There’s not an overwhelming supply of Burmese cuisine in Melbourne. But fresh, vibrant and packing quite the punch, this section of the world houses a unique melting pot of flavours, adopting elements from China, India and Thailand, with a little dose of the West. The consuming culture in Burma is highly communal. There’s an extensive menu of meat, poultry and vegetable dishes, all of which is designed for diners to dip into multiple plates. In the restaurant’s own words, “at Burma Lane, we’ve tried to re-create the buzz and excitement of an Asian market, but with a more refined atmosphere and the addition of some European style elements to the food”. Dining is most certainly a social event here, and they’ve paired a banquet style menu with a carefully curated beverage selection to get your pulse pumping. Drop by during the week for a cheeky lunch special (the lunch banquet contains two main courses for an impressive $22, or three for $29), or sink your teeth into one of their pre-theatre delights (same, but different). Their signature dish? The potato and spicy shredded lamb cakes, served alongside a minty yoghurt. The team understand the importance of liquid refreshment and the wine list features a heady mix of plonk from across Australia with a couple of European guests. Meanwhile, the cocktail menu will put more than a few hairs on your chest. Opt for the On The Way To Mandalay, which artfully blends tequila, coconut, jackfruit and lime. Oh, and you can also BYO on Mondays.
Food In Focus: Burma Lane
