Near the Lakeshore
Golden Kite - Asia Highlights’ Top Pick
The Golden Kite boasts of being the oldest restaurant at Inle Lake. To begin with, it was a small Italian bistro, but now it has three branches along the lakeshore.
The oldest branch is in Nyuangshwe village, where the owner claims to have obtained her recipes from an Italian lady from Bologna. A recently-opened restaurant near the Indein pagoda complex serves some new dishes, different from the usual Italian ones.
Pastas and pizzas are made to order, hot from the oven and flavorsome. The best part about dining here is the open view of the surrounding pagodas and the gentle breeze after boating under the sun for a long time.
Location: (Indein Branch) near the Indein Pagoda Complex, Inle Lake
Category: Italian
Cost: USD 25 to 40 per person
Halal and vegetarian-friendly: not so much
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Eyeful Lake
This is a floating restaurant close to the marketplace of Nampan village.
Consider yourself lucky if you happen to be here during a market day. The 5-day market commences at the dock not far away once every 10 days, and you will observe busy river transportation and boat vendors loading and unloading their merchandise.
A boat will take you to the steps of the restaurant, where the owner welcomes you with a big smile. There are two big fishing basket nets on display out on the dining deck, facing the lake. Waiters will explain to you in good English how they are used to fish and fishing.
The menu is not exactly extensive, but you will have access to all the typical local food you could wish for. Fish is caught fresh from the lake and steamed with lemon juice. Soup is light yet flavorsome with local home-made ingredients.
Location: Pauk Par Village, Nampan, Inle Lake
Category: Burmese
Cost: USD 20 to 35 per person
Halal and vegetarian-friendly: yes
Green Chilli Restaurant
Located in Nanpam village near a local boat workshop, the original building for the Green Chilli Restaurant was built in the 1950’s by a local silk merchant.
It’s a 10-minute boat ride from the village to the restaurant. Once reached, the restaurant indulges you with a nice cozy ambiance and dining experience on a posh verandah.
In addition to the Burmese and Thai menus, Intha cuisine is highly recommended. Intha food stresses locally-produced ingredients and few highly-processed foods such as fermented fish and beans. Try out the Intha soup, Intha-style stuffed fish and veggie rolls, while viewing the tranquil waterway lanced with floating gardens.
Location: Near Nampan Village, Inle Lake
Category: Burmese, Thai
Cost: USD 20 to 40 per person
Halal and vegetarian-friendly: yes
Away from the Lakeshore
The French Touch
The French owner of The French Touch is an experienced photographer with a strong passion for food and the beautiful things of life. Stepping into this charming venue, you will first be hypnotized by the fragrance of a good espresso.
The restaurant, or rather a café, opens from breakfast till night. The brightly-painted orange exterior stands out in the midday sun, inviting you to an unforgettable lunch.
Home-made lemon mayonnaise goes well with various pub grub such as burgers, pizzas and sandwiches. Top it all off with a dainty avocado-and-onion salad, dressed with rich lemon juice and accompanied by Shan rice crackers. A documentary highlighting local lifestyles is played during your meal; the proud producer is the owner.
Location: Kyaung Taw Shayt Street | N0 23, Myo Lac Quarter, Nyuangshwe, Inle Lake
Category: French, Burmese
Cost: USD 15 to 40 per person
Halal and vegetarian-friendly: not so much
Inle Heritage House – Asia Highlights’ Top Pick
Serving in its triple capacity as a restaurant, a cat sanctuary and a specialty lodge, Inle Heritage House is a family-friendly restaurant away from the lakeshore. If you are traveling with kids, take them out to the back yard where they can learn about all kinds of vegetables.
Offering organic and fresh fare, the owner would obviously love her guests to dine healthily. Play with the cats for a while after the meal. Cooking classes are also available here.
The restaurant plays a role in the hotel’s training project for hospitality. Young chefs bring on quite a feast, including fresh-veggie spring rolls, steamed banana flowers, Inle stuffed fish grilled with herbs, and bamboo-shoot salad.
Location: Inpawkhon Village | Inle Lake, Taunggyi
Category: Burmese
Cost: USD 25 to 40 per person
Halal and vegetarian-friendly: yes
Red Mountain Estate
Best known for fine wine and local brews, Red Mountain Estate is also a good place to go for dinner. Dinner time comes complete with a gorgeous sunset view of the lake. The restaurant is located on the mountain slope, a good stopping point on or conclusion to a cycling trip around Inle Lake.
The venue enticed a master winemaker from France and equipment was brought from Italy, along with the grape plants, making it a true treasure in a country where alcohol is otherwise rarely seen.
Red Mountain has a traditional Burmese menu fused with international fare. Its most tempting part is a platter full of small portions of typical Intha dishes, including brown bean fries, Indian leek salad, fish filled with herbs, crispy fried tofu and rice mixed with minced fish.
A delicious Burmese meal can be perfected by a nice bottle of local whisky.
Location: Taung Chay Village Group, Nyaung Shwe
Category:Burmese
Cost: USD 25 to 35 per person
Halal and vegetarian-friendly: not so much
Don’t miss out on Inle Lake during your Myanmar trip. Once there, just release any anxiety and enjoy the fascinating overwater lifestyles, alongside the scrumptious Shan cuisine. Take the first step today and create your own trip to Myanmar (using the tailor-make button).
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