Eating etiquette

A traditional Myanmar meal consists of a bowl of soup, rice, several meat curries, and ngapi yay with tozaya (dipping vegetables). A traditional meal is served with rice and tea. Breakfast is typically served between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. and typically consists of rice or soup. Lunch is typically served between 12:00pm and 1:00pm. Many people eat out, grabbing a quick meal or snack like noodles or curry and rice. Dinner is typically served between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m.

It is not customary to drink alcoholic beverages with meals when dining at home. The left hand is used to take serving spoons. Diners do not begin eating until all of the food has been placed on the table, with the eldest being served first. In their absence, a spoonful of rice is set aside in the pot before serving the meal as a token of respect. Although modern cutlery is widely used, some people prefer to eat with their fingers. It is considered as one of the Unique Cultural Characteristics In Myanmar.

Myanmar people eat with their right hand, forming rice into a small bowl with their fingertips and combining it with various morsels before popping it into their mouths. Knives and forks are rarely used in homes, but they are always available for guests and are available in restaurants and hotels. Drinks are rarely served with the meal, and the usual liquid accompaniment is a light broth or consommé served from a communal bowl. Outside of meals, the most popular Burmese beverage is light green tea (yay nway gyan).