Indawgyi Myanmar 15/46: The lifestyle of people by Indawgyi Lake 3/3 Burmese chili fish sauce recipe and a warm dinner

Indawgyi Myanmar 15/46: The lifestyle of people by Indawgyi Lake 3/3 Burmese chili fish sauce recipe and a warm dinner

Indawgyi Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia, located in Kachin State, Myanmar. Those who have followed me, mr.hotsia, for a long time know that this place is not just an ordinary tourist spot but a source full of the lifestyle and culture of the Shan and Kachin people living along the lake in over 20 villages.

On this visit to the shores of Indawgyi Lake, I chose to take my time to slowly absorb the atmosphere, strolling through villages where locals still firmly preserve their traditional way of life, including natural-dependent agriculture and fishing, which are the community's mainstay. I took a small boat to tour the lake in the early morning, with light mist floating over the water and calm waves reflecting the green mountains surrounding the lake, making me feel as if I had traveled back in time to experience true rural life.

In the evening at a lakeside village, I had the chance to sit at the table with a local family preparing a simple yet warm and deeply flavorful dinner. One of the standout dishes I tried was “Burmese chili fish sauce,” a traditional recipe using fresh fish from Indawgyi Lake, fried until crispy and topped with a special chili sauce blending local spices and dried chilies. The taste was spicy yet balanced, each bite reminding me of the simple but memorable essence of authentic Burmese cuisine.

Other dishes served alongside were local specialties I had never encountered before, such as fresh vegetables from the backyard garden prepared by steaming or dipping in spicy Shan chili paste, along with sticky rice cooked traditionally until perfectly soft. That meal made me feel as if I was eating food full of life and stories from the people living by Indawgyi Lake.

For those interested in the lifestyle and nature of Indawgyi, I recommend studying more aboutIndawgyi Lakeand Kachin State, where the lake is located, which is the source of Myanmar’s important Irrawaddy River, as I have written about in articlesKachin Stateas well, because it will help enhance your perspective and understanding of this journey.

Another suggestion I have for food travelers is to try local dishes in various cities of Myanmar, as I have written about in the articleFood and Cuisine in Bagan, Myanmarwhich feature different tastes and food cultures. Each area has unique menus and recipes worth exploring.

I, mr.hotsia, want everyone who visits Indawgyi not only to admire the beautiful lake views but also to spend time walking in the villages, talking with locals, and tasting authentic local food made with heart and pride in their culture. That is the true charm of traveling in Myanmar.

Before we part, I invite everyone to watch the video I filmed myself at Indawgyi, where you can see real life by the lake and the process of making the special chili fish sauce in a Burmese kitchen atIndawgyi Myanmar 15/46: The lifestyle of people by Indawgyi Lake 3/3 Burmese chili fish sauce recipe and a warm dinnerYes

If you intend to experience the beauty and simplicity of life by Indawgyi Lake, don’t forget to bring an open heart and a good camera. I, mr.hotsia, guarantee that Indawgyi will offer an experience your eyes, nose, and palate will remember for a long time.