WHAT IT IS
It’s often a challenge to find healthy food in our jungle city, but thankfully, the La Taverna has arrived to save the day! A refreshing new addition to the Yangon culinary scene with flavours derived from the fragrant spices of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, the dishes are prepared with copious amounts of fresh vegetables and herbs, using only minimal amounts of oils.
ATMOSPHERE
La Taverna transports you to a serene Mediterranean island. The white walls with exposed brick keep things cool, while the Moroccan lanterns add a romantic ambience. There is also a lounge area with sofas and low tables if you’re just stopping in for a few drinks and some mezze. In dry months the wrap-around patio offers outdoor seating, perfect for a date night (friendly tip: try to get a table on the side of the building away from the street).
RECOMMENDATIONS
The extensive menu certainly offers something for everyone, including an all-day breakfast options. Appetizer highlights includes a creamy Hummus topped with chopped, grilled Shawarma (perfect to dip freshly-baked fluffy pita bread), and a zesty bulgur Tabbouleh Salad that was pleasantly light on the grains and heavy on the veggies.
It was difficult to choose a favourite main dish. The Moussaka was lovely and surprisingly light, with delicate layers of eggplant, potato and lamb topped by a dab of béchamel sauce. The most elegantly presented dish was a seasonal special of asparagus wrapped in beef with peppercorn sauce. The tender spears were cooked perfectly with a slight crunch.
The founder’s wife is a vegan, so vegetarian dishes are not just an obligatory afterthought. The Dolmas are juicy and delicious with tender grape leaves, specially imported. The Stuffed Bell Pepper is so hearty that I would be willing to bet even a meat-eater can be satisfied having this for dinner.
If at all possible, save a little room for dessert. You’ll be rewarded when you taste the Chocolate Crumble Cake. Don’t let the name deceive you, it has a moist chocolate cake base with a creamy pudding layer, all of which is draped in another decadent chocolate coating, a combination that will leave you fighting over the last bite. This delicacy is an Israeli specialty and not found anywhere else in Yangon (in fact, we dare you to find it anywhere in Asia!)
PRICES
Appetizers: 3,000 – 6,000 Ks
Main Dishes: 8,000 – 14,000 Ks
Dessert: 3,000 – 5,000 Ks
Wine: 5,000 – 7,000 / glass Ks
LAST THOUGHTS
La Taverna has brought the Mediterranean to us. The food preparation, the ingredients and the atmosphere re-creates the experience of sitting in a small cafe on the sea.
La Taverna Mediterranean Bistro
Yangon International Hotel
330, Ahlone rd, Dagon Tsp, Yangon
Tel : 09 42113 9027
Opens Daily 9am to 10.30pm
