Walking into Daw-Yee Myanmar, it’s easy to think you have it pegged. You see the black and white checkerboard wall, you see the bright neon furniture, and you see the pink unicorn head hanging from the wall like the prize catch from last week’s gay Pinterest hunting retreat. It’s f*cking adorable. But if you think this modern spot’s sole purpose is to look cute on the internet, you’re quite mistaken. And the difference starts the second you open up that menu.

If you’re new to Burmese food, know that while its Southeast Asian origin means it’s influenced by both Thailand and India, this cuisine is also very much its own thing. And the Burmese food at Daw-Yee Myanmar is especially fantastic. You’re going to start with a tapioca and coconut milk-filled drink called Molasong, then move to the yellow lentil tofu sticks, the stuffed platha (pan-fried bread), and the tea leaf salad. Just save enough room for the Ohnoh noodle dish, because it’s basically a Burmese version of a curry noodle soup and it’s the best thing on the menu.

photo credit: Jakob Layman

If this seems at all overwhelming, relax. Not only will most dishes feel more familiar than you might expect, but Daw-Yee’s waitstaff will also be ready to answer even your dumbest questions. Patiently explaining how to order while remaining unbelievably nice is an art form they’ve clearly perfected. And sure, the interior is bright and cheerful and very ready to be photographed, but who cares? What’s more important is that Daw-Yee Myanmar is incredibly welcoming and laid-back and the kind of place you could see yourself hanging out in with friends a couple nights a week.

Peg this place however you want, but we’ve got it as one of our favorite places to open in Silver Lake in a while.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Molasong

Existing somewhere between a Thai Iced Tea and Boba, this is fantastic and not nearly as much of sugar bomb as you might think.

Fried Myanmar Tofu

These aren’t life-altering, but damn are they good. They’re like big, thick French fries with half the regret and sodium dehydration.

Platha

Deep. Fried. Bread. Enough said.

Laphet Thoke (Tea Leaf Salad)

This deconstructed salad (meaning they leave the ingredients up to you to mix around) is definitely the most interesting looking dish that’ll hit the table. But it’s also one of the best. The fermented tea leaves, shredded cabbage, steamed corn, and diced tomatoes combine to give you a salad you actually feel ok telling your friends about.

Ohnoh Noodles

Oh YES. Ok, we had to do that at least once, but now we’re past it and can talk about the dish. It’s phenomenal. Like waking up in the middle of the night to check to make sure this place is still open phenomenal. It’s basically a coconut milk soup with wheat noodles and it’s all we want. Ever.

Pork Curry

If you’re familiar with traditional Indian curry, this won’t taste too far off from that. It’s definitely delicious, but we’d fill up on more of those Ohnoh Noodles.

Rice Bowl

For anyone who considers themselves a fried rice kind of person, this is definitely your move. The fermented tea leaves give the whole thing a lighter feel, but throw an over easy egg on top of anything and we’ll get involved.