If you’re a food adventurer or someone curious about Myanmar’s rich culinary traditions, Ni Burmese is the place to be. Located at 2160 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., this new restaurant in Bay View has been serving up authentic Burmese dishes with bold and unique flavors. Offering lunch and dinner six days a week, here’s a list of seven must-try dishes that capture the essence of Myanmar’s diverse and vibrant food culture.
1. Aloo Cutlets
Starting with appetizers, Aloo Cutlets are a standout. These puffy, crispy potato dumplings are made with mashed potatoes and filled with pieces of chicken. Deep-fried to golden perfection, they are served with a sweet and sour housemade dipping sauce. Accompanying fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce add a balance of freshness, making this dish a perfect snack ($9.99).
2. Kyay Oh
For a comforting bowl of soup, Kyay Oh is a classic Burmese option. This hearty soup features a choice of chicken or pork broth, bean vermicelli noodles, quail eggs, and greens. The dish is seasoned with a mild chili-crisp sauce that enhances its flavor with a toasty, rounded heat ($12.99). It’s a perfect lunch or breakfast dish for anyone seeking something warm and satisfying.
3. Ginger Salad
Ginger Salad offers a refreshing burst of flavor with its crispy, bright textures. Thinly sliced cabbage, fried beans, and crispy dried shrimp are tossed with fresh ginger and lime, creating a snack-like dish that’s both zesty and satisfying. It’s often served in Myanmar as an occasion dish, typically before dinner with tea ($8.99).
4. Vegetarian Curry (Off-Menu)
Ni Burmese offers a variety of curries, but one you’ll want to ask for is their Vegetarian Curry. This off-menu gem is made with chickpea-based Burmese tofu, which is crispy fried to perfection. The curry itself is a flavorful blend of chilies, onions, garlic, and salt (no fish sauce), making it a savory treat for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Be sure to request it when you visit!
5. Sweet Soy Fried Fish
Sweet Soy Fried Fish is a must-try entrée. It features pomfret, a mild-flavored butterfish that’s tenderly fried and topped with a housemade sweet and sour sauce, scallions, and cilantro ($34.99). The fish is easy to eat, with the meat easily pulling away from the bone. The sauce adds a delicious balance of sweet, sour, and salty that perfectly complements the fish.
6. Steamed Glutinous Rice
For dessert, Steamed Glutinous Rice is a fan favorite. These coconut-flavored dumplings are made from glutinous rice flour stuffed with coconut and jaggery, then steamed in banana leaves. The chewy texture and slightly sweet flavor make them the perfect treat to enjoy with a post-dinner cup of tea ($4.99).
7. Beverages
Ni Burmese offers an exciting array of drinks to pair with your meal. Try the Iced Grass Jelly with Hairy Basil Seed and Lime, a lightly sweetened dessert beverage with a mild, slightly bitter flavor from mesona, a Chinese herb. Alternatively, opt for Iced Tamarind Juice with jaggery and lime, a refreshing and tart drink that’s similar to lemonade but with a unique twist.
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