Restaurant Review: Burma Social Brings The Essence Of Six Asian Kingdoms To Tras Street

PUBLISHED August 22nd, 2023 06:00 am | UPDATED July 25th, 2024 04:26 pm

Like Singapore, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) is a melting pot of cultures, boasting a rich tapestry of culinary traditions from its 135 ethnic groups. Together with its terroir, Burmese cuisine brims with heritage and history, anchored by the harmonious blending of flavours. More than sustenance, food reflects a communal experience and an expression of love and connection.

Good thing for us, a taste of Myanmar is easily within reach with the newly-opened Burma Social in Tanjong Pagar. The restaurant elevates traditional Burmese recipes with vibrant influences from its neighbouring countries like China, Thailand, India, Bangladesh and Laos (the “Six Kingdoms”). 

The Space

Situated along Tras Street, Burma Social spotlights facets of Myanmar in its three-storey shophouse. The first floor opens to a lush outdoor verandah that leads to an open bar, flanked by an impressive mural capturing the beauty of Myanmar’s landscape. A cosy indoor dining space for intimate meals sits opposite the stairway dressed in traditional Burmese art and woodcraft. As you get to the second floor, a set of intricately designed Buddhist Wishing Bells welcomes you to the main dining area.  The ascend to level three is adorned with colourful umbrellas, a vibrant sight for guests making their way to the private dining room. 

Soup and Salads

We started our night of Burmese hospitality with the Raw Coconut Milk & Broccolini Adorned with Flying Fish Roe (S$22), a light and flavourful soup that warms the stomach. Find a different rendition of the familiar papaya salad in Papaya & Mango Thoke (Ye Thu Kyun) (S$22), sweet and tart to whet appetites.

The standout dish not-to-be-missed is Laphet Nay Wai Thoke (S$18). Laphet is a well-loved fermented tea leaf salad that has evolved from a symbol of peace in ancient times to an expression of Burmese hospitality. Here, it is tossed with green tomatoes, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, topped with Burmese nuts and a spritz of lemon. Expect a harmonious blend of earthy, sweet, sour, spicy, and umami flavours, all in one bite. 

Starters and Main

Despite not being a tofu lover, the Crispy Tohu Jaw (S$20) was a surprising delight with its flavourful and slightly firmer texture. The dish carries hints of Indian culture, with tofu made from ground Indian chickpeas and a drizzle of Burmese black jaggery sauce concocted with Burmese gula melaka and Indian sugarcane. The tofu is tasty on its own, and if you decide to spice it up, reach for the delectable homemade chilli sauce served as a trio of condiments on the table.

Resembling a flower, Hnin Si’s Steam Puzon (S$32), is a blend of prawn and mudfish.  Sous vide, ground, then steamed in shapes of firm petal-like cakes, the dish is held together by a blanket of rice paper and homemade chilli in the middle. Although some effort is needed to slice the rice paper and wrap the cakes, it is a worthwhile endeavour when the smooth flavours of the sea come together.

We tried one of the signature mains, the Ohn-no Kyaukswe (S$32), featuring the humble rice noodles served with a bowl of vegetable soup. At first glance, this dish reminded us of a deconstructed laksa. But different from laksa’s rich gravy, the broth is light and sweetened with the umami of the prawns. Served with barramundi fish cakes on the side, the noodles can be enjoyed in two ways – dry with the salad and a spritz of lime or drenched in the soup. We love the texture from the Burmese nuts atop, and recommend adding the mixture of fried garlic, onions, and nuts from the trio of condiments for the perfect finish. 

Cocktails and Mocktails

The journey continues to their drinks menu centred around fresh fruits and aromatics, inspired by the countries of the Six Kingdoms. Laos, the smooth cocktail served in intricately designed glassware, sees vodka and rice wine stirred with clarified Laotian milk and a house rambutan reduction. Pair the drink with the rambutan and kiwi garnishes for a fruitier infusion. Thailand features a ginger seduction with spiced rum, fresh lime and calamansi and house ginger juice. Going no ABV? Mocktails include China‘s tea-inspired concoction with fresh mandarin orange juice and oolong tea reduction. Cocktails run S$25 each, and mocktails S$14 each.

When the night falls, watch the graceful fire and water-fan dance performance that enlivens the outdoor verandah—check in with friendly staff for performance details. 

Burma Social is located at 34 Tras Street, Singapore 079026, p.+65 6016 9140. Open Mon- Fri 11.30am -2.30pm, 6pm- 12am, Sat 6pm- 12am. Closed on Sun.