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Shan Noodles from Myanmar

Shan Noodles

Rice noodles tossed with marinated chicken and tomato. · Myanmar

📍 Shan State ★ 4.4
Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Reviewed by the WhatWhereVacay editorial team

Rice noodles tossed with marinated chicken and tomato.

About 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.

🏛️ History & Culture

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.

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Ingredients
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Shan Noodles — frequently asked questions

What is 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.

What is Shan Noodles made of?

Shan Noodles is made with rice noodles, chicken, tomato, peanuts and garlic oil.

Where does Shan Noodles come from?

Shan Noodles comes from Myanmar, and is especially associated with Shan State. Shan noodles, or khao swè, are a signature dish of the Shan people, an ethnic group native to Myanmar’s eastern highlands.

Where can I eat Shan Noodles?

A Shan eatery, either soupy or tossed dry with pickles.

→ More traditional dishes from Myanmar

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