Eating Peking Duck in Mawlamyine

Eating Peking Duck in Mawlamyine

When talking about Mawlamyine in Mon State, Myanmar, many might think of the historic riverside town along the Salween River with its temples and the simple lifestyle of the Mon people. But for me, mr.hotsia, besides the charm of strolling leisurely by the river and exploring traditional culture, there is one thing that impressed me greatly: the “Peking Duck Mawlamyine” that I had the chance to taste myself on the riverside street here.

The Peking duck in Mawlamyine is not like the ones many are familiar with in Bangkok or large Chinese restaurants in Thailand. Here, the duck is carefully prepared with a special recipe from Chinese restaurants in Mawlamyine, influenced by Chinese settlers in the area. I walked along the Salween riverside from The Breeze Guesthouse, a guesthouse I like and stayed several nights at (if interested, you can read my story aboutThe Breeze Guesthouse). It took less than 5 minutes on foot to reach the famous Peking duck restaurant I had my eye on.

The atmosphere inside the restaurant is not as fancy as big Chinese restaurants in large cities, but it is full of warmth and a homely feeling, like eating with friends. I ordered half a Peking duck for only about 150 baht, which is very good value for the taste. The duck skin was crispy, the meat tender, topped with a special sauce that was neither too sweet nor too salty. It was served with thin pancakes and fresh vegetables like cucumber and spring onions that nicely cut through the duck's richness.

While eating there, I talked with the owner and locals. They told me the restaurant has been open for a long time and is one of the famous Chinese restaurants in Mawlamyine. In this town, Chinese and Mon local cuisines blend perfectly. For anyone who enjoys trying local food, I recommend coming to try the Peking duck here at least once. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Mawlamyine: a small town by the Salween River full of flavor and culture

After enjoying the delicious Peking duck, I, mr.hotsia, also had the chance to explore more of Mawlamyine’s food and culture. This town is ethnically and culturally diverse, with Mon, Burmese, and Chinese people living together harmoniously. This is evident in the town’s restaurants offering both traditional Chinese and local Burmese dishes to try.

If you like Mawlamyine-style Chinese food, I recommend the restaurantBONE GYI RESTAURANTwhere I once ate Mawlamyine-style fried chicken and shrimp fried rice that were very delicious. This restaurant is also located on the Salween riverside road near The Breeze Guesthouse. Although there were quite a few flies, they had candles to keep them away. The homely atmosphere here made me feel like I was eating at a local’s home.

Mawlamyine cuisine generally resembles typical Burmese food with curry pots, chili dips, and various fresh vegetables. What makes it interesting is the blend of Chinese and Mon cultures infused in the food and lifestyle. I have tried dishes at several Chinese restaurants in this town, and also sampled Thai food sold by Burmese people who once lived in Thailand, like stir-fried holy basil with fried egg that was just as tasty as back home.

Riverside lifestyle and traveling in Mawlamyine

Mawlamyine is a town where I, mr.hotsia, enjoy watching the Salween River flow by. Along the river are small and large boats carrying goods and people coming and going. This spot is where the Salween River flows as a border between Thailand and Myanmar in some parts and serves as a gateway to Mon State and Yangon to the south.

I stayed at The Breeze Guesthouse, right by the Salween River, working in the cool morning breeze while gazing at the river view. I think this is the true charm of Mawlamyine—not just a typical tourist town but a lively place with diverse cultures and an alluring simplicity.

For getting around Mawlamyine, I recommend walking around the town or renting a motorcycle taxi to visit Mottama, the old capital of the Mon people, which is not far from Mawlamyine. Renting a round-trip motorcycle taxi is convenient and hassle-free. For more details, you can read my article aboutMottama 2013that I wrote.

Summary of my Peking duck and Mawlamyine travel experience with mr.hotsia

If you are looking for a travel experience that is not just about places but also the true flavors and culture of Mawlamyine, Peking Duck Mawlamyine is what I, mr.hotsia, recommend you try at least once. Eating crispy-skinned, tender duck with fresh vegetables and thin pancakes by the Salween River is not just about food but truly absorbing the local way of life.

Besides Peking duck, don’t forget to try Chinese and local dishes at various restaurants in town and explore the unique riverside lifestyle of the Salween River. If you want to know Mawlamyine more deeply, try reading my articles aboutMawlamyine CuisineandTraveling Mawlamyine on Your Ownthat I have written.

Finally, if you want to see the full atmosphere of eating Peking Duck in Mawlamyine, you can watch the video clip I recorded at this link.
Eating Peking Duck in Mawlamyine