- Attraction: Amayar Kitchen
- Location: 111 E Passaic St, Maywood, NJ 07607
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://order.toasttab.com/online/amayar-kitchen
Burmese cuisine rarely makes an appearance in New Jersey, which makes the discovery of this family-run spot all the more thrilling.
Opening its doors in November 2020 during one of the most challenging periods for restaurants, Amayar Kitchen defied the odds and quickly became a destination worth traveling for.
Owner and head chef Aung “Sato” Myint, with no formal culinary training, learned his craft simply by observing during his travels throughout Myanmar and eating his way through the country’s diverse food scene.
What he’s created here feels less like a restaurant and more like an extension of his home—which is exactly what he intended. The tiny space seats only four to five tables, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in authenticity and heart.
You’ll find dishes here that taste like they’ve been passed down through generations, the kind of food Burmese grandparents would lovingly prepare. The menu spans appetizers, noodle soups, curries, and desserts, with plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans, and pescatarians.
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Keep Exploring →Whether you’re a first-timer to Burmese cuisine or someone chasing memories of travel through Southeast Asia, this place delivers flavors that feel both exotic and comforting—a rare combination that keeps people coming back again and again.
Signature Dishes You Have To Try
The Tea Leaf Salad (Lahpet Thoke): This isn’t your typical salad. Fermented tea leaves—once exchanged as peace offerings between warring Burmese kingdoms—get tossed with cabbage, tomatoes, cilantro, and a crunchy medley of peanuts, garlic chips, chickpeas, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds.
The result tastes floral and nutty with varied textures in every bite, almost like a savory trail mix transformed into a refreshing starter. Some find the nutty intensity polarizing, but for those who love it, this becomes the dish they order every single visit.
Mohinga: Often called Myanmar’s national dish, this bowl of rice noodle soup arrives steaming with a black pepper fish broth that hits you in flavorful waves. You’ll taste layers of onion, egg, peanuts, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, and lemongrass building complexity with each spoonful.
Hours of cooking create a depth that feels almost luxurious, and the peppered fish adds a pleasant kick without overwhelming heat. This is comfort food at its finest—perfect for chilly days or when you need something deeply satisfying.
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Discover MorePalata: These fried flatbreads come stuffed with your choice of beef, chicken, potato, or peas, arriving golden and flaky with a satisfying crunch. The bread harmonizes beautifully with its filling, creating rich, savory bites that work wonderfully as an appetizer or even a light meal. While some wish for a bit more sauce to dip them in, the flavor stands strong on its own.
The Curries: Both the beef curry and chicken potato curry stand out as menu favorites for their complex spicing and generous portions. The beef curry features tender chunks swimming in a sauce layered with ginger, garlic, shallots, and chiles—creating a flavor profile that surpasses most Thai curries you’ve encountered.
The chicken potato curry offers warming comfort with perfectly balanced spice levels, never overwhelming but always present. Pairing either with the coconut rice elevates the experience even further, as the subtly sweet rice balances the curry’s boldness perfectly.
Bait Noodles: These stir-fried flat noodles loaded with assorted seafood and sausage deliver serious wok hei—that smoky, charred flavor that only comes from high-heat cooking.
The squid stays surprisingly tender rather than rubbery, and the chili sauce served alongside adds another dimension of heat and complexity. If you’re a fan of char kway teow or similar Southeast Asian noodle dishes, you’ll find this right in your wheelhouse.
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Keep Exploring →Duck SeeJet: The roast duck paired with garlicky flat noodles creates a richly flavored dish that satisfies without being heavy. The duck arrives tender and flavorful, and the garlic-forward noodles complement rather than compete with the meat.
Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup: Tender chicken swimming in coconut-infused broth with thick rice noodles makes for a creamy, comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out. The coconut adds richness without making it feel heavy, and the balance of flavors shows real skill in the kitchen.
Spring Rolls: Fresh, crisp vegetables wrapped in perfectly fried shells that stay crispy rather than greasy. They’re everything spring rolls should be—simple, clean-tasting, and addictive.
Sato Chips: These house-made chips come tossed with the restaurant’s signature chili seasoning. While simple, they make for an excellent snack to nibble on while you wait, especially if you enjoy a bit of heat with your crunch.
Tofu Salad: The savory and spicy version features fried tofu with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing that turns skeptics into believers. It’s one of those dishes that surprises people—tofu salad absolutely can be this good when done right.
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Discover MoreThe Sweet Finish
Falooda: This rose syrup drink layered with vermicelli and basil seeds offers a refreshing, unique way to end your meal. The texture surprises first-timers, but the combination of sweet and floral flavors provides a cooling contrast after spicy dishes.
Banana Leaf Sticky Rice: Steaming coconut sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves arrives with a sweet coconut-cinnamon sauce that tastes reminiscent of warm morning oatmeal. It’s an unexpected but delightful way to finish a meal, offering comfort in every bite.
Coconut Sticky Rice Cake: Sweet roasted coconut nestled inside a dumpling made from pounded sticky rice creates interesting textural contrasts. This dessert showcases ingredients and techniques you won’t find at typical American restaurants.
Atmosphere & Dining Experience
Intimate Setting: The dining room holds just four to five tables, creating an atmosphere that feels personal rather than crowded.
You’ll notice the impeccable cleanliness immediately—everything from the tables to the floor stays spotless even during busy periods. A door and counter separate the dining area from the kitchen, but you’ll often see Sato moving between both spaces.
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Keep Exploring →Home-Style Warmth: This truly feels like being welcomed into someone’s home. Sato frequently moves from table to table, greeting regulars and introducing himself to first-timers with genuine warmth.
His wife Lynn and their daughters often work alongside him, creating a family atmosphere that makes every visit feel special. Don’t be surprised if Sato shares stories about the dishes or offers recommendations based on what he’s cooking that day.
Modern Yet Casual: The decor leans modern with contemporary seating and up-to-date styling, but maintains a casual, unpretentious vibe. You can show up in jeans and feel completely comfortable. The small size means conversations remain easy without restaurant noise overwhelming your table.
Outdoor Option: When weather permits, you can enjoy outdoor seating, giving you another way to experience your meal.
Attention to Detail: Food presentation shows care—dishes arrive thoughtfully plated rather than carelessly thrown together. You’ll notice they use reusable tableware and compostable containers, reflecting a commitment to sustainability that extends beyond just the food.
Practical Considerations
Pricing: Expect to spend around $20-30 per person for a satisfying meal, which sits solidly in the mid-range. Appetizers run $8-13, noodle dishes $15-18, and curries $17-20 with rice included.
Given the generous portions, complex flavors, and quality ingredients, the pricing represents solid value—you’re getting exceptional food for what you’re paying.
Portions: The portions arrive genuinely generous. Many diners find themselves taking home leftovers, which means your investment stretches even further. The lunch specials (Tuesday-Friday, 11am-3pm) offer particularly good deals, pairing a noodle dish with an appetizer for around $13.
Parking: You’ll find convenient parking available, which removes one common dining-out headache. The location on East Passaic Street makes it easy to access from surrounding areas.
Dietary Accommodations: The restaurant takes food sensitivities and allergies seriously. You’ll be asked about dietary restrictions, and the kitchen willingly modifies dishes to meet your needs.
They keep halal meat separate from non-halal items, and the menu clearly marks vegan and vegetarian options. Pescatarians will find plenty of choices too.
Reservations: For larger groups, calling ahead makes sense—the small space can fill up during peak hours. Solo diners and couples can usually walk in without issues, though Friday and Saturday evenings see the most traffic.
Hours: Currently closed Sundays and Mondays. Tuesday through Thursday they’re open 11am-9pm, while Friday and Saturday extends to 10am-9pm. These hours give you flexibility for both lunch and dinner visits.
Family-Friendly: The casual atmosphere and diverse menu make this suitable for families with children. The modest spice levels on most dishes (with options to adjust) mean even less adventurous eaters can find something they’ll enjoy.
First-Timer Tips: If you’ve never tried Burmese food before, don’t hesitate to ask questions. The flavors share similarities with Thai, Malaysian, and Indian cuisines but maintain their own unique character.
Starting with the tea leaf salad and either a curry or mohinga gives you a solid introduction to what makes this cuisine special.
Takeout & Delivery: Full menu available for takeout, and they partner with delivery services for those who want to enjoy Amayar at home. The packaging maintains food quality well during transport.
Amayar Kitchen
📍 111 E Passaic St, Maywood, NJ 07607
