In Washington State, the vibrant cuisine of Myanmar comes alive—or at least as alive as it can get without a full-fledged Burmese restaurant scene.
While Burmese enthusiasts eagerly await the expansion of Rangoon Bistro from Portland, they gather at the Theravada Buddha Sasana Organization, located just north of Maltby, to enjoy a taste of home.
On the grounds of this Buddhist organization, a string of donation-driven food festivals takes place several times a year, with the April edition coinciding with the celebration of Burmese New Year.
Families, friends, and curious newcomers alike flock to these events, creating a community atmosphere where everyone is welcomed to indulge in traditional dishes.
Culinary offerings at the festival include favorites like mohinga, a fish soup regarded as a staple in Burmese households, often served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Aung Win, a hotel manager from Portland and key figure in organizing the festival, describes the camaraderie found here. He says, “We welcome anyone who loves Burmese food,” which sets the tone for an inclusive gathering.
While the festival typically showcases 20 to 30 dishes, attendees can expect the buffet to run out quickly as volunteers joyfully serve food and participants savor the experience.
As participants line up for vegetarian samosas, pork sticky rice, and the colorful dessert shwe yin aye—made with chilled coconut milk and jelly noodles—the true spirit of the festival shines through.
Win recalls previous events where he noticed unexpected crowds, leading to adjustments in the setup to better accommodate attendees. The long line of buffet tables and dining spaces allows for a more organized experience while preserving the casual, picnic-like environment.
For many in attendance, particularly the Burmese community, this festival represents more than just good food; it serves as a vital connection to their homeland.
As Aung Win puts it, “Everybody, every age, every group, every living being” is invited to come together, share food, and bridge cultural gaps.
Though the festivals are free to attend, donations play a crucial role in supporting the organization and its programs.
With the financial contributions gathered during the events, the organization aims to construct a new hall for their resident monk, Ashin Pannobhasa, who focuses on meditation and mindfulness teachings.
Currently, the organization hosts festivals periodically throughout the year, with only two more scheduled for 2023 on June 21 and September 27.
Despite the challenges posed by community size and resources, Aung Win ensures that everyone can enjoy the rich flavors of Burmese cuisine, fostering support for Burmese students and others who have come to the area under difficult circumstances.
As interest in these food festivals continues to grow, it also creates a hopeful vision for the future—one where more Burmese culinary establishments can thrive in Washington.
The addition of indoor festivals will not only extend the enjoyment of Burmese dishes into the winter months but will also facilitate a more stable source of food and community connection.
With each donation, attendees unknowingly contribute to the goal of bringing a permanent place for Burmese culture and cuisine to flourish in their region.
Until then, it seems participants will continue to embrace these festivals as both a delicious experience and an essential lifeline to their heritage.
image source from：https://www.seattlemet.com/eat-and-drink/2025/06/burmese-monastery-food-festival
