Kyay-Oh, literally translated as Copper Pot is a dish which is widely eaten by the locals. It available in restaurant chains and in the alleys of Yangon's downtown. Kyay-Oh refers to the Copper Pot in which the dish, rice vermicelli in a savory broth is traditionally cooked in. Each bowl is individually cooked upon order and is usually served with pork meatballs, various pig organs, greens and quail eggs. It is a simple comfort food and is just perfect on a cool night in Yangon.
Since our arrival to Myanmar, we have eaten a fair bit of Kyay-Oh and would like to recommend to you this unassuming roadside stall, which in our opinion is the best so far. This stall has a considerable history and has been frequented by our uncles and aunties since they were young. While the actual cooking is now done by the second generation, the parents still keep a watchful eye over the stall, helping out where they can.
Usually after a banquet or dinner in a formal setting, we will head right to this stall for our "proper" dinner. Almost always, this meal is more satisfying than whatever we have had previously. We also somehow manage to make room in our stomach for this fairly large serving of vermicelli.
So much for the prelude. This stall is situated at Latha Street, the heart of Yangon's Chinatown. A minute's walk from the junction of Latha Street and Anawratha Road, it is just in front of Zaw Photocopy Shop (137 Latha Street). It is a really simple stall which is dimly lit by a few light bulbs. Foldable tables and stools surround the pavement and the road.
Other than Kyay-Oh, you can get appetizers such as braised pig innards (tastier than it sounds) and Pig Kidney "toke". It is recommended to get appetizers as the wait for the Kyay-Oh can be long as each order is cooked individually and upon order only. We had Pig Kidney "Toke" (Ks 3,000) which poorly translates to salad. It consists of blanched pig kidneys, sliced shallots and fried garlic in garlic oil (called sichet in Burmese). The kidneys are fresh and cooked perfectly. L absolutely never fails to order this dish.
There are 2 choices for the Kyay-Oh , in broth or without and with pork meatballs or pork meatballs & various pig organs. To order the Kyay-Oh without broth, just mention "Kyay-Oh Sichet" and it will come with a generous drizzle of sichet in place of the broth. For adventurous eaters, you may want to try the Kyay-Oh with various pig organs. It comes with minced meatballs, kidneys, liver and a quarter of a pig's brain! To order, mention "Kyay-Oh A-Soung". But if you do not have such affinity for pig organs, order "Kyay-Oh A-Thar". You will not miss much as the meatballs are amazing.
R had Kyay-Oh A-Soung while I had Kyay-Oh A Thar (Ks 2,500 each). The broth is clear, flavorful and you get a hint of the charcoal has been simmering it for many hours. Meatballs are tender, juicy and made with really fresh pork. As for the organs, they are cooked perfectly again, just enough to give a nice bite. It is a unpretentious dish that relies on the freshness of the pork and perfect cooking timing to make it really special. It is also a dish that highlights the very tasty and fragrant pork that Myanmar has to offer.
This stall is highly recommended by us. If you are looking for a dinner after dinner or need something warm to fill up your tummies at night, come get your fix at this simple stall.
Latha Street Kyay-Oh
In front of Zaw Photocopy Shop, 137 Latha Street
Opens daily 4.00pm to 11.00pm
(There is also a DVD shop on the same side of the street towards the direction of Anawratha Road. Has extensive collection of old and new movies. Cap off a satisfying meal with a nice movie.)
Since our arrival to Myanmar, we have eaten a fair bit of Kyay-Oh and would like to recommend to you this unassuming roadside stall, which in our opinion is the best so far. This stall has a considerable history and has been frequented by our uncles and aunties since they were young. While the actual cooking is now done by the second generation, the parents still keep a watchful eye over the stall, helping out where they can.
Usually after a banquet or dinner in a formal setting, we will head right to this stall for our "proper" dinner. Almost always, this meal is more satisfying than whatever we have had previously. We also somehow manage to make room in our stomach for this fairly large serving of vermicelli.
So much for the prelude. This stall is situated at Latha Street, the heart of Yangon's Chinatown. A minute's walk from the junction of Latha Street and Anawratha Road, it is just in front of Zaw Photocopy Shop (137 Latha Street). It is a really simple stall which is dimly lit by a few light bulbs. Foldable tables and stools surround the pavement and the road.
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| Pig Kidney "Toke" |
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| Kyay-Oh A-Soung |
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| Silky smooth pig brains |
Latha Street Kyay-Oh
In front of Zaw Photocopy Shop, 137 Latha Street
Opens daily 4.00pm to 11.00pm
(There is also a DVD shop on the same side of the street towards the direction of Anawratha Road. Has extensive collection of old and new movies. Cap off a satisfying meal with a nice movie.)
