Shan Noodles

Flat or round rice noodles are tossed or served in broth with a savoury marinated chicken or pork topping, tomato, garlic oil and crushed peanuts. They are the signature dish of the Shan people.

Shan noodles, or khao swè, are a signature dish of the Shan people, an ethnic group native to Myanmar’s eastern highlands. Their exact origins are not precisely documented, but the dish is widely associated with the Shan State and has become a beloved national comfort food across Myanmar, often sold by street vendors and in teahouses.

Regional variations abound: in the Shan heartland, the noodles are typically served with a light, tangy broth and a marinated chicken or pork topping, while in larger cities like Yangon, they may be adapted with thicker coconut-based sauces or extra garnishes like pickled greens and chili. Culturally, Shan noodles represent a culinary bridge between the Shan people’s agrarian traditions and the broader Burmese palate, symbolizing both local identity and the country’s diverse food heritage.