It's a delightful tradition in Myanmar to exchange and share delicious food during festive occasions with friends and loved ones. When we think about cooking for such occasions, we often ponder over which dishes to prepare, including classics like Mont Hin Kar and coconut noodles. To assist all the wonderful housewives out there, we have compiled a list of dishes commonly enjoyed at festivals in Myanmar, making it easier for you to prepare homemade treats that will impress both guests and food enthusiasts. Let's cook and enjoy these dishes with our loved ones, as they are beloved by people of all ages.

Myeik Stir-fry Rice Noodle

This stir-fry noodle dish is perfect for those seeking affordable and easy-to-prepare meals for events or donations. The simple recipe involves marinating rice noodles with a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Dawei vinegar. Next, rinse bean sprouts and stir-fry them with your preferred choice of protein such as eggs or prawns. Then, add boiled beans and the marinated rice noodles to the stir-fry mixture, combining everything thoroughly. The result is a delicious stir-fry rice noodle dish that is both satisfying and ideal for charity events and donations.

Photo Credit to MyFood Myanmar

Butter Rice

The popular butter rice, known for its ease and quick cooking time, is an essential dish for donations. Moreover, it can be easily adjusted in quantity depending on the number of people being served. To prepare, mix the rice with onions, butter, star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, sugar, and salt at low heat. Cook the mixture using a rice cooker as you normally would. Once cooked, add green peas, dried grapes, and cashews to the rice, mixing them in. The result is a delightful and flavorful butter rice that smells amazing and tastes absolutely delicious.

Hainan Chicken Rice

This dish, loved by people of all ages, is popular due to its simplicity and minimal ingredients. To prepare, begin by marinating the chicken in a mixture of salt, sugar, dark soy sauce, and seasoning powder. Next, fry the chicken skin with garlic and ginger until golden and fragrant. Then, boil the marinated chicken until it becomes tender. Finally, cook the rice as usual, using the remaining water from boiling the chicken. The result is a hot and aromatic chicken rice dish that is sure to delight your taste buds. Enjoy it warm and satisfying!

Photo Credit to MyFood Myanmar

Burmese Vermicelli Soup

This soup is a popular choice for snacks or meals, often found at neighborhood gatherings and donations. The recipe is also simple and light. Soak glass noodles, mushrooms, bean curd skin, and dried daylily buds. Boil chicken bones and meat, then add quail eggs and the soaked ingredients. Fry onions, garlic, ginger, and chili powder separately. Finally, mix everything together in a pot. It's important to add the glass noodles last, just before serving, as they can become soft easily. Garnish with sliced shallots, fish sauce, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime for added texture and flavor. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying soup for all time!

Photo Credit to MyFood Myanmar

Chicken with Bottle Gourd

A large and flavorful chicken dish, often prepared in traditional country households, is a rare sight at today's festivals. However, this recipe is easy to make and should not be overlooked when it comes to donations or treating your friends. Whether you opt for Burmese chicken for a natural sweetness or CP chicken for a meatier option, the choice is yours. To begin, thoroughly rinse the chicken and bottle gourd. As is customary in Myanmar dishes, create a paste by mashing garlic, onions, and ginger. Tie a bundle of lemongrass together and add it to the pot while cooking the chicken with the paste. Once the chicken is almost cooked through, introduce the bottle gourd and continue heating everything over medium heat. And there you have it!

Coconut Rice

Coconut rice can be easily cooked using a rice cooker, just like regular rice. The recipe is quite simple, requiring rice, coconut milk, sugar, salt and a small amount of oil. You have the option of using either homemade coconut milk or ready-made coconut milk from a can, adjusting the sweetness to your liking. As you reach the final stages of cooking, you can enhance the flavor and aroma of the coconut rice by adding sliced onions and cashews. It also pairs perfectly with Burmese roselle soup and fried fish paste. Enjoy this delightful combination for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Photo Credit to MyFood Myanmar

Pork Curry

Pork, known for being a top-choice meat, is a staple at many festivals and households. For those who want to experience the authentic flavors, pork curry can also be prepared alongside rice for donations. To create this delicious Myanmar cuisine, start by marinating the pork with salt, soy sauce, and rice powder, ensuring it is evenly coated. As a crucial step in Myanmar cuisine, prepare a paste by thoroughly mashing garlic, onion, and ginger, then fry them in clean cooking oil. Next, add the marinated pork to the mixture, ensuring it is well combined. Adding a small amount of water will help tenderize the meat. Let it simmer over medium heat for 45 minutes. And voila! You've created a mouthwatering dish that's ready to be enjoyed.

Here are some food ideas that will enable you to create clean and delicious meals to donate or enjoy at home in these upcoming holidays. May your time spent preparing and cooking with the mentioned ingredients be joyful and filled with the company of your loved ones.