Tea shops in Burma are more than places to stop for a cup of tea. They are neighbourhood gathering spaces where conversations unfold over steaming cups of tea, freshly prepared breads and comforting meals served from morning until night. At the heart of this everyday tradition are PaukSe, soft steamed buns, and Palata, flaky flatbreads that have long been staples of Burmese tea shops.
For generations, these indigenous breads have been served alongside rich curries, savoury fillings and endless rounds of tea. Eating is never hurried in Burma’s tea shops. Instead, meals are built around togetherness, where another serving of food or tea is always welcome and conversations linger long after the plates are cleared.
Bringing this tea shop culture to the table, Burma Burma has introduced PaukSe & Palata: Windows to Burma, a limited-edition menu celebrating the country’s iconic steamed buns and flaky flatbreads. Running from August 1 to 31, 2026, the menu is available for dine-in at its Hyderabad restaurant in Sattva Knowledge City, followed by outlets in Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad and Kolkata. It is also available for home delivery through Swiggy and Zomato.
Inspired by the culinary team’s travels through Burma’s tea shops and street-side stalls, the menu features three varieties of PaukSe, four Palata creations, Burmese pulled teas, house-made sodas and desserts, offering diners a glimpse into one of the country’s most cherished food traditions.
What’s on the Menu?
- PaukSe (Steamed Buns): Tofu & Scallion Twist, PaukSe Burger, Spicy Curry Buns.
- Palata (Flaky Flatbreads): Tea Break Palata, Sunday Curry Palata, OG Burmese Taco, Palata Sando.
- Beverages: Pistachio & Saffron Pulled Tea, Cinnamon Spice Pulled Tea, Sea Salt Honeycomb, Jasmine Rice & Brown Sugar Pulled Tea, BB House Cola.
- Desserts: Tea Shop Cream Puff, Nutty Banana Sundae.
Visited, Tasted & Reviewed
On a cloudy afternoon in the tech-savvy part of the city, I began with the Cinnamon Spice, a pulled milk tea infused with cinnamon and star anise, hoping it would ease my cold and sore throat. Its gentle warmth was just what I needed on a rainy day, while the subtle spice came through without being overpowering. Paired with buttery, nutty crackers, it made for the perfect start to the meal.
One of the standout dishes I really loved was the OG Burmese Taco. Filled with keema palata, spicy minced mock meat and chilli garlic butter, it delivered bold flavours in every bite. I loved the balance of spice, richness and flaky texture, and it immediately left me craving more.
Later came the Tofu & Scallion Twist, made with silky tofu and scallions tossed in sesame oil and spices, wrapped inside a soft steamed bun. Paired with the spring onion dip, it almost melted in my mouth, while its delicate flavours reminded me of steamed momos with a unique Burmese touch.
The Paukse Burger arrived in a neatly packed box alongside sweet potato fries. The crisp corn and jalapeño patty layered with mango-pineapple salsa inside soft poppy-seed steamed buns created a pleasant balance of sweetness and crunch. While I liked the burger, the sweet potato fries stole the show for me. They were so addictive that I ended up ordering two extra packets, as the portion felt too small to stop at just one.
Next came the Sunday Curry Palata, inspired by a traditional Burmese recipe. Mixed together before serving, the mildly spiced curry with potatoes and plant protein soaked into the flaky palata, creating a comforting balance of soft textures and subtle flavours. It felt wholesome and satisfying without being too heavy.
To complement the meal, the BB House Cola easily became my favourite beverage. Infused with tamarind and palm sugar, and finished with a slice of lemon and fresh rosemary, it struck a refreshing balance between sweet, tangy and herbal notes, making it a perfect palate cleanser between dishes.
I then tried the Spicy Curry Buns, where fried vegetable-stuffed buns were nestled in a spicy coconut curry and finished with crunchy chips. The crispy exterior paired well with the creamy curry, while the vegetable filling added another layer of flavour that came together beautifully.
As I was gradually getting full, the Tea Break Palata arrived with its bright yellow appearance catching my attention straight away. Served with fragrant lentil curries, brown onions, mint and green chillies, dipping the flaky palata into the curries brought together earthy, aromatic and mildly spicy flavours, making it a simple yet comforting dish.
Before moving to dessert, I opted for the Jasmine Rice & Brown Sugar Pulled Tea. Topped with cheese foam and sugar jelly, with brown sugar settled at the bottom, it offered different textures in every sip. The jelly melted smoothly, while the creamy foam complemented the fragrant tea, making it another refreshing drink on the menu.
Coming to the desserts, I really enjoyed the Tea Shop Cream Puff. Lightly dusted with sugar and generously filled with rich malai cream, it practically melted in my mouth. The airy pastry and creamy filling made it one of my favourite desserts of the meal.
I ended the experience with the Nutty Banana Sundae, layered with pulled palata, hazelnut spread, condensed milk, banana slices and banana caramel ice cream. Every spoonful balanced creamy ice cream, rich hazelnut, sweet banana and crunchy textures, making it a satisfying and indulgent finish to the meal.
With its thoughtfully curated Paukse & Palata menu, comforting Burmese-inspired flavours and signature tea shop experience, I found Burma Burma once again delivering a menu that feels playful, authentic and easy to enjoy, making it a memorable dining experience for anyone looking to explore Burmese cuisine beyond the familiar.
Got questions or experiences to share? Comment below or connect with me on Instagram @samuelmjosh and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-joshua-maddela-ab210b1b9
