WHAT IT IS
Htoo and Thwe, the owners of Omai Vietnamese restaurant, originally met in New York, before deciding to put their years of working in top restaurants to good use by returning to Myanmar and establishing a restaurant of their own.
ATMOSPHERE
The frontage is small and tidy, which is deceptive, as the restaurant is large and spacious. It is decorated simply and stylishly with a modern vibe and a tidy bar. Vietnamese conical hats are cleverly used as light-shades. and painted Vietnamese trays adorn the walls.
RECOMMENDATIONS
A decent sized menu, which is not overbearing, is written in English and separated into appetisers, salads and soups/noodles – the staples of Vietnamese food – with a couple of Thai dishes thrown in for good measure. It would have been nice to see the Vietnamese names of the food included on the menu. Photos are included to help you find the dish you are looking for.
The food is generously served and well presented, taking into account the textures, colours and flavours of traditional Vietnamese food. The ‘Grilled 3 Spices Beef’ wrapped around lemongrass sticks was wonderfully moist and full-flavoured. The Grilled Spring Roll Prawns were delightfully fresh and with just a hint of mint, the peanut sauce the perfect accompaniment. The Pho (rice noodle soup) was simple yet satisfying and the Omai Chicken Noodle Salad just the right side of spicy. The best dish of our selection had to be the Omai Special Salad – with crispy fried spring rolls, BBQ pork, grilled shrimp and rice noodles – a perfect combination of flavours and textures.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Sadly this was far too much food for two to eat, though coming in at just less than 20,000 Ks with a beer included it was worth it, and there is plenty of incentive to come back and try some more dishes next time. Omai has been open less than a month, and have plans for new dishes, special meals and discount special offers, keep an eye on their Facebook page for more details.
Omai Vietnamese Restaurant
Address: 381 Wai Za Yan Tar Road, Thingyan Gyune Township, Phone: 01569966
Opening Hours: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Mon-Sun)
