How to eat Vegetarian in Burma!

Being a vegetarian in Myanmar presents unique challenges and rewards, deeply intertwined with cultural, religious, and historical factors. Although vegetarianism is not the norm for most Burmese people, it is still highly respected, particularly within the Buddhist context. The relationship between food, religious practice, and ethical considerations makes vegetarianism a subject of significant contemplation, both for locals and foreign visitors.

In the Theravāda Buddhist tradition followed by most Burmese, monks are not required to follow a vegetarian diet. The Buddha’s teachings allow monks to eat whatever food is offered to them by laypeople, provided that the animals were not killed specifically for their meal. This flexibility can sometimes be surprising for foreign visitors, especially those expecting a stricter adherence to vegetarianism within the monastic community. The principle behind this allowance is to avoid burdening the laity, as refusing their food offerings could discourage them from making merit through their generosity. However, the paradox remains: while meat consumption is permissible under the Vinaya rules, abstaining from eating meat is seen as an admired virtue among laypeople.

In practice, vegetarianism is a flexible concept in Myanmar. Many Burmese respect those who choose to abstain from meat, especially monks who adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. Some prominent monks, such as U Sarana, a Czech monk residing in Myanmar, have noted that vegetarian monks are often treated with more care and respect than non-vegetarians. The Burmese take pride in catering to vegetarian monks and may go out of their way to provide special dishes for them. For foreign yogis and monks, making a request for vegetarian food is not considered rude and is generally met with understanding and accommodation.

For most Burmese, however, meat remains a central part of their diet. While vegetarianism is respected, it is not widely practiced among the general population. Many Burmese enjoy dishes containing meat and fish, and while they might find abstaining from animal products commendable, the majority are not inclined to follow a strictly vegetarian lifestyle. This cultural preference for meat can sometimes make it difficult for vegetarians to find varied meals outside specific vegetarian restaurants or monasteries. Foreign vegetarians, especially those without local knowledge, may find themselves frequently resorting to simple dishes like fried rice or noodles. Nevertheless, with some foresight and the ability to communicate dietary preferences in Burmese, vegetarians can usually find a well-balanced meal.

The availability of vegetarian food is more prominent in certain regions of Myanmar, particularly in areas with strong Buddhist influences or where vegetarianism has historical significance. Shan cuisine, for example, offers more vegetarian options compared to other regions, although these dishes are often prepared in the same pots as non-vegetarian meals. Moreover, certain tofu varieties commonly used in Burmese cooking provide a good protein substitute for vegetarians. Tofu made from chickpeas is particularly popular in Shan state, with some dishes featuring a bright yellow color due to the addition of turmeric.

Monasteries and meditation centers are often more accommodating to vegetarians, especially when visitors make their preferences known in advance. At some monasteries, a separate table may even be set up for vegetarian meals if there are multiple vegetarian visitors. While it is important to avoid making too many specific demands, a simple request for vegetarian food is usually met with hospitality. For those planning to sponsor a Saṅgha-Dāna (a meal offering to monks), it is possible to request that only vegetarian food be served, though this depends on the customs of the specific monastery. Some monasteries are accustomed to serving meat and fish regularly and may find it challenging to adjust entirely to a vegetarian menu for a large group. In these cases, practicing renunciation and accepting the limitations of the situation is often the most respectful approach.

Historical attitudes toward vegetarianism in Myanmar have fluctuated, particularly among the ruling elite. There have been periods when vegetarianism was actively promoted. For example, during the reign of King Alaunpaya in the 18th century, the slaughter of cattle for meat was banned, and similar orders were issued by King Mindon a century later. Monks like Ledi Sayadaw were also vocal proponents of vegetarianism, especially in relation to cattle, which played a vital role in the agricultural economy. Ledi Sayadaw’s advocacy for vegetarianism resonated with many Burmese, leading to a cultural aversion to beef consumption that persists to this day. His influence even extended to the formation of the Association for Refraining from Eating Beef, a movement that encouraged abstinence from beef for both ethical and economic reasons.

Vegetarianism is also intertwined with other spiritual practices in Myanmar. Many who follow the path of samathā (concentration meditation) or mettā (loving-kindness) choose to abstain from meat as part of their practice. Similarly, practitioners of weikza (a form of Burmese esoteric Buddhism) often adhere to a vegetarian diet. During the Waso festival, some Burmese take vows to abstain from meat for a period, further highlighting the connection between vegetarianism and religious observance.

While vegetarianism in Myanmar is not mainstream, it holds a place of high respect and significance, especially within the religious community. Foreigners who adopt a vegetarian diet will find that their choices are supported and even admired, particularly within monastic settings. However, they should also be prepared to navigate a culture where meat is prevalent, and where adjustments may be needed to maintain a balanced vegetarian diet. With patience and a willingness to communicate, vegetarians can find their place in Myanmar’s diverse culinary landscape.