မင်္ဂလာပါ (Mingalabar) - Hoi!                                                           

Let me take you on a little journey — from a small city in Burma to Singapore, then to New York for my studies, and finally to the vibrant canals of Amsterdam. During my time in New York, I visited San Francisco with my mom, and I’ll never forget the long line of people outside a Burmese restaurant. It made me feel something stir — our food was loved, not just by Burmese people, but by the world.

Years later, I found myself living in Amsterdam. One evening, I was out with a friend at a nearby bar when I saw a “For Rent” sign I had walked past many times. Suddenly, that memory of San Francisco came back. I realized there was a gap here — no Burmese restaurants in the Netherlands. I had no background in hospitality or kitchen experience, but I asked myself: why not give it a try?

From that small idea, Yangon Delight was born.

Back home in Burma, civil wars and unrest have displaced many, preventing those who live abroad from returning. For us, the vibrant tea shops bustling with chatter and warmth serve as cherished reminders of our roots, keeping the flavors of Burma alive in our hearts and minds.

Now, here’s the funny bit — whenever I mention Myanmar (Burma) to the locals, puzzled looks often follow. “Oh, it’s near Thailand!” I’d say, prompting a moment of clarity and a smile. The joys and struggles of introducing our flavors to the world.

But now since opening, something beautiful has happened. Some of my customers have become unofficial ambassadors — introducing their friends and families to tea leaf salad and the other flavors of my homeland. When people say “this is what Amsterdam was missing” or “I brought someone special here because I wanted them to try it” — that’s what keeps me going.

Despite the challenges, Yangon Delight was featured by Het Parool in its first year as one of Amsterdam’s Top 10 restaurants, and again by de Volkskrant Magazine the following year with an 8/10 review. These recognitions came as surprises — I didn’t start this journey expecting awards or press coverage. I simply wanted to share our food, our stories, and our soul. And no matter how far this journey takes me, I’ll stay true to myself and remain humble — because this restaurant was never about fame, but about heart.

So, my dear friends, Yangon Delight isn’t just about serving tasty dishes; it’s about building bridges, sparking conversations, and sharing a slice of home with each of you.

ကျေးဇူးတင်ပါတယ်   (Kyay Zuu Tin Par Tal)- Bedankt!

Warm Regards,

Thandar 

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