MYANMORE : Weekly Guide to Yangon - 29th November 2019

Take me!

29 NOV - 5 DEC 2019

spruce

the yangon vegetable survival kit

pansodan

midway

Weekly Guide

29th - 30th

Don’t Let Daddy Know Myanmar Amsterdam’s biggest EDM festival Don’t Let Daddy Know makes it appearance in Myanmar for the first time with Afrojack, Nicky Romeo, Showtek, Nervo, Tujamo, Brennan Heart and more. Tickets are still available. ? The ONE Entertainment Park - Paw San Hmwe St, ThinganGyun Tsp| P 4 pm - 12 am

Guest Bartender and ‘Back to Basics’ Cocktail Masterclass by Joey Keen at Sarkies Bar On the 29th and 30th of November, experience a cocktail adventure at Sarkies Bar as we welcome guest bartender, Joey Keen of Madame Em’s cocktail bar. On the 30th of November from 7-8:30 pm, Joey Keen will host an exclusive cocktail ‘Back to Basics’ masterclass at Sarkies Bar with a limit of 10 persons. He will explain the specialised techniques, cocktail ingredients 101 and infusions used for cocktail making. Guests will have the chance to learn the tricks of the trade for 3 well known but difficult to perfect cocktails: The Martini, The Pegu Club and The Negroni. Seats are available for US$ 15++ per person. For reservations email fbd2@hotelthestrand. com or call 018 243 377~79. ? Sarkies Bar - Strand Hotel, No.92, Strand Rd, Kyauktada Tsp | P 7

pm - 8:30 pm

Friday 29th

Haffner plays Haffner - Open Air Jazz Concert with Haffner&Band Enjoy an outstanding Jazz concert open-air in the garden of Goethe-Institut Myanmar! The famous German Jazz percussionist Wolfgang Haffner and his band present an evening full of incredible sounds, among them newly reinterpreted pieces from the illustrious career of the bandleader. ? Goethe-Institut - corner of Kabar Aye Pagoda Road and Natmauk Street, Bahan Tsp | P 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Beaujolais Nouveau 2019 The Beaujolais Nouveau is a festive event mixing the French joy of life, gastronomy and tradition. In France, whole villages come together on that day to share wine, food and music, simply to have a good time with friends. It is an important day in the French calendar, which strengthens the sense of community. This year, come and celebrate the most famous and popular French wine festival at Inya Lake hotel. ? Inya Lake Hotel - 37 Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Tsp | P 7 pm – 11 pm

9×DMC/ITF World DJ Champions Night SafeHouse Yangon welcomes Dj Rafik & Kid Fresh to Yangon.

Book your table now.. ? SafeHouse Yangon - No.1 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Yankin Tsp | P 9:30 pm - 2 am

Chef Topher - Live at PA Chef Topher is probably the tallest DJ & Hype Man in Asia. He has been a regular on the Hong Kong nightclub scene since 2008 at major clubs like SUGAR, CLIQ, CLUB SHAKE SHAKE & BE-HOLD.

Now it’s exciting to be welcome him back to Port Autonomy! Free entry. Happy Hour between 7pm-9pm Buy One, Get One Free on select cocktails & Bawdar beer. ? Port Autonomy - Strand Road, Botahtaung Tsp | P 10 pm - 2 am

PanoramaYangon | Funky Disco with DJ HHA Celebrate your TGIF nights with our weekly Disco event throughout the season. Get your dancing shoes ready because you gonna explore the feeling of dancing under the disco lights on Yangon’s 360’ view Rooftop Bar. ? Atlas Rooftop Bar & Lounge - 84, Pan Hlaing Road, Sanchaung Tsp | P 10 pm - 12 pm |

TGW tour at Crush Bar TGW is an electronic house music DJ, producer and remixer who specializes in funky, deep, soulful, vocal, jackin, house and tech house. Book your table now. ? Crush Bar - No.88 A, University Avenue Road, Bahan Tsp | P 9 pm - 4 am

Myanbuild Yangon 2019 Myanbuild in Yangon is a trade fair for the construction industry.

This presents a large number of international exhibitors, materials and systems for industrial, commercial and residential construction and interior design. Here are all market leaders in the industry are represented, so that the exhibition is the main event of the construction industry in this region. In addition, new business contacts can be made. ? Myanmar Culture Valley - U Wisara Road, Bahan Tsp | P 10 am - 5pm

The Ritz’s Garden Opening Party Yay, the rain is over! That means the Ritz is hosting their first garden opening party! Join Yangon’s latest hideaway garden with delicious Charcoal-grill BBQ, freeflow red/white/sparkling wine, beer, soft drinks and live jazz music. For only 30,000 MMK per person (25000 MMK early-bird purchase), the Ritz promise a fun and tasty dinner and a great night for everyone. Come and meet a surprise celebrity guest as well! Call for tickets and more information 09446656925. ? The Ritz Yangon - No.61, University, Avenue Rd, Bahan Tsp | P 6 pm - 10 pm |

30th Nov - 1st Dec

Yangon Zay Sustainable concept market featuring exciting foods, vendors as well as other exciting pop-ups curated especially for family fun weekends! ? Tea Factory - #2 Kanyeiktha Street, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Tsp | P 12 pm – 8 pm

Saturday 30th Atlas Disco Night!

Get your dancing shoes ready because you gonna explore the feeling of dancing under the disco lights on Yangon’s 360’ view Rooftop Bar. Join us on Disco Night and immerse yourself in 80’s music. ? Atlas - 84, Pan Hlaing Road, Sanchaung Tsp | P 7 pm – 11:30 pm

Electronic Music Concert - Pix’ART 2019 Nova Materia, a duet band with unusual instruments creating hyper-rhythmical, dreamy post punk rock and electronic dance music, will be playing along with Myanmar musicians in the form of visual arts & performance. Free entry for IFB’s current students and volunteers of Pix’ART 2019. ? Institut français de Birmanie - 340, Pyay Road, Sanchaung Tsp | P 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm

LEVEL 2 Sessions #016: House & Techno It’s back for round 15 of LEVEL 2 Sessions. LEVEL 2 co-founder Karl Ross and German Techno-Chancellor Lion Grünenberg are flying in for the night, and will team up with none other than Yu KT, Yangon’s very own Techno Queen. For anyone who’s been to any of these before, you know what it’s all about. Entry: 10 000 mmk WITH a free beer. ? LEVEL 2 - Yangon International Hotel Compound ,Dagon Tsp |

P 11 pm – 4 am Smooth Jazz Nights Entertain your Saturday night with smooth jazzy vibes here at Captain’s Bar. Enjoy Yangon’s famous Bamboo Trio live jazz songs with musical instruments and of course with the Grand piano throughout the night. Chill with a glass of wine. ? Savoy Hotel Yangon - 129, Dhammazedi Road, Bahan Tsp |

P 7:30 pm - 10 pm Back to Basics Cocktail Masterclass by Joey Keen On 30 November, guest bartender Joey Keen of Madame Em’s cocktail bar will host an exclusive cocktail ‘Back to Basics’ masterclass at Sarkies Bar with a limit of 10 persons. He will explain the specialised techniques, cocktail ingredients 101 and infusions used for cocktail making. Guests will have the chance to learn the tricks of the trade for 3 well known but difficult to perfect cocktails: The Martini, The Pegu Club and The Negroni.

Seats are available for US$15++ per person. For reservations email fbd2@hotelthestrand.com or call 018 243377. ? Sarkies Bar at The Strand Hotel - 92 Strand Road, Kyauktada Tsp | P 7 pm - 8:30 pm

Babett Goes Live! x Galibert Saturday night at Babett Yangon is all about chilling, relaxing and weekend vibes! Babett Yangon presents to you Unplugged Nights every Saturday starting from 8 PM. Join us and get rid of your midweek blues by enjoying the pop, cover and classic songs by Filipino band, Galibert. Gather your squad and book now at +95 1 243 639. ? Babett - No.5, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd, Dagon Tsp | P 8 pm

Monday 1th

Strand Singers Holiday Concert Join a festive evening of sacred and secular choral music to usher in the Christmas season. The New Children’s Choir will join the event and there will be several opportunities for you to sing along. The concert is free, however we ask for donations to support the costs of producing the concert. Beverages and delicious treats will be sold at intermission. ? Holy Trinity Cathedral, Yangon - Bo Gyoke Aung San Road, Botahtaung

Tsp | P 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Tuesday 3rd

Mundo Lingo (Yangon #65) Join the community in our Group: Mundo Lingo Yangon. They organize events every week where around 100-120 of us come together to practice languages, make new friends from different cultures, and all that while enjoying a beer or a drink at the new venue – The Envoy Bar & Restaurant. ? The Envoy Bar & Restaurant - No. 108, Bo Aung Kyaw Street, Lower

Block, Botahtaung Tsp | P 7 pm - 9 pm

Wednesday 4th

Wednesday Rizzoli Open Mic Pick your favorite song on every for Wednesday Rizzoli Open Mic Night. They’ll provide 2 mics, 1 guitar and the sound system as well.

All you need to bring is your best singing voice! No entrance fee. ? Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon - No 40 Natmauk Road, Tamwe Tsp

| P 8 pm - 11:30

Rainbow IV Jazz Band at Sarkies Bar PRainbow IV is back for another Wednesday night of Jazz Music at the Sarkies Bar. Let Po Clare, Kyi Maung, Pho Khwar, and Ye Lin Moe’s sultry tunes take you through the midweek slump. Find them from 7 pm onwards to 10 pm – reserve a space by phone on 018 243 377~79. ? Sarkies Bar - Strand Hotel, No.92, Strand Rd, Kyauktada Tsp | P 7

pm - 10:30 pm

Thursday 5th

The Yangon Connection Drop in and catch up with fellow UQ alumni in an informal meet-up organised by alumni for alumni. Please note, registration is required: https://bel.uq.edu.au/event/session/4298 ? White Swan Bakery Restaurant - No. 5, U Tun Nyein Road, 10th Ward, Mayangone Tsp | P 7 pm - 10 pm

DISCLAIMER : Information as of 26th November 2019. The events’ times and dates may change without notice. For more updated information, please check http://myanmore. com/yangon/events

Promotion of the Week Reservations for Christmas Magic 2 Nights Stay Package For a truly memorable Christmas, book yourself a magical twoday break at Sedona Hotel Yangon. Sedona Yangon have designed sensational events to keep you and your loved ones entertained during the most wonderful time of the year. Rates start at MMK 153,450++ or US$99++ for stays at the Garden Wing or the exclusive Inya Wing. Available from September 24 to 26 December 2019. ? Sedona Hotel - No.1, Yangon Industrial Rd, Yankin Tsp | P All Day

Weekday Business Lunch at The Ritz Yangon Introducing the Ritz weekday business lunch!

An absolute value Italian set lunch served inside a private restaurant where you can take a break from your hectic office life - includes a starter (Antipasti), main (Primi/Secondi), and dessert(Dolci), all for just 15,000++ MMK available Mon to Fri from 11am to 3pm. ? The Ritz Yangon - No.61, University, Avenue Rd, Bahan Tsp | P 11

am - 3 pm |

Ladies Night at Babett Hello Ladies, call your best girlfriends now! Start off your amazing Wednesday night out by enjoying 1 free bottle of sparkling wine for every 4 ladies from 5 pm to 11 pm. Are you ready for your midweek madness? Reservations are encouraged to avoid disappointment.

For booking, please contact at +95 1 243 639. ? Babett - No.5, Alan Pya Pagoda Rd, Dagon Tsp | P 5 pm - 11 pm |

Ocean Pride’s Happy Hour Ocean Pride Thai Seafood restaurant’s happy hour promotion is coming to town. We will have 30% off on all food items during the happy hour starts from 11am to 4pm. The promotion is valid within 1st November to 30th November. It is a great chance to catch Ocean Pride Thai Seafood restaurant’s premium seafood platters.

Call 09 443 993 772 not to miss the chance as Ocean Pride is waiting to serve you. ? Ocean Pride Thai Seafood restaurant - No.20,Thukawaddy

Street,Yankin Tsp | P 11 am - 4 pm |

Enjoy your meal, Enjoy your time The Heaven Bistro is a unique place for those who would like to enjoy a variety of food & drink in a cozy atmosphere. The nightscape of the Heaven Bistro is filled with Special Promotions. One who has a taste Beer Tower, will be served delicious Bite Platter with FOC for each and every Myanmar Beer Tower. There will also be a 20% discount for all types of cocktails & mocktails. For those who prefer Food, there will be a 10% discount for all menu items. ? Heaven Bistro - No(4), Ground Floor, Room (I,J), Wingabar Road, Bahan Tsp | P 11 am - 4 pm |

GUIDE

Photo by Adam Jaime on Unsplash

The Yangon Vegetarian Survival Kit Mary Banfield, Morris Averill Beware Yangon, for a worldwide vegetarian revolution in on the table. For locals tempted to join this mass movement, for lost vegetarians and travellers, here is your Yangon Survival Kit with advice from nutritionists, vegetarians and chefs on how to stay meat-free in Yangon.

Today up to half of America’s population are planning to reduce the amount of meat they eat. In many nations, Israel, Australia, India and Sweden over one in ten people are vegetarian and the number is rising year by year.

Myanmar is no exception as an increasing number of locals and expats seek a healthier and socially responsible diet.

The green sprouts are shooting throughout Yangon as a host of vegan or vegetarian friendly restaurants realise the commercial value of a diverse menu.

Even so, there are challenges for vegetarians, it’s still not that easy.

Eating Out Five years ago, to ask for a meat free dish in a restaurant “would raise eyebrows,’’ said vegetarians Wai May Kyaw and Luke Davies.

“While it’s easier today, it’s still tough to eat like a vegetarian, especially keeping it somewhat healthy and not only filling up on rice and noodles!” said Breanne Baildon, a nutritionist.

Online Information: The international service, HappyCow.com is your best resource for a vegetarian, or vegan meal from New York to Shanghai.

Twenty-two restaurants in Yangon are listed as vegetarian or vegan friendly.

Favourite restaurants: Taj Indian-Nepali Vegetarian Restaurant, offers traditional Indian and Nepali dishes.

Soe Pyi Swar Vegetarian Centre offers an extensive menu of traditional Burmese dishes.

The Old Eain Café has a selection of breakfast or lunch dishes, and also supplies traditional Myanmar snacks and sweets, such as jaggery that is

made from the sap of toddy palm trees.

For contemporary vegetarian dishes try Healthy Me, Sprouts, & Nourish Café.

Taj Indian-Nepali Vegetarian Restaurant, offers traditional Indian and Nepali dishes.

Soe Pyi Swar Vegetarian Centre offers an extensive menu of traditional Burmese dishes.

The Old Eain Café has a selection of breakfast or lunch dishes, and also supplies traditional Myanmar snacks and sweets, such as jaggery that is made from the sap of toddy palm trees.

For contemporary vegetarian dishes try Healthy Me, Sprouts, & Nourish Café.

Location: Most restaurants are located in a short radius from the downtown area, so for those who adhere to a strict vegetarian diet and who love to eat out that’s the place to be based. Highly recommended restaurants include Taj Indian-Nepali Restaurant, Soe Pyi Swar Vegetarian Centre, Nourish and Healthy Me. Vegetarian Myanmar Dishes: Most traditional salads are reliably vegetarian. Try Tea Leaf, Pennywort, Silky Burmese Eggplant Salad or egg rolls or for a snack try Moat.

Become a regular: Once you’re a regular at a restaurant the waiters will know your favourite dishes and how to make them. When you find a place that’s respectful of your dietary needs then stick to them.

Home Delivery: For a lazy night at home use yangond2d.com for a home delivery from your favourite vegetarian restaurant.

Check the menu at the door: I you walk into an unfamiliar restaurant ask for the menu before sitting down. If there are no vegetarians option, you can subtly walk away. Otherwise a waiter may pick up that you need help if you stand looking intensely at the menu.

Be flexible: A mistake is bound to happen, so if your bowl of Tofu is delivered with the eye of a fish then don’t panic.

Use Images Not Words: An image has no language barriers. Find an image that says, ‘no meat, no fish’ and show it to the waiter.

Home Vegetarians: Yangon Farmer’s Markets are held at Karaweik Gardens in Lake Karaweik, one of three markets held around Yangon. It’s here you you can pick and choose the healthiest veggies. For those who are time pressed the Go Green shop offers healthy food options and is open every day.

Alternatively, Kokkoya Organics delivers vegetables from the farmer to your door. Since opening in 2017 the service has become highly popular and reached maximum capacity. In early 2020 Kokkoya will be expanding and until then anyone is welcome people to add their names to a waiting list. There are challenges in eating healthily in any city, and Yangon is no exception. It seems the best advice for dining is “be flexible, and enjoy!”

Note: Better check the regional situation of your desired destination in Kachin State before you visit. Reports have said some conflicts are taking place in certain parts of the territory.

W

REVIE

Spruce Pansodan: Hidden Gem with a Japanese Flair Nested at the top of a luxury block of flats opposite the Rose Garden Hotel, The Spruce is hardly the kind of place you would stumble upon. It is part of a Singaporean chain that has now opened its first branch here in Myanmar. Although the restaurant was deserted when I arrived, the staff told me they get some traffic from the wealthy inhabitants of the housing estate, as well as Japanese diners looking for a taste of home.

The manager explains that the restaurant identifies as Japanese European fusion, offering distinct breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. The menu itself is impressive in its breadth, and caters to a wide variety of potential diners.

I decided to swing by for the lunchtime options - available from 11am to 2.30pm. The Spruce offers a gourmet set lunch for ten dollars, starting with a soup, and ending with the chef’s daily dessert. One dollar more will get you a homemade coffee or tea.

The Japanese/Asian options include a variety of gyoza, bento boxes, Japanese style curry and spicy pork ramen, while pasta lovers can get beef cheek tagliatelle or chicken carbonara. Meanwhile, the “Spruce Specialties” include the Spruce Burger and Fish and Chips. Naturally, I felt obligated to order myself a fish and chips. Furthermore, I asked for a Kirin at 12pm and was served a pint, which argued well and set the tone for the rest of the meal.

My partner ordered the Salmon teppanyaki (US$ 8). The flavor of the fish itself was very good, and the salmon well cooked and moist. The accompanying vegetables were also perfectly cooked, and the miso soup was warm and savory, umami notes. If it’s anything to go by, the Japanese menu is of a high quality.

Through the meal, we enjoyed excellent service from the attentive waiters, perhaps because the restaurant was expertly concealed at the top of a building, like a secret Star in Mario 64.

I returned to the Spruce a week later, keen to sample the breakfast menu, pulled in by a desire for poached eggs and multigrain bread. This time I ordered the full British breakfast (US$ 8). This included two eggs (I had poached) pork sausage, baked beans, smoked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, hash browns, grilled tomatoes and multigrain toast.) While the ketchup and beans were both a little sweet, in the American style, the overall dish was very solid, even if the bizarrely huge plate on which it was served threatened to overshadow the meal itself.

With warm staff, great views and a really nice selection of food, Spruce is a great up-market choice for late night dates, Brits abroad with a craving for a decent British breakfast, anyone looking for upmarket Japanese food with a good view and whiskey lovers searching for elusive bottles. Worth the struggle to find it and a good alternative to the Yangon standbys.

Address: 171 Upper Pansodan Road, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon Tel: 09 752 341301, Opens 6:30 am – 12 am

GALLERY

SILENT DISCO RAVE PARTY AT PANSURIYA 23 NOVEMBER 2019 PHOTOS BY PYAE PHYO THU

S

IN CINEMA

Now showing in Yangon cinemas from 28th November to 4th December 2019

Midway 2019 American war film based on the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent Battle of Midway during World War II. Directed by Roland Emmerich, and written by Wes Tooke, the film features an ensemble cast, including Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, Luke Evans, Aaron Eckhart, Nick Jonas, Mandy Moore, Dennis Quaid, Tadanobu Asano, and Woody Harrelson.

Mingalar Cinemas (Mingalar Cinema (2), Gamone Pwint, Sein Gay Har, Gold Class) , Nay Pyi Taw

Frozen 2 American computer-animated musical fantasy film and it is the sequel to the 2013 film Frozen. Anna, Elsa, Kristoff,

Olaf and Sven leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumn-bound forest of an enchanted land. They set out to find the origin of Elsa’s powers in order to save their kingdom.

Mingalar Cinemas (Naypyitaw, Gamone Pwint, Tamwe, Gold Class, South Dagon)

Khun Phaen Begins A Thailand film that describing a young thief is living his life just for fun and troubled. When he meets his childhood crush, he decides to join an army to win the girl’s heart over a perfect boy who is a soldier and falls in love with her. From Zero to Hero, he has trained himself hard to be ready to fight after he found out that there’s a villain trying to conquer the city.

JCGV (Junction City,Kan Thar Yar)

Mingalar Cinemas Gold Class | 09 266660911, 22, 33 Mingalar Sanpya Cineplex | 09 260 887 035 — 36, 01 230 3 165 Mingalar Cineplex (Gamone Pwint) | 09 779 054 671 — 73 Mingalar Cinema 2(Dagon Centre (II) | 09 732 54 091 — 92 Mingalar Sein Gay Har | 09 402177771— 73 Mingalar North Okkalapa | 09 402027001 Mingalar Tamwe | 09 402199991, 2, 3 Mingalar South Dagon | 09255333881, 2, 3 Nay Pyi Taw | 01 251 277, 01 251 288 Shae Saung Cinema | 01 252 113, 01 388 034 Thamada Cinema | 01 246 962, 01 246 963 Thwin | 01 372 594, 01 388 033 Mingalar | 01 243057 Mega Ace Cineplex (Tamwe)| 01 554383 Mega Ace Cineplex (Thar Kay Ta) | 01 556782 Mega Ace Cineplex (North Okkalapa) | 09 971750101 Mega Ace Cineplex (Dawbon) | 09 400686992 Mega Ace Cineplex (Hlaing Thar Yar) | 09 403162160

emergency numbers POLICE STATION

AMBULANCE

199 / 01 549309

192

FIRE STATION

TOURIST SAFETY UNIT

191 / 01 252011 / 01 252022

01 642742 / 01 549209

TOURIST INFORMATION

YANGON GENERAL HOSPITAL

01 252859 / 01 378376

01 256112 / 01 265131

HOTLINE NUMBER 1876

About Us MYANMORE is your entertainment and lifestyle guide to Yangon. We provide daily updates of events, full scale directory, editorials, photos and much more. ) www.myanmore.com | f Facebook.com/Myanmore @ Info@myanmore.com | B Myanmore.com/Newsletter For advertising or other queries you can also call 09 779 003 701

THIS WEEK’S PHOTO

Artist: Myint Soe. Image courtesy of Nawaday Tharlar Gallery. www.nawadaytharlar.com