Whenever I’m traveling, I often turn to Tripadvisor as a last resort when it comes to food recommendations. This was the case during my trip to Mandalay, Myanmar, after experiencing a couple of lackluster meals at other restaurants. Super 81 was a pleasant surprise, and it quickly became my go-to place in Mandalay. It offers that exciting local dining atmosphere and quality food that I always seek while traveling through Asia. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in the city.
Super 81 is immensely popular, and when we first arrived, it was a bit overwhelming. The downstairs area was packed, and we almost turned around. Luckily, we didn’t give up and were quickly ushered upstairs. After climbing several flights of stairs and passing more busy rooms and rooftops, we finally arrived at a private room in the back of the restaurant. Super 81 gave off the vibe of a small shophouse restaurant that had expanded to occupy an entire building, with local chatter, drinks, and delicious food filling every corner.
A Menu with Endless Options
The menu at Super 81 is a culinary adventure, offering a wide range of dishes from across Asia, with Chinese food taking a prominent spot. The list of options feels endless—ranging from grilled duck Brunei curry to Taiwan-style fish rolls, and even Singapore-style fried grilled duck Konbong. I could have easily spent the entire night reading through the menu, daydreaming about the meals I wanted to try. Eventually, we made our selections, and I couldn’t resist the “whole duck served with three kinds of curry” for 9,500 Kyat, which turned out to be a fantastic choice.
The standout dish for me, however, was the steamed seabass with lemon and chili (7,500 Kyat), a dish I never would have picked on my own, but it was absolutely delicious. The portions were generous, and the variety of flavors was truly impressive. With so many dishes in front of me, I couldn’t even remember all of them, but the meal was a highlight of the trip. The total bill for four people came to 31,300 Kyat (about $31 USD), which I found to be incredibly affordable for such a feast. To top it off, the Mandalay Beer at 1,500 Kyat per large bottle was a steal, especially when compared to the 3,000+ Kyat you’d pay at most tourist spots.
Where to Find Super 81
Super 81 is located at No. 582, on the corner of 81st Street and 39th Street in Mandalay. The restaurant is easily recognizable with motorbikes lined up outside, and the lively buzz from the food stalls and conversations filling the air. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come together to enjoy great food and company.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a unique local dining experience, Super 81 in Mandalay is definitely worth a visit. With its expansive menu, vibrant atmosphere, and unbeatable value, it’s a spot I’d return to time and time again.
