MYANMORE Checks Out The Cafe In The New Innwa Bookstore
WHAT IT IS
Established in 1993, Innwa Bookstore is one of the more established bookstores in Yangon. It is a locally owned business with three locations: Pansodan (HQ), Hledan and the now the newest store at the Myanmar Plaza. With more Western influence in the country, the owners have decided to change the concept of bookstores from strictly selling books, to a more youth-friendly café and bookshop. Who wouldn’t enjoy a relaxing read of the book you might choose to buy, a cup of coffee in hand, with all of the amenities that are in malls.
ATMOSPHERE
It absolutely has the feeling of a modern looking café, with a magazine collection of the latest issues of local and overseas. There are several comfortable seats surrounding coffee tables in a typical living room style.The walls are covered with shelves holding different genres of Burmese and English books. One corner held a cosy, hideaway, with a carpet for readers to feel even more at home.
RECOMMENDATION
The café menu has a narrow variety of choices, it is the coffee that is quite remarkable. They use a traditional local brew, which immediately differentiates them from the rest of the cafes available at the plaza. There are about five different types of drinks available, including hot and cold cappucino, latte, hot chocolate, sodas and soft drinks, prices ranging from 500 Ks to 3500 Ks.
I was astonished by the wide range of books available in such a tiny space. Maps, magazines, languages, cooking and self help books, just to name a few. Burmese books typically sold at 1500 Ks and above. English fictions, adding to my amazement, were only around 10,000 Ks, cheaper than most bookstores, much to the delight of the nerd in me.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It’s so refreshing to go to a bookshop and encounter service that genuinely cares about your needs. You not need to go further, just pick up a book and sit down to read with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. A heaven for bookworms. Big fan of their catering services as well. I would like to applaud Innwa Bookstore for taking the initiative in placing book orders from overseas for titles not yet available in Myanmar.
Address: 206 D, 2nd Floor, Myanmar Plaza. Kabaraye Pagoda Road, Yangon.
Tel: 09 5119134
Opening hours: 10 am to 9 pm.
Ratings
Food: 6
Atmosphere: 10
Service: 8
