Indawgyi Myanmar 25/46: Sib Riow is not Baeng Riow, Eating Rice with Cobra Snakehead Fish Sauce

Indawgyi Myanmar 25/46: Sib Riow is not Baeng Riow, Eating Rice with Cobra Snakehead Fish Sauce

When talking about “Indawgyi” or Indawgyi Lake in Kachin State, Myanmar, many might think of the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. But for me, mr.hotsia, visiting here was a unique new experience—nature, lifestyle, and local food blend in an amazingly fresh way.

Indawgyi Lake is located in Mohnyin District of Kachin State, about an hour and a half by car from the main town. The environment remains pristine, shaded by forests and mountains. The lake stretches over 13 kilometers east to west and 24 kilometers north to south. Around the lake are more than 20 small villages, mostly inhabited by Shan people, also known as “Tai Daeng,” alongside Kachin people living together in traditional agricultural ways.

I, mr.hotsia, chose to stay at a small guesthouse by the lake, owned by a kind Shan family. Talking with them revealed a simple but warm life here. Most importantly, the local food, which is hard to find elsewhere, such as “rice with cobra snakehead fish sauce,” which sounds intimidating but tastes truly remarkable.

This rice with fish sauce uses snakehead fish caught from Indawgyi Lake. This fish is unique as it is a local cobra snakehead fish, believed by villagers to be special and unlike ordinary fish. The fish sauce is fermented using a special Shan recipe, with a balanced salty flavor that pairs perfectly with hot steamed rice and fresh locally grown vegetables.

I still vividly remember sitting by the lake eating rice with cobra snakehead fish sauce alongside villagers. The sound of water lapping the shore and the scent of forest leaves made this meal not just about taste but an immersion into the true lifestyle of Indawgyi people.

Travel and Lifestyle at Indawgyi

Traveling to Indawgyi is not easy because roads in Kachin State are still underdeveloped. I, mr.hotsia, rented a motorcycle from Myitkyina, which is not far from Indawgyi, to weave through villages and lush forests. Riding here requires caution and always wearing a helmet, as most roads are dirt and gravel.

Along the way, I saw villagers preserving traditional culture, whether farming, animal husbandry, or fishing using traditional tools. There were also small roadside markets selling garden produce and fresh vegetables, a charm that made me, mr.hotsia, feel close to the real life of Shan and Kachin people.

Connection with Kachin State and the Irrawaddy River Context

Kachin State, home to Indawgyi Lake, is also the source of the Irrawaddy River, Myanmar’s main river, stretching over 2,170 kilometers. This river originates from the confluence of the Mali and N'Mai rivers near Indawgyi and flows through Myitkyina, a place I have traveled to and recommended in my articles.Kachin StatePreviously

Visiting Indawgyi is like experiencing a source full of abundance and untarnished natural stories. This region’s landscape is rich in biodiversity, including protected wildlife and rare birds, making it a destination for eco-tourists seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

The mr.hotsia Style Rice with Fish Sauce Experience

Back to the food I love most: “rice with cobra snakehead fish sauce,” representing Indawgyi’s deliciousness and local lifestyle. I have tried Burmese food in Bagan and Pagan before (for more, see the articleFood in Bagan, Pagan, Myanmar), but the taste in Indawgyi differs by using fresh ingredients from the lake and a special fermented fish sauce recipe, making the flavor richer and more balanced.

When eating rice with fish sauce here, I, mr.hotsia, usually order fresh vegetables like green lettuce, long beans, and fresh chili to add texture and freshness to the meal. There is also a local chili paste made from dried chili and finely ground garlic mixed with tamarind juice and palm sugar, which perfectly balances the saltiness of the fish sauce.

Memories and Travel Tips

What impressed me most, mr.hotsia, was the peace and simplicity of life here, where nature and culture coexist fully. Visiting Indawgyi is not just a lake trip but a chance to learn and experience the true lifestyle of Myanmar people.

For travelers interested, I recommend preparing travel and accommodation in advance, as facilities here are limited. Also, keep an open mind to new experiences, such as trying Shan and Kachin local foods that may look unusual but are full of flavor and meaning.

If you want to know Indawgyi Lake from my, mr.hotsia’s, in-depth perspective, you can follow the videoIndawgyi Myanmar 25/46: Sib Riow is not Baeng Riow, Eating Rice with Cobra Snakehead Fish Sauceon YouTube, which records real experiences and atmosphere from the field.

Finally, if anyone has the chance to visit northern Myanmar, Kachin State, don’t forget to experience Indawgyi, a lake rich in both nature and culture, and try “rice with cobra snakehead fish sauce,” a dish I, mr.hotsia, will never forget.