As Yangon is the commercial capital of Myanmar, it is a hub of abundant job opportunities. Due to the urban lifestyle, most adults are in the workforce, which has led to changes in daily eating habits.
While people in Yangon often have a quick and simple breakfast consisting of coffee, tea, or snacks, it is observed that they tend to eat full, proper meals consisting of rice and curry for lunch and dinner.
Most office workers eat lunch either from a packed lunch box (HTA-MIN-JOINT) or at restaurants near their workplace. Dinner is typically enjoyed at home with family after work. In particular, lunch—being the meal in the middle of the day—is given special importance. Even those who skip dinner for health reasons tend to ensure they have a nutritious lunch.
MY Yangon Guide has surveyed prices ranging from shops for basic income earners to famous rice shops to see how much a single lunch costs in Yangon, and we are sharing the findings in this article.
Lunch Cost Estimates
If we look at "How much does a lunch cost in Yangon?", prices vary depending on the type of restaurant chosen and the dishes ordered. The following estimates are for a single person.
1. Affordable or Basic Shops (Standard Plate / "Pone Sar")
· Order Type: A standard plate of rice and curry (e.g., Rice with a small portion of meat, a small portion of fried vegetables, served with soup, fish paste dip, and fresh vegetables).
· Estimated Price (Per Person): 3,000 MMK to 5,000 MMK
· This price range is the most suitable choice for those looking to save on daily expenses.
2. Mid-Range Shops (Ordering A La Carte)
· Order Type: Ordering separate dishes: Rice, one Meat/Fish curry, and one Fried Vegetable dish. (These shops offer larger portions and slightly better quality compared to basic shops).
· Estimated Price (Per Person): 5,000 MMK to 15,000 MMK
· Depending on the type of dish ordered (e.g., river prawns, seafood, premium cuts of meat) and the fame of the shop, the price can exceed 15,000 MMK.
In Summary
When it comes to having lunch in Yangon, workers tend to choose based on their budget and available time.
· You can start eating a "Standard Plate" (Pone Sar) from a minimum of around 3,000 MMK. If you wish to eat a more complete meal or higher quality dishes, it can cost anywhere from 5,000 MMK to 15,000 MMK or more.
· For daily dining, around 5,000 MMK might be a standard expense, but the price rises significantly if premium meat curries are included.
What about you?
When you go to the office or work, do you bring a packed lunch, or do you eat at a shop? If you eat out, what price range are you currently paying? Please share your experiences with us.
Note:
The prices mentioned above are based on standard conditions at restaurants in Yangon as of November 2025. Prices may vary depending on the specific shop, location, and dishes chosen.
