mr.hotsia@Kyaukpyu 15/20: Enjoy Rakhine Food in Kyaukpyu, the City of Jaophyu

mr.hotsia@Kyaukpyu 15/20: Enjoy Rakhine Food in Kyaukpyu, the City of Jaophyu

Kyaukpyu, locally called “Jaophyu,” is a coastal city located in Rakhine State, Myanmar. This city is not very well known among international tourists, but for mr.hotsia, who loves traveling to discover authentic local flavors and lifestyles, Kyaukpyu is a fascinating destination.

I arrived in Kyaukpyu during a hot season. The sunlight reflecting off the sea surface gave the coastal city a bright and lively atmosphere. It is a port city with diverse cultures, especially reflected in the cuisine that clearly shows the lifestyles of the Kachin and Rakhine people.

Savoring Kyaukpyu’s Food to the Fullest

My main purpose for visiting Kyaukpyu this time was to fully enjoy the local cuisine. “Kyaukpyu food” or the food of theKachin Statehas a unique identity different from general Burmese food. Most dishes focus on fresh seafood ingredients and mild spices, but with deep and balanced flavors.

One of my favorite dishes is the “Hilsa fish,” a fish found in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea coast. This fish has tender flesh and a sweet, rich taste. mr.hotsia has encountered Hilsa fish in Bangladesh, but in Kyaukpyu, it is prepared differently in the Kachin style, perfectly blending with local spices. (If you want to know more about this fish, you can watchDeep Dive Bangladesh EP 52)

The dish I recommend trying is the “Coconut Curry Sea Fish,” with a sweet and rich flavor from coconut milk and local spices, making the taste smooth and not as spicy as central Burmese food. There is also “Kyaukpyu-style mixed rice,” which uses fresh herbs and local vegetables mixed with a special Kyaukpyu dipping sauce. I found it refreshing and fitting with the seaside atmosphere.

Fresh Seafood Market and Coastal Lifestyle

Another experience I really enjoyed was walking through the fresh seafood market by the sea in Kyaukpyu. This market is full of shops selling fresh fish from local fishing boats. Various fish, both small and large, crabs, shrimp, and shellfish are neatly displayed. I saw locals shopping early in the morning, and the mix of sea scents with fresh herbs from spice shops gave this place a unique charm.

mr.hotsia recommends visiting in the morning because besides seeing the fishermen’s lifestyle, you can also try street food like “Kyaukpyu Roti,” a thin crispy flatbread topped with sugar and crushed peanuts. The fragrant aroma from the charcoal stove made me queue to buy it almost every day.

Connecting with the Diversity of Kachin State

Kyaukpyu is a gateway to the cultural diversity ofKachin Statewhich I have described in previous articles. Traveling here is not easy, but if you love adventure and want to experience true local life, Kyaukpyu is a very suitable destination.

I still remember after enjoying delicious food, I strolled along the beach and local market, watching locals fish by hand and turn fresh seafood into signature dishes ready to be served to everyone. This simplicity is what makes the city of Jaophyu uniquely charming.

Travel Tips

If you plan to visit Kyaukpyu, be sure to prepare some language skills because most locals speak Kachin and local Burmese. English is quite limited, but mr.hotsia found that sincerity and smiles help everything go smoothly.

Traveling in Kyaukpyu is different from big tourist cities because some roads are still dirt paths. It is recommended to bring a face mask and comfortable shoes, as I have suggested in previous articles.Horse Carriage Ride in Bagan, PaganThe atmosphere is somewhat similar in terms of simple travel and experiencing local life.

Finally, if you love food and want to explore Burmese cuisine different from other places, mr.hotsia invites you to visit Kyaukpyu, the city of Jaophyu, at least once. I guarantee you will fall in love with the flavors and the warmth of the people.

If you want to see the atmosphere of enjoying Kyaukpyu food live in mr.hotsia’s style, I leave you withthe video Enjoying Rakhine Food in Kyaukpyu, the City of Jaophyuto watch.