Harumi
Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies (GSAPS)
Cooking has always been one of my passions, and trying out new recipes excites me. When I heard about the ICC Cooking Workshop titled Experience the Uniqueness of Myanmar Culture Through Food! I knew I had to apply. The event promised a culinary adventure and a chance to learn more about Myanmar’s culture. As someone studying International Relations, I thought it would be fulfilling to learn about it firsthand.
The workshop started with a presentation about Myanmar’s culture. I learned about their unique family naming traditions, beautiful traditional clothing, and how their cuisine is influenced by the weather. It was fascinating to see how these elements are connected. Their traditional clothing, in particular, was stunning.
Making the Tea Leaf Salad
(photos by author)
The highlight for me was making Tea Leaf Salad with other students. It was a great way to connect with others, and my group mates were kind and thoughtful. I have a food allergy, and since the salad’s ingredients could be adjusted, they added the ingredient I couldn’t eat at the very end. I was so thankful for their consideration. Initially, I was unsure if I’d like the salad. Some ingredients, like fish oil, were new to me. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it turned out! I even made the dish again at home because I enjoyed it so much. If you ever have the chance, I encourage you to try it too!
During the workshop, we also watched a video from Suu Khin, a Burmese chef and former MasterChef participant. Her insights and enthusiasm for Burmese cuisine added a personal touch to the experience and made it even more inspiring.
MonHinGar (photo by author)
Sanwinmakin Cake (photo by author)
We also got to taste other traditional dishes. The Mohinga, a soup with noodles and egg, was comforting and flavorful. Adding spicy pepper seeds gave it a nice kick. Then there was the fried tofu, which was a delightful surprise. Another favorite was the Sanwinmakin cake, which had a soft, mochi-like texture. Everyone at my table loved it, especially when paired with milk tea. I could keep writing about the food, but instead, I’ll encourage you to visit a Myanmar restaurant—I heard there are a lot near Takadanobaba Station! And the restaurant that provided the food and the decoration for the event is the Golden Bagan Myanmar Restaurant!
At the end of the event, we had the chance to try on traditional Myanmar clothing, which I couldn’t resist. It was a wonderful way to experience their culture firsthand. The hospitality and kindness of the Myanmar people were evident throughout the workshop, and the students shared their traditions with such pride and enthusiasm that it left me deeply inspired. As a fellow international student, I felt proud of their efforts and how well they represented their culture.
This workshop was more than just cooking; it was a meaningful exchange of food, culture, and community that I will always cherish.
(photo by author)
