Myanmar dining table by rainbow cuisine with different tastes showing kind of culture
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Thiri Khit Oo (NP News) - July 26
Food can also be a window into a country's cultural heart. In many Asian societies, greetings often revolve around inquiries about food, reflecting the importance placed on communal meals. This custom is also found in Myanmar, a hidden gem known for its welcoming people.
Here, the endearing phrase "Sar pee be lar?" which translates to "Have you had breakfast/ lunch/ dinner?" serves not just as a greeting, but also as a warm invitation to share a meal. It's perfectly acceptable to decline if you've already eaten, but if you haven't, be prepared to be treated to a delicious lunch or dinner by your gracious hosts. This tradition highlights the generous spirit of the Myanmar people.
As you take a seat at the dining table, be prepared for a unique culinary experience. Myanmar's traditional dining customs differ from those in many other countries.
“At a traditional dining table in Myanmar, fresh green leaves are prominently displayed alongside curries made from chicken, pork, beef, fish, or mutton. The table typically features two main dishes: a flavorful broth or soup and a tray filled with boiled vegetables accompanied by a small bowl of fish paste. sauce Myanmar’s curries stand out from those of neighboring countries like India, Thailand, and Vietnam. They are prepared with chopped tomatoes, resulting in a sauce that is primarily mixed with oil, garlic, onion, and ginger, and then combined with various meats. Additionally, side dishes include fried vegetables such as mushrooms and water spinach, as well as salads. Finally, a plate of rice takes center stage, serving as the essential accompaniment to these delightful cuisines—a perfect spread for guests hosted by a Myanmar family.”
Following the meal, a traditional "tea table" is presented. This features a selection of unique ingredients like tea-leaf salad, fried beans, dried prawn, chilies, garlic, and sesame seeds, served alongside a steaming pot of tea. This custom fosters intergenerational connection. As wise elders and ladies enjoy conversation, sharing knowledge and stories, younger generations learn by listening. The Burmese proverb "Yay Nawe Gen Saga Wine," which translates to "A talk held by Tea Table," perfectly captures this tradition.
In the cooking process, Myanmar people follow the saying “Eat fruit within one day; have meats by half” meaning that we should eat the meat in a slice or small chopped size so that our stomach can digest the meat easily and we should eat the fruits or vegetables within a day during the freshness of the fruits or vegetables so that we can get full nutrition from those. By following this way, we can live healthily for life long time. After having lunch or dinner, drinking hot green tea can support to digestion of all you have eaten.
Myanmar meals follow a unique order that promotes healthy eating habits, practiced by families throughout the country.