Backpacker India 5/129: Delicious Tangy Cucumber and Egg Salad Gathered Around Eating on the Floor Hpa An Myanmar Home Stay

Backpacker India 5/129: Delicious Tangy Cucumber and Egg Salad Gathered Around Eating on the Floor Hpa An Myanmar Home Stay

I, Mr.Hotsia, had the chance to travel deep into Myanmar, to the small town of Hpa An, which is not crowded with tourists. Here, I experienced authentic local dining that few get to enjoy: sitting on the floor in a circle eating the signature tangy cucumber and egg salad in a genuine Burmese homestay.

The dining atmosphere in Hpa An is different from elsewhere because there are no fancy tables or chairs. Instead, I felt warm and closer to the hosts and fellow diners. The tangy cucumber and egg salad served is a perfect blend of sour, spicy, and salty flavors. The cucumbers are crisp and fresh, and the rich dressing complements the perfectly soft boiled eggs. This, I believe, is the charm of Burmese cuisine that should not be missed.

I remember sitting on the floor like this, surrounded by laughter and local conversations, which made me feel like a part of a Burmese family for a moment. Importantly, all the food was freshly made from local ingredients. It was not just delicious but also full of stories and a way of life conveyed through this dish.

Hpa An: A Peaceful Town Close to Nature and Community Life

Hpa An is located in southern Myanmar. It is a town that still preserves the beauty of nature and traditional culture very well. It is ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle and experience deep tranquility. I, Mr.Hotsia, recommend staying at various homestays, which will give you the chance to get close to the locals and truly learn their way of life.

For my trip to Hpa An, I chose to use local bus services, which were not very comfortable but allowed me to see the real-life scenes of people in rural Myanmar along the way. There are many natural attractions here, such as caves and beautiful limestone mountains, perfect for hiking and photography enthusiasts.

Connecting with Myanmar’s Context: Kachin State and Indawgyi Lake

If you want to expand your experience after Hpa An, I recommend traveling northward toKachin Statewhich is the source of the Irrawaddy River, Myanmar’s main river. Kachin State has pristine nature and ethnic communities with unique cultures that are very interesting. Renting a motorcycle to ride through villages along the way, as I experienced, is the best way to understand life here.

Another interesting destination isIndawgyi Lakeor Indawgyi, which is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Around the lake are villages of the Shan and Kachin ethnic groups, who have cultures and traditions different from other parts of Myanmar. I, Mr.Hotsia, have experienced the peace and natural diversity here. It is another place perfect for nature lovers and rare bird watchers.

Local Food and Simplicity in Bagan

Not far from Hpa An and Kachin State, I also visited Bagan, a city famous for its ancient pagodas and very delicious local food.Food in Baganincludes authentic Burmese dishes and Indian cuisine blended harmoniously, such as tea roti and chicken curry, which impressed me greatly. Small restaurants in the morning market or backpacker alleys are places I recommend trying.

Additionally, riding a horse cart in Bagan is an activity worth trying to slowly enjoy the old town atmosphere. Although there are no spectacular views, it is an experience that allowed me to feel the real life of the people in this city.Horse Cart Ride in Baganis a slow journey full of stories and the traditional Burmese atmosphere.

Summary of Experiences and Recommendations from Mr.Hotsia

Visiting Hpa An and nearby areas in Myanmar made me, Mr.Hotsia, feel like I discovered another side of Myanmar that few know. Sitting around eating with locals in a simple home setting without tables and chairs, traveling simply but filled with the charm of nature and local culture, are things travelers who love authenticity should not miss.

If you want to experience it like I did, be sure to prepare your heart for a simple adventure and open yourself to warm and sincere new cultures. And don’t forget to visitKachin StateandIndawgyi Laketo broaden your horizons.

For a clip showing the atmosphere and details of eating tangy cucumber and egg salad while sitting on the floor at a Hpa An homestay, you can watch it here.Backpacker India 5/129: Delicious Tangy Cucumber and Egg Salad Gathered Around Eating on the Floor Hpa An Myanmar Home Stay