I was reading an article titled “ Mon hin ga memories  ” by Withaya
Huanok in the Culture Section of Irrawaddy Magazine NOVEMBER, 2009 -
VOLUME 17 NO.8 in .

It was about Mon Hin Ga , one of Myanmar typical, favourite
traditional foods. As told by Min Naing who the author met on his
visit to Myanmar.  How it is prepared by local people in various part
of Myanmar, and how it is monopolised or over taken by the Yangon Mon
Hin Ga ( Yangon style) all over the country according to Min Naing who
said he used to work for U Ne Win and he travelled around Myanmar with
him and study.  He did not say which U Ne Win but it would not be
wrong for me to assume or to understand that he meant, the one and
only , the late U Ne Win, BSPP Chairman.

I am not interested very much about this Mon hin ga, because I am a
Myanmar I know about Mon hin ga , not less than Min Naing or any other
Myanmar.  But Min Naing explained very well to those who wants to
know, who doesn’t know about it.

But what one thing bothers me ,is  Min Naing told Withaya, “  My
favorite is from my home, Monywa. We use bean powder and chicken. It
is called ‘anya mohinga.’ You can find it sometimes around Mandalay
and Pagan.”

As I have said that I am a Myanmar I have been to many parts of
Myanmar including , Monywa, Mandalay and Pagan but I have never tasted
that Mon  hin ga, prepare with bean powder .  May be I wasn’t there at
that “ some times ” when they prepared that particular “ any mohinga
” .  Shwe Taung Khaut Swe, Mandalay Monti and or Nangyi -Thote are
familiar ones in that part of Myanmar.   But who am I to argue with
the expert, who happened to be number one’s friend.

I was thinking about what Withaya Huanok tried to tell us through his
lovely photo. I am not sure what that photo would tell other people.
But I can only say what I can see in this photo. What it is telling
me.

I was interested in the photograph  that came with the article. It was
in colour , nicely taken, clear.  Quite a number of people around 16
of them in the photo, sitting and standing on the tools and tables
right in front of the shop enjoying their meal or drinks. I see that
people are well dressed, tidy and clean. Under the shade of big
colourful umbrellas, which you will see in the western countries, at
holiday resorts or in the back garden of people of some class.

Not to forget that a well dressed woman carrying a child in a sling,
standing as well  She may be a customer , she may be a beggar. There
are empty stools  but she was not sitting, especially with the child.
I assumed she is begging

 The shop and the tables are on the platform which is meant for the
pedestrians. But by the look of the photo, pedestrians have no rights,
no chance to use this platform which was meant for them.(pedestrians).

Myanmar is a Free Independent Sovereign Nation.  Myanmars are Free
people. According to the opposition Myanmars do not like
“disciplines”, any disciplines.

This shop , in Myanmar is called “ Lan Bay Zay Zaing ” . The Shop by
the street.  In Myanmar that is the tradition as Mon Hin Ga is . You
can go anywhere, any city, any town , take any amount of photos you
will see the same thing anywhere in Myanmar.

Once or twice I informed my people through this forum that Peasants in
Myanmar are drying their paddy in the sun , on the national high way
(tar road) which was meant for Inter Cities long distance. All
vehicles have to slow down, so that the wind won’t blow away the
paddy , or  travellers have to avoid their paddy and the Peasant
working as if that road is specially build for him .

What are the authorities doing? What are the local Sii Pin doing ? How
much local government or municipal administration ( Sii Pin ) collects
tax from this shop daily, weekly, monthly or annually? How planning
permission was granted ?  What about the food stall?  What about “
food hygiene” ? What about health and safety to all passers by, etc.,
etc. What about the awareness of all people of Myanmar in the
matters.

Is it insured, third party, fire and theft, or comprehensive? What if
the food is contaminated, food poison? Who will be responsible? Does
authorities care, does the seller care, do the customers care ?  Do
Myanmar care?

What if one careless driver ran into the crowd of customers ?   I can
see a white car passing by in the photo as well.

The author “ Withaya Huanok”  said nothing about these. no comments of
his own.

Myanmar, to be modern developed nation, which oppsition objects, which
the opposition opposes?

Regards,