Indawgyi Myanmar 14/46: The lifestyle of people by Indawgyi Lake 2/3 Making fermented sesame paste and having a traditional lunch

Indawgyi Myanmar 14/46: The lifestyle of people by Indawgyi Lake 2/3 Making fermented sesame paste and having a traditional lunch

When talking about the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, the name ofIndawgyi Lake(Indawgyi Lake) in Kachin State, Myanmar, immediately comes to mind. For mr.hotsia, visiting here is not just about enjoying natural scenery but absorbing the lifestyle of the lakeside villagers who still live simply and traditionally. I arrived at Indawgyi around noon under a slightly strong sun, but there was a cool breeze from the lake that eased the heat well.

Most of the lakeside villagers are from the Shan ethnic group, also known as Red Tai, mixed with Kachin ethnic groups in each village. Their way of life remains closely connected to nature. The area around the lake is full of rice fields and widely planted fermented sesame gardens. The fermented sesame here is not orange from fruit but a plant used to make seasonings and local dishes. I had the chance to watch villagers making fermented sesame fresh, which is a key ingredient in many of their dishes.

Making fermented sesame involves fermenting sesame to become sour with a mellow taste, similar to how fermented fish is made in our country. Villagers mix the fermented sesame with local herbs and spices, then cook dishes in traditional ways passed down through generations. Having lunch with them was a valuable experience because each dish served was simple but full of strong flavors, completely different from food in big cities.

I clearly remember that lunch included hot steamed rice served with fresh vegetables and a sour and spicy fermented sesame chili paste. The aroma of herbs and intense flavors awakened the senses. Throughout the meal, I talked with villagers about farming, fishing in the lake, and sustainable environmental conservation in the area, which greatly interested me becauseIndawgyi Lakeis not just a water source but also a habitat and food source for many rare wildlife species that are seriously conserved.

During this trip to Indawgyi, I thought about the story ofKachin Statewhich is the birthplace of the great Irrawaddy River that flows through this area before heading to central Myanmar. Seeing the simple lifestyle by the large lake that still maintains natural abundance made me think this place is one of the spots deep travelers should not miss.

If you love nature travel and want to experience authentic village life, I, mr.hotsia, recommend planning a visit to Indawgyi between January and February. Besides enjoying beautiful lake views, you also have the chance to see many rare bird species that come to feed in this area.

For tourists interested in tasting local food in the Indawgyi style, I suggest buying food from small markets by the lake, which offer fresh vegetables, dried fish, and fermented sesame seasonings made and sold by the villagers themselves. The market atmosphere is very friendly, making you feel like you are strolling in the same village with the locals.

Before ending this article, I would like to share a video that captures the atmosphere and lifestyle by Indawgyi Lake for you to watch.Indawgyi Myanmar 14/46: The lifestyle of people by Indawgyi Lake 2/3 Making fermented sesame paste and having a traditional lunchIt will help you see the picture and details of life here more clearly.

If you enjoy articles that deeply explore real community life in Myanmar, mr.hotsia has many more interesting stories such asTraveling to the source of the Irrawaddy River, Kachin Stateor try reading about local food tasting experiences in Bagan withFood and dining in Bagan, Myanmarwhich will make you want to travel and experience it yourself like I did.

Finally, visiting Indawgyi is not just about nature tourism but about learning and understanding the lifestyle of people who are truly connected to nature. I, mr.hotsia, invite everyone to open your heart and experience the profound simplicity of Myanmar in this little-known corner for yourself at least once.