Moving from Nawaday neighborhood to a new location on Dhammazedi (opposite of Savoy Hotel), R&D (Rice&Noodle) cafe and restaurant surprises Yangon with Bangkok-café style decor and Thai fusion food.
The decoration is reminiscent of cafes in Bangkok: colorful and bright, providing a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect rainy day stop for a bite to eat, or a cup of coffee among fluffy bunny pillows. However, don’t be fooled by the innocent decor, as the food at R&D is extra fiery.
Curiously unlike its previous location, the soft-opening menu is Thai inspired, and ranges from breakfast foods to more classic Thai dishes like curries, offering an extensive selection of seafood. For those missing Thai style rice and noodle dishes, the restaurant will be added some of the original menu soon.
Steamed MusselsWe started off with the Steamed Mussels (9,900MMK) providing the first kick of spice. I could make out the flavors usually found in Thai cuisine: fresh lemongrass, lime and a lot of chilies.
Although tasty, I found myself having to reach over to my mango smoothie (which was delicious) more often than I would have liked. The Red Chicken Curry (6,990MMK)was a less fiery option, a comforting bowl of tender pieces of chicken, in a luscious Thai curry sauce.
Determined I decided to brave another dish, and opted for the Steamed Fish in Lemon Sauce (9,490MMK) zesty, light and refreshing, the fish was steamed to perfection, tasty but again also fiery, full of green and red chilies.
For dessert my favorite: Mango with Sticky Rice (3,490 MMK), it was well executed as the velvety coconut sauce was balanced in sweetness. I couldn’t resist ordering a mocktail– the Ginger mash (2,990MMK), a sweet and sour cocktail with ginger, lime and honey. It was delightfully presented, in a quirky glass which harmonized with the eccentricity of the restaurant.
Overall, I recommend R&D to the chili aficionados, and although I enjoyed the food, I can’t wait to try original noodle and rice dishes and other new dishes after the grand opening at this new location. Oh! one more thing, for coffee lovers, they will be serving special personalized coffee along with sandwiches soon. Excitement is on the way.
No.135,Corner of Inya Rd & Dhammazedi Rd, Bahan Township,Yangon
Free service charge during soft-opening period
Ph: 09 42823 4564
Opening Hours: 7 A.M. – 10 P.M.
