DAY 28: Myanmar Cuisine and Dhammayazaka Pagoda

Julie

2024-12-17

DAY 28: Myanmar Cuisine and Dhammayazaka Pagoda

Tips for food, pagoda visits. Discover Myanmar cuisine, explore Dhammayazaka Pagoda, and enjoy quiet moments in Bagan with a baby.

Main Journey in Bagan with a baby

After the Sunrise: A Leisurely Start to the Afternoon

Following the magical sunrise at Shwesandaw Pagoda earlier in the day, we treated ourselves to a long morning nap back at the guesthouse. By the time we woke up, Sweetie was full of energy again, her bright smile cheering us up for the next adventure.

Discovering Myanmar Cuisine at Ma Mae Naing

Tired of repetitive meals, we set out in search of something local yet new. That’s when we stumbled upon a restaurant serving traditional Burmese cuisine – Ma Mae Naing in New Bagan.

Ambiance: Quiet and peaceful, as we arrived after the lunch rush around 2:00 p.m..
The Meal:
- We chose pork curry and beef curry, accompanied by rice and soup.
- The meal also came with seven side dishes neatly arranged in small bowls.

The flavors were simple and wholesome, reminiscent of a Korean-style baekban meal.

Kindness for Sweetie

Traveling with a baby brings out the generosity of locals. When we asked for a small plate for Sweetie, the owner kindly brought over a bowl of rice, smiling warmly. Without speaking the same language, he gestured to Sweetie and placed his hand over his heart – a universal expression of kindness.

It’s moments like these that remind us of the simple beauty of human connection.

Sweet Treats: Coconut Delights and Tamarind

To our surprise, the meal ended with delicious complimentary desserts:

Coconut Sweets: Coconut flesh simmered with sugar, offering a delightful crunch and sweetness.
Tamarind Treats: Wrapped in paper, these small coin-like sweets were tangy and sweet – a surprising burst of flavor.

Tamarind, we later discovered, is a fruit often used as a spice in Myanmar.

An Afternoon of Serendipity: Small Temples and Playful Moments

After lunch, we hopped back on our e-bike and ventured into Bagan’s quiet plains, stopping whenever a small temple caught our eye.

An Unexpected Temple Stop

We explored a small, deserted pagoda where Sweetie’s playful energy took center stage.

Instead of posing for photos, she kept running in front of the camera, giggling and jumping around.
Moments like these remind us that travel with a baby isn’t just about sightseeing – it’s about enjoying the little, joyous interruptions they bring.

Dhammayazaka Pagoda: History and Beauty

Next, we visited the Dhammayazaka Pagoda, one of Bagan’s larger and more well-preserved temples.

Earthquake Damage: While many temples remain under restoration, Dhammayazaka stands relatively intact.
Beautiful Frescoes: Inside, remnants of ancient fresco paintings give a glimpse into the original beauty of these structures, something rare among the more weathered pagodas.

Sweet Encounters with Novice Monks

At Dhammayazaka, we came across a group of novice monks (동자스님). One tiny monk followed his teacher, his robe swishing as he walked, looking curious and joyful.

Sweetie’s presence drew smiles and waves from the young monks, who seemed fascinated by her.
Watching a senior monk gently fix the younger monk’s robes was a touching moment of quiet care.

Ending the Day: A Scenic Field for Sunset

With time running short before sunset, we stumbled upon a vast open field dotted with palm trees and dry grass – the kind of place where you might imagine lions or leopards roaming.

We parked the e-bike and simply sat in awe of the view. In this moment, I realized that Bagan isn’t just about temples – it’s also about the beauty of its natural landscapes. The pagodas scattered across these serene plains are what make Bagan so magical and otherworldly.

Events

Ma Mae Naing Burmese Cuisine: A simple, hearty local meal with a sweet surprise of tamarind and coconut treats.
Serendipitous Temple Stops: Small pagodas offering quiet moments to explore and play.
Dhammayazaka Pagoda: A beautifully preserved temple with ancient frescoes and warm encounters with novice monks.

Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Exploring Local Restaurants

Don’t hesitate to ask for smaller plates or utensils for your baby – locals are often more than willing to accommodate.

Quiet Pagodas for Playtime

Small, lesser-known temples are perfect for rest breaks and letting your child stretch and play.

Travel Pace Matters

Plan your day around the heat:
- Early mornings for sightseeing,
- Midday breaks for naps,
- Late afternoons for temple visits and sunsets.

Local Travel Tips

Traditional Burmese Meals

Visit local spots like Ma Mae Naing to try traditional Burmese curry with rice and sides.

Exploring with E-Bikes

E-bikes are perfect for flexible exploration of Bagan’s temples. Stop wherever you like and take your time to enjoy the surroundings.

Dhammayazaka Pagoda

This is a must-visit temple for its frescoes and relatively intact structure.

Travel Reflections in Bagan with a baby

The Warmth of Locals: Whether it’s sharing a bowl of rice or gifting a sweet treat, Myanmar’s hospitality shines brightest in small gestures.
Sweetie’s Playful Spirit: Traveling with a child often means plans take a backseat to playtime, but these unplanned moments often turn into the most cherished memories.
Bagan’s Hidden Charm: Beyond its iconic temples, Bagan’s landscapes – wide fields, tropical trees, and open skies – are equally captivating.

As we sat in the open field, watching the golden light of the day fade, I couldn’t help but think: This is the magic of Bagan – temples rising gently amidst nature’s beauty, and laughter echoing through forgotten pagodas.