Why go: At its best, Burmese cooking is a riot of color, texture, and flavor, a mixing and matching of Indian and Chinese cooking that tastes like neither. This family-style restaurant manages to make the exotic feel familiar.
What to get: Crunchy ginger-and-shredded-cabbage salad; garlicky tea-leaf salad; salmon and green peppers in tomato-based curry sauce; sliced pork sautéed with sour mustard greens and cilantro; ShweJi, a sweet custard dessert of Cream of Wheat, coconut, and milk.
Best for: A satisfying meatless meal. Servers ask if fish sauce is okay with certain preparations, plus there are vegetarian and vegan designations on the menu.
Insider tip: Children are warmly welcomed—a Sesame Street floor mat is placed under a high chair, and paper plates and plastic utensils are furnished.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
>> See all 2009 Cheap Eats restaurants here