Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, or just doing “Veganuary”, there are a surprising amount of options for you to enjoy in Yangon.
Here, in no particular order are my favourite places for when I am entertaining vegan or vegetarian guests, or am craving plant based food.
One of my favourite local restaurants to take visiting friends, Feel Myanmar has a good selection of local Burmese vegetarian and vegan dishes and unlike some of the western restaurants listed here, won’t break the bank. Whilst they have a menu, your best bet is to go up to the food counter at the back and ask them for the “Thetalo” dishes (pronounced Tet a low – Thetalo literally means “lifeless” in Burmese”) which usually includes a selection of stir-fried vegetables, tofu, bamboo & chickpeas.
The main menu does have a few other options that are worth looking at, my favourites being the pyay prata which is an Indian style roti filled with spiced lentils and peas, their Shan Tomato Salad and Lahphet Thohk, the famous Burmese pickled tea leaf salad – just be sure to mention that everything should be “Thetalo” as these can often use fish sauce/dried shrimps
Expect to spend around 5,000-8,000 mmk per person ($3-$6) & a bit more if you drink beer.
A more expensive, but good, local option is Shan Yoe Yar who have a comprehensive menu of dishes from Shan state available, including numerous local salads, “pounded” vegetable dishes (their aubergine dish is like a Burmese babaganoush) fried Shan tofu and vegetable curries. When I visit with friends, I like to start with the fried Shan tofu (which is made from chickpeas!) and the Shan tomato paste with vegetable crudités, and follow that with a vegetable curry, salad and vegetable stir-fry (their mallow leaves are a real favourite)
Expect to spend around 12,000-15,000 ($9-$11) depending on how many dishes you order
As always, there is plenty of choice for vegetarians and vegans when it comes to Indian food in Yangon. I love the dosai & puri served with tasty vegetable curries, rassam and chutneys at Ingwin Nwe, although I’m afraid I am not sure if they cook in oil or ghee so don’t forget to ask for your dish Thetalo
Well worth a visit!
Expect to spend 2,500-5,000 ($1.50-$3)
Indian & Nepali Food House – Vegetable Only
A late Yangon discovery but one of my favourites! One of the more comprehensive Indian vegetarian menus I’ve seen, service in this little family run restaurant is friendly and efficient and their food packs a good flavour punch.
My Vegetarian Thali came with Chapati, Rice, Dahl Makhani, Vegetable Kofte and Paneer in a rich, spicy tomato based sauce, and was great value at just 4,000 mmk (less than $3) whilst their Vegan Thali is a steal at just 2,500 mmk (less than $2)
Expect to spend 4,000 – 6,000 mmk with a soft drink ($3-$4.50)
Housed in a pretty heritage building on downtowns Bogalzyazay, Pansuriya has all sorts of wonderful vintage photographs and art works by local artists decorating the walls, it’s a great place to linger with a book and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. I’m a fan of their vegetarian curry set which is extremely generously portioned and great value, but they also have a good selection of local salads and more of that delicious Shan tofu.
Expect to spend 5,000-8,000 ($3-$6)
Missing your daily Acai Smoothie Bowls, Quinoa Salads and Bliss Balls? Fear not, Nourish is an entirely plant based restaurant, attached to the Yangon Yoga House, near Yaw Min Gyi, just a short drive from downtown Yangon.
Nourish is certainly on the pricier side than the local options, but the menu here is hearty and delicious, and the falafel wrap at 6,500 mmk is excellent value and one of my favourites. I’m yet to finish one of their salads they are that substantial. If you have had your fill of local food, their Mezze Platters, “Naked” Veggie Burger Salad Bowl and Quinoa Salad are just the ticket!
Expect to spend 15,000-20,000 ($11-$15) with a cold pressed juice
Wai was have recently opened their second branch in downtown Yangon, on Bo Aung Kyaw just before the Sri Sri Duga Bari temple (across from the Secretariat) and seem to have added more and more delicious vegetarian options to their menu.
From salads (avocado, Shan tomato, pennyworth) to Vegetarian Shan Noodles and all manner of vegetarian curries, Wai Was is an extremely budget friendly place to enjoy delicious vegetarian food.
Expect to spend 2,500-4,000 per dish
From the same group as Rangoon Tea House & Mr Wok comes the newly opened Nam Su Shan Tea House. Over 1/3 of the menu is vegetarian from delicious Tofu Nway (Shan chickpea tofu served warm like liquid polenta, over noodles) to an assortment of salads, snacks like Mala Corn, Mashed Potato Croquettes, and my favourite Mho Paung, 3 types of mushrooms that are pounded then steamed in a banana leaf.
Dishes are priced between 2,000-5,000 mmk with cocktails at 6,500 (try one of their famous G&T’s!)
Are you vegan or vegetarian? Where do you most enjoy eating in Yangon? I’d love to hear more tips in the comments & as always, don’t forget more vegan friendly restaurants can be found on Happy Cow
A British Girl Abroad 
All looks super delicious! I’ve been experimenting with vegan and vegetarian days thrown in to my usual diet and it’s amazing how much “lighter” you feel on those days! x
I’m amazed by how much meat people eat, definitely benefits in cutting down on the amount of meat we consume!
I’m going to Yangon in a couple of weeks and this will be really useful, thanks so much!
Thanks!