets, luminent face paints and lads in singlets. Anyway, before this stretch of the Andaman Coast turns into part of the-full-moon-party-don’t-stop-land, I beseech you to visit one of the resorts on the coast. Here is how:

• Hire a Honda scooter and a map from Focus Scooters on Pakoku Kyuang Road. 8,000 kyat for twenty-four hours.

• Choose a beach bungalow resort.

Only two are currently open to foreigners: Paradise and Sinhtauk.

Unless ownership has changed recently, both are managed by friendly Germanics, both are located on stunning, stunning, empty Andaman coast beach fronts, and both offer beautiful, rudimentary timber-framed double-bedded bungalows for a very good price (between 25-50,000 kyats per night). I prefer Sinhtauk Beach and it’s proximity to the (soon-to-be legendary) Grandfather Beach (Po Po Kyauk). However, Paradise is slightly easier to access (you do not have to wade across mangroves, leaving your bike at the mercy of the nearest village), and has solar power meaning access to the luxury of a fan at night.

• Drive. This is most wondrous part (for me) of the entire Bangkok - Yangon overland trip. The few hours of riding are, quite simply,

very, very fun. There is a special atmosphere in these parts and the hamlets that you pass seem to glow with a verdant, ramshackle beauty. However, most of this vibe is due to the absolutely wonderful nature of the locals. The thousands of beaming, ‘Mingalabar’-chirping little urchins that greet you from the roadside - from the back of trucks and bikes, out of windows, from restaurants, and from out of the undergrowth - will leave your cheeks aching from grinning like a fool at just how charming everyone has been to you. The ascent to the resorts is also ridiculously fun: each lies a dirt-biking hour or so - through forest and up and down hills - from the bungalows.

The ride to Sinhtauk through the prohibited (and secret) path that the locals use (which also avoids the necessity of wading through mangrove swamp), is particularly spectacular.

TRAVEL | ROAD TRIP

Dawei to Yangon Let’s say you’ve wasted enough time on this trip and your employer is getting antsy. You can take a plane from Dawei but it costs, flights only operate between October and April, and, frankly, after all the hoboing you have done to get here, where is the fun in flying? Furthermore, the train takes a full twenty-four hours if everything runs on time... So, take the bus. I’ve ridden countless night buses in my life, but this one really is for the slim shouldered and tough-assed. Leaving from Dawei’s central bus station at 1pm and 5pm, the bus is supposed to take twelve sweet, air-conditioned hours.

For those who have patronised Myanmar buses, this will sound cheerfully optimistic - and that is because it is: I am yet to reach in less than twenty. The on-board entertainment is variable: on my first journey we were graced with 6 hours of mantra beamed in direct from Mandalay, followed by ten of good-times Myanmar karaoke videos. Most recently, the entertainment scene seems to be evolving: a few dramatic Myanmar films were interspersed with Korean inspired music videos in which the male protagonist inevitably fell in love, out of love, and back in love only when affected by a life-threatening (sometimes incredibly gory life-terminating) quirk of fate. It’s also usually extremely loud, so you better get on the free Shark energy drinks they ply you with on departure because sleep is pretty unlikely.

Yangon And then you are home (well, Yangon central bus depot). Home to reflect on your visa run / exotic entry into Myanmar, and to nurse you memories of a journey that, for good or ill (think of the damn beaches!) will stay with you for a long, long time.

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TRAVEL | REVIEW

NAY PYI TAW

EMERALD PALACE HOTEL – A REAL JEWEL IN NAY PYI TAW

By Marcus Sigurdsson

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TRAVEL | REVIEW

The first thing that I noticed about the Emerald Palace Hotel was the vastness of its grounds. Spread over 11 beautiful acres and overlooking a picturesque, serene lake it was perfectly located in the southern part of the city. Close to the business district, yet an oasis of calm and beauty, especially after a long day spent crunching numbers.

Since work would keep me in Nay Pyi Taw for a while I decided to book the Executive Villa. Now, keeping my fouryear-old girl happy at the best of times is never easy, but my daughter loved being in the Villa. When she weren’t frolicking around the edge of the lake, she was busy watching cartoons on TV. My wife especially liked the beautifully-appointed living room, spacious dining area and luxurious bathroom. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s copied a few design ideas for our home.

Business would bring me back to the city quite regularly, so I decided to take a quick look at the other rooms.

I must say I wasn’t disappointed. Both the Deluxe Rooms and the other Villas were large and spacious with clean lines, functionality and comfort. Everything I, as a business traveller, yearn for. But what really surprised me were the rates – like most accommodation in Nay Pyi Taw, the deluxe rooms at the Emerald Palace were available for the same price as a hostel room in Yangon.

Before visiting the Emerald Palace, I had heard fantastic things about the staff from a colleague of mine. I must say they exceeded all expectations, often going above and beyond the call of duty to make sure me and my family were fully satisfied at all times.

One of my grouses about living in Myanmar is the fact that finding a good a-la-carte breakfast amongst local hotels is a rarity. I had no such problems with the Emerald Palace each morning they provided us with a full quality breakfast that even included authentic Muesli which my two girls just loved.

We found the other cuisine in the hotel to be exceptional as well. With the head chef being a very talented Italian named Gennaro Rociola, there was a particular emphasis on authentic Italian ingredients and cooking. It’s a good thing the portions were generous, because the food was delicious. I ordered the Salmone Al Siciliana (25,000 Kyats) which had meaty, juicy, grilled Salmon specially imported from Norway and served with delicious local potatoes. My wife had the Mediterranean Salad (13,000 Kyats) which consisted of a seasonal mix of lettuce, artichokes and Parmesan cheese. I had a small nibble of the salad and it was delectable. We then shared the Prawn & Mushroom Ravioli (15,000 Kyats) which was simply heavenly.

With Chef Rociola regaling us with tales of Rome during our meal, we felt like we were eating a delicious meal in the home of a very hospitable Italian host. He told us that to ensure that the pasta tastes exactly like it does back home it is lovingly made by hand in the restaurant every day. The perfect end to our meal was the melt-in-yourmouth Italian Tiramisu (6,000 Kyats).

For lunch, the next day, my wife and I decided to try the Asian cuisine.

We ordered the exotic Nasi Goreng (8,000 Kyats) and we weren’t disappointed. The Malaysian Fried Rice with chicken satay and fish crackers was mouth-wateringly delicious.

I look forward to staying here again, it’s home for me in Nay Pyi Taw. Yaza Thingaha Rd Phone : 067 419 321 www.emeraldpalace.com

Need a car for your visit?

Europcar can provide car with, and without, driver to a competitive price.

Learn more on http://www. europcar-myanmar.com/ or +951 646330

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TRAVEL | REVIEW

WHERE LUXURY MEANS BUSINESS

By Marcus Sigurdsson

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TRAVEL | REVIEW It had been a while since my wife and I had last been home to Sweden. So when the Water Festival Holiday came along, we decided to take the direct route to Europe with Qatar Airways.

The airline had won World’s Best Business Class several times, so as business travellers we really had something to look forward to.

We flew from Yangon to Stockholm via Hamad International Airport in Doha – the carrier’s base in Qatar. The flight from Yangon to Doha was on an Airbus A330-300 and would take almost 7 hours. This wide-bodied aircraft offered 2+2+2 seating which

suited us just fine. My wife and I are very much in love, but we also treasure our own space. Travelling as a couple on the flight, we could occupy two window seats, but as with all business class seats, we also had the privacy that passengers flying alone enjoy.

The first thing that struck us when we entered business class was the warm hospitality and attention to detail. We were pleasantly greeted and shown to our seats by our hostess before being offered refreshments. I opted for a chilled glass of champagne while my wife chose the Laboa – a non-alcoholic Arabic milk drink. Before take-off, the Business Class a-la-carte food menu

MYANMORE magazine #8 June 2017 / 35

TRAVEL | REVIEW

was presented to us that included the whole range from delectable appetizers and soup to main dishes and dessert.

The one thing I dread on flights is going through the boring safety video.

But this time we were pleasantly surprised. Qatar Airways, together with Barcelona Football Club, have used football and humour to produce a quirky safety video that is as funny as it is informative.

The service on the flight was of the highest order. The cabin staff was unobtrusive yet attentive and helpful throughout the journey. We were provided with a very nice necessity kit, blanket, pillow and Bose noise-cancelling headphones. Being a tall Scandinavian, I often feel cramped on flights.

I am happy to say that this wasn’t the case here. There was plenty of storage space and the seat controls helped me get into the perfect position, even going completely flat down when I wanted to sleep. I enjoyed the sensation of having my legs straight out and

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still having a lot of space to spare, a real luxury for me.

Another real luxury was the entertainment - it was world-class as expected.

I could watch a wide selection of the latest movies on a large screen while being treated to exotic dishes throughout the journey.

The first leg of our journey went like a breeze. Thanks to the early morning start, I managed to get some work done while listening to music on the Bose noise-cancelling headphones.

I deliberately avoided the internet access provided by Ooredoo, using it only to download a few emails before unplugging from the outside world and surrendering to the exquisite service of Qatar Airways. By the time we had landed, I had managed a short nap, two movies and quite a few helpings of their sinful desserts.

Hamad International Airport The new, state-of-the-art Hamad International airport in Doha is truly

world class. There’s so much to do that you almost wish you had more time to spend here. The world’s best luxury brands all have a presence, which got my wife really excited.

If you’re on a long stopover, Qatar Airways often provide hotel accommodation and visa free of charge.

If this is your first visit to Doha and you feel like exploring the city, you can join one of the free city tours organized by Qatar Airways. Each tour takes around 3 hours.

Ours was a short stopover as we had only three hours before our connecting flight. So, as my wife headed to the luxury stores and the 24 hour SPA with a swimming pool, I made my way to the Al Mourjan Business Lounge. As a frequent business class traveller, I have voyaged around the world, and been to many airports, but I have never seen anything like this business lounge.

The first thing that struck me was its scale – it was huge, like a hotel by itself.

From the moment I entered my senses

were treated to beautiful portrayal of Arabian heritage. It had a refreshing resort-like ambience with stunning water features and multiple options for everything on offer. The Lounge had a separate sandwich bar, business centre, showers, and a restaurant and bar on the upper floor. Spread over a vast area, it had different seating arrangements and comfortable chairs for every business need, from just reading a book and enjoying a coffee to holding an important client meeting – all underlined by the signature Qatar Airways hospitality that we had gotten so used to.

From the lounge, my wife and I had a short 10 minute walk to the gate that included a spectacular ride down a long escalator that might give some people with vertigo the shivers.

Dreaming of the Dreamliner As we set out on the second leg from Doha to Stockholm, I was happy to see that we would be flying on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, one of the latest addi-

TRAVEL | REVIEW

tions to the Qatar Airways fleet. Being a bit of a tech nerd, it has always given me great pleasure to travel on new airplanes as soon as they are launched.

The 787 Dreamliner is a mid-sized, wide body and offers 22 fully flat business class seats in the 1-2-1 configuration. On this six hour flight, we were looking forward to enjoying the best of business class and I must say the Dreamliner really lived up to its name.

Everything on offer was the ultimate in luxury, from the reverse Herringbone seats to the special LED mood lighting.

But what really impressed me the most was the amount of space above the seats. All the space for luggage storage was confined to the sides of the cabin, which gave us a lot of space to stretch and relax.

Flying from Doha to Stockholm, we sat in the twin seats in the middle which were sublime. But I also noticed that, as a lone passenger, you can have complete privacy with a single seat at the window. On the return trip, we booked the twin seats behind the main cabin. They are private as there are

no window seats next to you, yet they are easily accessible by airline staff who jokingly refer to these seats as the ‘honeymoon suite’. In retrospect, however, we would have preferred to sit in the middle as we missed the windows and space above that those seats offered.

An interesting fun fact about the 787 is that, compared to other planes, it provides improved air quality and optimal humidity resulting in passengers feeling more refreshed after the flight.

My wife and I can certainly attest to that, although we feel the world-class treatment we received from airline staff certainly had something to do with it as well. Everything about Qatar Airways was top-notch – from the service and the cuisine, to the business lounge and the entertainment.

My Summary Qatar Airways Business Class is without a doubt amongst the best in the world. Every touch point in the journey has been designed to perfection

and meticulously thought out. The seats are magnificent, the service is exceptional and the cuisine is exquisite.

The business lounge at Doha’s Hamad International Airport offers everything you need and more. The journey through the airport has been designed for maximum convenience. From the lounge to our gate was just between 5 and 10 minutes which allowed us maximum time in the lounge. The only thing close to a disappointment during the whole journey was the cold service at the check in counter at Stockholm on our return trip. But I would put it down more to me and my wife growing accustomed to Asia’s extraordinary warm hospitality.

The flight times and connections were perfect – the 7-hour flight to Doha plus 3-hour stopover plus 6-hour flight to Stockholm worked out much better than the stopovers I usually have in both Bangkok and Helsinki. On our next trip we will definitely schedule a longer stopover so we can enjoy all that Doha has to offer.

Compared to the exquisite cuisine and outstanding service of Qatar Airways, even the five-star hotel we stayed at in Stockholm came up short. Our business class journey ended up being the most memorable and luxurious part of our trip. It was more than just a flight, it was an experience. Like my wife said to me after our journey – why would anyone want to travel any other way?

FREE Hotel Accommodation Check with local Qatar Airways team in Yangon located at Centrepoint Towers – email: resrgn@mm.qatarairways. com ; tel: (+951)379845, 379843, 379831

Summer promotion up to 30% discount: sale until 9th June, travel until 31st December.

Promotion for 2 up to 40% discount: sale until 13th June, travel until 30th September.

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FOOD & DRINK YANGON

Demystifying Indian Food Culture

By Mallika Gupta Walking across Shwe Bon Thar, onto 29th or Merchant, one could forget for a moment that they are pacing the streets of Yangon. The vibrant and elaborate temples, the musty upswell of spice and humidity and - most gratifyingly - the street-food vendors, chaat wallahs, and cafes full of chai-quaffing punters ensconce you in a distinctly Indian setting.

CMYK (2,4,99,0) CMYK (0,85,100,0)

Well established in Yangon due to the town’s historic links with the Indian sub-continent, the spices and exotic flavors of India’s cuisine can prove both exciting and overwhelming. The average Indian’s palate is accustomed to this concoction of spices: a taste of home that make our taste buds buzz with satisfaction and, in the Indian tradition, form the basis of wellness and health.

Given India’s diversity in soil type, climate, culture and ethnic groupings, dishes vary significantly from each other and adopt the spices, herbs, and grains grown in a particular region. For instance, North Indian food consists of flat breads made from several local grains, and, since the climate is comparatively colder, people favour foods rich in ghee (clarified butter). In the South of India, rice abounds due to the climatic conditions, meaning that the cuisine puts rice-based foods above most other grains.

Masala Box Across India, there are around 15-20 spices that are integral to the cuisine.

Most Indian households have what is known as the ‘Masala Dabba’, or ‘box of spices.’ The dabba typically contains: 01

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Mustard seeds can be yellow, black, or brown. Their smoky, nutty flavour is released when crushed or cooked in oil. During the winter, mustard oil is often used to massage the scalp, as

well as on babies’ bodies, moisturising skin and keeping the body warm.

Cumin used both whole and in spice mixes to add a characteristic smoky note to Indian dishes.The health benefits of cumin include its ability to aid digestion, improve immunity, and treat piles, insomnia, respiratory disorders, asthma, bronchitis, colds, lactation, anemia, skin disorders, boils, and even cancers.

Turmeric is perhaps the most wellknown spice, and is widely known to have a host of health benefits including antiseptic properties that have been shown to aid the healing of wounds. It may also be used as an effective, tooth-whitening alternative to toothpaste!

Red chili powder is an indispensable ingredient in most Indian dishes, and contains antioxidants and vitamin C. Ground from coriander seeds, very few dishes can be made without the touch of coriander powder. The spice aids digestion and is an excellent remedy for fever. Added to drinks during the summer, it provides relief from heat, and detoxes the body from heavy chemicals like lead, arsenic, and mercury.

India’s influence on Myanmar cuisine is evident, with these common herbs and spices utilised in the dishes of both countries. Myanmar’s soils also provide an ample number of the vegetables - bhindi, daal, kidney beans, potato, bitter melon etc. - needed for authentic Indian cuisine. These can be found in markets and grocery stores across town, perhaps the most wellstocked being A.K. Khan (27th Street) and India Mart in Pearl Condominium, Bahan (referred to by many as ‘Little India.’)

FOOD & DRINK

01 Masala Box 02 Ingyin Nwe Restaurant 03 Rangoon Tea House

Much of Yangon’s street-food is directly inspired by Indian classics snacks modified and adapted for the palate of the Myanmar people. From delicious samosas - chopped up mixed with greens and served with tangy sauces - to the many different sweet and savoury parathas and rotis and steaming hot, crispy dosas packed with vegetables, meat, or cheese, the streets of Yangon have enough variety to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Yangon also has no shortage of Indian restaurants. Each serves Indian food with a distinct twists on the classic recipes:

Ingyin Nwe Restaurant

Ingyin Nwe offer a number of South Indian-inspired dishes. If you are craving a warm, crispy dosa, you will find the perfect one at Ingyin Nwe. Alongside the sambar that traditionally accompanies a dosa, the pancakes are served with 4 delicious chutneys: a sweet and tangy tamarind sauce, a chilli sauce, crushed coriander chutney, and the famous coconut chutney.

Additionally, the pooris - a deep fried, puffed indian bread accompanied with a spicy potato curry - are divine. They also serve a number of thalis - literally translated, thali means a ‘plate’ of flatbread or rice, a curry, some vegetables or meat, lentils and some scrumptious sides such as ‘papadums’ and pickles.

Rangoon Tea House Bustling with the energy of the expats of Yangon, ‘RTH’ is another very well-loved restaurant which is in part inspired by Indian flavours. From their biryanis to the pea parathas, all recipes have are served with an interesting and tasty twist.

Coriander Leaf Coriander leaf offers some of the most authentic Indian flavours in Yangon. A range of street foods are available as appetizers, such as Mumbai’s famous sev puri; small, deep fried flat breads served with salad, sev flakes, and lots of sweet, sour and spicy sauces poured on top. Main courses reflect traditional Indian dishes of rice and roti, vegetables, meats, and pulses - all made with spice and ghee in abundance.

Vedge A newcomer to the Indian food scene, Vedge serves a range of delicious Indian street foods and simple vegetarian favourites such as rajma chawal (kidney bean curry) and daal makhani (black daal).

02

Sweets For dessert, try a falooda: a famous Indian mixture of sweet tapioca, jellies, custard, strawberry milk and icecream, and cakey-bread all served up in one glass! You can find some of the best faloodas on Mahabandoola Park Road and around Anawrahta Road, alongside many other Indian sweet shops.

Indians commonly conclude their meals with a mouth freshener: fennel seeds, often coated with sugar.

Another famous specialty is ‘paan’. It consists of the areca nut, sweeteners and sometimes tobacco, wrapped in betel leaf. You will see vendors making and selling paan across Yangon, and many taxi drivers opening their doors to get rid of the sweet, mildly narcotic snack!

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FOOD & DRINK MANDALAY

Loaf & Rice Bar & Restaurant

By Susan Bailey Fine dining is an elusive thing in Mandalay. The northern city has plenty of casual dining spots but, when looking for a nice place to impress a date or treat yourself to a good meal, the options are limited. The arrival of Loaf & Rice Bar & Restaurant hopes to fill that gap. The building seems out of place- more fitted to a chic neighbourhood in Bangkok than Mandalay’s busy 62nd Street- and seemed almost too fancy from the outside. However, what we discovered inside was a pleasant surprise.

was tender and tasty, there was way too much panko crust which overwhelmed the palate. Once we learned to scrape this off, we enjoyed the ribs.

The six plump pieces could easily have been shared by three people, and they went down well with a cold draft beer.

Our final dish of the night, the pomelo salad, was a winner. The sweet and sour fruit was offset by a tangy lime and fish sauce mixture along with crispy peanuts, fried shallots and green beans. It was the best version of the salad I have had outside of Vietnam and was a nice flavour compliment to the bland ribs.

Atmosphere The restaurant is split over three levels. The ground floor entrance gives way to a dining area and the bar.

Normally I am keen to sit near the bar for faster service but the layout of the room is such that any attempt to dine would be disturbed by passing servers or other diners accessing the stairs.

Thankfully, the first floor is better.

Final Thoughts Although our experience was less than perfect, we loved the setting and left full and happy without breaking the bank. Gazing around as we left, most diners had beer snacks but we did see a few plates of delicious looking items.

Furthermore, a couple of friends visited the next day and raved about the pastas. I will definitely go back, delve into more of the ‘specials’ on the menu and, given the crowd there on a Tuesday night, I’m sure that Loaf & Rice will be around for a long time to come.

Large plate-glass windows and clean, white walls give the room an open, non-cluttered feel. Comfortable wicker chairs and wooden tables are suited for both eating and sitting back and relaxing with a cocktail.

The rooftop dining area is one of Loaf and Rice’s big selling points. Looking out at the Happy World Ferris Wheel, the terrace offers an oasis of calm, capturing gentle breezes above the city streets.

The Food The menu was overwhelming and slightly confusing. The first page offered ‘Loaf and Rice Specialties’ but, as we flipped through the 10-page menu, every page had ‘special’ dishes.

It makes you wonder: why bother offering other dishes if you have so many special ones?

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Figuring that ‘Special’ was the way to go, we ordered the first item on the menu: Seafood Special (16,000 mmk).

We also asked our server for other recommendations and were told to order the Pomelo Salad (4500mmk) and Fried Steamed Pork Ribs (6,000 mmk). The pastas also came highly recommended but, based on the manager’s comments, the serving sizes were ample and three dishes was more than enough for two people. He was right.

The Seafood Special was a massive bowl, featuring two hard-shell crabs, mussels, squid and prawns. The sauce was a Thai-style curry, similar to a light Tom Yum. It was delicious. The seafood was juicy and fresh and the sauce gave it enough zing without overwhelming the savoury and sweet seafood. We only wished we had bread to soak up the extra sauce.

Unfortunately, the ribs did not fare as well. While the meat of the ribs

Details: Loaf & Rice Bar & Restaurant 62nd Street between 42nd and 43rd Streets, Mandalay Phone: 095340004 Opening Hours: 10.30 AM – 10.30 PM

FOOD & DRINK YANGON

Minn Lan

By Phone Depar Min

Minn Lan Rakhine Seafood, on Shin Saw Phyu Road, is just one of a series of long established ethnic food restaurants that offers great food for even greater prices.

There is an immense range of seafood available, with only the freshest of ingredients being used to give the customer some of the best tasting Rakhine style seafood in Yangon. The staff also hail straight from Rakhine. We were told by Manager U Aung Naing Oo that all the foodstuffs are also imported straight from the Rakhine area, for an authentic ethnic food experience.

The restaurant is spacious, with separate dining outlets for those who want to dine inside and those who prefer to eat outside. The decor is simple but elegant, and like most traditional Burmese restaurants has a lively, festive air.

The prices vary greatly; from just 500KS for a bowl of Mon Lesaung to 70,000 KS for the steamed Lobsters and Baked Mantics.

Recommended foremost is the Mon Lesaung and the Fresh Rice Noodle Salad in the Rakhine style, and with the total price of the two coming in at 1,300Kyats, it is pretty affordable. The Noodle Salad is spicy and hot, filled with egg, fish paste, onions and noodles.

The spiciness of the Noodle Salad coupled with the sweet- Coconut Candy induced factor of the Mon Lesaung certainly brings a smile to the face.

The Tiger Prawn BBQ for 7,000kyats was an absolutely delectable looking dish, stacked with no less than six large prawns barbequed to near perfection.

The outer shell came away as easy as a cat faced with water, though

whilst still providing the feeling of having to tear away the cover to get to the soft meat tantalizingly hidden within. It goes very well with spicy sauce, giving it a very Myanmar tang.

To spread out the Tiger Prawns, we tried the Tiger Prawn Tempura: also costing 7,000kyats. The fried prawns crunched beautifully, searing the tongue with its fried goodness. The meat of the prawn itself was again, very soft and luscious, melting into the mouth with nary a chew.

We also ordered two steamed crabs for 25,000kyats. Dishes like crab and lobster can either be ordered through the menu (wherein no less than 3 crabs are shown) or simply though the preference of the customer.

In need of something sweet, we ordered a plate of Mon Paung, coming in at just 1000kyats for three pretty and quite sizeable white buns filled with rice powder, palm sugar and coconut oil. It was quite delicious and a welcome contrast to the hot prawns and spicy rice.

Minn Lann Rakhine Seafood restaurant has 5 branches spread out all over the fair city of Yangon, and is just ripe and waiting for those hungry customers ready o fill their bellies with delicious ethnic Rakhine Seafood!

No.77/C, Shin Saw Pu Road, Near City Mart (Myay Ni Gone), Windsor Garden Housing, San Chaung, Yangon.

Tel: 09 43125152, 09 969910406 Opening Hours: 10AM-10PM

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health

MANDALAY SPA GUIDE

By Susan Bailey

When the heat and dust of Mandalay get too much, a spa treatment is the perfect remedy. Splashing out for an hour or two of pampering seems like an easy task in Mandalay: there is a spa or ‘massage’ shop on every corner. But the quality and consistency varies greatly. Here are our tried and true suggestions for a bit of pampering in Myanmar’s second largest city.

01

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WELLNESS | SPA

BEST TRUE SPA EXPERIENCE: Mandalar Spa at Mandalay Hill Resort Mandalar is the only place in Mandalay that does justice to the word ‘spa’. Stepping through the entrance gate, you can’t help but relax as you find yourself amid a tropical garden with a lotus pond. The eight treatment rooms are stunning teak villas, impeccably decorated and blissfully quiet and cool. The most popular treatment, the Asian Oil Massage (40 USD), is 1.5 hours of sheer indulgence.

High-quality oils are used along with a blend of techniques to work out any signs of muscle pain. The multi-treatment packages, lasting 3 hours or longer, are a real treat for spa lovers. And, if you really want to splash out, book the Spa Villa, a large private room with a full hotel room plus two massage beds, a rain shower and a jacuzzi.

Mandalay Hill Resort, at the base of Mandalay Hill Open: 08.00 – 22.30 Phone: 0235638 ext 2903 BEST FOR A GIRLS’ DAY OUT: Moon Angel

01 Massage at Mandalar Spa

Gathering up a group of friends for a spa trip is a perfect birthday present or pre-wedding treat and Moon Angel is the perfect place for a girls’ day out.

Not only is the spa ‘Ladies only’, it sprawls over four floors with plenty of space for group treatments, features a large changing room and has over a dozen professionally-trained staff. As it was 40+ degrees on the day of my visit, the large, top-of-the-line sauna did not appeal to me. But I could imagine a good gossip session with friends there on a cooler winter day (8,500 kyats/30 minutes) followed by a foot massage. The area seats four, with a water fountain providing a soothing background. After these ‘group’ treatments, there is enough variety that even the fussiest spa girl will be satisfied. I opted for a body scrub which left my skin feeling smooth and hydrated (22,000 kyats/1 hour). Member cards are available which entitle the holder to discounts and promotions.

No. 3 KA, 30th Street Between 58th and 59th Streets Open: 10.00 – 20.00 Phone: 09796777903, 09796777904 BEST BEAUTY TREATMENTS: Diamond Spa It’s no secret amongst the female population in Mandalay: If you are looking for the best facials, waxing or nail treatments you head straight to Diamond Spa. The owner, Carmen Lam, is a UK-qualified aesthetician who has an incredibly skilled, professional team and top-quality products such as the Guinot skin care line and IBD nail polish. The ground floor is the nail bar while the upstairs features quiet rooms for facials and body treatments. Diamond’s Hydraclean Facial (50,000 MMK) left my skin feeling smooth as silk and with a glow that made me look five years younger. The Hand Spa (20,000 MMK), which comprises of a manicure plus a upper body massage, gave me Hollywood-worthy nails.

62nd Street Between 37th and 38th Streets Open: 09.00 – 21.00 Phone: 09798-200088 or 09263200088

Open: 09.00 – 18.00 Phone: 09 44403 2013 BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY MASSAGE: Spa Thukha @ Amazing Hotel Although located just a stone’s throw from Mandalay’s chaotic train station, Spa Thukha is an oasis of calm. Within the grounds of Amazing Hotel, this spa delivers consistently good massage service at a reasonable price. The one-hour Thai Massage (12,000 MMK) is excellent and performed on a real massage table, rather than simply a mattress on the floor. The Asia Aroma Therapy massage also comes highly recommended. And, as a bonus, Thukha offers fabulous promotions, especially around Myanmar holiday periods, offering 10-30% off spa treatments.

73rd Street Between 27th and 28th Streets Open: 08.00 – 21.00 (note: Closed for renovation until 1 July 2017) Phone: 02 67411, 02 67433 Also Noteworthy: La Source- Same as its Yangon branch, La Source offers excellent beauty and hair treatments.

BEST FOOT MASSAGE: Amaravati If you have sore muscles or tired feet, head straight to Amaravati. The masseurs have all be trained by Thai experts and use traditional techniques to rejuvenate the body. Reclining in a comfortable arm chair, I indulged in a one-hour foot massage (7,000 MMK).

The pressure was just right as the masseur kneading the soles of my feet and I felt noticeably refreshed when leaving the spa. The owners recently opened a second Amaravati at Mandalay’s airport, the perfect place to relax before a flight (Note: Prices are slightly higher at the airport. The one hour foot massage is 10,000 MMK).

Amaravati 1- Nadi Myanmar Hotel, 62nd Street between 37th and 38th Streets Open: 11.00 – 23.00 Amaravati 2- Gate 5 at Mandalay Tada Oo Airport

Mya Sandar Street; Between 26×27 & 62×63 Street Prana @ Hotel By Red Canal- Great massage treatments, especially their hot stone treatment, but the strange, cave-like setting makes it unsuitable for those with claustrophobia!

Hotel By Red Canal; 22nd Street between 62nd and 63rd Streets

Need a car for your visit?

Europcar can provide car with, and without, driver to a competitive price.

Learn more on http://www. europcar-myanmar.com/ or +951 646330

MYANMORE magazine #8 June 2017 / 43

WELLNESS | TRAINING

Kettlebells Kettlebells. You’ve seen this peculiar looking object in the gym and you often watch how the other members use it. In this month’s Sports/Wellness article, we’re going to take a look at this piece of training equipment and see how they help to add a punch to your exercise routine.

Introduction

The Kettlebell is fast proving to be a useful and effective training modality for the functional fitness trainer. Kettlebells have been a consistently popular training tool in their native country, Russia, for hundreds of years. Today, their benefits are felt worldwide as Kettlebell training is recommended as a viable way to improve a range of physiological characteristics. Kettlebells can cater for use at all fitness levels, with their main users ranging from Russian heavyweights and military forces to the casual fitness enthusiast and sportsperson.

What

The Kettlebell is often described as a cast iron ball or ‘bell’ with a ‘handle’ and ‘horns’. The unique shape allows the user to keep their wrists in a neutral position which in turn puts less strain on the wrist and allows for a longer workout. Kettlebells come in a range of different weights; from 2kg up to more than 60kg. They can be lifted, swung, pressed and pulled in a variety of different exercises which ensure an elevated heart rate. This means kettlebell training can act as a replacement for cardio machines, dumbbells and grip devices to achieve a range of specific goals. Kettlebells are different from dumb bells in that the center of gravity is away from the handle which causes them to pull away from the mid-line of the body requiring more effort to resist.

Why

For the user, the list of benefits include an increase in the following: strength, endurance, hypertrophy, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, fat loss and power.

Strength

Strength can be divided into 3 components – maximum strength, elastic strength, and strength endurance.

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in both the upper and lower body and traditional kettlebell lifts - for example the clean, the snatch and the jerk - help facilitate a person’s ability to generate force quickly and powerfully.

To achieve this, a variety of weights should be used.

Where

Kettlebell training can be tailored to target the different elements of strength by manipulating the variables and adjusting the intensity, reps, sets and test time to achieve the desired goal. Maximum strength is best developed by exercises which involve a low number of repetitions and a large resistance of loading. Elastic strength is developed using a high number of repetitions with a low resistance.

Endurance

Using Kettlebells for endurance purposes can be achieved through using sub-maximal intensities over extended periods to improve slow twitch muscle fiber recruitment and improve its efficiency. The stabilizing slow twitch muscle fibers of the core and supporting muscles of the legs and arms will benefit from the prolonged stabilizing isometric contractions needed to support the mid-section and spine which will lead to more efficient postural muscles and improved endurance capabilities of supporting muscle structures.

Hypertrophy

Hypertrophy of muscle tissue is an increase in the size of muscle fibers in response to this tension and kettlebells are an ideal way for providing such a response. They provide hypertrophic benefits by utilizing the whole body and producing large amounts of anabolic hormones which are imperative

for muscle growth. The best muscle building exercises are compound, multi-joint exercises such as the squat, which recruits large amounts of muscle fibers to perform an exercise.

Flexibility

In order to achieve long lasting flexibility, overactive (shortened) muscles should be stretched and the opposing underactive (lengthened) muscles need to be strengthened. Kettlebell exercises such as the swing involve the same principle and will accelerate the strengthening process of the gluteus maximus whilst promoting flexibility of the hip flexors.

Cardiovascular fitness and fat loss Regular cardiovascular and resistance exercise increases fat burning potential as well as improving lung capacity and the strength of the heart. Cardiovascular exercise can be defined as the continuous rhythmical use of large muscle groups and has been shown to increase the metabolism. This can be achieved using kettlebells as multiple muscle groups are active in increasing the metabolism during and long after a training session.

Power

The development of power, while using a range of intensities that allow the performance of the exercise in an explosive yet safe manner, is most effective. Kettlebells can be used to facilitate the development of power

These workouts can be done anywhere and in any space. All you need is a 2M x 2M area to workout. The better you get at handling the bell, the more creative your workout options will become. The kettlebell gives you no excuse for not getting a workout in, even if your day is as busy as hell.

Who

Working out with kettlebells is something that everyone can benefit from, no matter what their age or fitness level. Generally, there are smaller weights for women that are easier to grip for toning, and heavier kettlebells for men looking to gain muscle.

When

If a home kettlebell workout is the only form of training you are currently undertaking, then it is recommended that you perform kettlebell workouts about three times a week. If you want to up the tempo, you can limit your rest intervals to just one day, so that you are training once every other day. This would mean you are training around four times a week.

How

Here are a few kettlebell beginner-friendly exercises that are simple enough to master and will no doubt juice up your gym routine.

1. Kettlebell Swing Targeted areas: Shoulders, back, hips, glutes, legs How to: To do the perfect kettlebell swing, stand up straight with feet a bit wider than hip-distance apart. Grab

WELLNESS | TRAINING the handle with both hands, keeping the palms face down and arms in front of the body. Maintain a slight bend to the knee and drive the hips back, lowering the body—but not too low (this isn't a squat!). Then, in a fluid motion, explosively drive the hips forward while swinging the Kettlebell, keeping the glutes and core engaged.

Remember: The motion should come from the hips, not the arms, as the body returns to standing. Lower the weight back down between the legs and keep this swinging motion going for 12 to 15 reps.

2. Goblet squat Targeted areas: Legs, glutes, back How to: Stand up straight, holding the kettlebell in front of the chest with both hands, keeping the elbows close to the body. Start squatting by driving the heels into the ground and pushing the hips back until the thighs are parallel to the ground or just below. Return to standing, and repeat for 15-20 reps.

3. Russian twist Targeted areas: Abs, Obliques How to: Sit with the legs bent and feet flat on the floor, about hip-distance apart. Hold the kettlebell with both hands at the chest, and then lean back to a 45 degree angle. Rotate the torso from left to right by twisting at the waist and swinging the Kettlebell across the body.

4. Single-arm Kettlebell snatch Targeted areas: Shoulders, chest, back How to: Start with a Kettlebell between the feet with the knees bent.

Then, explode up onto your toes, pulling the Kettlebell until it reaches the chest with the elbow tucked in. From there, bring the weight overhead.

Then bring it back down close to the ground—that’s one rep; try for 6 to 8!

5. Clean Targeted areas: Legs, butt, back How to: Start with the kettlebell between the feet. Begin to swing upwards: shrug the shoulders, pulling the body and 'bell up to the shoulder.

The 'bell should end in the “rack” position: resting on the forearm, which is tucked close to the body, the fist at your chest. Bring the weight back down to the floor and repeat for 10 to 15 reps.

MYANMORE magazine #8 June 2017 / 45

Yangon food aficionados may know Magnus Scherr as the genius behind Mahlzeit’s spectacular pork knuckles and sausages. However, not many people know that the award-winning, Frankfurt-trained chef also serves as the Myanmar Chargé de Mission for La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an international society dedicated to bringing together professional and non-professional members worldwide with a mutual interest in food, wine and fine dining. Repeating his success last year, on June 24, Scherr will be hosting the second European Food Festival in Yangon, set to take place at the Rose Garden Hotel. This time, the celebration will be bigger and better, with proceeds going to local charities.

Sondang Grace Sirait had a chat with Scherr - who is also the General Manager of Atlas Rooftop Bar & Lounge - on his passion to spread the love of fine food in Myanmar and beyond.

What's the difference between this year's festival and the one held last year?

This year, the European Food Festival will be twice as big. Last year we had at least 600 guests. This year we're expecting 1,500 people. Last year we had around 15 people who helped us bring this together. This time it has more than doubled: we have over 30 partners and supporters who are making it happen. This year we're going to be more focused on more European cuisines. We have bigger hotels, bigger supporters who will show more variety of European food. Turkey, Greece and Cyprus will also be represented.

The ticket will be a little more expensive than last year because, first of all, the room is much bigger. And, because it's for charity, we try to make more revenue for the cause. Tickets will be ready on the first of June. We'll sell 46 / MYANMORE magazine #8 June 2017

Q&A M AG N U S S C H E R R

B R I N G I N G F L AV O U R S O F E U R O P E T O M YA N M A R

By Sondang Grace Sirait

them in all the restaurants and hotels that participate.

This year we'll support two charities.

One of them is the same one we supported last year, the Thanlyin Orphanage. The second one is an NGO called My Red Elephant. It's Maurizio Mandl's baby, basically, training Myanmar's deaf chefs. There are a lot of chefs who are hearing-impaired, and Maurizio's task is to bring them into work.

It was pretty simple. A year ago, a friend of mine moved to Laos and he was mandated to run the European Food Festival, which had been taking place for the seventh time in a row. I thought, if a country like Laos is able to do a food festival, then Myanmar should do the same. There are so many European restaurants, so many European chefs, so it should be easy. I called up some guys from the hospitality industry that I know. They were all pretty eager, saying it's a good idea.

It's low season, so there's nothing to do anyway. So we brought everyone together and it turned out to be a good idea.

Tell us about La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and your role as Chargé de Mission.

La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is an international association based in Paris. We have over 80 countries and 25 thousand members worldwide. Myanmar is the newest in membership. In ASEAN

It’s very vibrant. There are some very good restaurants that have been here for quite a while, as well as hotels.

There are excellent chefs around here. The products are getting better and better. Both local and imported products are becoming more easily available and there's a lot of development. A lot of good chefs are coming into town. Chef Martena at The Strand Hotel is an excellent chef, so is Chef Felix from Seeds, so we're getting more and more high-class chefs coming to Yangon and presenting their skills. I see a lot of good possibilities for the Yangon food scene as well.

Any thoughts on Myanmar cuisine and its potential to go international?

Tell us about the charities you’ll be supporting this year.

How did you come up with the idea to create the European Food Festival?

What’s your take on the local dining scene?

there are Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Some of them are nearly 40 years old. Everybody has La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. It's about time Myanmar has an association concentrating on fine food, fine wine, and fine dining. Through this association that we have, we are able to combine forces and bring together all the best chefs in Yangon, fly in a chef from Paris or Hong Kong, then we do a nice six-course dinner at a nice location with the best chefs in town.

That's what La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is all about, bringing people together.

It's a fraternity, a brotherhood, but of course women are very much allowed to join. At the moment we have a lot of foreign members, but we're looking to have more Burmese chefs to be aware of this association. So far, we have around 10 Burmese chefs, but in the end we'd like to make it 50:50.

As Chargé de Mission, I’m responsible for creating a membership strategy, for bringing in new members to the Chaîne..

I like having mohinga in the morning.

I really like tea leaf salad. For the first time in my life, I tried tea leaves in another form, aside from drinking. I was really amazed when I had it. It makes you really energized and vitalized. That could be a new hit, just like som tum in Thailand. In a foreign country, in Germany, I think people would try it. Look at som tum. Everybody said, “Nobody in Germany would eat raw papaya.”

But that's the first thing my friends would order when they go to a Thai restaurant in Germany. They'd been on holiday to Thailand and, when they got back, they'd go to a Thai restaurant and say, "Make it for me." Tea leaf salad has that potential.

What do you think of the idea of culinary diplomacy?

That's the best thing. All of diplomacy goes through the stomach. That's the one thing that brings people together. People sitting together, sharing food, that bond is the best way to make diplomacy happen: over a good dinner. Good for business, good for diplomacy.

What’s your own all-time favourite food?

Fresh homemade pasta, but I'd also eat buckwheat, quinoa. There are a lot of things that I like. I'm a chef by profession, so it's really difficult to pinpoint one favourite food, but right now, I'd say fresh pasta with some olive oil and garlic, like aglio olio.

horoscope

HOROSCOPE San Zar Ni Bo, San Zar Ni Bo, a former political prisoner-turnedfortuneteller, is a highly respected name in Myanmar. He’s known for his palm reading technique, birthdate and naming. His well-known prediction, before the November 2015 elections, was that against all odds, Aung San Suu Kyi would assume a leading position in the government. Read on to find out what he says is in store for the month of June.

Sunday

Tuesday

Present work undertaken will be successful. Joint venture will be advantageous. Former investments will turn out to be fruitful.

Work will expand. Present obstacles in the course of work will be overcome. Pleasant and auspicious news will be heard. Business will be improved due to daring, adventurous and decisive nature.

However criticized, further your dead daringly if you think right.

Eye to eye will not be seen with colleagues and friends occasionally. Disagreements, arguments, confrontations and problems will take place. Exceptional turns in life will occur successively.

Business people will make good profits due to smooth flow of goods, but stocking goods and playing prices are not advised.

Impromptu journey is to be made with dare. Exceptional benefits will be occurred from communication-related services. Business decision to be stopped will have to be continued. Family business can further a step. Preparation for change can be made. Ill health is foreseen. Minor accidents can occur. Ill health to elderly family member may happen. When traveling, be careful of being pick pocketed.

Monday

Wednesday

Thursday

Saturday

Fortunate in travel and travel matters. Overdue money will be returned. Aims and plans will see success. You are not advised to keep confidant. Verbal confrontations with intimate ones will occur. You will suffer sorrow due to others. Fights should not be intervened. You may be involved. New and important steps for life must be planned. Loss of money and possessions will be return in hand.

Despite obstacles, there will be improvements. Plans and practice will go hand in hand. Commercial contacts with far off lands will be successful.

Good news, work wise! It’s an exceptionally good period for you.

You will get the matters undone by others done. Rather than starting new businesses, you should expand and invest the present ones.

Programmed model will be successful. Money income will be favorable. Money will come not only from work but from your good fortune as well. Try to reduce rash actions. Aimed businesses will have to be put into practices. Much as business is fortunate, family and social affairs are ill starred. Good people will take you to be a bad person while bad people will take you to be a good person. Engagements and marriages will have to be postponed.

Co-operative work will be advantageous. Aims will see success.

Improvements in life will be open.

Talks on money matters will have to be made. Deal with others with honesty. Dishonesty cannot be bred. Goodwill will be answered.

Another person will invite you to join his business. Accept it. Strangers will be advantageous rather than the relatives. There will be double opportunity at work.

Promotion at work will be open.

Young people will find themselves not knowing what to do between two lovers.

It’s a period of emotional disturbances. You may experience fatigue of mind and body. Confidant will give you trouble. You may suffer from emotional upset due to others. Taking responsibility of documents and money matters must be avoided. Dishonest people will be encountered. Mistakes due to rash actions will be made.

Disagreements will occur. You will be misunderstood. Family affairs will be turbulent. Aims can be realized. Much work will have to be done. Intervention in fights should be avoided. Goodwill will be misunderstood. Minor accidents are to be taken care of.

Rahul

(Wednesday night before dawn on Thursday) You tend to be feeling aggressive and use words unbearable to others or do things unacceptable to others. If so, you will be extremely emotionally upset. You cannot bear even a slight teasing. Mind your words and actions. There will be mistakes due to deliberate stubbornness. Life will not be improved, as it should. Business and social welfares are good. Despite obstacles and attacks, success is at the end. Desires must be systematically carried out. Language and literature will give benefits.

Improvements will be made successively. Good response can be expected from matter helped with genuine goodwill, not for money.

Goodwill will be answered.

Friday You will have to feel sorry due to intimate persons jealousy. Difficult matters will have to be done.

All opportunities should be scrutinized before taking them. Invitations are to be well considered before accepting them. Another’s problem can become yours in given situations. Legal case may have to be faced. You should consider giving help to others. Systematic attacks will have to be encountered. The more secretive you are, the more it will be better for you.

Displaying yourself in public will be disadvantageous to you. Competitive work will have to be made for improvements. Efforts should be made for success. Expenses will find their way out. Impromptu journey will have to be done. Do it !

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