A Year of Yangon Delight: A Journey of Food, Freedom, and Purpose

A Dream That Became a Journey

One year ago, I stood at the threshold of Yangon Delight, holding nothing but a dream, my courage, and a deep longing to share a piece of home with the world. Today, as I reflect on this past year, that dream has turned into a living reality—a journey filled with both hardships and moments of joy, lessons learned, and beautiful connections made along the way.

a year ago on opening day

Bridging Two Worlds Through Food

But this journey has been more than just about food. It’s been about building a bridge—between cultures, between hearts, and between what feels like two worlds: Myanmar and the Netherlands. Through every dish we served, every tea leaf salad lovingly prepared, every conversation shared across tables, we’ve brought stories of home to Amsterdam.

From the early days, I remember how often I introduced myself and shared where I’m from, only to be met with puzzled looks. People would pause, looking unsure, and I’d say, “It’s near Thailand!” Sometimes even that didn’t quite click, but I carried on, hoping that one day Myanmar would have its rightful place on the map of their hearts. Slowly, that began to change. Now, many of you walk through our doors asking confidently for laphet thoke. You tell your friends about tea leaf salad like seasoned ambassadors of Burmese cuisine. That change—that growing awareness—is one of my proudest achievements, a quiet reminder that sharing food can open doors to understanding and connection.

The Hardships Myanmar Faces Every Day

This anniversary is not just a milestone; it’s a reminder of why I started. Myanmar continues to face unimaginable hardships. Recently, the military attacked a school near a region already devastated by the ongoing earthquake crisis. Many innocent children lost their lives. And this isn’t the first time—these tragedies have happened over and over again. While people are still struggling to rebuild their lives after the earthquake, they are forced to live in fear of violence. My country aches, and that ache is a quiet, constant presence in my heart.

Everyday life back home is filled with challenges that many cannot imagine. My mother often tells me how unbearably warm it gets, and yet electricity is only available for a few hours a day, leaving no air conditioning to ease the discomfort. Sometimes we can barely speak over the phone because the internet connection is so poor, our voices breaking apart through the static. But despite all this, when she is safe, she says those difficulties become secondary. Safety has become the first and greatest priority—a reality that weighs heavily on my heart.

Why the Netherlands?

A lot of people ask me, "Why the Netherlands?" I visited here a few years ago and, despite the rain and wind during my trip, I felt a deep connection to this country. There’s something about the freedom in the air, the openness of the people, and the quiet sense of safety that spoke to me.

Living here now, I am reminded daily of how much I have to be grateful for. I wake up without fear for my safety or worrying whether there will be electricity or gas to keep me warm when the weather turns cold. The air I breathe is fresh and clean, and I walk freely through the streets with a sense of peace I couldn’t fully experience before.

This freedom has also shaped the way I lead Yangon Delight. Here, I’ve found the courage to build a business grounded not only in sharing food but in sharing stories, values, and opportunities. I encourage openness, creativity, and respect—things I’ve come to appreciate so deeply in this new home. The freedom I have here—this sense of safety and possibility—is something I treasure deeply. I carry it with humility, knowing it is a privilege I did not grow up with and one that many in Myanmar can only dream of. This freedom is no longer something I take for granted—it has become a quiet reminder of the resilience of those who live without it every day.

That’s why this celebration carries a deeper meaning. 30% of all ticket sales from our anniversary event will be donated to support earthquake victims in Myanmar. Because even in joy, we remember. Even in celebration, we give back.

in 2015

The Hardest Days and the Strength I Found

This past year wasn’t easy. There were days of exhaustion and loneliness—juggling everything from the kitchen to the dining floor. Yet even then, I wasn’t completely alone. Some of my team members grew alongside me, learning with open hearts and becoming the warm, welcoming faces of Yangon Delight. Through those hard moments, I found strength, connection, and you—my community.

There were also moments when I quietly asked myself, "Why did I even start this?" Some days, exhaustion took over and regret crept in. But each time, something small—an encouraging word from a customer, a smile from my team—reminded me why. And that was always enough to keep going.

Lessons from a Year in Hospitality

This year taught me that you are never done learning—especially in hospitality. Every challenge shaped my patience, every mistake deepened my understanding of resilience and humility. I learned how even the smallest gestures can leave the biggest impressions. I embraced every struggle as a classroom and remain a student of this journey—of business, people, and most importantly, myself. This learning mindset became the quiet strength that carried me through the hardest days and opened me to new possibilities.

Collaboration Over Competition

Along the way, I’ve learned another important lesson: not everyone will meet your openness with the same warmth. Sometimes people feel uncomfortable when you stand tall in your truth. Just recently, I experienced this firsthand. While sharing my excitement about Yangon Delight’s anniversary, I noticed how that openness was met with awkward silence instead of shared joy. And that’s okay. Because my vision has never been about competition—it has always been about connection and collaboration.

I believe true growth comes when we lift each other up, when we share not only successes but also struggles. Collaboration means creating space for new ideas and learning from one another, even when paths are different. It’s about inviting others to join in building something greater together, rather than standing apart and guarding what we have. At Yangon Delight, that spirit of collaboration is present in every shared meal, every warm conversation, and every moment of understanding that bridges cultures. We believe there is enough success for everyone, and when businesses come together with open hearts, the impact becomes even more powerful. If there are other businesses or individuals who wish to collaborate—whether through shared events, cultural exchanges, or meaningful causes—we welcome you with open arms. Together, we can create experiences that matter and make a lasting difference.

This is the foundation I hope to strengthen in the years ahead.

To those who believed in me, who shared my food and my dreams, who stood by Yangon Delight through every high and low—thank you. You have made this journey possible. And on May 24, we’ll gather not just to celebrate one year of Yangon Delight, but to stand together for something greater. For hope. For Myanmar. For each other.

As I step into the next year of this journey, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and hope. This reflection is not just about one night or one celebration—it’s about a year of lessons, resilience, and the beautiful reminder that together, we can build something far greater than we can alone.

I would be so happy to share this moment with you. On May 24, let’s come together to celebrate, connect, and quietly contribute to something meaningful. Together, even small moments can leave lasting impressions.

P.S. You can reserve your ticket for May 24 here: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1331522953999?aff=oddtdtcreator]

With love,

Thandar