Walk the closed-off street in the evening and choose skewers from stalls.
The 19th Street BBQ Crawl is a self-guided evening food walk along 19th Street in Latha Township, the heart of Yangon's Chinatown in Myanmar. There is no tour operator: visitors walk the street on their own and order directly from the open-air barbecue restaurants and stalls that spill tables onto the pavement after dark. The street is closed to most traffic in the evening, which turns the block into a lively strip of grills, plastic stools and cold beer, popular with locals and travellers alike.
The food is Chinese-Burmese barbecue. Skewers are chosen from refrigerated displays or trays and grilled to order over charcoal. Typical options include chicken, pork, beef, lamb, fish balls, offal, tofu, mushrooms, okra, corn and other grilled vegetables, usually paired with dipping sauces and chilli. The crawl is overwhelmingly savoury; sweet items are limited to whatever fruit or dessert vendors are nearby. Most visitors sample skewers at two or three stalls rather than committing to one, which keeps the format flexible and lets each person set the pace and number of stops.
A typical walk takes about two hours. Costs listed for the route run from roughly 8,000 to 20,000 MMK (about $1.85-4.65) per person, covering skewers, grilled vegetables and a beer or two. Nothing is pre-paid or bundled: food, drink and transport to the street are all paid separately, and bills are settled at each stall. Groups are whatever the visitor brings, so the experience suits solo travellers, couples and larger parties equally, and English-language menus are available at some of the busier restaurants while others rely on pointing at the display.
Dietary substitutions are not formally offered, but the à-la-carte format makes it easy to choose vegetable, tofu or seafood skewers and skip meat. Visitors with allergies or strict restrictions should confirm ingredients before ordering because sauces and marinades are shared. The best season is November to February, when the evenings are cooler and drier, making the outdoor seating far more comfortable than during the hot or monsoon months.
| Price | 8,000-20,000 MMK (~$1.85-4.65) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Address | 19th Street, Latha Township, Yangon |
What is included
- BBQ skewers
- beer
- grilled vegetables
Good to know
- Operator
- Self-guided (no operator)
Location
19th Street, Latha Township, Yangon
16.7755, 96.1495 View on map
Highlights
- Charcoal-grilled skewers cooked to order at open-air Chinatown stalls
- Closed-off evening street with pavement tables and a lively local crowd
- Chinese-Burmese flavours: grilled vegetables, seafood, meats and dipping sauces
- Flexible, pay-as-you-go format at roughly 8,000-20,000 MMK per person
Tips for visiting
- Arrive hungry and begin after dusk, when the street is closed to traffic and grills are fully lit.
- Order a few skewers at several stalls rather than a large order at one to sample more variety.
- Check the price per skewer or plate before ordering, as totals can add up quickly.
- Vegetarians can choose mushrooms, tofu, okra and corn, but should confirm shared sauces and grills.
- Carry small notes in kyat and keep a hand sanitiser or tissues, as stalls are casual.
When to visit
Evenings after sunset from November to February are best, when the street is closed to traffic and the weather is cooler.
Accessibility
The street is flat but crowded, with uneven pavement, stools and traffic at the cross streets. Wheelchair users may find movement through the tables difficult.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a tour operator for the 19th Street BBQ crawl?
No. It is a self-guided walk where visitors order directly from the restaurants and stalls along 19th Street in Latha Township.
How much does an evening on 19th Street cost?
Roughly 8,000-20,000 MMK (about $1.85-4.65) per person for skewers, grilled vegetables and beer, depending on how much is ordered.
When is the best time to go?
Evenings from November to February are the most comfortable, with cooler, drier weather. The street is liveliest after dark.
Are vegetarian options available?
Yes. Grilled mushrooms, tofu, okra and other vegetables are commonly sold, though sauces and grills are often shared with meat.