Tucked in the heart of downtown Yangon, 19th Street in Chinatown is a bustling epicenter of street food culture, offering an unforgettable culinary adventure that’s as much about atmosphere as it is about flavor. By day, the street appears quiet and residential—but come evening, it transforms into a lively open-air dining haven filled with sizzling grills, clinking beer glasses, and the enticing aroma of barbecue smoke.
What sets 19th Street apart is its distinctive fusion of Burmese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian flavors, making it the perfect introduction to Myanmar’s street food scene for locals and tourists alike. It’s especially popular among Yangon’s night owls and foodies seeking both authentic eats and an electric social vibe.
What to Eat
Barbecue Skewers are the star attraction here. Stalls display a dazzling variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables—everything from chicken wings and pork belly to squid, okra, and tofu—all skewered and ready to be grilled to order. They’re often brushed with a garlicky chili sauce and cooked over charcoal, infusing each bite with bold, smoky flavor.
Kaung Myat, one of the most well-known barbecue joints on the street, draws regular crowds for its flavorful marinades and wide selection. Pair your skewers with Myanmar Beer, and you’ve got a classic 19th Street experience.
For those feeling more adventurous, vendors also serve up local delicacies like grilled intestines, pig ears, and even fried insects—a crunchy, spicy snack beloved by locals.
More Than Just Food
But 19th Street isn’t just about eating—it’s about community and nightlife. Long tables spill out onto the street, where friends gather for long conversations, travelers swap stories, and the occasional street performer adds to the rhythm of the night. It’s a place where strangers quickly become dining companions, and the line between restaurant and street melts away.
When to Go
The best time to visit 19th Street is after 6:00 PM, when the vendors start firing up their grills and the street truly comes to life. It’s open late into the night, making it an ideal stop for dinner or a late-night bite.
Whether you’re in search of familiar flavors or looking to push your culinary boundaries, 19th Street in Chinatown is a must-visit destination for any food lover in Yangon. It’s more than a meal—it’s a memorable taste of the city’s vibrant soul.
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