Shan Noodle
Shan Noodles is a famous and widely loved traditional dish from Shan State, Myanmar. It consists of rice noodles served with a mildly spiced minced chicken or pork tomato sauce, topped with garlic oil, pickled mustard greens, and sometimes crushed peanuts. The noodles can be served dry (mixed) or with broth, depending on preference. Shan noodles are known for their light yet flavorful taste — slightly tangy from tomatoes, savory from the meat sauce, and aromatic with garlic oil. It’s not as spicy or oily as some other Burmese dishes, making it a favorite for breakfast or lunch across the country. Simple, balanced, and comforting, Shan noodles are a staple in both Shan communities and around Myanmar.
Ingredients (For the noodles & toppings)
- 200g rice noodles (flat or round, soaked and boiled)
- 100g minced chicken or pork
- 1 medium tomato (chopped)
- 2–3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp oil (peanut or cooking oil)
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or fish sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp chili oil (optional)
- Fresh coriander or spring onions (chopped, for garnish)
- Fried garlic with oil (for topping)
How to Make?
To prepare Shan noodles, first boil the rice noodles until tender, then drain and set them aside. In a pan, heat a tablespoon of oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft, then stir in the minced meat along with turmeric, soy sauce or fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer until the meat is fully cooked and the sauce is thick. To assemble, place the noodles in a bowl and top them with a few spoonfuls of the tomato-meat sauce. Drizzle some chili oil if you like it spicy, and garnish with fried garlic, fresh coriander, and spring onions. Serve with pickled mustard greens or radish on the side. Toss everything before eating for a perfect mix of flavors — soft, tangy, savory, and slightly spicy. Shan Noodle is enjoyed dry, but you can serve it with a light broth on the side too.
