Burma, officially called Myanmar, is a fascinating country in Southeast Asia, rich in history and cultural diversity. A former crossroads of trade routes between India, China and Southeast Asia, Burma has been influenced by many civilizations over the centuries. It was unified under the rule of Buddhist kings in the 11th century, before becoming a British colony in the 19th century. After its independence in 1948, the country experienced periods of conflict and political instability. Today, Burma is gradually opening up to the world, revealing its rich heritage, Buddhist traditions and magnificent landscapes. Burmese culture is steeped in spirituality, with golden stupas, ancient temples and omnipresent religious practices.
Burma is a country where millennia-old history and spiritual traditions meet, offering visitors a unique cultural experience.
Traditional Gastronomy and Gluten Free Options
Burmese cuisine is a blend of flavors and influences from its neighbors, including China, India and Thailand. Traditional dishes often consist of rice, fish, vegetables, lentils and spices. Burmese cuisine is rich in spicy curries and salads, and offers many gluten-free options through the use of naturally gluten-free products.
Here are some naturally gluten-free Burmese dishes:
- Mohinga : The national Burmese soup made from fish, rice and plantain, naturally gluten-free when prepared without wheat flour.
- Thoke : Burmese salads, such as green tea salad (lahpet thoke), made with fermented tea leaves, vegetables and spices, gluten-free.
- Burmese curry : A meat or fish curry, often accompanied by rice and vegetables, naturally gluten-free.
- Grilled Fish : Fresh fish, marinated with herbs and spices, is often grilled and served simply with vegetables.
These Burmese dishes offer an authentic and tasty discovery while respecting a gluten-free diet.
The Essential Things to Visit in Burma
Burma is a country rich in historical, cultural and natural sites. Here are some must-see places to discover:
- Bagan : The Bagan plain, famous for its thousands of temples and pagodas dating from the 11th century, is a unique archaeological site in the world.
- Inle Lake : A picturesque lake surrounded by mountains, known for its stilt villages, floating gardens and traditional one-legged fishermen.
- Yangon : The ancient capital of Burma, with its impressive Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most sacred places in the country, covered in gold.
- Mandalay : A historic city with monasteries, Buddhist temples and the iconic U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world.
These sites offer a glimpse of the spiritual and architectural richness of Burma, a destination imbued with serenity and beauty.
