A Photo Credit to MY Yangon Guide

Humans are not meant to stand alone; it is far more meaningful and fulfilling to survive and thrive together, supporting one another in a community. In a close-knit neighborhood, fostering interdependence and building a warm environment is essential. One of the fastest and best ways to build friendships is through giving and sharing, especially when it comes to food. If you have some free time during a long weekend and would like to share food with your neighbors and friends, consider the following dishes:

Photo Credit to Danuphyu Daw Saw Yee

Traditional Thingyan Rice

During the Thingyan period, Thingyan rice is an essential dish. It consists of cooled rice mixed with fragrant edible oil, dried fish, and fried chili, creating a perfect combination. The experience of enjoying this recipe during Thingyan is unique and more relatable than at any other time. It's a wonderful opportunity to foster a warmer atmosphere by sharing this delicious Thingyan rice with our neighbors.

Braised Chicken Noodle

This recipe is not overly complicated, and it's a dish that almost everyone enjoys, although it may not be commonly shared with others. However, it's a perfect choice for sharing with a larger group of 30 or 40 people. The sweetness of dried mushrooms enhances the flavor of the chicken soup, while the combination of soft noodles, bean sprouts, and water spinach creates a delicious harmony. A fragrant and spicy serving of fish paste complements the braised chicken noodle, making it a classic and delightful choice. Local preparation methods may vary, but this is the style commonly found in many Yangon shops.

Myanmar Black Sticky Rice

After exploring rice and noodle recipes, let's turn our attention to dessert. Prepare yourself for a delightful treat called "sahkweyuing," which is Myanmar black glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk. Just the name itself evokes a sense of sweetness overload. Your taste buds will be in heaven as you savor the sticky black rice combined with sweet coconut milk and condensed milk. Keep in mind that this is a sweet dish, so it's advisable not to consume excessive amounts if you have any health conditions that require moderation.

Rainbow Shaved Ice Dessert

Imagine arriving at your neighbors' or friends' place on a hot afternoon and being greeted with a glass of refreshing ice. This delightful dessert is made by topping crushed ice in a blender with apple slices, grapes, winter melon candy, and peanuts. To enhance the flavor, pour condensed milk, sugar syrup, and rose water over the ice. From the tip of your tongue to the depths of your heart, this rainbow shaved ice dessert is a perfect way to express love and affection to your loved ones.

Mont Let Saung or Cendol

Sometimes, the simplest things are the best, don't you think? Mont Let Saung is a delightful dessert that consists of soft and white rice flour jelly served with cold jaggery water or sugar syrup and a hint of edible fragrance oil. Enjoying it in a glass cup is a never-ending pleasure. With just three ingredients and easy preparation steps, it's a budget-friendly option and the perfect dessert to share during the summer.

Whether it's desserts or meals, sharing food is a fundamental way of extending help and support, creating connections from one home to another and person to person. In the bustling urban lifestyle, where many people live alone and may not even have the chance to engage in conversations with their families, building a warm environment becomes crucial for both emotional and physical well-being. As they say, the path to the heart is through the stomach, so let's spread love by sharing delicious food with our loved ones and those around us during the upcoming long weekend.