Anya Ahta is the latest restaurant to pop up in downtown Yangon.
But it isn’t a fancy bar or the latest party venue.
Located on the first floor of a colonial-era building between Mahabandoolah and Anarwatha on 37th street, the teashop-like eatery is a nod to the tastes and flavors of “Anya,” or central Myanmar.
The full translation is “Anya Style.”
What sets it apart from other teashop eateries is the feel and food of the place.
Aung Soe Min, the man behind Pansodan, Pansodan Scene and Pansuriya, has put his personal touch on it, Aung Soe Min Style.
Attractive paintings hang on the wall as well as old movie posters. Simple wooden tables seat around 30 people. There’s no AC but the high ceilings and fans and open doors provide the right amount of ventilation, and then there is cold draft beer to help with the heat.
On the menu there are curries and anya sausage, and many traditional salads, including dry beef.
I had the drumstick curry, which is quite sour (in a good way). With it came four dishes. There were steamed beans, mango salad, dried fish and fish paste curry. And of course, rice.
For a drink I had an apple juice with honey, which was really fresh.
The total came to 6,000 kyats, about $5, and could have fed two people.
My only critique is the lack of variety on the menu, but I was told more dishes are coming soon, especially for breakfast.
Anya Ahta is open daily from 7am to 10pm
