Myanmar, also known as Burma, is a Southeast Asian country nestled between India, Bangladesh, China, Laos, and Thailand. As the largest mainland Southeast Asian nation, its capital Naypyidaw serves as the administrative hub. With its stunning beaches and sacred Buddhist temples, Myanmar offers a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
A Few Wonders of Myanmar:
These are some of the wonders of Myanmar’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty.
1. Shwedagon Pagoda (Yangon): A stunning golden stupa and one of Myanmar’s most sacred sites.
2. Bagan Temples (Bagan): Thousands of ancient temples and pagodas dot the landscape, showing Myanmar’s rich history.
3. Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock): A unique pagoda perched on a granite boulder, seemingly defying gravity.
4. Inle Lake (Nyaungshwe): A serene lake with floating gardens, villages, and unique Intha people.
People of Myanmar
The people of Myanmar, also known as Burmese, are known for their warm smiles and gentle nature. With a rich cultural heritage influenced by Buddhism, they value tradition, family, and community. From vibrant festivals like Thingyan (Water Festival) to their delicious cuisine, Myanmar’s people display a unique blend of warmth, spirituality, and resilience.
Traditional Dress of Myanmar
The traditional attire of Myanmar is the Longyi, a long, ankle-length garment wrapped around the body. Both men and women wear Longyis, with men’s versions called “Paso” and women’s called “Htamein”. While the style and patterns may vary slightly, Longyis are suitable for both formal and casual occasions.
Women typically pair their Htamein with a blouse (eingyi) that can have long or short sleeves. Additional adornments include jackets like the Taikpon or the Manchu-style jacket.
Men often complement their Paso with a collarless jacket, a Mandarin-collared shirt, or a Taikpon (Manchu-style) jacket.
Pulse cultivation in Myanmar
Myanmar is a notable pulse producer, cultivating crops like black gram, green gram, pigeon peas, and chickpeas. Pulse farming serves as a primary income source for many farmers, thanks to the country’s favorable climate and soil conditions, which are well-suited for pulse cultivation.
Today, we are going to make Burmese Traditional Tofu Salad. How to make the Burmese Tofu is given at the end of the salad recipe.
Burmese Tofu Salad
Burmese tofu is a unique twist on traditional tofu. Instead of bean curd, it’s made from chickpea flour (or gram flour) that’s cooked with water until it thickens and sets. You’ll find the Burmese Tofu recipe following the Salad recipe below.
You need:
1 cup of diced Burmese’s Tofu**
2 medium size tomato
1 small onion
1 tsp grated garlic
1 tbsp refined oil
1 tbsp roasted gram flour (Basen) (see below) ***
½ tsp salt
½ tsp palm sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
¼ cup of roughly chopped coriander leaves
Method:
- Dice the tofu into small cubes to yield 1 cup.
2. Peel onion and garlic.
3. Slice the onion and soak them in cold water for crispiness.
4. Grate the garlic.
5. Chop the coriander leaves roughly.
6. Squeeze the lemon juice.
7. Heat 2 tsp of refined oil over medium heat and sauté the grated garlic until lightly browned.
8. Then, transfer the garlic-infused oil to a mixing bowl and let it cool.
9. Blanch tomatoes by boiling water with ½ tsp salt, then plunging them in for 1 minute.
10. Remove, peel, and dice into cubes roughly the same size as the tofu.
11. Mix ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp palm sugar into the cooled garlic-infused oil.
12. Then, add diced tomatoes, tofu, chopped coriander leaves, and onion (pat dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess water).
13. Finally, sprinkle 1 tbsp of roasted gram powder to absorb excess moisture.
Your Burmese Tofu Salad is now ready to savour – enjoy!
**Burmese Tofu
You need:
50 gm gram flour (Basen)
1/8 tsp turmeric(option)
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups of water
Method:
- Sift the basen gram flour (basen) and then grease a 14cm x 14cm cake pan with oil.
2. Mix besan, turmeric powder, and salt in a pan.
3. Gradually add water, stirring until smooth.
4. Place the pan over medium heat and cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens.
5. Pour it into the prepared cake pan and tap gently to remove air bubbles.
6. Let it cool and set.
7. Once set, the tofu can be cut into any shape or size and added to your favourite dishes, such as salads, stir-fries, soups, and more.
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***Roasting Gram Flour (Basen):
Sieve 1 tablespoon of besan and roast over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it emits a delicious roasted aroma.
Happy cooking!
Enjoy the traditional Burmese salad!
Coming up next …… Pulses in Philippines Cuisine
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Dal On The Table 
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Thank you Meeta.
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looks interesting!
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Than you Lita.
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Wow, the tofu looks so wonderful! The descriptive steps and pictures make the recipe easy to follow – will definitely try it out! 👍
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Aww, thank you so much Tanvi! 😊 I’m thrilled you found the recipe helpful and that the pictures made it easy to follow. Hope you enjoy making and devouring it! 🍴👌 Let me know how it turns out! 😊
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The Burmese Tofu Salad recipe was especially captivating so unique & clearly explained. Keep up the inspiring work😍
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