Burmese Kitchen

LOCATION
On St Georges Road, along the 112 tram line.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
This simple, cheap and charming suburban eatery is a great introduction to the little celebrated, yet delicious, Burmese cuisine. Influenced by its more famous neighbouring nations, Burma’s fare is vast, uniquely blending Thai spices, Indian herbs and Chinese styles. Burmese Kitchen does well to represent all aspects, with a menu that includes traditional seafood dishes from the delta area like the crab curry with red Burmese sauce, an authentic curried fish soup (labelled as “Burma’s national dish”), as well as a rich and aromatic tamarind curry (best with the chicken or lamb) that beautifully incorporates Thai ingredients in a classic, hearty, Indian style.

Burma’s Buddhist influences mean vegetarians are well catered for at Burmese Kitchen, as are the lazy locals who can have the dishes delivered to their home for an extra $2. With “Best Cheap Eats” awards in 2005 and 2006, Burmese Kitchen is a diamond in the rough for North Fitzroy – an area already spoiled for its choice of quaint corner cafes and breakfast spots. The space of Burmese Kitchen makes it difficult for large groups, but couples and small groups can usually find a seat on weeknights and weekends. The eatery is not licensed, so anyone wanting to mix beer and Burmese should best opt for the takeaway menu and enjoy this delightful cuisine in the comfort of their own home.

Frank Trimboli