![\"Parami](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Parami-Pizza-1-2.jpg\")
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Steaming bowls of fish broth soup are served on every street corner, but these days Yangon, Myanmar<\/a> is just as much about mixologists and mochas as it is mohinga<\/em> \u2013 the beloved national dish. Once you\u2019ve visited Shwedagon Pagoda and wandered around Inya Lake, be sure to check out the city\u2019s chic caf\u00e9 and club scene.<\/p>\n From the temple-strewn plains of Bagan<\/a> to the waterside monasteries at Inle Lake, Myanmar\u2019s centuries-old buildings and stunning countryside have attracted adventurous travellers for decades. And while many people see Yangon as a quick stop-off, or bypass the destination altogether, the former capital has recently come of age thanks to a rapidly growing number of hotspots catering to Yangon\u2019s cool crowd.<\/p>\n Here are my top five hipster haunts in Yangon, Myanmar.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Credit: Rangoon Tea House<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Situated on downtown Pansodan Street \u2013 an atmospheric road flanked by the crumbling remains of British colonial buildings \u2013 this stylish interpretation of a traditional teahouse attracts the city\u2019s Instagram fans with its quaint pots of tea and delicious fruit juices.<\/p>\n Forget about ordering an Earl Grey, the tea served here is black with condensed and steamed milk added in a variety of ratios \u2013 typical of any Burmese teahouse. I like mine \u2018<\/em>lapae yea pancho<\/em>\u2019<\/em>\u00a0(strong and sweet) but if you are not down with the lingo a helpful colour-coded chart will come to your rescue. As you might expect, the mohinga<\/em> served here has been elevated to a thing of organic, fine-dining beauty. Head here for one of the regular film screening evenings \u2013 from documentaries to old Burmese films, there\u2019s always something great showing.<\/p>\n Address: 77-79 Pansodan Street (Lower Middle Block), between Mahabandoola and Merchant Roads<\/p>\n Phone: +95 9 97907 8681<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For some of the best cocktails in Asia, and possibly the world, check out serial Yangon restaurateurs Pun + Projects\u2019 new bar. Located in a renovated colonial villa in the central Bahan Township, the achingly hip interior \u2013 think stark white tiles and rattan loungers covered in Chin fabrics handwoven in northern Myanmar\u2013 provides a cool backdrop to creations from Hong Kong-based cocktail specialists Tequila Mockingbird.<\/p>\n Open everyday from 4pm till late, if you get hungry I suggest heading upstairs to La\u00a0Carovana \u2013 the restaurant serves a set menu of Sicilian food with North African influences.<\/p>\n Address: 22 Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township. Phone: +95 9 26223 0070.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Credit: Union Bar & Grill<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n British expat Nico Eliot\u2019s bistro-style eatery might be just a few away down from the grand Strand hotel, but the menu is decidedly down to earth with food favourites from home given a fun Burmese twist \u2013 like my favourite, fish and chips cooked in a Myanmar beer batter. In addition to the delicious menu from top London chef Reuben Gould, which runs from steak to spiced apple crumble, the all-day dining destination plays host to regular DJ nights, salsa dance classes and live music performances from the house band.<\/p>\n Address: 42 Strand Road, Botahtaung. Phone: +95 9 310 18272<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You know you\u2019ve hit hipster heaven when you spy cold-drip coffee apparatus on the counter.<\/p>\n With no Starbucks on the scene \u2013 as yet \u2013 this place is Yangon\u2019s caffeine central. Channeling an industrial aesthetic (like so many of London and New York\u2019s best latte locations) this place is all about freshly baked croissants, cakes and cookies, and enough coffee options to keep you awake all night. Beans are sourced from local roaster Element Coffee, while the bread and pastry products are made in-house. Situated in the attractive Yaw Min Gyi Area of Yangon, the high-ceilinged space is also home to a gallery and exhibition space.<\/p>\n Address: Unit 31-4, Plaza 33, Nawaday Street, Yaw Min Gyi Ward, Dagon Township.<\/p>\n Phone: +95 9 261 780491<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Plated dishes | \u00a0Credit: Parami Pizza<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Yangon can get hot but as things cool off from November onwards, pizza and pasta fans flock to the alfresco dining space at this Italian eatery \u2013 just a 10-minute walk from tranquil Inya Lake. With a Sicilian chef manning the wood-fired ovens and a steady steam of antipasti being served up in the deli area, as well as rustic secondi<\/em> dishes like pork Milanese, cheese arancini and wild mushroom risotto, this place is a little slice of la dolce vita<\/em> in the middle of Myanmar.<\/p>\n If you are feeling peckish after visiting the giant Reclining Buddha at Chaukhtatgyi Temple, then wander down Shwe Gone Daing road for a second, slightly smaller, Parami Pizza outlet. And for even more foreign flavours make for the Japanese yakitori restaurant Gekko and feast on grilled meats washed down with whiskey and sake.<\/p>\n Address: No. 11\/C, Corner of Malikha Street and Parami Road, 7th<\/sup> Quarter, Mayangone Township<\/p>\n Phone: +95 1 667 449<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [tabs]<\/p>\n [tab title=”Yangon Weather<\/strong>” icon=”entypo-light-up”]The best time to visit Yangon is from November to February, when the monsoon rains have subsided and the temperature hovers around a warm but not oppressive 28\u00b0C. From March to May the sun scorches the country and temperatures close to 40\u00b0C make exploring the city\u2019s laneways and temples very uncomfortable.[\/tab]<\/p>\n [tab title=”Where to Stay<\/strong>” icon=”entypo-suitcase”]From five-star Victorian hotel\u00a0The Strand Yangon<\/a> \u2013 built in 1901 the grand colonial-style rooms come with a personal butler while the spacious spa is dotted with Burmese antiques \u2013 to the chilled atmosphere of Thanlwin Guesthouse \u2013 where double rooms and dormitories have views of the garden and alfresco dining area \u2013 Myanmar has accommodation options to suit all budgets.<\/p>\n [button style=’blue’ url=’https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/Yangon-Hotels.d2986.Travel-Guide-Hotels’ icon=’entypo-suitcase’ fullwidth=’true’] Yangon Hotels[\/button]<\/p>\n [\/tab]<\/p>\n [tab title=”Getting There<\/strong>” icon=”entypo-address”]<\/p>\n Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Myanmar Airways International (MIA) fly direct from Kuala Lumpur to Yangon (RGN)<\/a>. \u00a0Flight time: 2\u00a0hours 35 minutes.<\/p>\n All three airlines offer flights from Kota Kinabalu (via KL) to Yangon. Flight time: 6 hours. [\/tab]<\/p>\n [tab title=”Visa Requirements<\/strong>” icon=”entypo-book”]Malaysians can obtain a 28-day tourist visa using the eVisa online service or by applying in person at the Myanmar Embassy on Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur.[\/tab]<\/p>\n [tab title=”Book Activities<\/b>” icon=”entypo-star”]Book tours and activities in Yangon online before your trip<\/a>. Expedia connects you with the top things to do in Yangon.[\/tab]<\/p>\n [\/tabs]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n1. Time for tea: <\/strong>Rangoon Tea House<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"Rangoon](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Rangoon-Tea-House-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\n2. Masterful mixing: <\/strong>The New Boris<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n
3. Comfort food goes chic: <\/strong>Union Bar & Grill<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"Union](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Union-Bar-Grill-2-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\u00a04. Coffee and cake: <\/strong>The Press Office Caf<\/strong>\u00e9<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n
5. Foreign flavours: <\/strong>Parami Pizza<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"Parami](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Parami-Pizza-2-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nUseful Information for Visiting Yangon<\/h3>\n