There are so many things to do in Yangon and things to see while walking around in Myanmar’s capital that sometimes all you want to do is sit back, relax and enjoy a good cup of coffee. Yangon is so big and may seem super hectic and chaotic to some of us with a western background, that it’s hard to find places that make you feel really comfortable. Well, that’s not going to be the case anymore after reading the following article, because I made sure to spend 3 days exploring all the different cafes and bars in Yangon so that you don’t have to wander around aimlessly 😀 All of these cafes and restaurants and bars should be on your list while you’re exploring Yangon because they’re perfect to relax in after you explored Shwedagon Pagoda, the Sule Pagoda (or any of the other million but awesome pagodas in the city).
Cafes in Uptown Yangon
Bhodi Nava Café is a guesthouse and café at the same time and is situated in this weird looking tiny street but the second you get there, it feels super hip and you could basically be anywhere in the world. The coffee is really good, there are plenty of power plugs to recharge everything and a couple of couches to get super comfortable. The music is on point here and because the whole wall is made of glass, it’s the perfect spot to just cool down and watch life happening out there. The Food is also on point (the thought of the curries alone makes my mouth water) and it’s a great starting point to go for a walk in the parc that’s close by.
The District Coffee Lounge has everything you could need to relax and let all your memories and experiences pass through your mind again. They have a pretty nice outdoor seating area and really good food as well as coffee. The only downside to this place is the location because it is pretty far away from everything else. If you’re in the area, definitely make sure to check it out.
Cafes in Downtown Yangon
Kafe in Town is in the middle of all the hustle that’s happening in Yangon but is a quiet retreat in the middle of it all. The place has super comfortable couches, a very efficient AC (that’s a bit too cold for me), and really good coffee, smoothies, and Shan noodles. The whole interior is very airy and it’s just a perfect spot to hang out in (maybe after visiting Sule pagoda which is only 5 minutes away).
Easy café is situated right in the middle of a super busy street but the second you step into this café, it’s like you found your own little oasis of peace and comfort. Inside, you’ll be met by the rich smell of freshly roasted coffee beans and soft jazz playing in the background. The quality of the coffee is amazing and might honestly be some of the best in Yangon and the mix of Asian comfort food leaves nothing to be desired. You also usually find a bunch of people working on their laptops, so if you look for a potential workplace for a day, Easy Café is your place in Yangon.
Nourish Café is probably one of the very few vegan cafes you can find in Yangon. The place is pretty hidden but once you’re in here, it’s a very chill vibe. I personally didn’t try the food (because it feels like all I did these days was eating and moving from one café to the next haha) but literally every person that has tried it and that I talked to has really liked it.
Restaurants and Bars
OK, real talk. Burma Bistro might legitimately have some of the most AMAZING food in the world and is incredibly cheap for western standards that I still can’t fully believe it’s a real place because it is just THAT good. The aubergine stew with butter rice might actually make you cry because it’s so mind-blowingly amazing that I will never be able to get over it. On top of that, the whole interior looks like a loft studio that could be in the middle of New York. The service is top-notch, the drinks are amazing and I won’t go on another rant about the food but it is beyond life. Just do yourself a favor and check it out while you’re in Yangon.
Hapa Bar might seem like this tiny hole-in-the-wall place but it is an amazing bar and I can’t urge you enough to go there while you’re in Yangon. The whole concept of the bar is that you tell the bartender (who is one of the nicest and happiest people ever by the way) which of the 5 available bases for your drinks you’d like and he will prepare this next-level drink for you that is impossible not to love. On top of that, you pay however much you think is appropriate for the drink. Because it’s a pretty small place, it’s also super easy to socialize with other people here, so do yourself a favor and go check it out.
There is a second location for Hapa 2 in the works that will be located at the former Tribe Theory Yangon (which is now called Draper Start-up House), which should be up and running in February 2019, so make sure to check it out if you’re looking for awesome drinks and an even better environment for meeting amazing people.
If you’re looking for mind-blowingly delicious, local Indian food, this is the place for you. I came here 4 times in a matter of a week and literally every single dish is just mouthwateringly (is that even a word :D) delicious! Don’t expect a fancy set-up like at Burma Bistro because everything is kept pretty simple here, but that honestly does not matter, especially once you tried the food.
Rangoon Tea House might be one of the most known restaurants in Yangon and rightly so. The ambiance is super nice and noble and the service, as well as the quality of food, leaves nothing to be desired. Prices are pretty high for Myanmar (they probably come close to a western standard) but if you’re looking for a break after a busy day of wandering around Yangon, this could make your wish come true.