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The photo above is me and a traditional restaurant owner in Old Bagan
A big part of my travels involves find food wherever I go. My curious about food is overwhelming, and I prefer that kind of experience. My taste buds always tell the truth. It's not wrong, because everyone has their own preferences.
If I can try various foods from all over the world, it can be so much fun, right? It's something I always pray for. Try the food in Myanmar, a country that straddles the border between China and Bangladesh, its made me wonder. Is their food delicious? As far as I know, both countries flanking it have delicious and exciting culinary in the world.
Typically, each country traditions had a significant influence on its neighbors. That's what make me so curious. China and Bangladesh are two countries with very different traditions. Can that make the food in Myanmar different?
I went to the Old Bagan area of town, thinking it was worth a try, especially the food. We found a traditional restaurant serving authentic Old Bagan dishes. At first, I skeptic, afraid the taste be strange and not to our liking. But I had to eat, and I was bored of eating bread or whatever it was at the hotel.
We wandered into a restaurant that looked very traditional. First, I noticed the earthenware pots, which looked truly traditional, even using something we rarely see in the city. I was very curious about the pottery still being heated over wood. It was so eye-catching, and this place was indeed busy with tourists.
Some of us asked about the type of food and whether it was suitable for Muslims. It turn out there were plenty of pork free options. They say the food in Old Bagan almost entirely plant based, but unfortunately, animal protein was too expensive.
Everything almost 100% plant based, so even vegans wouldn't have a problem find food here. It was a completely new experience for me, especially the side dish. There so many different kinds of plants that I didn't even know what they look like.
I'm sure, because the soil here is a bit dry and mostly red, I thought it is grass. And sure enough, we were even serve a plate of salad tea called 'Laphet'. This is the first time I'd taste the flavor of these deeply aromatic leaves. They were served with a sauce that resembled peanuts, but lighter, but the flavor was truly delicious.
Only in Old Bagan could I consume this much fiber. I'd be lacking in fiber anywhere, but in Old Bagan, Myanmar, it was different.