5 new brunches and breakfasts in Yangon

Anyone who wants to sample a traditional Myanmar breakfast, but doesn’t quite feel up to an early morning mohinga, should make their way to Burma Bistro from 7am until 10am. The newly launched breakfast menu combines classic Myanmar flavours with a European
grab-and-go ease. The selection of sandwiches and breakfast wraps were developed by married owners Andy Naing and Aye Thu Zar Thant, who were influenced by memories of the Myanmar flavours they missed most while living abroad. Resultantly, the dishes are rooted in nostalgia; the grilled chicken sandwich, made with pone-yay-gyi black bean paste stands out in particular for the way it works to bring traditional flavours into a modern meal. Vegetarians should try the superb anyar cheese and pumpkin roti wrap. Without doubt one of the prettiest restaurants in the city, the story behind the spectacular colonial building is one of rescue from ruin, and makes it worth a visit. But if that’s not enough to tempt you, there is, of course, mohinga too.

No. 644, First Floor, Corner of Merchant Road & Shwe Bon Thar Road, Pabedan Township.
7am-11pm

A truly exceptional addition to Yangon’s morning meal offerings, Bhodi Nava Café combines all the best ingredients for the perfect lazy Sunday. Think comfy rustic furniture, polished concrete floors and a jungle of plants in a breezy and light space. The hostel-cum-café, which was opened earlier this year by owners Bo and Ben, has been drawing a trendy crowd with its funky tunes and even funkier drinks menu, including the likes of matcha tea cappuccino for yogis to iced coconut latte for the coffee connoisseurs. Vegans and vegetarians will find plenty of options; especially with the colour-coded smoothie bowls which are generously packed with goodness. For those in the market for a more substantial start, order the latest member of the menu; the superb eggs benedict served with cashew hollandaise, grilled aubergine and avocado. To finish, find your way to the Sweet section where you’ll be torn between a slice of cornbread with honeyed yogurt and a chocolate brownie – both fresh out the oven.

17, Bahan Street 2 Yangon MM 11201, Bahan Street 2, Yangon.
9am – 8pm

The newly launched weekend brunch menu at Gekko is a unique experience that’s ideal for adventurous eaters. Though Gekko is usually thought of as the place to head for a vibrant evening meal, the weekend brunch is sure to give just as much reason to visit during
the daytime. The menu is split into five parts, ranging from eggs, sharing plates, bao and sweet treats. Ease your way into the day with the eggs royale, which comes with salmon sashimi and miso yuzu hollandaise. Anyone craving something new should try the seafood
congee, a surprisingly comforting bowl of rice porridge with salmon and shrimps. Of course no visit to Gekko is complete without a cocktail – no matter what time of day or night it is.
For 25,000Ks you can enjoy two hours of free-flow cocktails, beer or soft drinks. The Bloody Geisha, made with shochu and spiced tomato juice, is a Japanese-inspired version of a Bloody Mary that’s well worth the trip alone.

535, Merchant Street, Kyauttada Township.
11am-11pm

The skyscraping Pullman hotel stands head and shoulders above other downtown buildings and, fittingly, so too does its new Sunday brunch. After launching at the start of October,
this weekend brunch is open in The Merchant restaurant from 12am until 3pm, complete with free-flow drinks and a live jazz band. Start at the seafood counter where you can have
fresh oysters and scallops washed down with a sharp Bloody Mary. With dishes from around the world on offer, you can fill your plate with the likes of traditional Myanmar chicken feet curry, barbequed meats, sushi or freshly prepared pasta. Plus children will love the sweet treats on offer, including ice cream, a waffle station, a chocolate fountain and a rainbow selection of petit fours and puddings.

Corner of Sule Pagoda Road & Merchant Road, Yangon.
12am-3pm

Yaw Min Gyi is well known as one of the best places to head for ex-pats craving home comforts, and this has now been extended to early breakfast seekers too. Opening at 6.30am each morning, the scent of freshly baked goods wafting from Alex’s Deli is simply mouth-watering. Situated in a shady alleyway beside The Loft Hotel Yangon, the colourful mural and garden beyond make this a sweet spot for an early start. French Head Chef
Romain Baqué is a man who knows his craft and the proof is in the pastries. Order a cup of coffee, a fresh pain au chocolat and a strawberry juice and, if you’re lucky, the hotel’s golden retriever might wander over to keep you company too.

33, Yaw Min Gyi Street, Dagon Township.
6.30am-10.30pm