Yangon Chinatown

The basics

Sprawling through the area west of Sule Pagoda, Yangon Chinatown is a historic neighborhood and one of the city’s most energetic places. While there’s a lot to see here, the action centers around 19th Street, a tightly packed strip of barbecue restaurants, food vendors, and shops. This spot’s less about big-name restaurants than crowd favorites, making it easy to look for the most popular eateries and join in the fun.

Things to know before you go

• Some barbecue restaurants display assembled kebabs—simply point to what you want and leapfrog past the language barrier.
• The sheer variety of street food can be bewildering; to learn more about the things you’re tasting, a food tour is the chance to go in-depth.
• When eating street food in Yangon, look for hot, freshly cooked items from clean stalls.

How to get there

The busy street of Maha Bandula extends west from Sule Pagoda and is the main artery of Yangon Chinatown. For the very best street food, head to 19th Sreet, which runs perpendicular to Maha Bandula. Many hotels and top sites are within walking distance of Yangon Chinatown. To reach the area from farther afield, hail a taxi or join a tour as navigating public transit can be a challenge if you don’t speak Burmese.

When to get there

You can browse and snack your way through Chinatown at any time of day. Morning is perfect for checking out the fresh produce and flower markets but the local crowds come out in the early evening. Head there after dark for cooler temperatures and to explore the Night Market on 19th Street.

Must-Try Street Food in Yangon

While the grilled kebabs in Yangon Chinatown are a top pick, there’s plenty of street food in the city to tempt hungry travelers. From first thing in the morning you’ll spot locals with steaming bowls of mohinga, noodle soup in a salty fish broth. Shan noodles are another favorite—they’re a specialty of the Shan state—and can be found at markets throughout the city.