A Taste of Burma Arrives in Manila via California
Rangoon Ruby, a well-loved Burmese restaurant from California, has finally made its way to Manila, bringing a unique blend of flavors inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Burma (now Myanmar). Originally founded by the Lee family in 2012, the restaurant first opened in Palo Alto, at the heart of Silicon Valley. Over the years, Rangoon Ruby has expanded across the state, boasting four branches in California.
Bringing Rangoon Ruby to the Philippines
Rommel Ng, president of G2G Allspice Eatery, shared that Rangoon Ruby’s arrival in Manila was an unexpected but welcome surprise. Ng had initially traveled to the U.S. with the intention of bringing another restaurant concept back home. However, the warm hospitality and vibrant cuisine of the Lee family’s Burmese restaurant inspired him to introduce Rangoon Ruby to Filipino diners instead.
Chef Max Lee, the second-generation owner of Rangoon Ruby, flew to Manila to personally oversee the opening of the first branch. He explained that the restaurant was born out of a desire to share his mother’s traditional Burmese recipes with the world. “Burmese cuisine is a complete mix of Indian, Thai, and Chinese,” Chef Max clarified, debunking any misconceptions about the simplicity of the food.
A Hearty Fusion of Flavors
The restaurant’s kitchen hums with the sound of high-pressure burners, a sign of the wok-heavy stir-frying that is central to many Burmese dishes. Combined with flavorful curries, which draw inspiration from both Indian and Thai spices, the food at Rangoon Ruby is hearty, aromatic, and full of heat.
While some dishes on the menu may appear familiar, such as samosas, biryani, and paratha with mild chicken curry, the real stars are the unique Burmese creations that are hard to find elsewhere.
Must-Try Dishes
The Iced Burmese Milk Tea is a standout beverage. Unlike typical sweet milk teas, it has a bold flavor and minimal sweetness, reminiscent of local milk tea with only 25% sugar. For something more refreshing, the Red Dragon Fruit Shake offers a natural sweetness that’s perfect for cooling off.
The Tea Leaf Salad is another dish not to miss. Featuring a fermented Burmese tea leaf dressing, this salad is mixed with dal, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. A spritz of lemon elevates the flavors, ensuring no ingredient, especially the sunflower seeds, dominates the dish.
The Nam Gi Duoc—udon-like noodles with a mild coconut chicken curry—shows the subtlety of Burmese cuisine. Topped with cilantro, fried shallots, fried wontons, and a soft-boiled egg, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and fresh flavors.
The Pork Belly with Coconut Rice: A Must-Order
Perhaps the most highly recommended dish is the Pork Belly with Coconut Rice. Chef Max humorously noted that the Manila version of Rangoon Ruby’s food is “more authentic” because “the more oil, the better.” The dish features thick, melt-in-your-mouth chunks of pork belly, cooked in a spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy coconut rice. It resembles a spicy Chinese hong shao rou or a rich pork adobo but stands out with its own Burmese flair.
Other Standout Dishes
The Eggplant with Thick Soy Sauce is a familiar dish for fans of Chinese cuisine, but the addition of chilies and ginger gives it a distinct Burmese kick.
Seafood lovers should try the Ruby Shrimp, Rangoon Ruby’s take on seafood curry. This dish is spicy yet balanced by the fresh flavor of basil.
Sweet Endings
For dessert, Rangoon Ruby offers a version of Sapin-Sapin, a Filipino delicacy, with a twist. Their version includes toasted coconut and peanut balls nestled in glutinous rice. The highlight, however, is the coconut mousse topped with perfectly chewy boba.
Another dessert to try is the Swe Sin Eye, the Burmese take on the popular Filipino halo-halo. This refreshing dessert combines peanut mochi, boba, gulaman, sago, cendol, coconut bits, and ube. Slices of white bread on the side serve as the perfect tool for soaking up the remaining sweet milk at the bottom of the bowl.
A Unique Dining Experience
Rangoon Ruby’s entrance into the Manila food scene offers a rare opportunity to experience authentic Burmese cuisine. Whether it’s for the spicy curries or the refreshing desserts, this restaurant is a must-visit for food lovers eager to explore the rich culinary heritage of Burma.
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