The regional food is hot and spicy. Fish, rice, noodles and vegetables spiced with onions, ginger, garlic and chillies are the common local ingredients. Chinese and Indian cuisine is offered in many hotels and restaurants.

National specialities:
• Lethok son (a sort of spicy vegetarian rice salad).
• Mohinga (fish soup with noodles).
• Oh-no khauk swe (rice noodles, chicken and coconut milk).
• The avocados by Inle Lake are very good.
• Delicious fruits are available in the markets and food stalls appear on the corners of most large towns.

National drinks:
• Tea is a popular drink; the spices which are added to it can make the tongue turn bright red.
• Locally-produced beer, rum, whisky and gin are generally available.

Tipping: It is usual to give 5 to 10% on hotel and restaurant bills.

Western-style nightlife is almost non-existent, although there are occasional performances in Yangon’s three theatres as well as a number of rock and pop groups gaining in popularity. Cinemas are popular and some regularly show English-language films.

Souvenirs include handicrafts and jewellery. In Yangon, a good place to shop is Bogyoke Aung San Market, which sells luxury items, handicrafts, food stuffs, clothing, jewellery and consumer goods. It is open from 0800-1800 (except Sunday and public holidays) but the best time to visit is around 1000. Mandalay is a good place for traditional handicrafts which can be purchased at Zegyo Market. Phatahe Bazaar sells Buddhist articles of worship.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sun 0800-2200.