So as you know, my parents were born and raised in Burma. Although we are Chinese, Burmese cuisine and culture is very much a large part of our daily lives, especially the food. There is something about Burmese food that is indescribable- in fact I like it a lot better than Chinese food. I think that it is very hard to find someone who does not like Burmese cuisine once they've tried it. Even Eric- the all American blonde haired white boy likes it!
So naturally, when I heard that there was a Burmese restaurant in Pittsburgh, I was ecstatic, and couldn't wait to try it. In fact, I called my parents to let them know, and surprisingly the owners of Spice Island Tea House (located on Atwood in Oakland) were family friends!
So I sort of feel bad writing this review. Oops.
Ok, so Spice Island Tea house is not bad, it just isn't my mom's cooking. My friends all love it, but for me it's hard to judge since I am so used to good quality Burmese food. So I apologize for this biased review- but I can't help it!
Upon walking in, the decor gives you the feeling that you just walked into a home in a Burmese village. To a pleasant surprise, their extensive menu had dishes not only from Burmese cuisine but from other South East Asia locations! Their menu is quite long and you will soon find that it is hard to choose from. Although you perhaps should keep in mind that the owners are from Burma.
The first time I went, I got the Gutgyi Gut, Southern Burmese noodles. Covered with their spicy vinaigrette sauce, its flavors were very mild and delicious. My friend got the same and he loved it- I just thought it was (in the words of Eric) eh. When I went back with my family, excited to show them this new restaurant- they too found that the food was not nearly as good as what they would make at home.
HOWEVER, this is not to say that you should not go to Spice Island Tea House. Since my family does not own a restaurant and only a select few can enjoy their cooking- Spice Island Tea House is a must if you want to learn more about Burmese cuisine and sample the different tastes and mixtures of spices that Burmese cuisine most often incorporate. The food has lots of flavor- which goes for all Burmese dishes- so definitely stop by, it is a unique cuisine for sure.
What are traditional Burmese dishes? Try the Mohinga- a staple in Burma- it can be eaten at every meal. It's a noodle soup with a flavorful broth that will warm you up from the inside. My favorite Burmese dish (probably Eric's too) is the Ono Kowsway- chicken noodle soup done burmese style-delicious. Of course, nothing can compare to my mom's cooking- but I guess this will do for now.
