Yangon & Around - Myanmar (Burma) - page 122

Drinking & Nightlife
Places that fit the Western concept of a bar or a club are becoming slightly more com-
mon. However, most places close by 10pm and locals prefer hanging out in a teahouse or
air-conditionded cafe as much as one of the ubiquitous beer stations and beer gardens -
the last two being favourite places to catch satellite TV broadcasts of soccer matches.
There are several social events that, should you be in town at the right time, provide an
opportunity to mingle with the local and expat population. At the time of research, the
best was the free drinks party every Tuesday night from 7pm at Pansodan Gallery ( Click
here ) . It's an immensely friendly scene with gallery owner Aung Soe Min and his expat
wife helping the crowd connect with local culture and art. The couple also run Pansodan
Scene MAP GOOGLE MAP ( www.pansodan.com ; 144 Pansodan St, Kyauktada) , a commu-
nity art space with a cafe further down Pansodan St - it's possible the party will have
moved here by the time you read this.
For more information on Yangon's nightlife and entertainment scene check out Myan-
more ( www.myanmore.com ) , which publish a free weekly pamphlet guide available in
several bars, cafes and restaurants around town.
DON'T MISS
YANGON'S TOP TEAHOUSES
The following is our shortlist of Yangon's traditional teahouses. All are great places
to grab a snack as well as a reviving brew, with a cup of tea costing K250. See Click
here for more about ordering drinks and food in teahouses.
Lucky Seven MAP GOOGLE MAP (49th St, Pazundaung; snacks from K300;
6am-5.30pm Mon-Sat, to noon Sun; ) The most central of this small chain of high-
class traditional teashops, Lucky Seven is much more than a pitstop for a cuppa.
Its streetside tables are fringed by greenery and an ornamental pond. The mohinga
is outstanding - order it with a side of crispy gourd or flakey-pastry savoury buns.
Thone Pan Hla MAP GOOGLE MAP (454 Mahabandoola Rd, Pabedan; snacks K400-600;
6am-7.30pm) Close to Sule Paya Thone, so a good pitstop as you wander the
downtown area. There's an English-language menu of teahouse staples including
fried rice for breakfast.
Shwe Khaung Laung (cnr Bogyoke Aung San Rd & 31st St, Pabedan; snacks K450) In addi-
tion to good tea, this Chinese-style teahouse serves decent steamed buns and
noodles and baked cakes and pastries.