My Myanmar colleague, Su, and I went on a day trip to Pyin Oo Lwin from Mandalay. We hired a car to drive us to visit 7 places in Pyin Oo Lwin.
When it was time for lunch, our driver told us that he had a recommendation and he drove us to a restaurant called December Garden. December Garden restaurant is located near a flower garden in Pyin Oo Lwin of the same name.
There is both indoor and alfresco dining space at December Garden. I suggest sitting in the alfresco dining area if possible. You can see the lush greenery surrounding the restaurant and feel the cool breeze. It makes the dining experience so much more pleasurable.
This Homemade Fried Yogurt [K3800 for Small, K5700 for Medium, K7600 for Large] is the restaurant’s signature dish. The yogurt inside is soft and moist, it tastes like semi-soft cheese minus the pungent smell of cheese. It is coated with a layer of batter and deep-fried till golden. The outer crispy coat and inner soft yogurt creates creates an interesting contrast of textures. It is delicious and unlike anything we have tried.
Rice Salad [K1000/K1800] is known as “htamin thoke” in Burmese. Cold cooked rice is marinated with infused peanut oil and fish sauce. December Garden’s version is served with fried pork slices on top of the rice. It is a simple yet satisfying dish.
Rice with Green Tea Leaves Salad [K1000/K1800] is pretty much the same as the one from Mya Shwe Taung Tea Shop. I love that extra condiments are served in separate small plates, so you can customize the taste of the dish to your liking.
This is Shan Sour Rice [K1000/K1800] where fish and potato are mixed with rice and served in balls. Although the name says “sour rice”, it is only slightly sour and very tasty.
Our driver gave us an excellent recommendation. Pyin Oo Lwin’s December Garden (Restaurant) serves homemade yogurt and other Myanmar delicacies amid lush greenery. ”