GrubGirl.

Given the latest happenings in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), I figured I’d provide a brief lesson on the culture that has created the famous 12-ingredient Salad.

First, check out CNN’s FAQ on what’s going on in Myanmar, and why, this very moment.

Next, check out the map of the country (courtesy: Lonely Planet). Ah, this is why Burmese cuisine is described as being “influenced” by Chinese, Indian, and Thai cuisine. Look at the border countries, people!

Finally, go sample some Burmese grub food at 2 of 3 tasty restaurants:
Golden Mandalay
Yamo
I won’t mention the third “Super Star” restaurant as it gets enough publicity on

its own, thank you.

Yamo
3406 18th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 553-8911
M-Th: 10:30 am - 9:30 pm
F-Sa: 10:30 am - 10:00 pm

Look carefully or you may just miss the faded awning that houses this narrow rectangle of a space. Based on a recommendation by the San Francisco Chronicle’s annual Bargain Bites survey, I headed over to confirm if this was a real bargain or not.

Yes, folks, this is a dirt cheap bargain. For $5.25 an entree, and $3.50 for appetizers, you get made-to-order cooking as you sit at the tiny counter and wait (and wait, and wait) for the 1-2 women to stir up yummy Burmese dishes. Don’t forget to order the tea salad (it’s got some kick to it), and a curry noodle dish or two.

(Golden) Mandalay Restaurant
4344 California St
(between 5th Ave & 6th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 386-3896

I dined at the Golden Mandalay Restaurant (sometimes just called “Mandalay”) the other day to see how it compared to its more popular neighbor, Burma SuperStar. I could only find two Burmese restaurants listed in SF…anyone know why?

And the buzz is correct — how come more people don’t go to the GM? It is roomier than BSS, and the prices are more reasonable (~$6.50 - 10.00 for main dishes).