Halal Food in Myanmar 2025: A Foodie’s Guide to Halal Restaurants & Street Food

Halal food in Myanmar offers a fascinating blend of flavors that reflects the country’s diverse cultural heritage and growing commitment to inclusive dining. Influenced by Burmese, Indian, Chinese, Thai, and Middle Eastern cuisines, halal dishes in Myanmar range from rich and spicy curries to mild, aromatic stews and fresh, flavorful street food. These dishes are often prepared with fragrant ingredients such as turmeric, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, chili, and coriander—always in accordance with Islamic dietary laws.

About Halal Food in Myanmar

Halal food refers to dishes and beverages that are permissible under Islamic law. The word “halal” means “permissible” in Arabic and covers not only the ingredients but also the way food is sourced, prepared, and served according to Islamic principles. 🙏

While Myanmar is a Buddhist-majority country, it has a significant Muslim population, particularly in cities like Yangon, Mandalay, and Mawlamyine. As a result, halal-friendly options are widely available, from bustling local markets to casual eateries and specialty restaurants. 😊

Myanmar’s halal food scene is diverse and welcoming. Visitors can enjoy halal-certified versions of Burmese classics such as Mohinga (rice noodle soup), Biryani (a popular Indian-influenced rice dish), and rich coconut-based curries. Alongside these, you’ll also find international halal cuisines including Indian, Middle Eastern, Malaysian, and Thai fare. Whether you’re exploring vibrant street food stalls, family-run restaurants, or modern dining spots, halal options are increasingly easy to find—often clearly marked with halal certification. 🍛

Before diving into our Myanmar halal food guide, don’t miss our specially curated Muslim-friendly travel deals. From halal-conscious city breaks to cultural journeys across ancient temples and riverside towns, you’ll find exclusive offers that include Muslim-friendly accommodations, prayer facilities, and activities—making your trip both enjoyable and worry-free. ✈️

🍚 Must-Try Halal Local Dish in Myanmar

🍛 Mohinga – Myanmar’s Beloved Rice Noodle Soup

Source: Tasting Table

📖 About Mohinga

Mohinga is often considered Myanmar’s national dish and is especially popular as a hearty breakfast. This comforting soup is made with rice noodles served in a fragrant broth of fish, lemongrass, garlic, onions, and herbs. For halal-friendly versions, the fish and broth are prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary laws, ensuring it’s suitable for Muslim travelers. Light yet flavorful, mohinga perfectly captures the essence of Burmese cuisine and is a must-try for anyone visiting the country. 🍜🌿🐟

🍴 Best Place to Try

Mandalay’s Zay Cho Market or halal-certified eateries in Yangon’s Muslim Quarter

💡 Pro Tips

Enjoy mohinga early in the morning, when it’s freshest and most commonly served.
Pair it with fried snacks like lentil fritters (pe kyaw) for an authentic local experience.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Perfect for food lovers eager to try Myanmar’s most iconic dish, adventurous travelers seeking authentic street food, and Muslim visitors looking for a halal-friendly taste of local culture.

🍛 Burmese Biryani (Danbauk) – A Fragrant Rice Delight

Source: iStock

📖 About Burmese Biryani

Known locally as Danbauk, Burmese biryani is a flavorful rice dish influenced by Indian and Middle Eastern culinary traditions. It features long-grain rice infused with aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, layered with tender halal-certified chicken or beef, and often accompanied by side dishes like salads and boiled eggs. Rich, hearty, and satisfying, this dish is especially popular among Myanmar’s Muslim community and is often enjoyed during festivals, weddings, and special gatherings. 🍗🍚🌿

🍴 Best Place to Try

Well-known halal restaurants in Yangon’s Muslim Quarter or Mandalay’s Indian-influenced neighborhoods

💡 Pro Tips

Pair your biryani with a refreshing salad and a squeeze of lime for the perfect balance of flavors.
If you’re visiting during Eid, biryani is often freshly prepared and widely available in Muslim households and eateries.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Ideal for travelers who love richly spiced rice dishes, families seeking a filling halal meal, and anyone looking to experience Myanmar’s unique take on a South Asian classic.

🍛 Beef Curry – A Burmese Comfort Classic

Source: Mission Food Adventure

📖 About Beef Curry

Burmese beef curry is a rich, slow-cooked dish that showcases Myanmar’s love for bold yet balanced flavors. Tender pieces of halal-certified beef are simmered with onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and a medley of local spices until the meat is melt-in-your-mouth soft. Unlike heavily spiced Indian curries, the Burmese version leans toward a milder, slightly sweet profile, often enhanced with tomatoes or coconut milk. It’s a hearty and satisfying option that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or traditional flatbreads. 🍛🥩🌿

🍴 Best Place to Try

Halal eateries in Mandalay and Yangon’s Muslim Quarter, especially family-run restaurants specializing in home-style cooking

💡 Pro Tips

• Order it with freshly steamed rice for the most authentic experience.
• Try balancing the rich curry with a side of fresh cucumber salad to cut through the richness.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Perfect for meat lovers, travelers seeking comfort food after a long day of sightseeing, and anyone eager to enjoy a traditional halal-friendly Burmese dish that feels like a home-cooked meal.

🍛 Lahpet Thoke – Myanmar’s Unique Tea Leaf Salad

Source: PBS Socal

📖 About Lahpet Thoke

Lahpet Thoke, or tea leaf salad, is one of Myanmar’s most distinctive and beloved dishes. Made with fermented tea leaves mixed with crunchy peanuts, sesame seeds, garlic chips, tomatoes, and green chilies, it delivers a burst of flavors—earthy, tangy, nutty, and slightly bitter all at once. When prepared with halal-friendly ingredients, it becomes a refreshing option for Muslim travelers seeking something light yet authentically Burmese. More than just food, Lahpet Thoke is a cultural symbol often shared during gatherings and celebrations. 🥗🌿🥜

🍴 Best Place to Try

Halal-friendly Street food stalls in Yangon or traditional restaurants in Mandalay

💡 Pro Tips

• Ask for the spice level to be adjusted if you prefer a milder kick.
• Enjoy it as a starter or pair it with rice and curries for a more filling meal.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Great for adventurous eaters, vegetarians looking for a halal-friendly Burmese option, and travelers who want to taste a dish deeply rooted in local tradition.

🍛 Shan Noodles – A Burmese Noodle Favorite

Source: V for Veganista

📖 About Shan Noodles

Shan Noodles, originating from Myanmar’s Shan State, are a beloved local dish enjoyed across the country. Typically made with rice noodles topped with a flavorful tomato-based sauce, garlic oil, pickled vegetables, and your choice of halal-certified chicken or beef, the dish is light yet satisfying. It can be served either dry or in a fragrant broth, making it a versatile option for different tastes. With its simple ingredients and bold flavors, Shan Noodles are a must-try for Muslim travelers seeking an authentic Burmese street food experience. 🍜🍅🌿

🍴 Best Place to Try

Halal-friendly stalls around Inle Lake or Muslim-owned eateries in Yangon and Mandalay

💡 Pro Tips

Try both the dry and soupy versions to experience the full range of flavors.
Add a squeeze of lime or a touch of chili for an extra kick of freshness and spice.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Perfect for noodle lovers, backpackers exploring Myanmar’s food stalls, and travelers looking for a halal-friendly, affordable local dish that’s full of character.

🍛 Samusa – Myanmar’s Crispy Street Snack

Source: NDTV Food

📖 About Samusa

Samusa, the Burmese version of samosas, is a popular street food that reflects the Indian influence on Myanmar’s cuisine. These golden, triangular pastries are filled with spiced halal-certified beef, chicken, or lentils, then deep-fried until crispy. Light yet flavorful, they are often served with tangy dipping sauces or added into a comforting samusa soup (samusa thouk). For Muslim travelers, samusa is both a quick bite on the go and a satisfying introduction to Myanmar’s halal-friendly street food culture. 🥟🌶️🥔

🍴 Best Place to Try

Halal-friendly stalls in Yangon’s Muslim Quarter or local tea shops across Mandalay

💡 Pro Tips

• Try them freshly fried for the best crunch.
• Pair samusa with sweet Burmese milk tea for a true local snack combo.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Perfect for snack lovers, street food explorers, and families wanting a light yet tasty halal-friendly bite between meals.

🍛 Ohn No Khao Swe – Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup

Source: Umi Orgainic

📖 About Ohn No Khao Swe

Ohn No Khao Swe is a comforting Burmese noodle soup made with rich coconut milk, turmeric, and tender pieces of halal-certified chicken. Served with egg noodles and topped with crispy fritters, lime, boiled eggs, and fresh herbs, it offers a creamy, mildly spiced flavor that feels both hearty and soothing. This dish reflects Myanmar’s love for noodle-based meals and is a halal-friendly option perfect for travelers looking to enjoy authentic Burmese comfort food. 🍜🥥🍋

🍴 Best Place to Try

Halal eateries in Yangon’s Muslim Quarter or traditional tea houses in Mandalay

💡 Pro Tips

• Squeeze fresh lime before eating to brighten the flavors.
• Add chili flakes or pickled vegetables if you enjoy a spicier kick.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Perfect for families, comfort food seekers, and travelers who want a halal-friendly noodle dish that’s both filling and flavorful.

🍛 Nan Gyi Thoke – Burmese Thick Noodle Salad

Source: SheCodes

📖 About Nan Gyi Thoke

Nan Gyi Thoke is a classic Burmese noodle salad made with thick round rice noodles tossed in a flavorful mix of curry sauce, garlic oil, turmeric, and chili. Often served with halal-certified chicken or beef, it’s garnished with boiled eggs, lime, and fresh coriander. Unlike soupy noodle dishes, this dry noodle salad offers a bold, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that makes it a favorite among locals. It’s a must-try for Muslim travelers seeking a truly authentic Burmese street food experience. 🍜🌶️🍋

🍴 Best Place to Try

Halal-friendly street stalls in Mandalay or Muslim-owned eateries in Yangon

💡 Pro Tips

• Eat it fresh, as the flavors are best when the noodles are still warm and coated evenly in the curry sauce.
• Ask for less chili if you prefer a milder version—the standard is usually spicy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Perfect for adventurous foodies, noodle lovers, and travelers eager to try a halal-friendly dish that’s both authentic and uniquely Burmese.

🍛 Meeshay – Shan-Style Noodles with Halal Twist

Source: TasteAtlas

📖 About Meeshay

Meeshay is a traditional Shan-style noodle dish that has become popular across Myanmar. It features thin rice noodles served with a tangy meat sauce made from halal-certified chicken or beef, flavored with garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of vinegar. Often garnished with pickled mustard greens, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs, Meeshay delivers a unique balance of sour, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Light yet satisfying, it’s a wonderful introduction to the regional diversity of Burmese cuisine. 🍜🥢🌿

🍴 Best Place to Try

Halal-friendly stalls in Shan State or Muslim-owned restaurants in Yangon that specialize in regional dishes

💡 Pro Tips

• Mix the noodles well before eating to ensure every bite is coated with the tangy sauce.
• Pair it with a side of clear broth for a more complete and filling meal.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Perfect for travelers eager to explore regional specialties, noodle enthusiasts, and Muslim visitors looking for a halal-friendly dish that showcases the flavors of Shan State.

🍛 Hto Hto – Burmese Flatbread with Curry

Source: Living + Nomads

📖 About Hto Hto

Hto Hto is a comforting Burmese dish that combines soft, fluffy flatbread with rich, flavorful curries. Popular among Myanmar’s Muslim communities, the bread is freshly made and served hot, perfect for dipping into halal-certified chicken, beef, or lentil curries. Its simple yet satisfying taste makes it a staple breakfast or light meal option, offering travelers an authentic and halal-friendly taste of local everyday dining. 🫓🍲🌿

🍴 Best Place to Try

Muslim-owned tea shops in Yangon and Mandalay, where it’s often served fresh in the morning

💡 Pro Tips

• Best enjoyed hot off the pan for the perfect texture.
• Pair it with sweet Burmese milk tea for a classic local breakfast combination.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit

Ideal for breakfast seekers, families wanting a light yet filling halal meal, and travelers eager to experience Myanmar’s cozy tea shop culture.

🌿 Let’s Explore Myanmar!

Myanmar isn’t just about golden pagodas and scenic landscapes—it’s also a hidden gem for halal food lovers. As a Muslim traveler, I found it wonderfully easy to enjoy a wide variety of halal-friendly dishes that reflect the country’s rich cultural mix of Burmese, Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern influences. From fragrant biryani cooked with halal-certified meats to steaming bowls of mohinga enjoyed at bustling markets, Myanmar offers a tapestry of authentic flavors that cater to Muslim travelers.

I wandered through vibrant streets filled with the scent of freshly fried samusas, sipped on sweet Burmese milk tea in cozy tea shops, and savored hearty curries paired with warm flatbreads. Along the way, I discovered plenty of halal-friendly restaurants and Muslim-owned eateries where hospitality and flavor go hand in hand.

Whether you’re craving the comforting richness of coconut noodle soup (Ohn No Khao Swe), the tangy bite of Shan noodles, or the crunchy freshness of tea leaf salad (Lahpet Thoke), this guide will take you dish by dish through Myanmar’s best halal eats. So bring your appetite (and maybe some extra room for sweets 🍬), because we’re about to explore Myanmar’s most delicious halal food experiences!