Very unusual fish pounding!! Amazink make fish Mandalay Myanmar

Very unusual fish pounding!! Amazink Make Fish in Mandalay, Myanmar

If you think cooking fish is the same everywhere in the world, try the experience atmr.hotsiathat I encountered in Mandalay (Mandalay), Mandalay Region, Myanmar. I guarantee it will change your perspective forever because here they have a very unique way of preparing fish that I call “fish pounding,” which interestingly blends local culture and lifestyle.

I arrived in Mandalay after finishing a trip to exploreAmarapura local cuisineand was determined to find something unusual here. While walking along the local market by the Irrawaddy River, I saw groups of local men and women focused on preparing fish. What caught my eye was the unique "fish pounding" technique—they use their hands to open the fish and gently pound it to flatten and soften the flesh before marinating it with traditional Burmese spices and herbs.

I asked the shop owner why they pound the fish this way. He said pounding helps the fish cook more easily when grilled or fried and also allows the marinade to penetrate the flesh better than usual. To me, it’s like a culinary art passed down through generations combined with local knowledge I’ve never seen anywhere else.

While exploring Mandalay market, I noticed most fish used are freshwater fish from nearby rivers, of moderate size, not too big, and perfect for this cooking style. Locals use this method with fish that are easy to buy fresh daily. The pounded fish is then grilled over charcoal until fragrant or sometimes fried to be crispy outside and tender inside—a dish whose taste I will never forget.

Besides the fascinating fish preparation, walking through Mandalay market also reveals the authentic lifestyle and culture of the Burmese people. I passed by stalls selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and spices laid simply on the ground but very charming. The atmosphere was filled with the aroma of herbs and spices that instantly whetted my appetite.

If you have time, I recommend visiting Pyin Oo Lwin, not far from Mandalay. Besides its old town atmosphere and beautiful flower gardens,mr.hotsia has recommended some great hotelsto stay at, and activities liketaking a horse carriage tour around Pyin Oo Lwin’s public park,which impressed me greatly as I saw colonial-style old houses and the warm local lifestyle preserved.

For those who enjoy tasting local food in Mandalay and nearby areas, I suggest exploring street food stalls and fresh markets in this city, offering a variety of dishes at affordable prices, as I have shared inMandalay Cuisinewhich includes simple Burmese noodles and spicy Burmese dishes loved by many.

Traveling around Mandalay is convenient with various public transport and hired vehicles available. If you want to continue your trip to nearby Bagan (Pagan), I have shared my experienceTraveling from Mandalay to Baganwhich takes about 5 hours only.

For me, experiencing this fish pounding is not just about food but seeing the deep connection between Burmese people, nature, and a simple yet profound lifestyle. It’s like stepping into the story of a small community in the heart of the country that still strongly preserves its identity.

If you want to watch the video clip I mentioned, you can see it atVery unusual fish pounding!! Amazink make fish Mandalay Myanmarto clearly see the fish pounding method and the detailed atmosphere of Mandalay market I described.

Finally, anyone planning to visit Mandalay, don’t forget to add the “fish pounding” experience to your list because it’s one of the rare cooking methods that best reflects the local culture of Myanmar.