UNCLE CHAN
Skip the quiet streets for nearby
Pyinmana, where Uncle Chan
occupies prime real estate in the
shadow of Uppatasanti Pagoda. The
al fresco dining and a solid selection
of dishes make it a good bet for
a night out in the capital.
15/440
Yazarhtani Rd, Pyinmana
YUNAN
One of Yangon’s most popular
barbecue joints, Yunan is renowned
for its special dipping sauce and
wide selection of meats. One very
popular dish is
marlar hin
, a stir-fried
curry that mixes local vegetables
with a spicy gravy.
Cnr of Kabar Aye
Pagoda and Kan Yeikthar Rds
MR BAR BQ
This spacious, beer hall-like
restaurant holds pride of place in
central Mandalay and stays busy
well into the wee hours. For variety,
it can’t be beat. Try the grilled
fish stuffed with a searingly spicy
concoction of local basil, garlic and
chilli.
71st Street
FAHTHAI
115
MYANMAR COUNTRY CODE
+95
EXCHANGE RATE
MMK992 = US$1
MANDALAY FREQUENCY
1 flight per day from Bangkok, 3 flights per week from Chiang Mai
THE CAPITAL’S LUXE LODGINGS; YANGON’S BEST NEW BARS
THEGUIDE
myanmar
Bar crawl
Thesenewdrinking venues
are addingflavour toYangon’s
buddingnightlife scene
Y A N G O N
New digs
N A Y P Y I T A W
Y A N G O N
N A Y P Y I T A W
M A N D A L A Y
ON A STICK
Sample Chinese-
style grilled
meats, fish and
vegetables
MAIN IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES
VISTA BAR & GRILL
As soon as you step into Vista, the inspiration for
the name becomes obvious: this rooftop bar offers
jaw-dropping views of glittery Shwedagon Pagoda.
There’s not a lot of food on the menu but the drinks
list is long and varied. When you arrive topside and
catch sight of the crowd and the shisha pipes, you’ll
be glad you made the short walk up the stairs. And
if you need a bit more of a kick to get you going,
order the velvety espresso martini.
facebook.com/vistabaryangon
ESCAPE GASTRO BAR
Developed by the son of one of Myanmar’s
wealthiest businessmen, Escape has quickly
attracted a loyal following among Yangon’s
well-heeled set – the car park often resembles a
luxury showroom. The food doesn’t quite live up
to the “gastro-bar” hype but the cocktails are a
cut above what’s available elsewhere. While drink
descriptions such as “designer” and “molecular”
may make you cringe, Escape’s signature martini
– Grand Marnier, mint and vodka with a dash of
honey and lime – is among the best tipples in
town.
escapegastrobar.com
CASK 81
For serious whiskey drinkers, Cask 81 is manna
from heaven. While the drinks here don’t come
cheap – expect to pay at least US$9 a glass – the
quality and breadth of the options is impressive.
Cask 81 pulls off the difficult trick of delivering
both chic and homely simultaneously thanks to
polished concrete floors, comfortable sofas and
the liberal use of timber throughout.
facebook.com/Cask81
THE LAB
Since opening in April, this hole-in-the-wall joint
has quickly become a favourite among Yangon
expats for its wine, cocktails and Mediterranean-
inspired menu. Groups are advised to arrive early
as it gets crowded quickly, especially on weekends.
Try a creamy mango daiquiri or a Yangon Night
– a mix of Jack Daniel’s, vermouth and lemon.
facebook.com/ThelabYangon
ust in time for Myanmar’s first ASEAN
summit in November, Kempinski Hotel
has opened its doors. And the new
140-room property has all the bells
and whistles that the luxury brand
is known for; think in-room iPads, top-notch
restaurants and a fleet of BMWs to transport
guests. Indulgent travellers can unwind in
Myanmar’s biggest hotel room, the 1,000m
2
Grand Royal Suite, or soak up some history in
the form of traditional fittings such as carved
furniture and teakwood pavilions inspired by
18th-century Burmese palaces. While the city
is en route to becoming a business hub, it’s
also a great base for visiting the Bagan temple
complex and Inle Lake.
kempinski.com
Hot in here
Relaxed Chinese-style barbecue
spots have become a popular dining
option acrossMyanmar
