Yangon Chinatown, Yangon Overview

The Chinatown or Tayoke Tan is a popular neighbourhood located close to the Sule Pagoda in the centre of downtown Yangon on 19th street. This town spreads across eight to ten blocks of roads and is known for varieties of delicious Burmese street food, which is popular among the locals as well as tourists. If you want to taste cheap, authentic local food, it is highly recommended for tourists visiting Yangon to check out Chinatown.

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Best time to visit

The best time to visit Chinatown in Yangon is in the evening when the market comes alive with street food shops.

Yangon Chinatown History & Significance

The Chinatown in Yangon was established by the British in the 1850s to facilitate the sale of local produce every day, especially the seafood. Over the years, it became a neighbourhood famous for local food.

The Chinatown starts on one end at 19th street and covers until the 24th street. It includes the area between Maha Bandoola Road and the Strand Road and Shwedaungtan Street on the west and Shwedagon Pagoda Road on the east. There are no signs to identify, but a lot of shops lined up on both ends of the streets make them easier to spot.

Popular food options in Yangon Chinatown

BBQ is the most popular of all cuisines, with chicken, pork, mutton and fish available for meat lovers. The vegetarians can try mushrooms, tofu, garlic, vegetables and also quail eggs. The prices are very cheap, and a meal would cost you less than 2 to 3 USD. Drinks including local beers and whiskies can be bought for around the same price.

King prawns, cuttlefish, river fish and deep-fried soft shell crab are popular dishes to try in Chinatown. If you don't want to try Burmese food, you can head to shops serving Chinese, Indian and Japanese cuisines.