People’s minds are always wandering—sometimes into the unknown future, and often back to the comfort of the past. Many of us find ourselves thinking about the past more than the future. It’s familiar, already experienced, and safe to miss, while the future is full of uncertainties. Today, I want to take a trip back to one of the most comforting parts of the childhood: the snacks from school markets in the 90s. Here’s a collection of my childhood favorites that will surely bring back memories for many of us.

1. Burmese Lollipop (Maltose)

Almost everyone who grew up in the 90s in Myanmar remembers the maltose lollipops sold at school markets. These sticky treats were hard to resist but even harder to eat without getting them stuck to your teeth. Vendors would expertly pull the maltose with two wooden sticks until it became fluffy and more enjoyable to chew. These lollipops usually came with toppings like sesame seeds, coconut, or peanuts, adding a nutty crunch to the sweet, sticky base. Although you rarely see vendors selling them nowadays, you can still find these nostalgic treats in shops that specialize in childhood sweets from the 90s.

2. Donna Fried Bread

One of the most memorable snacks sold outside schools was donna fried bread. The vendor would fry the bread first, then slice it open and fill it with coconut sugar jam, butter, milk pudding, or beans. The mix of hot, crispy bread with the sweet and creamy fillings was simply irresistible. Donna fried bread stands out because the bread wasn’t baked, but fried, making it easy to recreate at home without the need for an oven. It’s one of those snacks that might be hard to find these days, but its taste remains unforgettable.

3. Sliced Ice Lolly

There are so many ice cream options available now, but nothing can compare to the thick, liver-shaped ice lolly slices from our childhood. Whether it was pineapple, milk, or strawberry flavor, every kid would shout, “Uncle, give me a thick slice!” as the ice stick seller made his rounds. The refreshing, icy treat was perfect for a hot day. Although times have changed, the taste of those simple sliced ice lollies remains a fond memory for many.

4. Cotton Candy

Cotton candy wasn’t just a snack—it was a magical, cloud-like treat that made every child’s eyes light up. The fun part wasn’t only eating it, but also watching it being spun into fluffy, colorful shapes. It melted in your mouth as soon as it touched your tongue, leaving behind a sugary sweetness that was impossible to forget. Cotton candy stands for more than just its taste; it represents the pure joy and wonder of childhood.

5. Kulfi Iced Lolly

Kulfi iced lolly, made from rich, creamy milk, was a treat that stood out for its flavor. It wasn’t overly sweet, but rich and indulgent. The vendors would cheerfully shout “Kulfi Malai!” as they made their rounds, and kids would chase after them to grab this cool, creamy delight. While it's rare to find kulfi sellers now, this creamy iced treat remains a favorite childhood memory. Alongside kulfi, colorful coconut ice balls, red bean ice cream, and tamarind-flavored ice lollies were also popular among school kids. These frozen treats made even the hottest days bearable, and the memories of those moments are still fresh in my mind.

6. Wafer Wipe

Another classic snack from the 90s was wafer jam. Vendors would roam the streets, shouting “Wafer Yotuch Cho Cho Lai!” to announce their arrival. Thin, crispy wafers with coconut jam or butter were a sweet indulgence for kids. They were simple yet satisfying, and the crunch of the wafer paired with the sweet jam was an unbeatable combination. Wafer jam is still available today, but it’s the carefree days of childhood that made it taste even sweeter back then.

7. Burmese Traditional Snacks 

Before the wide range of ready-made snacks, we see today, Burmese cakes were a staple in the 90s. Sold by street vendors or in local markets, these cakes were often made from rice or glutinous rice, reflecting Myanmar’s agricultural roots. Palm fruit bread, sticky rice dumplings, and sweet rice cakes were common choices, often paired with sugar beans, coconut, or palm oil. These Burmese traditional cakes were sweet, sometimes salty, and always filling. Although some of these treats are still around, many have faded from the market. And while our tastes may have changed, it’s not just the cakes we miss—it’s the joy of childhood that came with every bite.

Most of the snacks enjoyed as a child are still available, but some have vanished from the market. As time goes by, our tastes change, and what once seemed magical may not taste the same today. But it’s not just the flavors we miss—it’s the joy, the excitement, and the carefree days of childhood that these snacks remind us of. The memories tied to these simple treats are what we hold on to, bringing back the vibrant, happy moments of a time when life felt a little more colorful.