Myanmar Tawthalin Festival

Myanmar Tawthalin Festival

September 22, 2026Harsh Sharma

(ဤဘလော့ဂ်ကို မြန်မာဘာသာဖြင့် ဖတ်ရှုနိုင်ပါသည်။)

According to the Myanmar calendar, September is known as the month of Tawthalin. During this month, Myanmar celebrates a unique boat racing festival. Among the various regions, Shan State, particularly Inlay Lake, is renowned for the distinctive one-legged rowing technique practiced by the Intha people. The area is also famous for its floating villages, floating gardens, traditional fishermen, and wooden stilt houses that dot the surface of Inlay Lake.


Just imagine standing on a narrow boat, balancing on one leg while using the other leg to row. It may look simple and easy, but it requires incredible effort, balance, and skill. This unique rowing style represents the rich traditions and culture of the people of Inlay Lake in Shan State, Myanmar.

In Shan State, one-legged boat racing is not only famous, but the cuisine is also delicious. So today, I’d like to introduce you to a delicious dish from Myanmar cuisine. The star of this article is Burmese Tofu Nway.


So today, I want to take you on a little adventure; from boat racing to a bowl of Burmese Tofu Nway.

Everyone, have you ever eaten tofu?

I’m sure most of us have.
But Burmese tofu is quite different from the tofu you may already know or eat. It is not made from soybeans like the traditional tofu you might find in Japan, China, India, and many other countries.

So, what makes Burmese tofu different?
Burmese tofu is traditionally made from chickpea flour, which gives it its beautiful yellow color and a soft, silky texture. Unlike regular soybean tofu, it has a slightly nutty flavor and a unique texture that makes it delicious on its own or as part of a larger dish. It can be enjoyed in many different ways, from simple snacks to hearty meals.

In Myanmar, Burmese tofu is a familiar and comforting food enjoyed by people of all ages. There are many delicious ways to enjoy it from refreshing tofu salads to crispy fried tofu served with flavorful dipping sauces and other creative dishes.


What Is Burmese Tofu Nway?

When Burmese tofu is made into Tofu Nway, it becomes a warm, soft, creamy, and comforting noodle dish that is uniquely loved in Myanmar. It can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.

This delicious noodle dish is also a vegan specialty of Myanmar cuisine. If you prefer, you can add meat or other toppings to make it your own. And if you enjoy spicy and sour flavors, try serving it with pickles or kimchi for an extra burst of flavor.


It is completely different from the tofu we usually imagine, from its beautiful texture to its unique taste. It offers a whole new tofu experience that you may have never had before.

Burmese Tofu Nway is not just a simple noodle dish; it also carries a special meaning and can help ease homesickness, especially for Myanmar people living abroad. At the same time, it is a wonderful dish for anyone,including Japanese, Indian, Nepalese, and other international food lovers who want to explore a new cuisine and learn more about cultural connections through food.

Why Ambika Besan?
When making Burmese Tofu Nway, Burmese tofu is the main character of the dish, so choosing the right besan is one of the most important steps. To make delicious Burmese tofu with the perfect color, texture, and flavor, Ambika Besan is highly recommended by Myanmar people and even restaurant owners. For Myanmar people living abroad, using a trusted and familiar brand like Ambika can also bring a taste of home to their kitchen.

But Burmese Tofu Nway is not only for Burmese people. Food lovers from India, Japan, Nepal, and around the world can also enjoy this unique Burmese tofu experience. If you love discovering new flavors and cuisines, you can give Burmese Tofu Nway a try.

As a Burmese, we believe you’ll love this new tofu experience.

First of all, let's check out the ingredients of Burmese Tofu Nway.

1. (Ambika) Besan 500g — for making the tofu

2. (Ambika) Turmeric Powder 200g  — for color and flavor

3. (Ambika) Black Salt (Kala Namak) 100g 

4. Sunflower Oil 1lt 

5. Soy Sauce 

6. Chili oil — for Spice

7. Peanuts  — for topping

8. (Ambika) Fried Onion White 500g — for topping

9. Rice Noodles

10. Fresh Coriander Leaves — for topping and aroma

After preparing all the ingredients, let’s move on to the next step.

How to make Burmese Tofu Nway?

1. First, whisk the besan, turmeric powder, salt, and water in a large bowl until smooth. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes.

2. Pour some of the mixture into a large pot and cook over low heat. Stir constantly with a spoon while gradually adding the remaining besan mixture. Add a small amount of sunflower oil and continue stirring.

3. Cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture becomes thick, smooth, silky, and creamy, like a paste. Keep it warm over low heat.

4. Prepare and boil the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse them with cold water and drain well.

5. Place the boiled rice noodles in a bowl and add the Burmese tofu paste, soy sauce, and chili oil. For toppings, you can add crushed peanuts or sesame seeds, fried onions, and fresh coriander leaves. 

Mix everything well, you can enjoy delicious burmese tofu nway. 

Ambika Besan (500g)


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