๐ฒ๐ฒ MYANMAR
EDITOR'S NOTE: This location has permanently closed. An updated version of this article (13 December 2023) is available as part of the Historical section of our Substack page. Check that out here:
EDITOR'S NOTE: This location has permanently closed. An updated version of this article (13 December 2023) is available as part of the Historical section of our Substack page. Check that out here:
Even before living in Los Angeles, visits were full of routes through the San Gabriel Valley to procure the food of Myanmar. So I find it surprising to hear about it spoken of in such a way that makes it seem so rare and unattainable on many occasions. Monterey Park's Daw Yee Myanmar was so popular it set up shop on Sunset in Silver Lake, screaming mainstream. A recent pop-up event was heralded as if aliens had arrived and treated Los Angeles to something brand new. To this, it must be said: Try harder.
Recently, after repeated visits to Yoma Myanmar, finally the day arrived to try Nadi Myanmar Cafe in Alhambra. The restaurant lives quietly around the corner from Main on N. 4th Street, and for appearing so small it holds a surprising number of people, put on full display as it filled up during the course of this meal. Most of the interior is painted a bold and bright red, except for one wall which is completely covered by a painted photo of Bagan's many temples.
Nadi has a pretty simple two-sided menu of Burmese cuisine, but an interesting section labeled "special" focuses on renditions of kyah oh, a particularly popular rice noodle soup in the country. If you have ever traveled in Yangon, you have noticed the chain YKKO, which specializes in the soup and now has 38 locations in the city!
Here at Nadi you can get pork or chicken kyay oh as soup, or served without the broth in a "sichet" version. This pork kyay oh ($9.99, above and below) is loaded with ground pork and intestine, and also comes with tofu, quail egg, fish cake, and mustard greens in a pork bone broth.
You will be asked if you would like to include brain with your soup, which should be accepted for those willing to have a more unique experience. Add in the bright red chili sauce as well for a bit of heat.
Amongst the old favorites is lat phat thoke ($10.50, below), a pickled tea leaf salad that has become Myanmar's most successful ambassador. Written about breathlessly many times and not needing the same treatment again, the salad is always a pleasure, full of contrasting flavors and textures.
As it becomes obvious as the lunch goes on that Nadi serves about equal portions Burmese and foreigners to the food, the place becomes more and more fun to enjoy in person. Returning to try their curries, other salads, and breakfast mote hin khar is at the top of the to do list.
Recently, after repeated visits to Yoma Myanmar, finally the day arrived to try Nadi Myanmar Cafe in Alhambra. The restaurant lives quietly around the corner from Main on N. 4th Street, and for appearing so small it holds a surprising number of people, put on full display as it filled up during the course of this meal. Most of the interior is painted a bold and bright red, except for one wall which is completely covered by a painted photo of Bagan's many temples.
Nadi has a pretty simple two-sided menu of Burmese cuisine, but an interesting section labeled "special" focuses on renditions of kyah oh, a particularly popular rice noodle soup in the country. If you have ever traveled in Yangon, you have noticed the chain YKKO, which specializes in the soup and now has 38 locations in the city!
Here at Nadi you can get pork or chicken kyay oh as soup, or served without the broth in a "sichet" version. This pork kyay oh ($9.99, above and below) is loaded with ground pork and intestine, and also comes with tofu, quail egg, fish cake, and mustard greens in a pork bone broth.
You will be asked if you would like to include brain with your soup, which should be accepted for those willing to have a more unique experience. Add in the bright red chili sauce as well for a bit of heat.
Amongst the old favorites is lat phat thoke ($10.50, below), a pickled tea leaf salad that has become Myanmar's most successful ambassador. Written about breathlessly many times and not needing the same treatment again, the salad is always a pleasure, full of contrasting flavors and textures.
As it becomes obvious as the lunch goes on that Nadi serves about equal portions Burmese and foreigners to the food, the place becomes more and more fun to enjoy in person. Returning to try their curries, other salads, and breakfast mote hin khar is at the top of the to do list.
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