Rangoon or Yangon, as it is now called, is not 5,000-odd kilometres away but rather much closer to home, right here in JP Nagar. And that is all thanks to Société Rangoon, the city's newest Burmese restaurant that is bringing us the flavours of Rangoon and Myanmar. Located on the busy 100 Feet Ring Road, JP Nagar 5th Phase, Société keeps the decor modern with splashes of Burmese elements. The restaurant shares its space with Taiki, its sister brand that does Japanese and Asian food, with the bar and the wooden paneling acting as a divider.
The menu has been curated by Chef Zaw Mahesh of Lahpet London fame and his wife Tin Muyar and like the name of the London restaurant, lahpet (pickled tea) feature of the menu generously. The Lahpet Chicken Lollies, which were the first to arrive on the table set the tone for our dinner – it's got that funky flavour without being overpowering and there's a bit of spice that comes through and pairs well with the mango-lychee chutney served on the side. It's a pity that they don't give the mango-lychee chutney in bottles – we can see ourselves dipping everything in it.
Shan delicacies from the Shan region also feature on the menu generously with us trying the Shan Fried Rice with Chef Zaw's Masala Fish and Société Mutton. The rice was too tomato-forward for us, but it paired well with the fish and mutton. The mutton features lahpet and is something that fills you up quite well with the meat cooked just right – we love how there's the flavour of mutton coming through the fermented undertones. The fish was delightful – it was tangy, spicy, and rich with the tamarind adding depth.
We wanted to try the Mohinga, which is Myanmar's national dish, but were already full, so we just tried the fish soup component of the dish – it's such a hearty bowl and when you add the Balachaung to it, it gets so much of that savouriness that the dried shrimp and garlic bring. Ohn-no Kauk Swe or Khao Suey is also on the menu for those who prefer noodle soup bowls.
We wrapped up our meal with Tin's Rose Sagu, which will help you end your meal on a sweet note.
