Indawgyi Myanmar 10/46: Revealing the secret recipe of Burmese fermented sesame by Nong Metha, the motorbike-riding daughter who took me on a tour of Indawgyi

Indawgyi Myanmar 10/46: Revealing the secret recipe of Burmese fermented sesame by Nong Metha, the motorbike-riding daughter who took me on a tour of Indawgyi

I, mr.hotsia, had the opportunity to travel to Indawgyi Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia, located in Kachin State, Myanmar. This trip was not just to enjoy nature, but also to have Nong Metha, the local motorbike-riding daughter, take me deep into the secret recipe of “fermented sesame” — a local dish rarely found in big cities.

Indawgyi is an ecologically significant natural area. Since 1999, the Myanmar government has declared it a wildlife sanctuary covering over 780 square kilometers. Around the lake, there are more than 20 villages, mostly inhabited by Red Tai (Shan) and Kachin people who maintain their traditional agricultural and fishing lifestyles. I rode a motorbike with Nong Metha, stopping by lakeside villages to closely observe the simple and charming rural life here, which is distinctly different from trips to big cities like Bagan or Yangon.

Traveling to Indawgyi requires good preparation because the roads are still dirt and very dusty. Renting a motorbike from accommodations is a convenient and flexible option. I tried riding myself sometimes, but mostly entrusted my life to Nong Metha, a local who knows the routes and how to negotiate with villagers well. They strictly enforce helmet use no matter how rough the roads are.

Among the local foods I tasted, “fermented sesame” was the best. It is a Shan-style dish made from finely pounded sesame mixed with a unique sweet and sour seasoning typical of the Kachin people in Myanmar. Nong Metha explained that originally fermented sesame was a household dish made and shared within families and communities. It is mostly eaten with fresh vegetables or sticky rice. The flavor is sweet and sour with a slight spiciness from local chili, representing the simple and nature-close lifestyle of the Indawgyi people.

The secret of this fermented sesame is selecting fresh sesame harvested only from sesame fields around the lake. The sesame is roasted until fragrant before being finely pounded and mixed with freshly ground dried chili, tamarind juice, and a little salt. Nong Metha carefully demonstrated the process and was very proud to share this local knowledge with me firsthand.

Besides fermented sesame, the area around Indawgyi Lake also offers other interesting local dishes, such as Irrawaddy River fish curry made from fresh fish caught in the lake. It resembles fish dishes from Bagan and Yangon but has a unique flavor from local herbs combined with sour tamarind and dried chili. I have previously written about this in an article aboutFood in Bagan, Pyu, Myanmarwhich shares similarities in the use of local ingredients.

Indawgyi Lake is ideal for travelers who love nature and local culture. Besides viewing rare wildlife and birds, visitors can experience the lifestyles of the Red Tai and Kachin people who still firmly preserve their traditional customs. I spoke with many villagers who said tourism is increasing, but they still maintain their identity and warmly welcome travelers in a homely way.

If you want to know Indawgyi more deeply, I recommend watchingthe video “Indawgyi Myanmar 10/46: Revealing the secret recipe of Burmese fermented sesame”where Nong Metha and I fully share the story. You will see real atmosphere and detailed preparation of fermented sesame.

For traveling to Indawgyi, I usually advise preparing clothes and dust protection gear because most roads are still unpaved. Be ready to embrace a new experience that is not luxurious or comfortable tourism but a journey that lets you truly feel the life of Myanmar people by this lake.

Additionally, traveling to Indawgyi is connected with the area ofKachin Statewhich I have written about before. It is the origin of the Irrawaddy River flowing through this region. Coming here is like experiencing layered natural history and culture. For those interested in nature, rare birds, and wildlife, Indawgyi is a must-visit destination.

In summary, Indawgyi Lake is not just an ordinary tourist spot but a land full of stories, lifestyles, and local foods waiting to be discovered and learned. I, mr.hotsia, affirm that anyone who visits here will have a travel experience unlike anywhere else in Myanmar.