Tastes of the Golden Land : Myanmar Traditional Food Competition and Exhibition

The Myanmar Traditional Food Competition and Exhibition "Tastes of the Golden Land - 2026" kicked off at Yangon Convention Center in Yangon on Saturday. It was organized by the Myanmar Restaurant Association under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Culture. Vice President Daw Nan Ni Ni Aye attended the opening ceremony of the event and made a speech. She said She said the event promotes Myanmar’s traditional food culture at an international level, through showcasing unique and tasty local dishes. She explained that food culture is part of national heritage, and Myanmar, with its many ethnic groups has a wide variety of traditional foods. These dishes are not only delicious but also represent the country’s diversity. The Vice President added that food tourism, also called gastronomy tourism, is growing quickly worldwide. Many countries use their traditional foods to promote tourism and strengthen their economies. She stressed the need to highlight famous dishes like Laphet or Tea leaf salad and Htamane or Sticky rice, aiming for recognition by UNESCO as cultural heritage. She added that developing food tourism will benefit hotels, restaurants, agriculture, and small businesses, while also improving the lives of grassroot people. She urged all to strive for economic progress of the nation through the development of tourism industry. The two-day festival in Yangon includes cooking competitions, exhibitions, and sales of regional products such as coffee and tea. Visitors can enjoy the taste, history, and cultural value of Myanmar’s traditional foods, while the event helps boost tourism and the national economy.