Once home, as the name suggests, to the governors of the British Crown Colony of Burma, such as Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith (Governor from 1941 to 1946) and Sir Hubert Rance (1946 to 1948), there are few more beautiful spots in Yangon to enjoy a meal.
Set on beautiful grounds in a leafy area west of town that was once home to the higher echelons of the British administration in the country, the Governor’s Residence Hotel is set in an elegant teak mansion built in the 1920s. The Mandalay Restaurant sits on an attractive veranda that overlooks the hotel’s pool and a green lawn that has peacocks roaming on it. The hotel also hosts dinners on the lawn itself.
With its Kipling Bar downstairs,which includes the Kipling Sling cocktail, here is a place that celebrates the country’s British past and, as one might expect, it is one of the more expensive options in town. Just around the corner is the now derelict Pegu Club, which was once colonial Rangoon’s version of the famous Raffles Hotel in Singapore.
There has been a slight change in menu recently to give the restaurant a more local feel, and one of the highlights offered is the Burmese Curry Table, which offers local curries, vegetables and rice served buffet style over charcoal.
While the majority of the menu is of local origin, those who are not too keen on the hot tang of Asian food can opt for less spicy options, and there is a fine selection of desserts.
While it is pricey, for those looking to impress a client, or a date, there are fewer more charming spots, and it’s the perfect finish to any evening with a refreshing cocktail.
