Mohinga

Mohinga is an iconic Burmese dish of fish-based broth and round rice noodles, adored throughout the nation for its fragrant spiciness and hearty texture. It is often considered as the former's unofficial national dish, a humble yet sumptuous steaming bowl that transcends both economic and demographic divides.

Mohinga


The flavor of Mohinga is difficult to pinpoint, as there is a unique amalgamation of flavors at play. Common ingredients include garlic, onions, lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric, all of which come together to form a piquant broth. To add complexity, different regions and cooks across Burma boast their own special recipes featuring tamarind paste, dried shrimp, chili peppers, pickled vegetables, and fish paste — each contributing its own singular flavor to the dish.

Despite the complexity of its flavor, the preparation of Mohinga is quite simple. The fish-based broth is prepared by simmering fish bones in water and then mixing in the various spices. This broth is then poured over the cooked vermicelli noodles, giving it its signature texture. Finally, like many Burmese dishes, Mohinga is typically garnished with fried onion flakes, coriander leaves, and dried shrimp, before being served warm.

It is no wonder that Mohinga is such a deeply entrenched part of Burmese culinary tradition. Its culinary pedigree dates back centuries, and its ubiquity today is thanks in part to its affordability and its versatility — it can be eaten alone or with a side of fried fritters known as Egyaw, and is commonly served with a condiment made from fish paste called Ngapi.

No matter which way you eat it, however, one thing is certain: Mohinga is a delectable breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Its velvety richness is both comforting and stimulating, making it a meal that will never fail to tantalize the taste buds. It is truly a beloved Burmese dish, one that is infinitely nuanced and dignified.

Mohinga recipes

Amazing Mohinga recipes sourced from the web.

The origin of Mohinga

Möhinga—a vibrant and flavor-packed fish soup that hails from Myanmar—is a delightful dish that has been a staple of Burmese cuisine for centuries. A steaming bowl of Möhinga is the ultimate comfort food for the people of Burma and is enjoyed all across the country, at any mealtime, or just as a snack.

But how did this tantalizingly tasty soup come to be? It turns out that the origins of Möhinga are as varied and complex as the exquisitely spiced stew itself.

Most accounts point to the ancient Pyu people, who ruled an empire in the region that roughly corresponds to modern day Myanmar back in the 6th century. Drawing on influences from India and Southeast Asia, they fashioned their own unique culinary tradition which includes many of the regional dishes still popular today—including Möhinga.

The word “Möhinga” is believed to have originated from the Pyu language, and is derived from “mitsha”—which means “to be mixed”—combined with the suffix “-inga”, signifying a type of food. Thus, Möhinga translates literally to mean “a mix of food.”

The traditional recipe for Möhinga is said to be a combination of rice noodles and fish broth, with a generous helping of herbs and spices like shallots, garlic, lemongrass, turmeric, dried shrimp, and chili. All these flavors come together to create a unique and unforgettable taste.

Today, Möhinga remains a beloved favorite in Burma and beyond. Still, the long, varied history of the dish serves to remind us that the best recipes often come from the interplay of different cultures, flavors, and ingredients.

FAQs about Mohinga

What does mohinga taste like?

Mohinga is a savoury fish noodle soup and is typically flavoured with lemongrass, shallot, garlic, fish paste and fish sauce. It has a savoury, slightly spicy and fishy flavour, with a hint of sweetness from shallots and fish paste.


What is mohinga in English?

Mohinga is a Burmese traditional fish-based soup dish made with rice noodles, fish and a variety of condiments. It is considered the national dish of Myanmar (Burma).


What is the difference between Atho and mohinga?

Atho and Mohinga are both traditional Burmese dishes, but they have some distinct differences. Atho is a noodle salad dish made with fried onions, cabbage, garlic, chili and other vegetables. Mohinga, on the other hand, is a rice noodle soup with fish broth and lemongrass, served with boiled eggs, banana stem, fish cakes, and fried onions.


Why is mohinga famous?

Mohinga is a traditional Burmese rice noodle and fish soup dish which is the country's most famous and beloved breakfast food. It is so popular due to its delicious flavor, affordable price and availability. Mohinga is considered to be the national dish of Myanmar and is eaten throughout the day by both locals and tourists alike. A good mohinga has the perfect balance of flavors from the salty fish broth and the fragrant spices, making it a popular comfort food for many.


Types of Mohinga

Ah, Mohinga – the national dish of Myanmar, beloved around the world for its mouthwatering blend of flavors and textures. Notorious for its wide array of variations from region to region, Mohinga is a multi-layered dish with each iteration offering its own unique interpretation of this classic. Whether you’re looking for a light yet flavorful start to the day, or an indulgent late night snack, the possibilities are seemingly endless when it comes to this multifaceted dish. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of Mohinga that you’ll find in Myanmar and beyond.

The most common iteration of Mohinga is made with fish broth, vermicelli noodles, and herbs. This recipe can be found all over the country, but each region infuses its own flare into the dish. In the north, the addition of ginger, lemongrass, turmeric, and chili add a distinct kick and a vibrant palette of flavors while rice flour paste makes the soup heartier and creamier in the south. In the east, coconut milk is commonly used as a dairy alternative while the west opts for a sweeter taste with shallots, onion, and garlic.

For those seeking more creative twists on traditional Mohinga, there are plenty of eccentric versions to explore. In the western region of Chin State, a soup made with snails, chilies, and marinated pig organs has become a staple among the locals. A dash of lime juice adds zest to this briny concoction, making it a popular street food item. The Shan State also puts their stamp on the classic Mohinga with their signature “tiger prawn” version, where a generous helping of tiger prawns cooked in garlic and shallots is added to the dish.

Finally, if you’re looking for something sweet, Mohinga also makes for a great dessert. Sweetened with jaggery, banana, or tamarind syrup, this dessert version of Mohinga makes use of rice flour and coconut milk to create a decadently creamy finish.

From its ancient origins to its modern day interpretations, Mohinga continues to reign supreme as Myanmar’s national dish. With its dizzying array of styles and unique flavor combinations, it’s easy to see why this delightful dish has remained so beloved amongst locals and foreigners alike. So, next time you find yourself wandering the streets of Myanmar, don’t forget to indulge in a bowl of this exquisite treat!