Pairing Balachaung correctly — a note on toddy palm juice

Most people overlook how much the right drink changes Balachaung. I ordered it with toddy palm juice and the savoury and slightly sour elements of the dish sharpened considerably against the pairing. lemongrass in particular became more prominent in a good way.

laphet fermented tea leaf salad is a uniquely Burmese ingredient used in salads and as a stimulant snack. The a Yangon tea shop is where you learn these pairings — they evolved together. If you've been having Balachaung with the wrong drink, try it correctly once. It's a genuinely different experience. The restaurant deserves credit for getting this right.