Burma Burma returns to Delhi with tea, stories, and a sweet new chapter

The Hindu

2 days ago

After a seven-year hiatus, Burma Burma, the vegetarian Burmese restaurant and tea room, has made its way back to Delhi-NCR's dining scene. Known for its layered flavours, warm hospitality, and immersive storytelling, the brand has launched three new outlets—at DLF Promenade in Vasant Kunj, Worldmark 3 at Aerocity, and Worldmark 65 in Gurugram—marking a significant expansion in the region.
'Delhi is, and will continue to be, one of our most exciting markets,' says Ankit Gupta, co-founder of Burma Burma. 'People here love to eat, they love to go out, and food is a big part of their lives.'
A tea-forward menu
Tea has always been central to Burma Burma's philosophy, and the new From Burma with Tea menu takes this focus further. 'We are one of the very few restaurant-forward brands that explicitly calls itself a restaurant and tearoom,' says Ankit. 'In Burma, tea–or Laphet Yay–is at the heart of daily life, so much so that it is even eaten. Tea shops, not restaurants, have long been the country's social hubs, where people gather after work to share tea and watch movies together,' he adds.
India's deep-rooted chai culture made it easy for Burma Burma to introduce Indian diners to Burma's vibrant tea traditions. What began as a cultural parallel soon evolved into a deeper exploration, culminating in the addition of pulled tea to the brand's offerings, an ode to a ritual that's as beloved in Yangon as it is in Delhi.
The pulled tea is a creamy, layered drink made with black tea and three types of milk—regular, evaporated and condensed—and pulled to achieve the perfect texture. The limited-edition menu features Yangon Royal Tea, layered with cream and best enjoyed with Chin state potato croquettes—crisp bites of five-spice mock meat, served with a spring salad and black bean dip. The creamy bagan tea brings a richer, rounder flavour, while chilled choices like iced milk tea (with spiced black tea and milk foam) and the coconut iced tea (with coconut milk and custard) bring a refreshing counterpoint.
At Burma Burma's tea shop, snacks and noodle bowls elevate a simple tea break into a satisfying meal. Begin with the seared tofu and avocado salad, a dish made of crisp tofu, creamy avocado, tomatoes, and scallions tossed in a chilli-garlic lime dressing. The corner cart skewers, inspired by Burmese street food, feature pan-seared mock meatballs in a sticky chilli glaze. For something bold, try the cracklin' Burmese dumplings, that are stuffed with edamame and shiitake, spiced with Kalar Lay curry, and paired with a mustard-chilli dip. End on a sweet note with tea shop toast, honey-glazed and soaked in custard apple milk, finished with clotted cream.
A sweet finale
The brand's expansion is also marked by a reimagined dessert programme, The Sweet Life. Curated in collaboration with award-winning patisserie expert chef Vinesh Johny, the menu draws from Burma's tropical abundance, think bananas, coconuts, peaches and berries, while also playing with nostalgia.
Start with the celebration cake. Seven layers of moist chocolate sponge with tart cherries, finished tableside with a pour of molten chocolate. The milk tea cheesecake, infused with Burmese laphet ye, is a Basque-style treat served with cinnamon-spiced apple compote. For a tropical finish, try the Coconut and pineapple crème brûlée, topped with caramel and served with pineapple compote, cinnamon gelato, honeycomb, and a semolina cake crumble.
Burma Burma is already eyeing its next phase of expansion in Delhi-NCR, with potential locations at Pacific Mall in Rajouri Garden and Dwarka, the upcoming DLF Mall of India in Gurugram, and Ambience Mall, also in Gurugram. 'As the city grows and new spaces emerge, we will capitalise on the right opportunities,' says Ankit adding that the brand has also filed patents in the UK and UAE in preparation for international expansion.
From Burma with Tea, available from August 1 to September 30, 2025 at the three newly opened restaurants in Delhi NCR. This special menu will subsequently be available at all 18 Burma Burma restaurants across India from Sept 1 to 30, 2025.