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Name: Mandalay Restaurant & Cafe
Address: 930 Bonifant St, Silver Spring, MD, 20910
Telephone: (301) 585-0500
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.95

Mandalay Restaurant & Cafe

930 Bonifant St, Silver Spring, MD, 20910

(301) 585-0500
Store is closed

Mandalay Restaurant & Cafe Menu

Appetizers

Baya Gyaw (gram Fritter) (4)

Boothee Gyaw (squash Fritter) (4)

Burmese Samosa (golden Triangle) (4)

Kawpyant Gyaw (spring Rolls) (4)

Kayannthee Gyaw (eggplant Fritter) (4)

Pazun Gyaw (fried Shrimp) (4)
Soups

Kyarzan Hingar

Mohingar

Ohnno Kaukswe

Theesone Hin

Theesone Hin Kyet
Salads

Baya Gyaw Thoke (gram Fritter Salad)

Gyinn Thoke (ginger Salad)

Kha Yann Chin Thee Thoke (tomato Salad)

Kyetthar Thoke (chicken Salad)

Let Phet Thoke (green Tealeaf Salad)

Pepyar Thoke (tofu Salad)

Pyigyi Ngar Thoke (squid Salad)

Thayatthee Thoke (mango Salad)

Thinnbawthee Thoke (green Papaya Salad)

Wetthar Thoke (pork Salad)

Pazun Thoke (shrimp Salad)

Kawpyant Gyaw Thoke (spring Roll Salad)

Htamin Thoke (steamed Jasmine Rice Salad)
Poultry Entrees

Kyetthar Aloo Hin

Kyetthar Asane Gyaw

Kyetthar Buthee Hin

Kyetthar Htamin Paung

Kyetthar Kyethinngarthee Gyaw

Kyetthar Motenyinchinn Gyaw

Kyetthar Ngayote Thee Hin

Kyetthar Hmyit Gyaw

Kyetthar Pinsane Or Nannanbin Hin

Kyetthar Aloo Masala Hin

Kyetthar Ohnno Hin

Kyetthar Thayetthee Hin

Mandalay Kyetthar (served Room Temperature)

Kyetthar Kabat Gyaw
Seafood Entrees

Ngar Hin

Ngarkhu Chochin Gyaw

Ngar Mageethee Hin

Pazun Chochin Gyaw

Pazun Motenyinchin Gyaw

Pazun Hin

Pazun Ohnno Hin

Tilapia Hin
Pork Entrees

Wetthar Aloo Hin

Wetthar Chochin Gyaw

Wetthar Htamin Paung

Wetthar Kayann Thee Hin

Wetthar Kyethinngarthee Gyaw

Wetthar Motenyinchin Gyaw

Wetthar Thayetthee Hin

Wetthar Hmyit Gyaw
Beef Entrees

Amethar Aloo Hin

Amethar Asane Gyaw

Amethar Kabat Gyaw

Amethar Nannanbin Hin

Amethar Ngayotethee Hin

Amethar Pinsane Hin

Amethar Htamin Paung
Noodle Entrees

Letthoke Sone (mixed Noodle Dish)

San Kyarzan / Kaukswe / Pe Kyarzan Thoke (served Room Temperature)

Nanjee Thoke (served Room Temperature)

Kyarzan / Kaukswe Gyaw

Nanjee Gyaw

Nyat Kaukswe Gyaw
Fried Rice Entrees

Htamin Gyaw
Vegetarian Entrees

Aloo Chochin Gyaw

Kayanchinthee Pepyar Hin

Kayann Thee Hin

A Sane Gyaw

Mandalay Tofu

Nyat Kaukswe Gyaw

Pepyar Pepinpauk Gyaw

Pepyoke Kyetthun Gyaw

Pepyoke Hmyit Gyaw

Pepyar Ngayotethee Hin

Tofu Kabat Gyaw

Tofu Motenyinchin Gyaw

Tofu Ohnno Hin

Tofu Pinsane Or Nannanbin Hin

Htamin Paung
Specialties

Ohnhta Min

Danpauk
Side Entrees

Achin Yay

Balachaung (ngapi) Gyaw

Chinbaung Hincho

Hingar

Mandalay Achoyay

Htamin Phyu

Danbauk Hta Min

Ohn Htamin
Desserts

Shweji

Sticky Rice With Brown Sugar & Coconut (vegan)

Coconut Ice Cream (vegan)

Healthy Meal suggestions for Mandalay Restaurant & Cafe

Appetizers

Baya Gyaw (gram Fritter) (4) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boothee Gyaw (squash Fritter) (4) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Burmese Samosa (golden Triangle) (4) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kawpyant Gyaw (spring Rolls) (4) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kayannthee Gyaw (eggplant Fritter) (4) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pazun Gyaw (fried Shrimp) (4) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soups

Kyarzan Hingar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mohingar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ohnno Kaukswe [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Theesone Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Theesone Hin Kyet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads

Baya Gyaw Thoke (gram Fritter Salad) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gyinn Thoke (ginger Salad) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kha Yann Chin Thee Thoke (tomato Salad) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kyetthar Thoke (chicken Salad) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Let Phet Thoke (green Tealeaf Salad) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pepyar Thoke (tofu Salad) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pyigyi Ngar Thoke (squid Salad) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Thayatthee Thoke (mango Salad) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Thinnbawthee Thoke (green Papaya Salad) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wetthar Thoke (pork Salad) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pazun Thoke (shrimp Salad) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kawpyant Gyaw Thoke (spring Roll Salad) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Htamin Thoke (steamed Jasmine Rice Salad) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Poultry Entrees

Kyetthar Aloo Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kyetthar Asane Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kyetthar Buthee Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kyetthar Htamin Paung [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kyetthar Kyethinngarthee Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kyetthar Motenyinchinn Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kyetthar Ngayote Thee Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kyetthar Hmyit Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kyetthar Pinsane Or Nannanbin Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kyetthar Aloo Masala Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kyetthar Ohnno Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kyetthar Thayetthee Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mandalay Kyetthar (served Room Temperature) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kyetthar Kabat Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Seafood Entrees

Ngar Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ngarkhu Chochin Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ngar Mageethee Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pazun Chochin Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pazun Motenyinchin Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pazun Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pazun Ohnno Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tilapia Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pork Entrees

Wetthar Aloo Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wetthar Chochin Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wetthar Htamin Paung [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wetthar Kayann Thee Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wetthar Kyethinngarthee Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wetthar Motenyinchin Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wetthar Thayetthee Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wetthar Hmyit Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Beef Entrees

Amethar Aloo Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Amethar Asane Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Amethar Kabat Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Amethar Nannanbin Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Amethar Ngayotethee Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Amethar Pinsane Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Amethar Htamin Paung [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Noodle Entrees

Letthoke Sone (mixed Noodle Dish) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

San Kyarzan / Kaukswe / Pe Kyarzan Thoke (served Room Temperature) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nanjee Thoke (served Room Temperature) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kyarzan / Kaukswe Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nanjee Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nyat Kaukswe Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Fried Rice Entrees

Htamin Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Vegetarian Entrees

Aloo Chochin Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kayanchinthee Pepyar Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kayann Thee Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

A Sane Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mandalay Tofu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nyat Kaukswe Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pepyar Pepinpauk Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pepyoke Kyetthun Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pepyoke Hmyit Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pepyar Ngayotethee Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tofu Kabat Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tofu Motenyinchin Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tofu Ohnno Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tofu Pinsane Or Nannanbin Hin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Htamin Paung [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Specialties

Ohnhta Min [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Danpauk [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Side Entrees

Achin Yay [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Balachaung (ngapi) Gyaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chinbaung Hincho [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hingar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mandalay Achoyay [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Htamin Phyu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Danbauk Hta Min [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ohn Htamin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Shweji [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sticky Rice With Brown Sugar & Coconut (vegan) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coconut Ice Cream (vegan) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Silver Spring for healthy meals suggestion.

Einstein Bros Bagels ( 8397 Colesville Rd )

Auntie Anne’s ( 8661 Colesville Road )

Auntie Anne’s ( Wheaton Plaza,11160 Veirs Mill Rd )

Visit below restaurant in Silver Spring for healthy meals suggestion.

Einstein Bros Bagels ( 8397 Colesville Rd )

Auntie Anne’s ( 8661 Colesville Road )

Auntie Anne’s ( Wheaton Plaza,11160 Veirs Mill Rd )

Write An Anonymous Review

Sancungluai M.

I'm from Burma (Myanmar). This place is a disgrace Burmese cuisine. Me n my friend had ginger salad n tea leaf salad. It was the worse I ever have in my life. I wanna throw it to the chef face. I felt like the boss pay people to write a good review. Me n my friend also got 2 other meal which is not even Burmese food. It's more like Indian n Vietnamese mix. Never going here ever again.
(1)
Seyran C.

Fiery amazingness! I came here for the sole reason of trying the noodle dish which used to be N7, and then was N9, and is now N6. (or something along those lines). I ordered this with chicken and requested they make it very spicy. Boy was I pleased with the spice level. I got carry out and couldn't even wait to take it back to work to eat it, so I sat in my car with my makeshift plastic fork, wiping my nose on my sleeve, and simultaneously cursing and thanking the gods for bestowing upon me such spiciness. I LOVED LOVED LOVED that they use dark meat chicken and that they incorporated romaine into the dish. The noodles were both gelatinous and rubbery (two qualities i look for in wide noodles - both good of course). And it was pleasantly greasy. I also ordered the ginger salad, which was ok. I was expecting something a little more varied, but it was predominantly cabbage. The house dressing was lovely (get it WITH the fish sauce). I'll definitely be back and look forward to trying everything else on the menu.
(4)
angela n.

Vegetarians: Try the papaya salad, which comes with cabbage, onion, carrot, and a deliciously salty Burmese dressing. As for entrees, I liked menu item V-6: "Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw." It's stir-fried noodles with bean sprouts, peanuts, fried tofu, and small yellow beans. Not sure what's in those beans, but they are tasty.
(4)
Morgana A.

The venue itself is nothing special, but the food is very good. I like the spring roll salad since I don't do spicy food. But as boring as the name sounds, it is a flavorful and hearty dish, I normally have enough to take some home. The drinks are good too, I tend to the white cosmo, expertly mixed and generously poured. The one time we came in with about 10 people, it wasn't a problem at all. Service was still very prompt despite the extensive order. This really is the kind of place where mom is in the back making food from grandma's recipe. The absolute best
(4)
Sana J.

It gets super busy - so definitely don't come here if you're starving and want to eat asap (which happens to me often and I become a mean, grumpy ogre). That aside, we got 2 dishes: Amethar Nannanbin Hin (sliced beef and fresh cilantro simmered in onion-tomato base curry) and the Letthoke Sone (mixed Noodle Dish). I wouldn't recommend the beef dish but definitely try the mixed noodle one. The beef was so-so and nothing to rave about but the noodles were really good. The service was really rushed and it took a bit to get our server's attention so don't expect a lot of attention or answers to questions, either.
(3)
Stephanie S W.

I've been trying to go here for quite some time, so finally when my boyfriend said he would treat me to dinner, there was a perfect opportunity to try it! We started with tea-leaf salad... NOT my favorite thing. Had a bitter taste and a lot of different textures. As entrees, we ate: rice noodles with pork (Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw ($10.99), Flat rice noodles stir-fried with pork or chicken (dark meat), bean sprouts, lettuce, ground peanuts and topped with egg ($2 extra with shrimp or combo) and, chicken coconut cream curry (KyetThar Ohnno Hin ($11.99), Chicken (dark meat), green pepper, onion, and tomato simmered in coconut cream sauce ). BOTH WERE ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. We ordered them mild and they had just the right amount of spice. Perfectly prepared and the sauces were divine. Service was initially pretty slow, but once we ordered our food, the service improved and our waiters were very cordial. The interior has some cute pictures of little girls (oh, that sounded creepy), but they're in traditional Burmese dresses... so that's what makes it cute. In any case, it was a very good dining experience.
(5)
Sweet S.

Yum yum, I love Chicken 11!!! I don't go to Mandalay very often, normally I call ahead for take out. Call when you're on the beltway, by the time you reach Bonifant the food is always ready. The restaurant is always full around dinner time. My one complaint is their servings of rice are very skimpy. Sometimes, if you order 2 entrees, they will give you 1 "large", which isn't as big as their 2 regular servings, which are smaller than any other asian restaurant.
(4)
Eric H.

My wife's favorite place in Silver Spring. Remarkable variety and consistently delicious.
(4)
Anna K.

This place doesn't look like much but the food is excellent and the service quirky but superb. Burmese food is unique - delicious, with many flavors. We especially love the vegetarian offerings like the tofu in a creamy coconut sauce. It's never crowded and you can hear yourself talk.
(5)
Andy L.

It was alright. Had the Green Papaya salad and the chicken with lightly fried potatoes. The salad was the best part of the meal. Couldve been spicier though. The chicken dish was a little disappointing. The sauce it was cooked it was a bit thin and the chicken was cut up into really small pieces and made eating it awkward. Almost like diced chicken.. I will give another tentative chance....
(3)
Ju L.

Pros: Much better quality food, drinks & service than the Burmese Restaurant in Washington, DC Chinatown. Nice decor. Busy during dinner time on the weekdays which means it must be a good restaurant. Cons: Limited privacy due to the close proximity of the seating.
(5)
Jen G.

We ate here on a Thursday with our neighbors (we're new to the area and they said it was their favorite restaurant). We started with the Burmese Samosa, since we're huge fans of Indian samosas. These were smaller than their Indian counterparts but delicious: flavorful and perfectly fried. I prefer the Indian tamarind chutney to the spicy orange sauce that accompanied these, but it was still great. We also had the Boothee Gyaw (fried squash fritter), which was piping hot and a great choice if you like squash (which I do). Next up, we had the Gyinn Thoke (ginger salad). YOU MUST ORDER THIS! It was crunchy, crispy, and wildly refreshing. I want to go back right now and get another one. For the main courses, we ordered the Letthoke Sone (mixed noodle dish) and the Thursday special, Ohnhta Min (dark meat chicken with onion curry served over coconut sticky rice). I have a huge weakness for coconut sticky rice and I was not disappointed. The chicken was so tender; it fell off the bone with hardly a touch. The onion curry was very nice; we ordered it mild (it was my wife's main dish) but it still had enough spice for me. The mixed noodle dish was out of this world. I ordered it medium spicy; I might go "hot" next time, but the medium had wonderful flavor and a nice heat. I almost always get a doggy bag to take food home, but not this time. I all but inhaled the Letthoke Sone because it was so good. The menu says it's served at room temperature; the noodles themselves are at room temperature, but the fried tofu and potatoes are warm and work well with the noodles. The dish also has a bit of a crunch from the carrot strips and fried onion (like onion straws) on top. For dessert, we had the sticky rice with brown sugar and coconut and the coconut milk ice cream (a big hit with my wife, who has to avoid regular ice cream). I expected the ice cream to be about the same quality as So Delicious Coconut Milk Vanilla ice cream, which I like just fine. The ice cream at Mandalay was far superior to any coconut milk ice cream I've had before! But the real treat, for me (with my coconut sticky rice addiction) was the brown sugar coconut sticky rice. It was more flavorful than the typical Thai coconut sticky rice with mango dessert. It was also shaped (sort of like flan) and hot from the oven. Much like the Gyinn Thoke, I want to go eat another one of these right now! I'm really pleased to have found Mandalay and I'm fairly certain it'll be one of our regular restaurants. It does have its own small parking lot, which is a plus. The decor is nothing exciting but the restaurant was clean and the service was great. I'm marking it as moderately priced ($11 - $30) because you really should get an appetizer or salad in addition to an entree. But if you're on a budget, you can certainly have a nice entree for under $10.
(5)
Danny H.

I ate here for lunch twice as part of my "last day" hurrah at the FDA and the lunch specials are good. The 'spicy' was the right amount of spice which I loved. I hate restaurants who call their food spicy and it turns up being mild/medium blandness. The curry there is very good but recently I had the lunch special #5, spicy. The mimosa are to die for...they are crispy, good filling, and the hot sauce provided definitely kicked the otherwise bland filling up a notch. The thick noodles w/ Chicken was delicious and not too oily. Definitely enough spice to keep me happy and filling. Portion wise for 9.99$ it was OK, could have used a bigger portion but hey...that's the economy for ya!
(4)
Krishna R.

Really 4 star????....I wish I can give this place 0 STAR. I registered to write my first review about this place. We are bunch of 4 people and I would say we are ill-treated. We walk into this place during holiday season for lunch.It was a weekday and I went from work with my cousins. They came to meet me at work. Weird part is manager saw us and didn't even greet us. He didn't even say hi but very rudely did show us a table to seat. Even beggars in my home town will be treated much better. The waiter gave us a lunch menu. We took 5 -10 minutes to order. After another 5 min the waiter came to us and told us that lunch menu will not be served during last 2 weeks of holidays. Hmm...Isnt this be told to us in the first place and not give us the lunch special menu? We asked for the same items without the lunch special. The waiter went away. Few minutes later the manager came back and told us the price of all these items will increase by $2 with no lunch special menu. So we are stripped of extra samosa thats included in the lunch special and we got to pay $2 extra per dish we ordered. Even this message was communicated in a rude way possible. We still kept our cool and waited for our food. Foood is not good. I prepare better food at home. The chicken smells bad and we could clearly see the chicken was just dumped in some soup, micro waved and bought to us. At the end, we felt cheated for a bill of nearly $60 for four of us. Sorry but we felt very bad for selecting this place. Never again I am entering this place.
(1)
Michael D.

I won't go there again. This is a low end, ethnic restaurant. The staff are all friendly, and it's clean, etc. But the food was mediocre. If you like well cooked, genuine Asian, South Asian, South East Asian, cooking -- then you may find Mandalay on par with crap Chinese takeout from a strip mall. It is notable for being Burmese, and therefore its own unique flavors -- but the food was clearly made without love and reheated. Also, I didn't like the dishes, all of which seemed a little pasty. We were there on a Thursday evening, maybe that's not their best time.
(2)
M B.

I'm a regular. The veggie dishes are great. VO9 is what I get. I love how spicy they make it! The house beer is great. And lets not forget the salads...please try one. YUMMM!
(4)
Adp P.

This is one of the places I'd look forward to eating at before I moved to DC. Now that I live around the corner, its remained one of my favorite places for lunch or dinner. I've tried many of the noodle dishes and a number of the the salads. My favorite is the noodle, chicken, cilantro and Burmese dressing dish, which is served at room temp. The mango and green papaya salads are excellent. The tea leaf salad is also really good. There is a curried potato and beef stew which is also excellent. Burmese food is hard to describe. Its definitely Asian. The spices and curry hint of Indian food. One of the appetizers is a samosa, which tastes like a lot of samosas I've had. But the fritters are totally different and unlike anything I've had. The people who own the place and work there are very nice. They have a special menu a couple of times a week which is not to be missed!
(4)
Erin K.

Had a rough experience here. My friend and I went for dinner on a Friday. The wait staff seemed to have it together. However the manager was the person who served us. He seemed to be above it all and just wanted to get us out of his hair. I ordered a fish soup which had no fish in it when it came. The manager was obviously annoyed with me for asking why, and he told me that there was fish in it, it was just pureed. I would have been ok with that and chalked it up to my own ignorance of the traditional cuisine, except that the menu is a pretty misleading. The manager who was serving us continued to be super in-attentive the rest of the evening. A big disappointment from a place that could be better.
(1)
Monica A.

Food was really good, flavorful, and service was fast. I had the beef with cilantro (B1) and the boo thang ordered a fried catfish dish that was simmered in a curry sauce (SF1). Both were excellent but I tip my hat to the beef dish because it was just so delicious, beef was tender, flavors were great, and it had just the right amount of heat. I opted for the "spicy" which was a nice amount of heat but not to were you burn your lips off. My only critique is out of my desire to take home leftovers. I feel like the portions were smaller than most restaurants. Which, you know, I don't always have to be a porker and have a massive plate of food but it is nice to take some home for next day eating.
(4)
Dahna S.

Everyone I know who frequents Mandalay's LOVES it. My experience was good, but didn't live up to what I was expecting... I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could, but for now I'll stick with the 3. We started with the pazun gyaw, or fried shrimp, and the mango salad. The pazun gyaw was absolutely delicious-- jumbo shrimp battered in almost a funnel cake-like batter (minus the sweetness, of course) and served with a tangy/spicy sauce. The mango salad was also quite tasty: shredded green mango and cabbage with Burmese dressing and toasted peanuts. Then we all split a noodle dish, tofu in a coconut cream curry sauce, chicken in a lemon-soy sesame sauce, and beef in a basil and onion-tomato based curry sauce. Everything was tasty and I definitely left that place feeling satisfied. Buuuut, the portions were relatively small considering each dish was around $12! So overall I'd say everything we ate was tasty, and I'd check out the restaurant again, but I feel like it was missing some sort of POW... some kind of ZING... or some bit of POP. I'm hoping for that kind of magic the next time I stop by this Silver Spring establishment.
(3)
Rob H.

Good stuff! It was kind of a slow night there, the service was friendly and very fast. Everything came out very quickly. The food has a special flavor that I haven't had before. My Wife ordered beef and hot peppers, I ordered pork and potatoes. Both dishes were hot and very flavorful. We had the Schweji for desert. My Wife wants to try to make it at home it was so good. They have a great selection of draft and bottled beer too. We'll definitely be back for their coconut ice cream.
(4)
Steve B.

Really good food! My wife and I stopped here for lunch a couple Saturdays ago, and were very pleased. Though we love Chinese, Thai, and Indian food, we've had limited experience with other Asian cuisines, but we're open to learn. Based on other Yelp reviews, we decided to try out Mandalay on our excursion to downtown Silver Spring for a show. It took a little exploring to locate the place, and the streetscape and storefront may not impress you. Once in the door, again not that impressive, at least in daylight; despite the windows, it's a dark space, with a somewhat thrown-together appearance (I was left with the impression of cheap wood paneling slapped on here and there). The staff were very nice, if not extraordinary. Our server didn't seem all that knowledgeable about the menu, and we could have used the help. But you probably didn't come here for the dÃ©cor or the employees...and the food was excellent. We wisely followed other Yelpers' advice and started with the green tea leaf salad (Let Phet Thoke). The description of a sort of cole slaw isn't far off, though it's far better than that: very crunchy, with a savory and nutty flavor, and unlike typical cole slaw, barely dressed. Never had it before, but we'll be back for this among other dishes. Our entrees were a noodle dish with chicken (NanJee Thoke?) and a beef curry-based dish (NanNanBin Hin). The former was a delicious, if subtle, plate of bits of chicken strips and long spaghetti-ish noodles in an orange-colored sauce (served room temperature). The latter was even a little better (I love me the curry), with bits of steak strips in a tomato and onion-based curry sauce with a strong cilantro flavor. I don't recall specifying the heat level, but it was a pleasant medium, to my tastes. We did get cruised late in our meal by the manager (?), and we stopped him to compliment the food. He talked a little about the prep of the tea leaf salad, and we shared our delight in discovering it. He also told us to come back for one of the weekly specials, which I think was a chicken dish. The service was efficient, the portions were adequate, the prices were reasonable. Surprisingly clean men's room. I enjoyed the house Mandalay Ale on tap. I'm not qualified to compare Mandalay with other Burmese restaurants, but we loved it.
(4)
kc c.

As a fan of Burmese food ( we have been known to drive to the Burmese restaurant in Philadelphia), Mandalay was a huge disappointment, from Limited choices on the menu to tired flavors and indifferent service. I tried hard to find something positive to write about, and the only redeeming feature is their own parking lot adjacent. Truly avoidable.
(1)
Alicia C.

My husband and I cannot figure out why this place is soooooo popular. We keep trying and trying, but just don't find the love. The inside is a bit uncomfortable, there is always a wait on weekend evenings, the food is mediocre, and the portions are tiny.
(2)
R C.

I found the food to be good here. We ordered Burmese samosas, flat rice noodles with vatana (yellow beans), tilapia, sour mustard and tofu, and a chicken dish. I don't think the spice levels were bad. We ordered things spicy but nothing was too spicy. The atmosphere is a little run down looking. I was waiting in the bar for a while and did enjoy seeing the owner's son (I think) in his onesie and child-sized chair watching TV. He's a cute kid! The service, however, was pretty bad. The waitress seated us and took our order but we never saw her again. She didn't bring the beer that we had requested and by the time we could flag down a waiter, it was pointless to get it. We literally had to flag down waiters because there were so few of them and they weren't too attentive. They never refilled our water and it took forever to get more rice because they never checked in with us. And when we did bring it to their attention that the service was bad, nobody seemed to care at all. I'd still recommend this place if you want Burmese (not very many choices out there) but I was surprised by how bad the service was.
(3)
F. C.

We do love the food here but the past several times we went, the portions were much smaller. Esp. if you order take-out, the small portion portion size is ridiculous and not worth the amount they charge (their prices have increased a bit). I understand that prices everywhere are going up due to the economy and I don't mind the cost increase. I do, however, mind their portion sizes decreasing drastically while the prices increase. We used to go regularly for years (I'm addicted to their shweji! :) and most of the time I ordered CH. #11 (chicken, green peppers, onions & tomatoes in a coconut curry - it's delish!) but I've def. seen the portions sizes continue to decrease. And the last two times we ordered take-out, I really felt cheated!! The container was 70% empty! My first words when I saw it were "WTF". I was really upset. If I went to the Thai restaurant in downtown SS, I get a lot more food than I can finish in one sitting for about the same cost. And it's really good too. So now we rarely order the food at Mandalay. I just usually stop to pick up the shweji and call it a day :P lol. Once in a while, I still don't mind indulging in good but overpriced-for-the-small-quantity of food. But usually, I skip the food and go straight to the Shweji! If you don't mind smaller portions compared to what you can get elsewhere, definitely go for it. The food is great and to be honest, I've never had any issues with their service either. All their dishes are really nice and salads are great too.
(3)
R D.

Excellent salads and soups, standard noodle fare. Go for the unfamiliar and you will be pleasantly surprised. Atmosphere is substandard and service not always friendly, but the food is worth it, mostly.
(4)
Betsey C.

This is our absolute favorite restaurant! We travel 45 mins just for dinner and take out. The LetThoke is fantastic. I wish I had the recipe!
(5)
Peter T.

I've been to this restaurant about 20 times in the last six months, and I think I've eaten three meals MAX on Mandalay's menu. That's how good those three meals are - I don't even need to explore the others. If you're like me and you like to eat food so spicy that your brain smolders, get to Mandalay. The food at this restaurant deserves five stars, as does the service. The ONLY reason I've given it four stars is because they're serving food that is incredibly spicy, yet charge extra for more than the little bowl of rice that comes with every entree. I feel conflicted even depriving them of that fifth star, because I shouldn't be mad at them for serving what they say they'll serve, right? Especially because I'm specifically seeking out said food. So maybe it's not logic or rationale that's giving only four stars, but the part of me that still remembers the (self-inflicted) pain of KyetThar ALoo Masala Hin (dark meat chicken with ever-so-lightly fried potatoes in tomato-onion curry with masala) - aka CH-10 for my non-Burmese speaking brethren - without enough rice. Don't worry if you don't like to suffer while you eat, you can choose your spiciness level. They'll warn you off maximum heat if you seem hesitant or ask too many questions about how hot it might be. Other highlights include: Burmese samosa appetizers; Shweji, which to be honest I don't even remember what it even is, I just know it's awesome; and coconut ice cream - yeah it's out of a real coconut. whaaaat In short: go there, now.
(4)
Tara S.

I don't know which I love more about Mandalay, the food or the atmosphere. Both are 100% awesome. Mandalay has been my go-to restaurant for group gatherings and family dinners for the past 7 or 8 years. The owner is wonderful- super friendly and remembers every customer. First time I came in after moving back to dc he came by and said "oh hi, I knew you were moving back, your friend was in here a couple months ago and told me to expect you." Seriously. Service is quick, I've almost never had any kind of error, and the staff is very attentive, esp. about making sure new customers understand that spicy means Spicy. And the food, oh the food. V6 (a peanut noodle dish a little bit like pad thai) is my favorite, but it goes back and forth between that and the eggplant. Try the squash fritters, they're delicious. I hear the meat stuff is all awesome too! Plus, the prices are reasonable, you almost never have to wait more than 5 minutes for a table. If I were creating a top 10 list of DC area restaurants this would definitely be on it. Getting hungry just thinking about it...
(5)
Patricia B.

I enjoy being able to get dishes with some of my favorite ingredients here--mustard greens and bitter melon for example. The noodle dishes are good too--noodles with a bit of bite and chewiness, and not mushy or overcooked. never get the sense that there's a lot of variety in the Burmese cuisine as presented here. Everything seems to come with a "brown sauce." Though I would appreciate more choice, the dishes are always well-prepared and flavorful. Service is friendly, efficient and quick, and the overall ambience is friendly and pleasant as well.
(4)
Matthew S.

Went here for dinner on our first night of officially living in Silver Spring and was pretty impressed. I'd been here once before, several years ago, but really didn't remember much. We started off with the Baya gyaw (Gram Fritter), which was pretty good and had a nice spicy dipping sauce with it. The fritter itself wasn't incredibly flavorful, but did have a unique blend of spices that made it interesting. My entree, however, was rather impressive - a pork in pickled mango curry. The appearance and texture of the meat was similar to that of an Indian curry dish (think lamb rogan josh), but the flavor was unlike anything I've had before. It was spicy, but also had a nice bit of sweet and sour to it. They also had a pretty decent beer and wine list, and I had a Heavy Seas Loose Cannon, while my girlfriend really enjoyed her wine. I should note, that while I loved my entree, my girlfriend wasn't a huge fan of her eggplant entree. The service was very attentive and overall this was a great experience. The prices also were quite reasonable. If you're looking for an interesting twist on typical Asian cuisine, this place is worth checking out. I'm glad to have it in my neighborhood and will certainly be back.
(4)
Sam W.

This place has major problems with food portion. I paid $9.99 for their four noodle salad which, although tasty, was the appropriate amount for a ten-year-old child. Adding insult to injury, my dinner companion and I ordered an appetizer to fill us up. We ordered the Burmese Samosas--four fried one-bit pellets for $5.49. It's tasty, it's authentic, but Silver Spring, wake up! You are being fleeced.
(1)
Linda L.

I've never been to a Burmese restaurant before and this was my first experience. It was recommended by a friend. It was actually really good, we ended up clearing off all the food we ordered. I would recommend the chicken number 4 and The sweji desert was made from simple ingredients but the taste is delicious. I'd come back again.
(5)
Lisa W.

I've eaten here too many times to count, so I'll just give a list of my favorite dishes: Apps: Samosas - fried potato-filled goodness. The sauce is a bit spicy. Salads - try the mango, papaya, tomato, or ginger. Noodles: 1 & 3 - #1 is lighter and refreshing, with similar dressing as the salads. #3 is hearty and filling. Beef: Beef with potato, or beef with cilantro/basil. The latter may be on the salty side. Chicken: Same as above, and also chicken sour mustard is an unique dish that cilantro-lovers would enjoy. Hint: If you're not sure of the spice level, order on the low side and ask for red pepper flakes to mix in to taste! Otherwise you might get killed. Celebrity sighting! Carla from top chef!!!
(5)
Wonseok H.

For me, regular spicy feels like mild. The menu that I ordered (B06) was good. Shweji was perfect for dessert!!
(4)
Frankie B.

Excellent food and friendly fast service! Great price with good beers and iced teas! I had the green mango salad and the chicken with creamy coconut sauce and it was great! My friend got a flat noodle chicken dish like pad thai, and it was also tasty.
(5)
Libby F.

I haven't been here in years, and when my neighbor suggested it (as a thank you to me for looking after her pooch) I could not say no. This is a place where herbivores and carnivores can dine together in perfect harmony. Luckily my friend is very accommodating and agreed to share all veggie choices with me. We started with the fried eggplant fritters. They were okay, but nothing special or anything you couldn't make for yourself if you owned a deep fryer. We also shared the ginger salad. OMG! This was so good! You have to order this when you come. It is a cabbage salad with fresh ginger and fried garlic pieces. It is so refreshing. Be sure to ask for it without the fish sauce if you want to keep it vegetarian. For an entree we shared Tofu Ohnno Hin (tofu in a coconut cream curry sauce). As Gloria L. mentioned, they do ask you how spicy you'd like your dish. I said mild, but I should of went with medium. The sauce was good. My friend said she couldn't taste the coconut flavor. It was there, just really mildly. The tofu was kinda bland. I usually like my tofu to be marinated in something flavorful before being cooked. All in all a great meal for two for around $20.00. You can definitely share an entree, but I think I'd get the ginger salad all to myself next time. It's that good!
(4)
Andrew M.

We've been here twice with different family members and everyone has enjoyed their meal. Service is fast; they are kid-friendly (they even brought our son very tasty Burmese crackers last time) and the prices are fair. The decor is a bit dreary and worn looking, but the service is friendly and exceedingly fast---I can't believe how fast they bring all the dishes out of the kitchen.... and they have a fairly extensive menu as well. They have a nice beer selection and pretty good value (at least for some of the bottled beer). I really like the mango pickle and meat. Their room-temperature mixed noodles are also very tasty. Others liked the shrimp in coconut sauce (not my favorite). I liked the bitter melon and chicken. Pork and eggplant was also good. ...can't say I've had a bad dish here, though some I liked less than others. The food is, as one might expect, a mix between Thai, Indian, and Chinese cuisine. Oh, and this is definitely a place where it makes sense to order a bunch of dishes for the table and share them... I definitely saw tables where people were NOT doing that, which I just don't understand.... most Asian food is meant to be served family style (e.g., Thai, Chinese, Korean, Pakistani, Indian... only things that aren't are personal noodle soups or thalis). Why would you choose to just eat one or two dishes (w/ rice) when you could sample 5 or more dishes..?
(4)
L And T S.

Friends took me here and I can't thank them enough. We ordered a bunch of dishes and afterwards were so happy that we ordered 2 more dishes before we finally got some dessert. Rice is great and the sauces are so tasty. I don't think we ordered anything bad that night! I'll be back next time I'm in town.
(4)
Nicole R.

Just had lunch here the other day and was blown away by the quality of the food here. I have tried the following: * Tofu with Brown Sauce * Chicken with peppers & coconut sauce * Tilapia with tomato & onion sauce * Coconut Ice Cream accompanied with ShweJi Everything was so full of flavor and cooked to perfection. The chicken fell apart and the tofu was lightly fried but not overly greasy. I give Mandalay 5 stars because their service was also excellent. The server was attentive and the owner even stopped by to check on us. This is a casual restaurant that has an inviting atmosphere and it's a perfect place for groups, date night, etc. Give it a try! You will be glad you did.
(5)
Amanda N.

Great customer service and no reservations needed. Went out for Sunday night dinner and we were seated immediately upon arrival. I ordered the Nanjee Gyaw. I got my food quickly. It was really good! I wasn't even that hungry but I ate everything on the plate. The waiter was really nice. I will be back!!!!
(4)
Justin S.

We ordered the chicken and beef curry dishes as well as a pork dish. The chicken was ok and the pork was a bit bland, but the beef dish was excellent!! It's a nice sit down restaurant with a nice atmosphere.
(3)
Stephanie B.

Went here with a large group (13 of us) on a Monday night. They wouldn't take reservations but we were able to be seated pretty quickly regardless and overall for the casual group dining experience I have no major service complaints (they auctioned food, etc, but for $10 a plate...oh well). I ordered the N3 and had a few bites appetizers (samoas, spring rolls, fried shrimp) and D2 for dessert. I chose "2"-medium spice for my N3 and it had a nice kick with a slow afterburn on spice that was enhanced as you went through the meal. The N2 had excellent flavor and though I was stuffed I strongly considered ordering a second plate for my lunch and dinner tomorrow (not living near Silver Spring I knew I wouldn't be able to be back anytime soon). I wish I lived near this restaurant. It would be my regular curl up on the couch after a long day order in spot. Pickled mango pork and the shrimp coconut curry were loved at our table as well. The appetizers were EHH. A lot of fry. I heard mixed reviewed on all three and what some loved others were not so keen on. My favorite was the samosas of the batch, though all three of the dishes had more of a "fry" flavor than anything else and I could have passed on appetizers in lieu of more of my N3. I ordered the D2 but knowing what I know now, go for the D1. The D2 was heavy and I much preferred my bites of the lighter D1 (and the flavor as well, though D2 just had a slower flavor then D1 really). If I am back in the area I would come back here. Wish they had one downtown!
(4)
Anpan W.

Wow, amazing Burmese food! We had the samosas (more like an Asian fried dumpling than an Indian samosa), the ginger salad, LetThoke Sone (Mixed Noodle Dish), WetThat ThaYetThee Hin (mango pork), and the Sunday special Dan Pauk (chicken in an onion curry with jasmine rice). You can order your main dishes in one of three levels of spiciness. We went with medium, which was underwhelming, though the pork had a curious afterburn. Dessert was delicious sticky rice and a refreshing generous portion of coconut ice cream. You can share the ice cream, but may not want to share the smaller portion of sticky rice. Mandalay has a lot of veggie and vegan options. Tell the server if you have a peanut allergy or a coconut allergy. Decor could be better. Definitely more of a jeans place than a dressed to impress place. Service could be a lot better.
(4)
Lisa B.

I have long wanted to go to Mandalay based on the great online reviews. Our family went today and were sorely disappointed. The restaurant has zero ambiance, which could be forgiven, but the food was bitter, overpriced and generally awful. Out of five dishes and two appetizers we did not have one winner. The staff was nice, but we will never be back.
(1)
Duy N.

agreed, this is about 3.5 so far. so many dishes on the menu. the fried shrimp appetizer was good and the sauce was a tangy spicy thick fish sauce, similar to a thai sauce. the gram fritters were pretty bland, nothing to write home about. I got the Beef#4 dish, beef in a spicy tomato curry with rice. The thing they do really well is make it as spicy as you like. This was really spicy. I liked the dish, but it wasn't amazing. My friend got the Noodle#6 pork. Sorta like pad thai but with wider noodles and more spice. Pretty good. I also had the gin fizz and it was quite refreshing. There's a FREE PARKING LOT outside btw.
(3)
Desiree R.

The food was good and the menu offers lots of choices. The staff was very friendly.
(4)
John K.

Burmese food is pretty much like Thai food mixed with Indian food. Same dishes as Thai dishes, but with strong flavors and stronger spices. It makes sense since the country sits right between Thailand and India. The curry is very good, the lamb dishes are very good, but the one thing that I would complain are that the portions are a little small. I was still a little hungry after the meal. I wish I could remember what we ordered, but the titles were so freaking confusing. I would stay away from the tomato-basil based dishes. Not that great. Also, learn from me, they have their own parking lot too. You don't have to pay for the huge parking garage for Downtown Silver Spring.
(2)
Yancy D.

Though I've moved away from the DC area, Mandalay remains one of my favorite restaurants on the planet, and I still make a pilgrimage every time I'm in town. Back when I lived close enough to visit regularly, Mandalay was my top "go-to" restaurant for visiting friends, co-workers and dates, and almost never failed me in any way. Some of the dishes are less exciting than others, which would explain to me the few low ratings I see on here, so I'll toss out a few recommendations so that you can't go wrong: 1. The salads. I'm not a salad fan in general, but these are mindblowingly good and filled with unqiue flavors and textures (the sesame seeds and fried crunchy bits on top really work well with the crisp, thin salad greens and carrots). There are around ten different ones, but they're mostly the same save for one different ingredient each. Ginger is the best, in my opinion, but mango's pretty damned good as well. 2. Appetizers -- I prefer either the samosas or the gram fritters. The former aren't exceptionally different from other veggie samosas out there but both of these (and all the appetizers, I think) come with an amazing sweet/spicy red dipping sauce that complements them so perfectly. Sometimes, when no one is looking, I will eat a spoonful of this sauce by itself... 3. Chicken in coconut cream sauce -- Amazing. I still order it even though, after years of patronage, Joe (one of the three brothers that run the place) gave me the recipe. And no, I will not share it with you. 4. Noodle Number ? -- I do not know the number because they have changed the menu on me multiple times. My friends and I used to rave about "Noodle Number 7" so much that, when it became "Noodle Number 9" years later, we were lost and confused, despite the recipe being unchanged. Last I checked it was "Noodle Number 6." It's got flat noodles, peanuts, bean sprouts, chicken and an egg in the ingredient list and it's probably the best thing on the menu. I went to visit some friends in Scranton (4 hours away) who had visited Mandalay before and they begged me to bring them four servings of this dish. It's pretty much perfect -- sweet, salty, nutty, chewy, meaty, crisp. God, it's amazing! 5. Dessert -- The Golden Shweji. It's as fun to say as it is to put in your mouth. It's a hot, wet, semolina pie with coconut flavor and a few raisins tossed in. No matter how full I am, I get this every time. 6. The Iced Coffee. I'm not a coffee person, but this stuff is addictive. Price-wise, dishes are around 10-13 bucks each, which is a big jump from the old days when they were in College Park, but still very reasonable compared to other local fare, and well worth it. I can't recommend this place enough!
(5)
Steve C.

Was not impressed at all. The decor was non-existent and the wait staff were dressed in street clothes. The food was bland, un-appetizing and greasy. Will not be coming back.
(2)
Mary K.

I'm sad that as many times as I have been here, I have never written a review for it. One of the best places to eat in the DMV area. Customer service is always superb. Food is always fresh and delicious. Spicy is ALWAYS spicy. Prices are very reasonable. The place is great for one, two, to a large group. Whether you are having an intimate date to a lunch outing with your co-workers, it never feels like you have to shout. Try the coconut icecream its delicious. One item on their menu that is my go to is the room temperature noodles.
(5)
Alissa G.

My foodie Silver Spring colleague recommended this place to take my 81 year old aunt for a special dinner. She loves spicy 'ethnic' food, so this looked right up her alley. I called for a reservation, they don't take them but said dinner at 7pm wouldn't be an issue, and it wasn't. There were 4 other tables. I believe our staff was an owner. So me having an adventurous pallet, I ask for what he would have with his family, or something a bit off the beaten path. I first was interested in a chicken dish with sour melon, then a chicken dish with mango chutney. His recommendation was that these were both bitter, and I should try "chicken no. 10). So I try it! His whole taking the order technique was brash. Chicken No. 10 is chicken and potatoes!!!!! How UNADVENTUROUS is that?!?!? It tasted fine, wasn't hot. Everyone else's meals were tasty and spiced to the level they asked for, so long as my camp is happy, I'm good. Time to leave I guess came at 9:45, as our bill was dropped without asking if we wanted coffee....dessert?? THEN they turn on the vacuum right behind us as were having dinner conversation. How terribly rude! So we pack it on up, and on the way out, my boyfriend unplugs the vacuum :) I'd go back and try something off the beaten path, without expectation of any customer service.
(2)
J. W.

Why on earth am I up at 1 am writing to an audience of tens of readers about wetthar aloo hin? Because I care. I care about your experience at a Zagat rated Burmese cafe in Silver Spring. The appeal of being different; of being able to say tomorrow at the water cooler that you went to this fabulous Burmese cafe - may be too strong for you to resist. You imagine yourself saying pithy things like, "I call it 'Burma' because I just will NOT support Than Shwe and his Myanmarian thugs." Don't let this desire cloud your taste buds. The pork was low quality, dry and tasteless. It reminded me of a dish I made as a 17 year old for my "world culture" dinner at Mr. Santos' house (I was India). To be fair, this isn't terrible food. It's marginally good food.
(2)
Chontelle M.

I am a huge fan of this place. This place is family owned and community run. When you walk in, you are seated by the owner who will also take an order or bring your food. Not saying this to belittle him, but just so you can truly get a feel of how you are automatically part of the family when you enter. I try to go at least once a month and enjoy the ambiance as well as the delicious food. You are bound to make the right decision at this place. You can even decide how spicy you would like your food. I recommend the samosas and the green tea salad. Your taste buds will be more than satisfied. The sauce that comes with the samosas is indescribably delicious. I would also recommend getting the ShweJi. It is a complicated sounding dessert with a big taste. Just go! You'll love it! I do! If you go on a weekend night, make a reservation.
(5)
Joanna K.

There was a Boy; a foodie, who walked up to the Genie (the greatest ever lived), and said, "Genie, I want a restaurant that serves my new ethnic meal at a bargain meal price. " "The cuisine would be less sweet than Thai, less pungent than Indian, less predictable than Chinese, less onion-garlicky than Mexican, and less fishy than Japanese." "But, what I wish for is something that tastes as harmonious as Thai, intriguing as Indian, addicting as Chinese, flavorful as Mexican, and vegetable heavy as Japanese. I eat with my other senses, not with my eyes. Genie, can you make this happen all at once?" Looking very excited and wise, the Genie said, waving his Aladdin Lamp, with a little twinkle in his seductive, kohl-lined dark eyes, "Sure! Dear Boy, Burmese food is your wish. Tomorrow night, go to the location of 930 Bonifant Street, Silver Spring, MD USA and your greatest wish will come true!" "And don't be cheap...bring something back for me!" So...don't ask. Don't expect delicate ingredients or fresh nouvelle cuisine (because that's not what The Boy wished for). Expect something that is close to crack comfort food cooked with a lot of flavors, heavy seasonings like fish sauce and MSG. Wash everything down with a cold beer on a summer's night. No food can taste that addicting without MSG, which is something that the Genie created himself. MSG is the dust powder of his moustache when it turned white, the culmination of the tastiest things that the Genie has ever had.
(5)
Jeremy D.

Good prices, fast and courteous service, great food....yeah, I'll be a regular!
(5)
Danny F.

Within hours of arriving in DC, I was craving for some real mom/pop food in the area of Silver Springs. It didn't take long to weed out the franchise places and decide to come here. Although we drove here from Downtown Silver Springs, the distance is negligible. This area, as I was to be taught in the days to come, is very walk-able. As we approached the door, it was easy to see how good of a recommendation this gem was. The glass door was littered with zagat, yelp, and every other foodie accolade possible. It was also easy to see the warm and small interior. The menu is very extensive, but the service of this place is great.With help, I settled on the Mandalay draft beer, along with a tofu dish. I forget the name but it had a sweet/spicy peanut sauce. My food, along with my friends dishes were amazing. The experience itself left a lasting impression. Warm, inviting, and exotic nonetheless. A different taste of what you'd be used to in the franchised food radius of Silver Springs.
(4)
Evie S.

I love the flat fried rice noodles with yellow beans, vegetables and tofu. So good! They have many other vegan and gluten free options.
(5)
PAJ J.

The restaurant is spacious, the menu offers many choices, and the waitstaff is prompt and attentive. However, the food was surprisingly generic and lacking in flavor. The gram fritters had a nice consistency but tasted bland. So did a mild vegetable and tofu dish. On the spicy hot dish, spices seemed added as an afterthought. All in all, dishes were edible but not enjoyable. I did not walk away feeling like I had gotten to know Burmese cuisine.
(3)
Roll T.

Instead of a traditional Easter dinner, I went to Mandalay to further investigate the idea that maybe I have an aversion to Burmese food. Although eating incredible amounts of spicy food one night after alcohol overload on H Street was probably not my greatest idea, I'm glad I did it because this food rocked. I started with a fried tofu salad. The thinly sliced and lightly fried tofu was paired with crushed peanuts over a bed consisting mostly of cabbage and carrots. The entire dish was accented with a refreshing dressing. At $4.99, this dish was a steal. It was good enough that my brother ended up subsequently ordering the similar mango salad (where mango substituted fried tofu). Although I was partial to the former, they were both worth ordering. My brother ordered some odd dried shrimp flavoring that could be used both in our soups, salads and entrees. I added it to my ginger soup (the spicy dried shrimp added a welcome layer to the soup) and my brother added it to both salad dishes (I liked the salads without the additional flavoring). When the order had come out, I thought it was a mistake, but it ended up not only flavoring the soup and two salads, but also my own entree. For dinner, I ordered a combination pork and potato dish served in onion curry. The base curry appeared to be a specialty of the house as it appeared in a number of orders across Mandalay's rather extensive menu. While I liked the dish, I thought that six moderately sized chunks of pork was a bit minimal given the price point ($11.99). Also, while the potato was nice, it really kicked with the addition of the dried shrimp flavoring. I also tried the pork in mango curry. The mango base tasted similar to pickled mango commonly served as an accompaniment to rice based dishes in India. Mandalay's dish presented like a curried version of the pickled mango (sounds gross but it was very tasty) served with meat (in this case, pork). I loved this fiery dish although I would have probably paired it with beef over pork. If you are in the Silver Spring area, you should definitely add this restaurant to your regular rotation. In my case, I learned that even though Burma may no longer appear on a map, it's cuisine is certainly still worth exploring.
(4)
J S.

I've been here a few times with friends. I do agree the decor is nothing to shout about. That being said, I enjoy being able to have a nice quiet conversation with friends - it's cozy in it's simplicity for me. We've always had good service and food served nice and hot, and in a timely manner. I enjoyed the Kyarzan Hingar soup and I'm sure some vegetable stir fry dish with a light sauce. I believe there's parking in the back which I always forget about. I would definitely come here again.
(5)
Izzat A.

This place is okay. Service sucks. Took forever to get food and even to get water refilled. Prices are okay. Never had Burmese food before so didn't really know what to expect. Got the green papya salad, which was alright. Got the PePyar NgaYoteThee Hin, which to be fair was pretty good. Also, I kid you not. this was the spiciest dish I've ever had. It was uncomfortably spicy. Be careful! All in all, the food is just okay and the service is very very subpar. Don't have any plans on coming back here.
(2)
Stacey P.

Love Mandalay! Their noodle dishes are particularly awesome - my favorites are the No. 1 noodles (four different types of noodles with tofu, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, fried onions, and Burmese dressing) and the No. 6 noodles (kind of like chicken pad Thai but different). There are a few things I've had that haven't wowed me (of course I can't remember what they are!) but in general Mandalay is awesome. Vegetarians and anyone who enjoys Thai, Vietnamese, or Indian food will like it!
(4)
Martin B.

Nice little Burmese place in the Spring. They were open pretty late for a weeknight so that was cool, and our waitress was friendly. The food came out very quickly. I ordered the noodle dish #1, which I think is called the mixed noodle dish (in English of course, I cannot remember the Burmese name). It was very good and a BIG portion. They were out of tofu so I got dried bean curd instead, and I couldn't really tell much of a difference. The samosas were also good and seemed very Indian, probably because the countries are next to each other. For dessert I had the sticky rice, which comes served looking more like a slice of pie than the sticky rice you get at a Thai place. It was good though, and I'd definitely come back here again if I was in the mood for some different Asian food.
(4)
Tom D.

We had a noodle dish (Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw) and a chicken dish (KyetThar PinSane or NanNanBin Hin). Both were extremely flavorful and delicious. The chicken dish was dark meat simmered in onion-tomato curry with cilantro -- the chicken was a little dry, but the flavor of the dish was amazing. Noodle dish had flat rice noodles with stir-fried with chicken (dark meat!) , bean sprouts, lettuce, ground peanuts and topped with egg. Also a great dish. For an appetizer we started out with the eggplant fritter -- it was fried very nicely and loved the dipping sauce, but it just didn't reach the same level as the entrees. Leffe was on special for $3 a bottle. Service was a little less than attentive, but still friendly -- and understandable given that every table was taken. Prices were extremely reasonable. Love this place. Will return.
(4)
Maria D.

This place has the most adorable bar menu in existence. All of the drinks have acknowledgements and detailed descriptions. Read it. The food here is simple & excellent. Go with a group, order family style, go to town, order the mango salad.
(5)
Ken M.

Went there for a Friday dinner. It was very crowded, but they led us to the lounge fairly promptly and prepared a table. That was definitely a plus. Foods are "low key" - Nothing special, but they tasted just fine. Friendly and lively atmosphere were enjoyable. It's a good place to get relaxed on Friday night. Will try a lunch sometime!
(3)
Netsie T.

I ordered the spicy Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw (chicken) and the meal was excellent.
(4)
Mayme W.

I love ethnic foods and was very pleased to see that Silver Spring had a great selection of ethnic restaurants. Based on the reviews on Yelp, I was torn between Burmese and Ethiopian. As I was only in town for business for 1 day, I decided on Burmese, since it seemed unusual. I was expecting a mix of Indian and Thai flavors, but was unpleasantly surprised by the overwhelming saltiness of the food. I started with the green tea leaf salad, which was an acrid mix of cabbage, yellow split peas, fried garlic bits and peanuts. The dressing had no discernible flavor, as it was taken over by the strong bitterness of the tea leaves and garlic. I had the salad with fish sauce which unfortunately further added to the bitter taste. At least with Thai food, the fishy flavor is countered with the sour and sweet tastes, but there was no such balance of flavors here. I also had the salty fish soup with lemongrass, lime and cilantro, which was OK, with a strong fishy/ meek lemony flavor. My entree was salmon in a tomato curry sauce and slivers of green pepper which was also quite salty, but appropriately spicy (for my taste.) It was a tiny portion for the $14 price though. I finished off with the vegan coconut ice cream, which had a light consistency somewhat like gelato, and was mildly sweet. It was definitely the high point of the meal and worth coming back for. The service was very quick, as I was there midweek around 6pm. The place started to fill up with lots of local regular customers around 7. I would not eat here again, because of the salty food which was overpriced for the portion size.
(3)
Sarah B.

Um, fantastic. I'm a white girl with a strong spice tolerance, and I usually end up disappointed with the level of spice in my spicy food. Not here. I ordered a vegetarian tofu asian pepper dish, which they told me would be spicy, and it was phenomenal (and almost uncomfortable). My fiance, on the other hand, ordered their first noodle dish (they dishes here are numbered, because I don't think they expect too many people to speak passable Burmese), and it was fairly spicy but also delicious. I've never had Burmese before; it's sort of a like a Thai/Indian/Chinese hybrid, and I was intrigued by the room-temperature nature of the noodles. They were delicious, though -- tangy, fascinatingly textured, packed with flavor. Their house amber (I think) was also tasty. They have three dessert options -- a sticky rice, vegan coconut ice cream, and a baked cream of wheat/rasin/coconut milk concoction which is like a coconut pudding cake. The last dessert is perfect, and calmed my burning mouth. The service was great, and they do take-away.
(5)
Leslie M.

Samosas, Tomato Salad & Beef #4 are my jam.
(4)
Emily A.

I always bring visiting friends and relatives to dinner here, and they always rave. Really delicious, unique food, and quite reasonably priced.
(5)
Katie W.

Delicious. The room temperature noodles are amazing! Samosas are great. Beer and cocktail menu was much more extensive than I expected. Reasonable prices. Mandalay has become a standard recommendation for anyone asking about dining options in Silver Spring.
(4)
Seema F.

I'm a huge lover of southeast Asian cuisine, so this popular Burmese place seemed like a good idea. I was there on a Friday night with 2 other people and the place was pretty packed. The decor is cheesy with pink tablecloths and uncomfortable chairs like most Asian restaurants. But, we were seated promptly. Upon opening the menu I was immediately confused. I have been to many southeast Asian restaurants, and I have never seen a menu more undescriptive. Perhaps Mandalay is catering to the young white crowd who think everything South and Southeast Asian is just "curry" but every description was practically the same! Usually you would read something like: "Jungle Beef: Stir fried beef with bell peppers, string beans, lime leaves & onions in a coconut green curry sauce." Here the descriptions were minimal: "AMeThar ASane Gyaw: Sliced beef, cauliflower, cabbage, and carrots with light brown sauce." What is this "brown sauce" that is on nearly every one of their dishes? Everything seemed to be protein + brown sauce + some combination of vegetables, and maybe some tomato and onion. Eventually we settled on something that appeared to be Basil Beef and something that sounded like Drunken Noodles. The noodles were not to bad, with pork, eggs, and peanut sauce. The beef had about 2 basil leaves and had a weird tang to it that I can only attribute to old beef. Most "curries" are thick and flavorful, but not this. The sauce was thin and runny, almost like something you'd get out of a frozen dinner. Both had average sized servings, however when you order a big bowl of beef you'd expect more than a 1/8 cup of rice. I also find their heat scale to be off. The waitress insisted that the "hot" was really very hot, so we ordered the medium with hot sauce on the side. Of course, we ended up using the hot pepper. Amazingly though, they did not give us just chili flakes or Maggi sauce, They're hot pepper was actually pretty good. My favorite Burmese restaurant is in Philadelphia (Rangoon). Perhaps this restaurant cooks from a different part of Myanmar than I like, but I felt this was fairly mediocre. It was also a little pricey for the quality of food, so I don't really understand the draw. Pros: hot pepper sauce Cons: menu descriptions, quality and taste of food
(3)
Samuel K.

Torn furniture. Go here if your date is homeless or a refugee! They might be okay for takeouts, if you can trust their food. If they can't keep their furniture well, who knows how the food is!
(1)
MaJ C.

Atmosphere was really just bland, and not very ethnically exciting, Though the service was good, It seems the whole family works here. Lots of Veg options, The menu as expansive as the dining room. Books and covers! For the Price, I was thoroughly happy, and impressed. This turned out to be a great meeting spot for my In-laws, and the portions were exactly as I wanted them. Do not expect glitz, and made up meals. Do Bathe in the Authenticity of this place.
(4)
Sara M.

Mandalay was a foodie staple in College Park for many years, at it evolved from a donut shop into a restaurant serving amazing Burmese food to clientele happy to drive from all over the DC area to pack the small dining room. When they closed and moved to Silver Spring, we mourned the loss of such amazing cuisine. But they're not so far away... and their Silver Spring restaurant is larger and even more popular! I've tried a lot of dishes on the menu and never been disappointed. The appetizers are all delicious - I especially love the squash and gram fritters. The noodles (hot or cold) are flavorful and very generously portioned. And the curries are my absolute favorites. I've been getting Chicken #11 (chicken in a coconut curry sauce) for nearly a decade and my mouth is watering as I write this. The same sauce can also be found with seafood and vegetarian options. All of the entries can be made with a variable level of heat (mild, medium, or spicy - and a friend once ordered his meal at a "please kill me" level of spiciness that definitely had him sweating). They have special dishes on Thursdays and Sundays that are worth a special visit - the Thursday special coconut rice is delightful. Save room for drinks (Burmese iced coffee, yum) and amazing desserts. Mandalay is definitely crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, and they recommend reservations for these evenings. Other nights can still have a bit of a wait. But there's a reason they frequently place well in local restaurant ratings - they're reliable, affordable, and TASTY.
(5)
Pin k.

Food was good. Many vegan options. Ginger salad is quite good, as is the coconut ice cream, though pricey. Unfortunately, service was rather poor. Staff was not friendly. The waitstaff never once refilled any of our waters (no other drinks making up for it, either) and they automatically gave us the party of 6 gratuity charge, counting the infant that slept through the whole meal as one of the 6. Again - no service, other than bringing out our food. The other problem was when we asked to use two credit cards and to split the gratuity between the two and they put it all on one card. We suspect they hoped we wouldn't notice and the family who had the higher bill, but not the tip, would unwittingly tip again on their part. Shady.
(2)
Jason P.

First time at Mandalay last night after wanting to try it for several months. The food and service was great! We will definitely be back (multiple times). One of the best things were how family friendly they were. We have a 1 year old and feel like we are finally getting back on track with our pre-baby foodie days, but obviously the options are limited based on who is friendly to kids and can we make an easy escape if the child acts up. The staff immediately laid down a colorful mat under the high chair (helps them but also relieves us of guilt on what ends up on the floor). They also brought our paper and plastic silverware right away. These little things make a difference for a parent and definitely encourage us to go back.
(4)
Melinda J.

My husband and I have a favorite Burmese restaurant in London, also called Mandalay (see my review, it's beyond amazing!). It's unusual to find Burmese food here in the States, so we decided to give this a try. Overall, we liked it pretty well - we started with the mango salad, which was delicious. It was sort of like the more-common papaya salad, but much lighter on the garlic, which was nice. I don't remember the Burmese names of the entrees we ordered, but mine was chicken in a tomato-based curry with cilantro and my vegetarian husband's involved curry, potatoes and tofu. Both were very tasty, and the 'medium' spice level was not for the faint of heart (fine with us). We don't mind the small portion size - for urban dining, we didn't feel the price was too outrageous either. So why only 3 stars? I violated my usual rule of never ordering wine in an Asian restaurant in the U.S., and asked the host/waiter what he recommended. From an intriguing wine list, he recommended the Tempranillo. When it arrived, it had clearly gone off, probably open for too long, Since it only cost $7 we decided not to worry about it, but since we heard the guy recommending the same wine to another table, we wondered if he was pushing a day or two-old wine to get rid of it! On a brighter note, the coconut ice cream in a coconut shell was delicious. I'd probably return.
(3)
Amy P.

We always enjoy going here. Some interesting things on the menu and very reasonably priced. Good drinks.
(4)
Elizabeth D.

I have a lot of friends who love this place, so I've been a few times, but I've never really be impressed. Clearly there's a loyal following of regulars and a pleasant atmosphere, but I've never really loved the food and usually decline to take home my leftovers.
(2)
Julie M.

This is a good, solid place for quite tasty and filling dishes. Service is always good, as are the iced teas. Never had a bad meal here, and there's plenty on the menu to keep me coming back (both myself -- an omnivore -- and my partner, who is a vegetarian) whenever we're in Silver Spring or feel like a Metro trip a bit north.
(4)
DMLinDC C.

I went for the lunch special, and we ordered 2 of the tofu dishes. The tofu-with-bean-sprouts was quite nice. The tofu-with-tomatoes-and-cilantro was less exciting. The samosa (and its sauce) was awesome. The service was nice and the setting was mellow. The flavor didn't blow my mind, so I'm less likely to make a special trip back.
(3)
Marc M.

This quiet street has a Thai restaurant across the street in what looks like a row house, a tattoo place next door, a used book store, and the Kefa cafe. A nice eclectic collection just beyond the standard downtown fare. I liked this place and have never had Burmese before. I went with a Tofu curry and was not disappointed. Staff was courteous and the force was strong with the woman who filled the water glasses. Every time I took a sip, she was refilling the glass within maybe 10 seconds of my putting it down. I do believe that they may have a dedicated person on staff to tend to this. Seeing this astonishing feat alone with worth the visit.
(3)
Leang E.

I can't believe I forgot to put in my review for this place! It's one of my cousin and her husband's favorite spot, and it's the first Burmese restaurant that I've been to. I think it will always have a special place in my heart because of that and the great memories of the night. We were a group of 8, and so I just let my cousin and her husband do the ordering so I can't be certain of what we exactly ordered. Since I have never had Burmese food before I can't make out what would be considered common names of the items we ordered. It did help that they do have a corresponding number and letter. I have pictures but it was hard to match up with the menu names, but I guess it does give some idea to what we got. I think we got the Eggplant Fritter, but it could very well be the Squash Fritter. This was a good start, and then we had a chicken curry dish, a beef stir-fry dish of some sorts, a salad dish, and a noodle dish as well. Maybe also we had a tofu dish. There was such an abundance of food and we probably got a couple of the same dishes to ensure that everyone got to try some of everything. I love family style meals. It was quite delicious! The food tasted like a cross between Indian food and Thai food, both being known for their spicyness truly did not disappoint us, so this place is HOT! We also rounded the night with a few desserts, the Shweiji and the Coconut ice cream that comes in a coconut. Yeah I was scraping the coconut from the inside of the coconut shell. With my family, we don't waste food - especially if it's good! I think we also had the sticky rice dessert, too. The service was great, and the prices were very reasonable. I can easily see how my cousins frequent this place often for meals. I would certainly love to come back!
(5)
Natasha S.

This is the best Burmese restaurant I have EVER been to. The food is SO fresh, and my favorite thing about this place is the generous amount of animal-free dishes. I'm not even a vegetarian but love veggies! My favorite thing is the Tea Leaf Salad, and the desserts are always delicious! There's always a wait to get seated, but luckily they have a bar room to sit and have a drink in while waiting. Service is awesome, even when they're at their busiest!
(5)
David S.

My friend Vijay first brought me to Mandalay when it was the tiny lil shop in College Park. The food was great then, and it is still great now! Some places get "bigger and better" and as they appeal to a wider audience, they change their recipes to be more accommodating, or more widely accepted. I love that Mandalay has never done this. This restaurant isn't for everyone, but if you like spicy food I think you'll love it. The best way I have been able to describe Burmese food to those who are not familiar is that it is somewhere in between Indian and Thai food. The food tends to be spicy, although many dishes can be made less so. Be careful if you ask for a dish spicy, and I think Joe takes extra spicy as a challenge - so you better know what you are doing!
(5)
Yuh Wen L.

This is a terrific joint tucked on a quiet street of downtown Silver Spring. Burmese food is an interesting amalgam of different influences: Chinese, Indian, Thai. The textures and tastes of the menu offerings at Mandalay will probably remind most folks of a savory, less spicy Thai. But the common feature amongst all the styles mentioned above is that they are all delicious. And Mandalay certainly is that. I always end up sharing family-style with pretty much the same dishes (the dishes are also portioned out property for you to have a dish per person). The gram fritters and green papaya salad are a nice start to any meal - the perfect combo of crispy and crisp! The fritters are served with a terrific lemony chili sauce that I can never get enough of! Then it's always a noodle entree (I've tried basically every single one of them, and they are all great...with the Lethoke Sone probably being my favorite) and a stir-fried dish or curry (have not yet had all of these, but the Tofu Ohnno Hin I had recently was great). Mandalay is one of those rare restaurants where both vegetarians and omnivores/carnivores will feel comfortable in ordering just about anything on the menu. The service is friendly and very efficient. Sometimes I feel the food is a little over-priced for what it is, but it's definitely delicious and well-worth the (short!) trek from the Metro.
(4)
Jessica K.

Good, not great. Went with a party of eight and there was more than enough dishes for us all to choose from on their menu. Everyone had bites of each others and there was a nice assortment of flavors and textures. I agree with some other reviewers that the portion sizes were modest, but the prices are reasonable. Coconut sticky rice was awesome!
(3)
Roger G.

This place is right up there with Rangoon in Philadelphia and the best Burmese Restaurants in New York City.
(5)
Kiki D.

The most amazing food, they will make it quite spicy if you want. I have never had a bad meal here, the beer on tap caters to the beer aficionado (fear not, there are actually good beers available, not just the standard fare!) The Thursday special is so good I find myself always wanting to go on Thursday. You should order the golden triangle appetizer because it is fantastic and comes with a spicy sauce that you will crave for the rest of your days.
(5)
Michael K.

I'd never had Burmese food, but the dishes here incorporate flavors that predominate neighboring cuisines, like Thai, Indian, and Indonesian. We sampled the gram fritters, the fried tofu salad, the mixed noodles, and the chicken in coconut cream sauce. I enjoyed everything, but portion sizes were small. Two apps and two entrees with a side of white rice was barely enough sustenance for my wife and I for dinner. A 16 oz. draft Kirin beer was $6, commensurate with the high restaurant prices in this area. Overall, I would love to come back and try more dishes. Service was friendly and quick, although the school cafeteria ambiance in the place adds nothing to the dining experience.
(3)
Andrew L.

Mandalay's food was ok. My friend and I ordered lunch specials. To start were samosas with dipping sauce. Those were the best part of the meal. Samosa were triangular and had a similar flavor other country's cuisine by that name. And the sauce, it was really spicy and enjoyable. Then our main course came out. My friend ordered a chicken dish. However, the server announced it was beef when he served it. Upon inspection...it appeared to be neither. We decided they had actually given him pork! It made for some fun lunchtime conversation but not exactly the best service. Both meals were ok, they weren't bad but they did not have strong flavors that would have me go out of the way to go here again.
(3)
Diana C.

I love this place. I eat here quite often: sometimes twice a week. Burmese food is a very interesting cuisine. It's like taking Thai and mixing it up with Indian. There are a lot of really good curries and noodle dishes, as well as some really unique flavor profiles. You can customize the heat level of your food (mild, medium, spicy, OMG); I always get medium, which delivers a nice heat without sacrificing flavor. To be fair, even the crazy spicy isn't too much of the "tastes like burning" variety of hot, although it is a bit too much for me. I've tried a wide variety of dishes, and I've never been disappointed. The appetizers are mostly fried and can be a bit greasy, so I tend to avoid them, even though they are all full of yum. The salads are fairly solid, though most are shredded cabbage with other things mixed in. The squid salad, however, is bloody fantastic. (I've never been a huge seafood fan, but this is really well done.) The entrees are varied and numerous. I've never had a dish I didn't like. I've had at least one thing in every category (noodles, vegetarian/tofu, chicken, pork, beef, and seafood), and all are well seasoned, properly cooked, and delicious, consistently. And be sure to leave room for dessert! The shweJi is light and delicious, and the coconut ice cream is made of heaven and sparkles and unicorn magic. The restaurant is always busy, which I think is a great testament to the quality of the food. The wait staff are also very friendly and fast. I've never had to wait around forever to get my meal. This is a no-brainer choice for really good food.
(5)
Bonnie J.

MMMMM. The Tofu MoteNyinChin Gyaw (with sour mustard) is yummy. And the sauce that comes with the spring rolls is sooooo good. I always ask for more -- secret recipe! Nothing fancy about this place but the food is good and they serve it quickly.
(4)
Brandima A.

The kitchen is making judgement calls it shouldn't be! I ordered spicy. I know spicy, I love spicy! The kitchen sent back the waiter to get me to change my order because of the amount of "Too Spicy" orders that had been sent back. I insisted I wanted spicy, the lack of spicy added to the lack of flavor of the food here. It was horrible. Perficetly good food wasted because they didn't listen to what I asked for! They became very busy and the orders got mixed up (this doesn't usually happen) and it was just all around disappointing. I won't go back anytime soon. Such a shame!
(1)
Michael K.

I've been going to Mandalay since they were a humble hole-in-the-wall restaurant in College Park. It is one of my top restaurants in the DC area and I simply adore the beef dishes. I like my food hot and spicy and they rarely fail to deliver on either count. Burmese food, as geography would indicate, is a hybrid of Thai and Indian food. Not being an expert on the culinary nuances of either types I will merely say that the Burmese food at Mandalay is mostly curry based, but with large number of non-curry (including some noodle) dishes. There is something for everyone between the pork, noodle, beef chicken and vegetarian options. I typically go for the beef dishes, spicy. But be warned, they can really crank of the heat. Fortunately, you can order what level of spiciness you want, so even a person with a low heat tolerance can order any dish on the menu. First timers would be best served ordering medium or mild the first time there to gage their relative tolerance. And no trip to Mandalay is complete with out the ShweJi (cream of wheat). This sweet treat is served warm is an excellent end to a delicious (and filling) meal.
(5)
Henry M.

Burma Road is closer to my home in Gaithersburg, and the food isn't as salty, but this isn't a bad choice if you're looking for something tasty in Silver Spring. There's a small private lot as well as street parking. It was full on a Friday night, and we waited for a little while in the bar. If you enjoy mixed drinks, try one of their unusual specialties. We had the Baya gyaw (Gram Fritter) (4) for an appetizer. It was bland, but the sauce that comes with it is very nice. The ChinBaung Hincho, Burmese sorrel in garlic broth that I orderd came out at the same time. It's a little sour, and the broth is so flavorful that next time I sure won't share it with two other people. Mild, Medium, or HOT! How do you ever know in a restaurant that's new to you? I usually try a mild, a couple of mediums, and stay away from the HOT until I know better. That worked out great last night for the three of us. The medium AMeThar NanNanBin Hin, sliced beef and (hardly any) fresh cilantro simmered in onion-tomato base curry was plenty spicy, but the least interesting dish that we had. The WetThar KaYann Thee Hin, pork and eggplant simmered in onion base curry, garnished with fresh cilantro that we ordered mild was much tastier, owing partially to the inherent tastiness of pork and eggplant, but perhaps the tomato muddied the flavor of the beef dish. We all agreed that PaZun MoteNyinChin Gyaw, Shrimp sautÃ©ed with sour mustard, onion, and fresh cilantro that we ordered medium was the tastiest of our three entrees, with the sour mustard adding nice hits of flavor and crunchiness to a well-seasoned dish. Noisy place, but very attentive, friendly staff. We'll be back.
(3)
Jane W.

I came here with a friend last weekend who had been before and thought it was good. I've visited Myanmar before so I was interested in seeing what the food tasted like. I don't know how authentic it was but it tasted very good. I got one of the noodle dishes with chicken and it was delicious. I even had enough to take home and eat again the next day! At ~$10/dish it was definitely a good value. There is a small parking lot behind the restaurant which was very convenient for me. Will definitely be back again.
(5)
Gregory M.

Had a pleasant lunch here today - LetThoke Sone (Mixed Noodle Dish) and the Thursday special, Chicken with coconut rice, iced Myannmar coffee- all tasty, but not noteworthy. Service was pleasant and prompt. I found the items we got to be pricey given their straightfoward preparation. It was my first time here, I would go back for another try when I'm in the area.
(3)
t.sa c.

Tea leaf salad, four noodles stir-fry. Ignore the slightly snobby service.
(5)
Mark P.

Very tasty, nice servers, affordable. The lady had noodle no. 1 and I the pork curry with pickled mango - definitely try it! A little spicy, a little bitter.
(4)
Rhonda J.

I came here with my fiance and a couple of friends recently. I had heard really good things about this place, so I was optimistic. I'll start with the good: the food is very tasty and reasonably priced for dinner (around $9.99-$10.99 per dish). I ordered the coconut tofu curry and my friends ordered various noodle dishes with chicken. It's also a very pretty restaurant with nice decorations and a pleasant feel inside. However, the reason I can only give it 2 stars is because of the service, which was atrocious. First of all, we arrived with one of our party members missing, and they refused to seat us even though she was on her way, walking up the sidewalk. They finally agreed to seat us and then... it took about 15-20 minutes for anyone to come over to us. It was as if they were punishing us for not having our entire party there when we were seated. When the server finally came over, she was hurried, rude, and pushy. When the food was delivered, she only brought one dish at a time and we all had to sit and wait until the other food was delivered. No one came to check on us throughout the meal, and at the end, we had to practically BEG to see a dessert menu. When it was time to pay, the owner insisted that they cannot split the check 5 ways, only 3... At this point, we had already split it and written down each person's credit card information. He kept arguing with us until my fiance finally agreed to pay for himself and me. The management has tons of rules and they are very inflexible. In the future, we will order take-out or delivery. The service is too awful.. I would never take any friends or family here again, especially not for a special occasion.
(2)
Jack S.

This is my favorite restaurant in the world! Period. Burmese food is like a combination of Thai, Chinese, and Indian, and Mandalay takes the best aspects of those and blends them to a unique wonderfulness that I can't even describe. If you like spice and flavor in your life, you haven't lived until you've eaten at Mandalay. I'm not joking about this. The atmpsphere is so-so, but they get five stars because the food is that good. Tip: Get the achin-yay hot sauce for an extra 49 cents. Imagine a blend of the most amazing chilis, garlic, and lime. It would be worth it even if it was 5 dollars.
(5)
Tuan T.

Ever since my office relocated to Silver Spring, Mandalay has been the go to place for birthday lunches or just plain lunchtime stomach grumbling. Although influences from China and India are apparent, Burmese cuisine has its own unique identity, and it surprises me that it has not caught on as well as other South East Asian offerings. If you're not sure about what to order, check with Joe.He's the owner of the place. He has guided us from day one and his recommendations have never disappointed. Since then a few favorites have emerged: green tea leaf salad, stir fried yellow beans, chicken with bitter melon, pork with Chinese sausages, beef with fresh basil and, last but definitely on top of my list, noodle number 6, which is flat rice noodle stir fried with seafood. With so many delicious choices, I seldom have room for dessert. Still I have to cap it off with an order of shweji; a tasty baked treat made from cream of wheat, coconut cream, raisins, and topped with poppy seeds. Although you can indicate the level of heat, the food is best at its spiciest. So, leave behind your wimpy friends for a day and enjoy the feast.
(5)
Missy T.

I wasn't quite sure what Burmese food was, but a co-worker told me I had to check it out. I'm a fan of Indian and Thai food (I now know that Burmese is kind of a hybrid of the two) so how could I not love it? Now I'm a regular customer even though the portions could be bigger. The food is great, friendly service and the place is always hoppin' during lunch and dinner. If you haven't had Burmese food, have it here.
(4)
Peter K.

I've never had Burmese food so I didn't really know what to expect. I figured it would be similar to Indonesian or Malaysian food. I was pleasantly surprised with their beer selection. Most Asian places only have Asian beers and some bad mainstream beers like Bud and Heineken. Mandalay had Hefeweizen on draft! Nice. Now to the food. I got the N01 noodle dish (I forgot the real name of it). I think it's kinda weird that its served room temperature. I guess that's the reason why the menu has a special note on that since other people have found that weird too. I think it would taste better if it was hot. We also got a beef with potato dish and a chicken with cilantro dish. Both were okay; nothing mindblowing. Not sure if I would come here again but it was cheap and far more interesting than the abundance of cookie cutter chain restaurants in Silver Spring (not that I have an inherent problem with chain restaurants).
(3)
Jane Y.

It wasn't enough food. We got the zucchini sticks as appetizers and two curries. We had to get negril afterwards. The food was ok. The zucchini was just deep fried zucchini sticks. It wasn't anything special. Four fried zucchini sticks for like $6? nahh. The curries were flavourful but the portions were WAY TOO SMALL. They also charge for extra rice. C'mon. I wasn't feeling that. Being asian, and paying extra for rice.
(3)
Sara K.

Love it! Been eating there for years. All the way back when they were a tiny little restaurant in College Park. So happy when they moved to Silver Spring. Golden Triangle appetizer is so yummy. Just wish there were more on the plate.
(5)
Jesus J.

Burmese food (at this place at least) is very similar to Indian food. They have an delicious array of curry and other entrees. My favorite entree is the chicken and potatoes cooked in masala sauce. Most dishes allow you to select how spicy you want it. You have the choice of mild, medium, or spicy. The dishes that don't allow a choice will say "cooked with spicy peppers" or something similar, so you know what you're getting. The medium always sits right with me. I've tried spicy one time, and it was too much. I was only able to eat half of my meal. I may be a light weight, but I would recommend starting at a lower level and work your way up. The prices are reasonable and are typical (~$12-$15/dish). The service has always been excellent. The servers constantly come by to bring you more water and they always have a smile. Even when doing take out (which is the majority of my orders), the staff are very welcoming. The amount of food you receive for each dish isn't an incredible amount (it's not like Indian restaurants where you'll most definitely have leftovers). Now, this isn't to say they give you very little. It's plenty for one person, but it's nice to have leftovers for the next day's lunch. I frequent Mandalay about every week to every two weeks and I plan on continuing my pattern.
(5)
Eric L.

Chicken 11, spicy with a ginger salad. Perhaps I should branch out. I moved from Columbia some years ago to College Park. I looked for a place nearby and saw Mandalay on another website. Hmmm, Burmese? Ok, I try it. I drove up Route 1 only to find out that they moved. I saw the new address and tromped over to Silver Spring to check it out. I guess I was set on Burmese. To my surprise the place had a lot more charm than the pre-fabricated stuff popping up only a few blocks away. Yet it wasn't dumpy like a lot of old Silver Spring. I had a chance to talk to the owner and I've always been a curry lover so he gave me a few options. After countless visits, I'm stuck on one or two items. I branch out occasionally and have never been disappointed. The place is unpretentious but good. There's no million dollar koi pond or temple or anything like that. It's just good food with an interesting twist. Oh and by the way, their spicy isn't insanely hot. I had a Thai roommate years ago who could eat from a smelting furnace. In comparison, Mandalay is tame. Enjoy.
(3)
Sal A.

Really good food in here! you have something special in here. My girl and I were on a cross country trip and decided to stop by with the help of Yelp, we couldn't be any happier to stop by! GREAT FOOD, The Tofu Salad is a most! The entire menu is full with good stuff. I wish we had one in Los Angeles. My girl wanted some chili, so the staff prepared something for us, we are very grateful for it.
(5)
Mina A.

Arguably the best restaurant in downtown Silver Spring. Really delicious food and the owners/operators provide great service and are very friendly. Although the menu may seem intimidating, it's hard to go wrong when ordering here, as they have a lot of good dishes. The waiters can help you out if you're not sure. Some favorites of mine are: Mixed Noodle, Sour Mustard Chicken, Aloo Hin Curry witch Chicken, Pandauk Curry (on Sundays only), Papaya Salad, and Squash Fritters. The sauce they bring with appetizers is amazing. Each entree can be ordered however spicy you like it. If you like spicy, order Medium. If you don't want it spicy, try mild or "none" if you know you absolutely can't take the heat. Spicy is too damn spicy. Trust me. For dessert, Shweji and some Burmese iced coffee or Burmese iced tea hits the spot.
(5)
Beth C.

They catered our wedding. I think that says it all. Wait! There's more. EVERYONE could find something that they enjoyed, and guests still talk about the delicious food to this day. Even my family members who won't venture far from traditional American fare were heading back for seconds.
(5)
Allan R.

Do you know the way to Mandalay? This is, perhaps, my favorite restaurant in the Silver Spring area. Amazing, delicious food which is almost certainly like nothing like you've ever tried before. Nothing in the area anyway. Their salads are amazing, and I am no salad person. But then, Mandalay salads aren't like most salads. My favorite is the grean tealeaf salad, which sounds awful and tastes wonderful, and by god you've never eaten so much tealeaf in your life. My girlfriend, by contrast, prefers the unripe mango salad, which is also deserving of stellar reviews. Those are just the salads though. The entree menu is just as good. I'm a vegetarian by preference and this place has plenty for me to love. May I recommend the V08 (a yellow bean dish) or the Mandalay Tofu? And get dessert. The dessert is amazing too. More often then not when I've been there the owner himself is wandering around serving customers, and who can dislike that? Point being, go. Really. I know that a block away there are chain restaurants galore that attract far more money and attention. That's silly. Walk a block. Go to Mandalay. You won't be sorry.
(5)
Hana B.

This is the most authentic burmese food i have had, after my grandmothers burmese cooking. The dishes taste the same if not better than what she makes. I ordered the Lethoke Sone - absolutely amazing vegan dish full of textures and flavours that meld together to give a very authentic taste, without being very spicy or overwhelming at all. This is one of my favourite burmese dishes and this place knows how to do it with perfection! Also tried the Chicken KaukSwe Gyaw, felt the gravy could be a bit creamier, but still an exceptional dish thats really easy to love by all. Nice cozy family owned restaurant, well made dishes, I only wish i lived closer. This was easily the best part of my visit to Washington.
(5)
Sarah B.

Mandalay is my favorite restaurant in the D.C. area. I've lived here almost 7 years and have eaten just about everywhere, but there's nothing I crave more than Mandalay's extra spicy dried bean curd and vegetable dish (V15). I used to live nearby and ordered it once a week as take-out. Mandalay is fresh, inexpensive, and incredibly delicious. The restaurant decor isn't much to write home about, but the food more than makes up or it.
(5)
Briana W.

dish N.02 w/ clear bean thread noodles w/ added spice is delicious! I like their sustainable wine options too. I wish they would make substitutions, such as added broccoli, etc.
(5)
tamm r.

Most of the "salads" can be made vegetarian. The green tea leaf, green papaya, and tofu salad are worth trying. The salads are not traditional western salads. They are made with a lime, peanut, & cilantro sauce and shredded white cabbage and deep fried garlic chips. Unique dishes to try are the sour mustard tofu and tofu with coconut curry. The mixed noodle #1 dish can be made vegetarian and is also very tasty. The gram fritter salad is also a delicious option. It is made with deep fried patties made with chickpea flour and served with torn lettuce and the house dressing. Another unique dish is the peyoke with bamboo shoots. It is made from a round yellow bean (similar to a soybean). It has a very savory flavor unlike anything else I have ever had. I would recommend going with a few friends so you can share and try a little bit of everything! A traditional dessert is the cake made with coconut milk and cream of wheat. It is simple, but worthwhile (if you have any room left after your entrees).
(5)
Brent J.

We visited this because it was listed in the February 2010 issue of Washingtonian Magazine in an article called "Best of Silver Spring" [MD]. I can tell you, it belongs on the list! The first thing on the checklist for a new place is parking. Check! This place has a small parking lot next door and plenty street parking. When we arrived at the front door, there was a sign explaining that the credit card system was down and it was cash only for now. No problem. A bank was half a block up the street. A quick visit to the ATM and we're in business. From here, the place got better and better! It has an extensive drink menu with a nice selection of cocktails and mocktails [non-alcoholic]. The food menu was extensive as well. When there are several items on the menu I want to try, I've scored! I will be back. Things usually fall apart in the service department. Not here! Our waitress didn't know much about the wine selection but she was great in all other areas. She was friendly and could answer all questions about the food. The food was delivered fast and hot. I though the food was excellent! My wife said it was very good but could use a little more salt. Dessert was the best part! Mandalay has three desserts; ice cream, ShweJi or sticky rice with brown & coconut. We chose the ShweJi and the sticky rice. The sticky rice was very good. The ShweJi was awesome! Try this stuff!!! I look forward to my next visit here.
(5)
Zachary H.

Having never eaten Burmese food before, Mandalay had been on my to-do list for several months now! Last night we finally had the chance and were not disappointed! What Mandalay lacks in decor, it more than makes up for in quality of food and value for money! Having no idea what to order (if you're not familiar with Burmese food, you'll be at a bit of a loss), we asked the waitress what she reccomended. She suggested the pork curry (red curry base) and the coconut shrimp curry. She was absolutely spot on! Both were excellent with very dynamic tastes - the likes of which I have never experienced in an Indian or Japanese curry before. I will definately return and will have a hard time ordering anything else, though I am excited to try the numerous options offered on the menu! The food was provided quickly. My only regret was that I ordered my curry with "medium" heat, instead of taking the hot option. I found the medium option to not be spicy enough for my tastes. My fiance, who also ordered her dish with medium spiciness, agreed. On the question of service - it was polite and prompt. The waitress did ask us for drink and appetizer orders almost as soon as we sat down, which was a bit irritating, but, it does seem like a place with many regulars, so, perhaps she thought we knew what we wanted when we walked in the front door. I certainly will next time!
(4)
Genius M.

Not impressed at all. We were greeted by a guy who was just a little weird-- whistling, shouting and singing randomly. The rest of the restaurant was busy but quiet. The food was the big disappointment though. We have been to a Burmese restaurant in Sterling and were expecting really flavorful food. What we got was deep fried tasteless shrimp and egg rolls. Fried greasy noodles and really hot chicken curry which was only chilly and completely devoid of any taste. Regardless to say we are not going back--rather drive an hour to get good Burmese cuisine.
(2)
Thoreau B.

Oh I love this place. The mango salad is amazing!! And so is the creamy chicken dish (I can't remember the name). I like the squash fritters and the beer selection. The only reason it doesn't get a higher rating is the location is crappy, and the service kind of sucks. But it is a great place to take a long time girlfriend for a cheap date night if you are focused on the food.
(4)
Anna D.

It's always an adventure to try a new place especially when you only eat plants. This place had a few options. I tried a tofu dish. Was pretty spicy and delicious. I usually don't have a desert but hearing how fantastic it is there I had to try one and wow! . The vegan coconut ice cream was one of the most amazing things I've ever tried. Also the friendly and knowledgeable staff makes this place one of my absolute faves.
(5)
Patricia D.

While staying in Silver Spring for a wedding I started wandering the downtown streets in search of something different and off the beaten path... Burmese food? Why not, I'm game! Mandalay is a cozy little spot with friendly staff. I was immediately greeted and taken to a booth and brought some water. I asked my server for a recommendation and told him I loved curry. He immediately recommended the Kyetthar Ohnno Hin which is dark meat chicken pieces in a coconut curry sauce with onions, peppers and tomatoes. My server asked how spicy I would like it and I went with Medium which turned out more like mild but still very tasty. There was plenty of chicken in the dish and fresh veggies but the sauce was the star. As it hit my palate, I could taste the different layers of coconut milk which was subtle, the curry didn't over power the dish. The dish reminded me a bit of the Thai dish Massaman curry. Similar flavor profile. The placemat actually has 3 desserts listed on it and being a huge lover of coconut anything, I opted for the homemade coconut ice cream of course! Presentation is nice - served in an actual coconut shell. Creamy and rich flavor, I didn't want to stop eating even though my belly was about to burst! The manager came by my table to ensure I enjoyed everything - What a great first meal in DMV!
(5)
Alex O.

The food is amazing and the customer service is excellent. Our waiter came by several times just to see if we needed anything. The food was fresh and very flavorful. My girlfriend is vegetarian so she was happy to see they had plenty of vegan and gluten free entrees and appetizers. She ended up going with the Tofu Ohnno Hin, the coconut curry was amazing. The location isn't huge but it fits a lot of people. The price was great for the quality and quantity of food. I'm a big eater so I really value large meals at fair prices. I would have to recommend the KyetThar ALoo Hin because the potatoes and chicken were immaculate. And you have to wash it down with the Double D IPA. The Mandalay Restaurant & Cafe is one of the best ethnic restaurants I've been to in Silver Spring. Five Stars.
(5)
Debbie S.

The Burmese salad dressing is amazing. Seriously. Amazing. That's mostly all I get, though have tried their tofu many times from friends and it's always on point. Not necessarily the quietest of environments since sound travels. If you have weird eating hours, make sure to check when they're open so you don't show up at a closed restaurant, as I've done in the past trying to grab a late lunch.
(5)
Tin H.

I had reservations once I enter restaurant with non-Asian ! I was only Asian besides the staff ! My partner have been here few times and rave all the dishes he had ! Of all the dishes we order, my fave was Burmese flat noodles with tofu and peanut sauce ! Similar to pad Thai ! A dish my friend William is a master ! So it tastes vey similar to his ! I will Order my food before I head to airport !! Thanks Micheal!
(5)
Haroun K.

I think this might be a classic example of the Yelp overhype. I had the sour tofu dish (ordered medium spicy) which sounded interesting, but was on the bland side. The tofu was ordered fried, but was pretty mushy. The samosa which comes with the lunch special was pretty good, with a rather sriracha-ish red sauce. Of note, the lunch special I ordered was a few dollars more expensive than they list on their online menu. Nevertheless, there was a pretty sizable lunchtime crowd. Service is pretty fast at lunchtime, too.
(3)
Lia M.

So, I've pretty much eaten my way through many Asian cuisines, and Burmese was one of the few that I had left to try. And while I've heard stories of mind-blowing Burmese dishes, I've also heard that the options in this area are not quite up to par. However, having nothing to compare with, I must say that I'm a fan. I started with what is probably the most-renowned Burmese dish: tea leaf salad. This dish, lightly dressed, comprised of fermented tea leaves, tomatoes, cabbage, and crispy yellow peas, was different from anything I've had. The texture is interesting because of the slightly sour leaves and crisp cabbage, but overall, the dish is quite refreshing and balanced. I loved it. The gram fritters were not my cup of tea (bad pun, I know). With a consistency similar to hush puppies and a flavor reminiscent of Indian cuisine, it just was not worth the stomach space. But it wasn't bad. Mandalay offers weekday lunch specials, so I opted for a curry with chicken and fried potato, with a samosa as my side. The samosa small and the filling was pureed. The dough is the thin, flat, crispy style and the samosa was good, but again, a waste of precious space. The curry was flavorful and fantastic. I asked for mild, which I was assured had some heat to it, but it had none at all. So if you like spicy, as I do, go for at least the medium. That's okay. The dark meat chicken was much appreciated. It reminded me of a Nepali-style curry. Now, you must be wondering why I keep talking about stomach space. This is because you absolutely must get the coconut ice cream, which is served in a half coconut, which is one of those kitschy things I like, only here, there's no kitsch. Just a great dessert. The first few bites did not impress me. I thought to myself "Why did I order ice in a coconut"? But I urge you to keep going. After you get past the icy part, you immense yourself into creamy, coconut-y goodness, and you wonder where this has been all your life (obviously, it's been hiding out in the food of a country with one of the most restrictive, most brutal regimes in the world). I cannot say this is the best Burmese restaurant ever, or even that my mind was blown. I can say that Mandalay offers something different than the more common cuisines of the region and that I was truly satisfied with everything (including the service), and am looking forward to a return visit.
(4)
Mario L.

Been going here for years. This is the only restaurant that I've been to that consistently does not disappoint when you ask for a dish extra spicy. The mango salad with fish sauce is my favorite appetizer and serves as a sharp, refreshing segue into dinner. My favorite dishes are the Kyet Thar Nga Yote Thee Hin (Ch 7) and the Kyet Thar Aloo Masala Hin (Ch 10), spiced up to my eyeballs. That spice hitting my tongue is absolute euphoria.
(5)
Jessica R.

This is the first time I've had Burmese food but I have to say that I am a fan! It definitely has a distinct taste from other Asian cuisines. We came as a large group and ordered practically everything on the menu. For appetizers we tried the samosas and the eggrolls. I was kinda expecting Indian style samosas but these were different. They were small triangle shaped pastries with potato, peas and onions. They were good though! But the eggrolls were BOMB. Seriously, get these! They went quickly at the table because everyone loved them so much. We also got a Gyinn Thoke (Ginger Salad) to split at the table. It has a very strong ginger taste, so if you're into that, get it! I honestly could eat that everyday of my life. I had the KyetThar Ohnno Hin (CH11), which was chicken in a coconut milk curry and some veggies. The waitress asked us all if we would like our food mild, hot, or Burmese hot. I'm fiend for spicy food so I decided to try the Burmese hot. She tried to warn me against it, but I was feeling brave lol. While it definitely was hot, it was perfect for me. The meal itself was full of flavor. And for dessert, a couple of us split the coconut ice cream. It comes in a coconut shell which was so cute. It wasn't very ice-cream like though, probably because it was vegan. It reminded me more of Italian ice. But still good and very coconutty. The service here was pretty good. Our food came out in a timely manner and our waitress checked on us numerous times. They have a tiny parking lot and there is also some metered parking out front. The staff here were nice enough to let exchange our cash for quarters to pay the meters. Can't wait to come here again!
(5)
Katelyn K.

Came in on a Saturday evening with 3 friends. There was an open table at the door with 4 seats and set up. They sent us to the bar for 20 minutes (where there was no bartender) and then directed us to the table. Then we were given menus and no one came to check on us for another 15 minutes. When they dropped off the drinks, one member in our party said she needed another moment to look at the menu. That translated to another 20 minutes waiting. One of my friends asked how hot was their hot. The waitress said "melt your face off, crying". The mild had no spice at all... not even a tang. The medium was what I would have expected a mild to be. Despite this, the food tasted great. The real gem is the coconut ice cream - made with coconut milk and not actual milk. No one wanted dessert, but I ordered it anyway and everyone else ate it.
(3)
Amanda F.

Love this place! The atmosphere is not your trendy, concept, new-age DC restaurant. But, eh, who cares...at least it doesn't distract from the deliciously interesting food. Musts are the ginger salad, any of the noodles and the Burmese iced tea. The tea is super strong and super sweet, so be prepared. In a city where the food scene is hot hot hot, it's nice to have restaurants who have been around for a long time and that are solely focused on serving excellent, authentic food.
(5)
Annie B.

Vegetarians, let me tell you what to order, which is based on a bit of trial and error. The first time I went here I got something that was not memorable and somewhat blah. BUT, luckily my friend convinced me to come back and she ordered for the both of us. So good! In fact, the choices she made were so awesome that I have ordered the exact same things from the menu at least on 10 separate occasions. I'm moving to San Francisco soon and am really really sad to be having my last meal at Mandalay soon :( So, here's what to get to share between two people (and possibly have leftovers): 1. ThinnBawThee Thoke (Green Papaya Salad). This is very different and much more tasty in my opinion than what you get at a Thai restaurant. The flavors are so amazing and the bits of crispy shallots, sesame seeds, and peanuts on top are delightful. 2. LetThoke Sone (Mixed Noodle Dish) When I tell you that this dish is four kinds of noodles mixed together with bits of fried tofu and potatoes, you likely are questioning my judgement. But, it is absolutely delicious and refreshing! The Burmese dressing on it, which from the menu states "Burmese dressing: crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, gram powders, lemon juice, garlic oil, and fish sauce (Vegetarian dishes are available upon request)" is so tasty! I've tried to replicate this dish myself on a few occasions and sadly can't capture the delicious addictive flavor. 3.Tofu Ohnno Hin. This is in-house fried soft tofu. Let that sink in. Pretty much all fried tofu you get in restaurants is that pre-fried crap that isn't very fresh tasting. Mandalay's tofu is yummy and fried on the outside and meltingly tender inside. The coconut curry sauce is phenomenal. I again have tried to replicate it and have been unable to capture the lip-smaking delicious-ness of it. So good! Although you likely won't have any room at this point, the ShweJi, which is unappetizingly described as: "Cream of wheat, coconut cream, sugar, egg, milk, and raisins, topped with poppy seeds, then baked until lightly golden brown" is really YUMMY! So, go forth and enjoy fast service, delectable food, and a fairly reasonable check in the end.
(5)
Kerry C.

This is my go to Burmese restaurant. I always get the Gyinn Thoke which is the ginger salad and Let Phet Thoke which is the green tea leaf salad. The salads are so fresh and well prepared. So far all the dishes I've tasted are yummy! My two favorites are WetThar KaYann Thee Hin which is pork and eggplant in an onion brown sauce with cilantro AND AMeThar ASane Gyaw which is beef with carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage in a brown sauce. Only, the service is not always good. It depends on who is the server. If it's one of the owners then you're in good hands, if it's an employee then there usually is an attitude that comes with the person...
(5)
Jenny T.

Whereeeeee has this place been all my life?!?!!? So, short story: so technically I'm half Burmese. My aunt used to make this amazing coconut curry with chicken growing up. Now that I've moved away... I rarely ever get to eat it now. I've only come across / tried three other Burmese restaurants...(one in San Fran, 2 in DC). And hands down Mandalay is the most legit. All I can say is, I'll be back.... Again and again. Get the KyetThar Ohnno Hin (coconut cream sauce chicken). It is awesome and I can eat it all day long. And the coconut ice cream... Worth all $6. I need to come back on Thursday to get some coconut rice. Omg.
(5)
Jolene L.

As a vegetarian, I am very happy I found out about this gem. Food is delicious, service is great. They even offer vegan versions of meals which is a plus! The V06 Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw is amazing and the papaya salad devine (could be spicier, but nonetheless delicious). Definitely recommend for eat-in or take-out.
(5)
Andrew O.

This was some decent Burmese, which is special because Burmese is tough to find. The food we got was good, but nothing was amazing. In general, the flavors were fairly bland. The spicy dishes had heat but not a ton else. The service was good, and there was no wait on a Sunday night. If I lived in Silver Spring, I'd probably go back semi-regularly. But I think that Myanmar restaurant in Falls Church, VA is much better. Worse service, but much much better food than Mandalay.
(3)
Susan H.

I was looking forward to eating at this restaurant as it had good reviews and was busy when we visited on Saturday evening. I was sorry to be disappointed. The food was lackluster, poorly presented, and did not seem fresh. I had three dishes so it is not a full comparison of what Mandalay offers. I also found the restaurant interior cluttered and unappealing. We sat next to a tower of boxes (of paper?), a child's bicycle, and a messy bar (not in use). Service was very good. Prices were good but I will not return.
(3)
Gauri N.

Great Restaurant. My first time trying Burmese Food. For Vegetarians, try Nyat Khausuey
(5)
A. B.

Excellent food, great vegan options, good service.
(5)
Shirley H.

This is my first time having Burmese food. It tastes just like Thai food but not as flavorful in my opinion. I don't know if that's characteristic of Burmese food or of Mandalay. The portion size is about the same as Thai food.
(3)
Evan J.

Interesting and delicious food. When we went it was awfully quiet, with only a few other customers in the shop that weekday evening. Their decor feels a little uninspired, but the cuisine is the focus here and makes the visit stand out.
(4)
Jen Y.

The service was great, but the noodle dishes were "a-o.k." It seems like the highlight of Mandalay is the marination sauce or whatever they use for the entrees.. but even so that might have been because I requested the option for adding fish oil. I ordered noodle dish #1 based on other Yelp reviews.. slightly disappointed, feeling that this place got slightly overrated.
(3)
Dimple N.

Loved the food! Good service too! Had the tea leaf salad (it was okay), coconut shrimp curry (delicious!) and Nyat Kaukswe Gyaw (flat rice noodles) with veggies (again- delicious). Will definitely visit again.
(4)
Dan M.

Alright so I have a real soft spot in my heart for Burmese Food. I will not lie by saying that I know this cuisine well but after moving to SF this type of cuisine has been catching my attention more and more. I could not help but say yes to the chance of grabbing some Burmese Food when I was in the Silver Springs area. We arrived at around 7 PM and there was no line although still bustling with activity. The servers were attentive and came over pretty quickly to take our order. After looking through the menu, we decided to go with the LetThoke Sone which is room temperature, WetThar HtaMin Paung, and the ShweJi for a sweet ending. Yes I had to look up the names to remember because there is no way in heck that I could remember that. No drinks ordered this night *gasp* so I cannot comment on the drinks menu. All the food came out promptly and all of the dishes were solid. The room temperature noodles were just absolutely amazing so do not hesitate on this one and get it. We basically scraped up the entire plate hoping for more to fall out of the sky. The beef dish was good as well and reminded me of a beef with broccoli dish. This was a bit sweeter than our room temperature noodle dish so I appreciated the contrast between the two. After finishing these two dishes we were both full but were curious about trying our dessert. I have to say I was a bit disappointed by this and not something I would probably order again in the future. Overall a solid place and definitely worth checking out for your Burmese Food kick and on par with the Burmese restaurants I have had in SF.
(4)
Helen C.

Got the Mandalay Tofu - it was very delicious and wonderfully spicy. Mango ice cream was served in a tiny coconut and was quite good. Food is rather pricy, but good. They have a private lot for restaurant customers. Service staff was attentive.
(5)
Chirjiv A.

We had ordered the Burmese samosa. I did not find it any different from the indian version, enjoyable still! We ordered KyetThar ALoo Hin Chicken chunks (dark meat) and lightly fried potato simmered in onion base curry. I should have ordered white meat. It had a distinct meat taste smell which I did not like. We also ordered Tofu Ohnno Hin Lightly fried tofu cooked with coconut cream curry sauce . This one was a lunch savior! I enjoyed this one.
(3)
Greg D.

Very good Burmese in WDC area. We always get the tofu salad. There is some magic potion in that salad-amazing. Decent service. Try the coconut ice cream when you get the chance. You won't want milk-based ice-cream anymore. We are repeat and returning customers.
(5)
Joseph H.

I'm not quick to give a five-star review, but we love this place. We went on Sunday and I had the special which is a chicken over rice dish with a very spicy onion sauce, simply amazing. Fragrant saffron rice, perfectly done chicken and the sauce was so hot I was hallucinating (know what you are getting into when you eat Burmese!). My wife got a shrimp in coconut curry sauce that was out of this world.
(5)
John B.

One of those suburban strip mall gems. Doesn't look like much from the outside (and truth be told, the booths inside could use some updating), but you're greeted by an entryway full of pictures of happy customers, a conversational but non-pushy owner, and an intriguing menu. I like my regional Asian cuisines, but this was my first Burmese, and the options were distinct from anything you'd find at any other Southeast Asian restaurant. I indulged in a Mandalay tofu, perhaps the only pronounceable menu option (they wisely do ordering by number). It's wasn't the cheapest or the largest portion, but it got the job done. Oddly, it's served at room temperature (not chilled, not hot). They ask you mild/medium/spicy directly upfront, and when they say spicy they are not kidding. My spicy dish was quite delicious, in a sweaty, nose-runny sort of way. Be warned. There's a long list of vegetarian options, all of which are vegan (no secret fish sauce/chicken broth/etc. shenanigans it seems). They note that their default salad dressing has fish sauce but offer an alternative, and even their dessert menu included vegan coconut ice cream. If you want to eat a real meal 100% vegan, this is a pretty appealing place to do it. Many of the entrees are tofu-based, but there are some with vatana beans, eggplant, potato, and other vegetables if you're not up for that. A limited menu with an included appetizer (mine was a small but tasty samosa) is available as lunch specials. It came out fast. Certainly a good work lunch spot in downtown SS, though I'd be happy to return for dinner. Not hard to see why this place has been around for a while and opened up a fancier spinoff downtown (since closed). It's a polished operation with good food.
(4)
Richie K.

Halfway through a long road trip, I started getting hungry. Next thing I know, I'm pulling up outside Mandalay in scenic Silver Spring. I'm used to Rangoon in Philadelphia, a Burmese place that makes syrupy sweet dishes. This was my Burmese baseline but I wasn't sure quite what to expect. How does Rangoon compare to Mandalay and which is the real deal? I decided to keep it light and went with the baya gyaw thoke salad which comprised a gram fritter; tomato; cabbage; onion; and fresh cilantro tossed in Burmese dressing and garnished with fried onion and carrots. Nothing syrupy sweet here, just fresh and flavorful food with attentive service. As far as which is the real deal, I'll have to keep eating my way through Burmese spots until I figure it out.
(4)
Zest A.

Mandalay is one of my favorite places to eat in Maryland area. I have visited Maryland about 4 times, and not once have I missed lunch at Mandalay. Our favorite item on the menu is DanPauk and ShweJi. DanPauk is a dish of chicken's dark meat cooked in onion curry and served over saffron flavored rice. It's texture and flavor reminds me of a traditional Bengali preparation "pulao & kosha mangsho". ShweJi is the perfect dessert to end any meal. To top it, the owner is very friendly and the restaurant is very well maintained.
(5)
Sarah G.

Never having had Burmese food before, I didn't know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised! I started with the fried squash appetizer- basically yellow squash tempura which was pretty good, nicely fried and tasty! My entrÃ©e was the chicken with potatoes in a red, onion based curry sauce which was delicious over rice! It didn't taste a whole lot like curry, maybe because it was onion based but it was still great! Our service was quick, the food came out really fast, perhaps because by the time we had our entrees, the place had basically cleared out. But I'll give them the benefit of the doubt! It was not a fancy place by any means but had plenty of seating and the food was really tasty!
(4)
Eric B.

Pretty lousy! go to Charm Thai instead. Bring a gallon of coke to wash down the prison food style cuisine. Strangely it tastes exactly like Chinese food in El Salvador. Coincidence?
(2)
J. B.

After multiple visits this spot gets a 1. I would rate it a zero if Yelp allowed. Now first let me validate what some of the other patrons stated - the food is good. I can't call it great as the curry is watery and greasy, the tea leaf salad is too tart and they haven't elevated to the level of offering brown rice yet. Come on Mandalay--step up your game, dude. But, if you want some ok tasting food, this spot is good for that. But having had Burmese food on the west coast, (Burma Superstar)--Mandalay needs to go back to the drawing board and like Lauren Hill famously once said, "come again." Onward to the multiple issues! The wait staff and management are rude. In fact, I can honestly state this is the WORST service I've encountered in the DC Metro Area....ever. Try it out for yourself and see. It seriously reminds me of that Dave Chapelle Show Kinko's skit. Ridic. These folks also seem to be striving for some authentic, remote, Burmese countryside atmosphere because I have yet to have a meal there when they've had the lights on - granted, I've eaten there before the sun has gone down but me thinks that perhaps these fools don't want me to actually see my dish since it has been proven we eat with our eyes, not our mouths. Finally, the first time I went to Old Mandalay, I parked in the rather small (but so glad they have it) parking lot. Before I could make it to the front door however, some restaurant staff ran out to tell me I couldn't park there if I wasn't going to eat at the restaurant. When I told him I was indeed making my way to the restaurant before he so rudely assumed I wasn't, he turned on his heel and didn't say another word. Mandalay, you may be the only game in town offering Burmese cuisine, but I hope you smell what the San Francisco Bay is cooking (Burma Superstar) because your karma is gonna catch you.
(1)
Res R.

Delicious! The decor could use some updating and some guy (possibly the manager) is rather brusque. Those two issues aside, the food is awesome. I'm obsessed with the golden triangles (which I had tried before at a now closed Burmese restaurant in DC). I can't remember the name of the dish I had the last time, but it was one of those served at room temp (which was a leap for me, because I like my warm food piping hot and my chilled food very cold - what can I say, I'm extreme!), and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
(4)
Hilary G.

Amazing. This was my first experience with Burmese food and it was even better than the Loatian restaurant I went to. We started with the Burmese samosas and mango salad. Both were delicious appetizers and I really enjoyed the Burmese dressing on the mango salad along with the onions. I was with some vegetarians so we ordered some meals to share and they were both good - the N01 has 4 types if noodles and tofu with the Burmese dressing - and the V06 had the flat rice noodles that I love (drunken noodles anyone?) along with tofu and yellow beans. We split 2 desserts to top it off (it was a goodbye lunch so you have to gorge!) and they went well together - the ShweJi with the coconut ice cream on top. Another person in our party had Leffe which is one of my fav Belgian ales but they have the darker version - Leffe Brune which is delicious too. This is my new fav place in SS.
(5)
Evir R.

This is the best restaurant in Silver Spring. This family run business serves authentic Burmese food. It is a delicious choice for vegans and meat eaters alike. The ginger salad is the best thing on the planet and V14 - tofu with tomato and cilantro is amazing. This is the perfect place for a date or family meal.
(5)
Erica B.

Mandalay is one of the first places I reviewed on Yelp and still a favorite. Price wise, it's a steal and the food is mind bogglingly good. Having eaten here many, many times, here are some of the best things on the menu (bear in mind that I have yet to be disappointed by any of their dishes.) Appetizers: The gram fritters are reminiscent of hush puppies, fluffy and flavorful with a crispy golden exterior. The chickpea flour gives them a savory quality and they come with a spicy red sauce that would make shoe leather appetizing. The tomato salad is sublime - chopped fresh tomatoes with crunchy fried onion tidbits, cilantro, and a dressing that will rock your world. Even nicer, they offer a fish-sauce free version of the dressing for vegetarians. Entrees: The Tofu NanNanBinHin is irresistible. Even when I have something else while here, I often get an order of this stuff to go. Completely gluttonous, I know, but this dish has a hold on me. The onion tomato curry sauce is an umami bomb and the cilantro brightens the dish, keeping it from tasting too heavy. Mandalay does the fried tofu right too. Thin strips of firm tofu, browned on both sides, are hearty without being greasy or pillow-y. Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw is loaded with big, fat rice noodles, more of that spectacular fried tofu, and a mix of crunchy and tender vegetables. On the side, there's a small dish of this intensely flavorful sauce that you pour over the top. I don't know what goes into this addictive stuff, but you may find yourself dredging noodles through the last remaining drops to avoid missing out on any of it. Desserts: The dessert array here is unusual, fun, and not too sweet. The brown sugar coconut sticky rice has the texture and flavor of a caramel mochi hybrid. The ShweJi is a bit like a baked polenta pudding, but without the corn flavor and studded with raisins.
(5)
Koral S.

Since the time I was introduced to this place by a Burmese friend it has been one of my favorites in the neighborhood. The food is always fresh and tasty ... and spicy if you like it that way ... and really medium is spicy enough if you like spicy foods. The extra spicy will leave you not being able to taste the flavors ... up to what you prefer. I usually always order the gram fritter salad, which is perfectly balanced and a great starter to share with others. I also love the spicy mango chicken with rice. The last few times I have gotten the mixed noodle dish with tofu - served room temperature - which is oh so yummy! The service is always pleasant and attentive and the food comes out super quick.
(5)
J E.

Service and atmosphere are Ok. But, we keep going back because we love, Love, LOVE the food. There is no place else like is around. We were customers when they used to be in College Park, MD, and remained customers after they moved to Silver Spring. My family's favorites: mango salad, papaya salad and N06. They have specials on Thursday and Sunday, but run out because they are popular. So. if you want them, go early or call ahead and ask them to save an order for you.
(4)
AK K.

I am Burmese & I cook well. So I know which Burmese is really good & which one is pretender. Those pretenders are Burmese restaurants that are only good for Americans customers. This restaurant was actually good but I can't give five stars because it is missing a lot of Burmese signature dishes on the menu. They need to work on the Burmese non alcoholic drinks & desserts menus. The restaurant also need proper modern decoration. There are so many beautiful Burmese artworks that can be displayed!
(4)
Phuong H.

The food here is amazing! I definitely recommend the curries, although I haven't tried everything on their menu. I love that you can request the level of spiciness for your food too.
(5)
Vlad T.

Love the noodles here. The owner and staff are always helpful with the menu when I want to try something new. The place feels a bit worn at the edges but makes up for it with their food.
(4)
Tim W.

All of the food was delicious. Beware of your spice level when they offer mild, medium, or spicy. They say spicy is off the charts. No music. The decor was lacking. Christmas lights hung, but not on. Booths need a new life, but the tables looked nice. The two ladies sitting near us talked about sperm donors, penis, swabbing, and vagina, vagina, vagina the entire freaking meal. Gross!!
(4)
Ling W.

Great vegetarian options. We had #6 and 13, the flat noodles with peanut sauce, beans, add and sprouts, and the tofu coconut cream curry. The ingredients were fresh, the colors vibrant, and the dinner delicious!
(5)
Rachel S.

In my experience, good Burmese is a rare find in the Northeast. Between Baltimore, DC, and New York, I could only find one place whose rating met my usual range for a spot worth visiting: Mandalay. Man, did they deliver. We arrived around 6 pm on a Sunday for dinner, and after seeing the Portugal v. USA World Cup game on in the bar, decided to postpone our meal to catch the action. The bartenders (and owner) sat with us side by side in suspense, watching the game as if we'd been regulars for years. Definitely a warm, friendly environment, with surprisingly decent white wine. Starting out strong. After our gut-wrenching defeat on the field, we moved to the dining room to give our bellies some much needed pampering. The waitress was all smiles and prompt service. We started with the Baya gyaw (yellow split peas, ginger, garlic, and cilantro blended and deep fried) and ThinnBawThee Thoke (green papaya salad). The former were deliciously flavored dumplings that reminded me of chickpea & potato samosas, but more subtle flavoring, and less curry. The latter was crunchy, refreshing, with a multi-layered peanut-based dressing (classic Burmese). For entrees, we shared the NanJee Thoke (thick noodles with curried chicken strips, onions, and lots of veggies, all tossed in Burmese dressing), and the PaZun Ohnno Hin (shrimp, green pepper, onion, and tomato simmered in coconut curry sauce). My boyfriend, a Burmese-noshing vet, insisted we go "EXTREMELY spicy" on the shrimp dish, much to my and the waitress' skepticism . He made the right choice. The PaZun Ohnno Hin is one of the most complexly flavored, wonderfully prepared dishes I have ever experienced. In my life. And that's not even limited to Burmese cuisine. YOU MUST TRY THIS. And please kids, do yourself a favor, and go spicy. Spice it all up. You won't regret it. Completely worth going out of your way for a visit to Mandalay. We live in Baltimore, and are already planning our next trip back. This little gem is a 10/10.
(5)
Xo T.

I got the big flat fried noodles with pork. It was ok: above average. The atmosphere was good, very relaxing and clean, and service was good. I only wish that they turned up the AC a bit higher. It was a little warm in there. I like how they refill your water very often without you asking. That's a huge deal for me
(4)
Jerry S.

I can't believe this is related to the Mandalay that used to be in College Park. Very cozy room, very helpful staff. I went with a group, and we passed dishes around, and frankly I lost track of which was which! But all were tasty, a sort of fusion of other cuisines in the region. Less brash than Thai, more robust than Cantonese. The beer of the day was Leffe Belgian ale, rich and smooth. A companion enjoyed the Mandalay Ale, brewed to spec by Old Dominion. Alas, we had no room to try the deserts. Worth braving the Silver Sprung congestion.
(4)
Harold G.

I have come here for years and enjoy the food but now they have decided to charge customers $1 extra for take out orders. For years I have stopped here for take out and discovered this surcharge yesterday when I picked up my food. I asked the owner. He told me that since I complained he would remove it for me in the future. For the others who don't complain? You will still pay $1 extra. What a shame that for $1 greed he and his restaurant will lose a long time customer.
(2)
Sonia K.

A culinary adventure and delight. To start, I really enjoy the spring roll and papaya salads. The spring roll salad has chicken spring rolls cut up and mixed in with cabbage, carrot and maybe lettuce slaw with their Burmese dressing. I can't have fish sauce so order a "vegetarian" Burmese dressing. So glad I can do that. I get the same vegetarian request for the papaya salad. It is light and a little spicy, with thin, strips of green papaya, carrots and onion. It is the best and most consistently made papaya salad I've had in the area. A friend ordered salad with green tea leaves, which had a complex, rich taste that I enjoyed but would have to be in the mood for. I enjoy the curry with tomato, coconut milk and optional veggies. It is sweet, savory and rich-that addictive combo! I don't care for the fried rice here; it's too oily for me. I also must caution people who like "spicy". I ordered an oil-based onion, tomato and pepper dish that singed my nose hairs. It was barely edible-and I grew up eating very hot foods! Cocktails are hit or miss. I decided to try a recommended cocktail 7 months ago. I forget the name, maybe it had the word cactus in it? Anyway, it tasted like all the cough and cold syrups from the medicine cabinets shaken over ice and poured in a glass. Most of all, I like that there are simple and complex flavors are familiar and new. I was not familiar with Burmese before frequenting Mandalay but definitely appreciate it now.
(4)
Vincent V.

Found this place on accident because it showed being closed, but after driving by we were intrigued. The atmosphere is a little blah, but not reading any reviews we had an amazing experience with food and service! We all commented how we felt like we were eating at some friends house. The waiter gave very personal feedback on what is best for our ordering and made us feel welcome in every way possible. I was personally torn between the egg and rice noodles and after someone else with me went with the egg I was then forced to do the rice. Both were worthy of ordering again and I imagine on a repeat experience I would have the same problem making up my mind. Really good combo of meat mixed with egg, veggies and noodles. I also took a liking to the green tea leaf salad which was extremely yummy and great way to start the meal. So overall this place was a winner and the worst thing going for it is the decor and atmosphere inside, but that was such a minimal part of our experience that I will still leave the fifth star because I would make sure and visit this place again!
(5)
Monte H.

This restaurant does not make authentic food the way food is made in Myanmar. It is made for a very specific set of tastebuds that dominates the general region of Maryland/Virginia/DC. Not my tastebuds. The dishes all seem kind of watered down so....go here and enjoy if that's your thing.
(2)
Andrew F.

Meh, is right. It was a toss-up between Burma Road or Mandalay last night. We've been to both many times and tended to be disappointed by the latter. Same this time. After being seated, we waited a long time before asking to have our drinks delivered. They were a little busy but more scattered. Ordered two salads to share -- green papaya and tea leaf. Both came out looking nearly identical and piled onto plain, white oval plates. No visual appeal at all. Sadly, very little flavor, either. We ordered a tomato-based catfish as a main dish, and asked it to be spicy. It was, thankfully. The side of belacan was nice, but again, unappealing visually. The place was packed but disorganized; the food so-so. Burma Road really is miles better. But unlike Mandalay, it is rarely packed, in my experience, making me worry just how long we'll have to enjoy it.
(2)
Mike B.

A very satisfying last Yelp Luck Club. The sheer amount of food that we ordered was crazy. So crazy - that I can't remember a lot of the dishes names. Also... all of the dishes names are incredibly hard to say... so there's that. Example 1: KyetThar PinSane or NanNanBin Hin Example 2: WetThar KyetHinnGarThee Gyaw You get the point. I can tell you that it's very helpful that they have a number and letter code. I should just write those letters and numbers down next time... V03- KaYann Thee Hin- Eggplant simmered in onion base curry and garnished with fresh cilantro $10.99 It was delicious and I would surely get it again! I also tried the tea-leaf salad... i wasn't a huge fan of it to be honest. It vaguely reminded me of peeled broccoli stems with a little fish sauce and peanuts. But all the entree's that we ordered were fantastic! One of my favorites was the N06 - Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw- Flat rice noodles stir-fried with pork or chicken (dark meat), bean sprouts, lettuce, ground peanuts and topped with egg ($2 extra with shrimp or combo) $11.99 We got it with combo meats. I loved the flat rice noodles and it was really flavorful with the accompanying sauce. Could have eaten that entire dish! Many of the other dishes were stews with different meats in them. They were all tasty, and to be honest, a few of them tasted very similar. All in all, I would have no qualms going back here anytime soon. It's not hard to understand why Mandalay has 4 stars with 270 reviews.
(4)
Jeong L.

4.25! This was our 4th yelpluck dinner spot, and it surely wasn't a disappointment. I drove from DC, and it took over 45 minutes to get here due to traffic, but the trip was totally worth it. I never had Burmese food, but I am extremely glad that my lovely fellow MD burbs yelpers chose this place!!!!!! If anything you should try the tealeaf salad. It's like cole slaw, but very nice, creamy in a strange way, and refreshing at the same time. We ordered a bunch of dishes to share, and many of the dishes had tomato pastes. But the best dish of the night was this remarkable fish pasta. We didn't order it, but our server (I arrived late, so I didn't get his name), gave it to us on house. That dish was so unbelievably good... I am not familiar with this cuisine, and we ordered a bunch of things so I can't really exactly describe everything we ate... I just remember tasting all different dishes, and thinking they were really good lol. I would definitely like to come back here to taste each dish better!
(4)
Michael G.

With a cuisine as unique as Burmese, it's good to have a guide. And as anyone who have ever taken a bad walking tour can attest, a good guide should be informative, entertaining, and answer all newbie questions with the patience of a saint. Luckily, Mandalay has one of the best in their owner, host, and server. For a group of nine (especially nine Yelpers), his floor show of jokes and recommendations wasn't surprising, but having been here in a "group" of two before, I knew it was the norm. Our large group started out with the Tealeaf Salad. It was very unexpected. It's more a slaw (though don't call it similar to a cole slaw, according to the owner, "cole slaw has mayonnaise in it!") than a traditional salad with pieces of crunchy leaves and peas throughout. It's vinegary aftertaste gave it just the right amount of kick. I could have eaten it as a main course. Being the token vegetarian, I only got to try a couple of the dishes. Their noodles in bean sauce (V06) was savory and the noodles were just the thick, firm noodles were fulfilling. The tofu could have used a bit more blending with the sauce (which tasted a lot like a black bean sauce even though it's not advertised as such) but other than that it was perfect. I never even got to sample more than a bite of the veggie eggplant dish since the omnivores ate it all! So I would guess that was even better. Throughout the meal, the server came by a lot to make sure everything was alright on both occasions I was there and was very good to check about dietary restrictions. This place is legendary, according to my lady, in the D.C. vegan community since all of their veggie dishes are vegan and they cater to that crowd. One warning though, the spicy is not "American spicy" as the owner reminded us. A couple of drops of the chili sauce is no joke. I guess the profuse sweating of those of us with weaker constitutions just adds to the authenticity though.
(4)
Paul D.

I had been wanting to eat here for a while, since Myanmar is on my list of where I'd like to vacation next. So with no experience in eating food from that nation, I ventured in and was looking forward to trying new things. The mango salad I ordered was pretty good. Having traveled to Southeast Asia often, I love mango salads. The version here adds julienned cabbage, which is unusual. I liked it because it was different. I also ordered fish that was cooked in some spicy tomato-type sauce, though it wasn't spicy and lacked flavor, so I was disappointed. Unfortunately, I doubt I'll come back. The server, who looked like he probably owned the place (or his family owns the place), was disgusting. He simply came to my table and blurted out "What do you want" - that was his way of asking me what I'd like to order for dinner. Now, having lived in NY for some time, I'm used to "rudeness." This big guy seemed like he was from the Bronx, and was slovenly and unprofessional. After putting in my order, he just left.
(2)
Misty K.

We made a special trip here, after trying another Burmese restaurant that we really enjoyed. We'd walked by Mandalay and bookmarked it on Yelp, for a future trip. Last night, when we were deciding where to have dinner, my husband said, "What about that Burmese place, we wanted to try, in SS?" We settled on it, and off we went. We were tired, and we did not thoroughly explore the menu, but I can tell you that there's something for everyone. My husband had some kind of beef dish with lots of fresh veggies (AMeThar HtaMin Paung). He said it tasted very fresh. He also ordered an appetizer of "Golden Triangles" (I giggled), and I had one. They were piping hot, and the sauce was surprising - Hot & Sour, and delicious. They were akin to a samosa, but I liked them better. My meal was the #6 Noodle dish with shrimp (don't ask me to pronounce it). I was so tired that I ordered it just like that. "Green tea and the #6 Noodles with shrimp." The waitress took pity and didn't ask me to explain. She just GOT IT. I was so pleased. The service was great! (For the record though, the dish is called Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw with Shrimp.) They also ask you for the level of spiciness you desire. We both chose "Medium," but we both like spicy food. We just weren't sure exactly what we'd be getting into if we said, "Spicy." I asked him later if his was spicy, and he said, "Not really." Mine wasn't either, so in the future, I might turn up the heat a bit. We also shared the ShweJi (Cream of Wheat with Coconut Milk and Raisins, baked in the oven). My husband doesn't like coconut, and he still enjoyed the dessert. One thing about the desserts - I didn't see any without coconut, so if you're not a fan, you might have to skip dessert. The place itself is large, if a little dated. It's one of those places where you might have to sit on a long bench strewn with tables, so your table is close to your neighbor's. It didn't bother us much, but if you get irritating neighbors, it might be. I have to let my whiteness shine through, and admit that I can't distinguish a person from Myanmar, unless they tell me, but I suspect that many of the people around us were originally from the area, which is always a good sign to me. People enjoying the food of their culture tells me that it is likely authentic (or closer to authentic), and good. And it seemed to be both. With regard to parking, there is a lot 2 doors down. You don't have to pay to park there on Sat/Sun, or after 6 PM any week day. (Read the meters carefully, so you don't end up paying when you don't need to.) Definitely recommended.
(4)
Sarah H.

Mandalay is great! I was a little hesitant to go for dinner because the outside kind of resembles a sketchy Chinese restaurant that serves mystery meat - little did I know that I just stumbled into a Silver Spring gem! The atmosphere is pretty mediocre but I love the waitstaff. They were all incredibly friendly, attentive, and offered some advice on the menu. I'm also a really big fan of the fact that they have giant pictures of their children hanging on the walls. It made me smile to know the owners really just love their kids enough to show them off to everyone who dines at their restaurant. I ordered pork with pickled mango because I had absolutely no idea what it would taste like. It tasted like delicious. It was a little heavy and the pork was very fatty but I should have know that going in. Regardless, I now like pickled green mangoes. Overall, great experience!
(5)
Chris D.

So delicious. It took me a couple of visits to commit, but I'm all in now. My esteem for Mandalay definitely increased when I began doubling up on their salads. I don't even get an entree any more. The tea leaf salad is delicious. It has a bit of bitterness (not sure that is the right descriptor) that I wasn't expecting at first. Now that I'm accustomed to it, though, it definitely add a layer to the flavor. You also can't go wrong with one of the shredded salads (papaya, mango, ginger). They are all delicious and light. They make a great entree on a hot evening. Finally, I highly recommend that tofu salad. Generous slices of tofu and a nice crisp flavor. A bit more filling than the others but still pretty healthy. The one place where Mandalay is a weak is the dining experience. The restaurant is a nice size but the decor needs some sprucing up. It's clean, don't get me wrong. Just a bit worn. Also, the service is odd a bit random. You're never sure who is waiting on you. Sometimes the food comes quickly. Other times it's slow. The number of other diners never seems to affect this one way or the other. Oh, and the sticky rice with brown sugar is pretty amazing. Just watch out; it's hot. Small drawback of a really great, casual restaurant, though.
(4)
Richard S.

The food was ok, but poorly presented. No garnish. No attention to detail. I had a drink, an appetizer, and an entree and the bill was $32.58! Only in the DC area can you get away with this. Not worth it.
(2)
S V.

This is one of my favorite restaurants. It's family run and the food tastes like a mother cooked it in the back (which might actually be the case). The food is just amazing. I'm vegetarian and they have a very extensive vegetarian menu. There has never been a dish I got here that I didn't like. My favorite is the V14. If you want to treat your palette to some exciting flavors you have to try this place.
(5)
Aria H.

Revisited in Jan 2015. The spice is still awesome. :) The coconut-flavored dessert cake was interesting, too.
(5)
Tanzina I.

Mandalay is by far my most favorite restaurant in downtown Silver Spring! The price is great for the portion. The food is just oh so delicious. The restaurant gets pretty crowded at times (yup, even during weeknights), but it is not surprising - the food is just that delicious! I usually order a fried rice dish or a noodles dish. But anything and everything the chef creates at Mandalay is delicious! If I had to pick one word to describe the overall experience, I'd choose delicious!
(5)
Amanda P.

Yum! This was my first experience with Burmese food, and everything I've gotten has been delicious! I've only gotten take out so I can't speak too much to the service, but while we were waiting to pick up our food, the staff let us sit in another area and were very nice and attentive.
(4)
Elizabeth M.

Wow. Can't wait to go back! Two words. Onion curry. Experienced Burmese food here for the first time this evening. My only regret is that we were just a party of two; I'd have loved to try a LOT more of the menu! Met a friend for a "girl's night" dinner. She'd been here several times but it was new to me. First things first ... parking can be a little tricky, but there's a small public lot with meters one lot down from the restaurant. On weekends or other busy times, plan for parking to take a little while. Service ... ours was good, if a tad haphazard. But it was much enhanced by the ...manager? owner? I'm not sure? ....but the gentleman who stopped by our table several times, first to help us make menu choices and later to see if all was well. He was extremely helpful in guiding our entree choices. We'd initially picked two items that were both at the tart/sour/vinegary end of the spectrum and he encourages us to pick one that was more different. We bounced a few options around with him and he helped us make two good and nicely-contrasting choices. Ambiance ... none. It's a medium-sized establishment, with a strip-mall aesthetic. Don't go for the ambiance. Go for the FOOD. Seriously. For instance, the onion curry. The dishes I sampled had one foot in Chinese cuisine, one in Indian, and one in Thai ... and the blend is fabulous. Lots of curry sauces, but unlike most Indian curries I've had. Lots of use of fish sauce in unexpected ways. Can get spicy but stays richly flavored, even when not spicy. We started with the squash fritters ... think tempura squash sticks but MUCH more lightly battered than most tempura, crispy and light and not greasy, paired with a nicely tangy sweet-and-sour type sauce. Entrees were shrimp with veggies in the aforementioned (fabulous) onion curry, and chicken sauteed with sour mustard, and cilantro. The shrimp was perfectly cooked, tender and flavorful, sauteed with green pepper, onion, and tomato, and the onion curry was amazing ... I'd like to buy that sauce by the gallon jug! The chicken dish was large chunks of dark meat simmered with onion in sauce, and was tender and satifying, if slightly more salty that my usual tastes run. We'd asked for "medium spice;" I'd consider the spice level in our entrees to be a little on the light side of medium, but the flavor in both was so lively and complex that I didn't feel I was missing spice at all. Did I mention how good the onion curry was? We finished up splitting the sticky rice with brown sugar and coconut, and I thought it delicious. I'm not much of a dessert eater, but this was light, not cloyingly sweet, and was a delightful end to a very fine meal. I'll be going back, soon .. with more people! I want to sample everything!
(4)
Jessie L.

Tea leaf salad was an interesting dish, we enjoy it a lot. This was our first time trying Burmese food, and it's every different but we definitively enjoyed it. Waitress was friendly and show us what are the authentic choices on the menu. Deco was pretty old and dimgy, but I guess it's just been in the business in a long time. Give it a try when you are in town!
(4)
Sherry Z.

Mendalay was ok for Burmese food. However, Burma in DC was much better in terms of their green tea salad and tofu salad, and honestly some of the entrees as well. In terms of the food, the entree was a bit forgettable (some kind of mixed noodle dish and mustard tofu). The mustard tofu was decently good, but I would not get the noodle dish again. The mango salad was actually surprisingly delicious, don't be turned off by the fact that it might be a sickeningly sweet salad. They use green mangos and do a good job of flavoring the dish. I was very disappointed in the green tea salad-- this is usually my favorite part of a Burmese food outing. I think the green tea leaves were a bit too fermented, and the rest of the flavoring just clashed with the dish. Finally, when I thought the meal was going to be a bust outside of the mango salad, we got our dessert-- the shweji was absolutely delicious. It was very comforting, a mixture of the flavoring of bread pudding with the consistency of niangao (sweet rice cakes). I would go back to Mendalay for this if nothing else.
(3)
Josh G.

Maybe I'm missing something or this place is better suited for dinner, but I can't say it was anything too special. We went here on a Thursday for lunch. I passed on the coconut rice with chicken special of the day, despite hearing a lot about it. If I ever go back, maybe I'd try it, since my chicken with onions and cilantro was pretty unimpressive, as was the accompanying rice which was a bit overcooked in my opinion. The other people in my party all had different orders and seemed to enjoy them well enough, but everything was fairly ordinary. One of our salads even had some pretty wilted leaves in it, so I would wonder whether the greens are out of a bag. Still, the menu has a ton of variety and an option for everyone and the prices are certainly reasonable. The service was fine, and also fairly fast, though I will say that the restaurant was almost empty when we first arrived. Overall, I think if you know what they do well here or stick to the specials, it would be a decent experience, but otherwise, I'd probably go elsewhere for Burmese food.
(2)
Laura S.

After a quick Google search of vegan-friendly restaurants around Silver Spring, I decided to try this restaurant. I'm glad I did--it has a full page of vegetarian food, all of which is also vegan. I love it when restaurants make things so easily available like this. Since I wasn't sure spicy this restaurant's food is, I opted to try dish V06 at medium spiciness but with spicy sauce on the side. The dish was of a gentle spiciness (or "a slow burn" as I like to say) that was complemented by the sauce's savory and slightly sweet qualities. I'd never had Burmese rice noodles before this, but I found their large size and soft texture to be quite pleasing. I ended up eating the whole dish. Additionally, I ordered the vegan coconut ice cream. Being a vegan in the summertime can sometimes be a little lonely since it can be hard to find summer treats, but that was no problem here. The coconut ice cream was smooth and its sweetness was not cloying. I think that it might melt somewhat quickly, but I didn't give it the chance to! The service was nice, too. The owner's niece (?) was helping out, and although she sometimes had to go back to ask questions or to confirm things, she was very attentive and I appreciated when she checked with me. Sadly I was just passing through the area, so it's unlikely I'll visit this restaurant again, but I would recommend it to anyone.
(5)
Kevin H.

Let Phet Thoke (green tea leaf salad), green papaya salad, Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw with pork The decent The noodle was fine hot, slightly greasy, nice mix of veggies and meat. The taste was very ordinary though nothing exciting. This dish really was pad see eew with a different name. The bad Green tea leaf salad was a mix of a weird fermented green tea leaves and a bunch of green cabbage. It wasn't unpleasant but it seemed like something that requires a certain perspective. The taste isn't why it's bad it was the over use of the shredded cabbage and over use of a unbalanced dressing. The green papaya salad had the same problem, too much cabbage and over dressed. If you have no clue what real Burmese food tastes like, or real asian food in general, then this place is decent, but seriously is not a 4 star restaurant. If you want a better experience food-wise, go to Chinatown.
(2)
Daniel B.

Mandalay is fantastic. It's a regular for me. Some of my favorite dishes are things I haven't seen anywhere else, like Pork 7, Pork 2, Chicken 1, Chicken 10, Seafood 3, and the Thursday special are all absolutely amazing. The Thursday special and Pork 7 are an absolute must. The pork is simmered to fork tender with pickled mango, with a seriously complex flavor that I can't get anywhere else. The Thursday special is an amazing combination of onion based sauce with a coconut rice. The service is incredibly quick and very friendly. They're always so nice and always willing to provide a recommendation for something new that's just as amazing, and somehow, is always exactly what I'm looking for.
(5)
Dennis O.

Ok, the first thing you will need to get over is the decor of the place, which is a bit 1970's. I really think they could update the carpet and put in dividers in the space so it doesn't seem like a giant room. I guess I prefer more intimate spaces. That being said, the food is quite tasty. I recommend the mango salad. I had a beef dish here and asked them to make it spicy, which they did. Spice level was good, but you definitely need to be used to spicy food or you will have problems. My dinner companion ordered a noodle dish that seemed to be lacking in chicken. The food is an interesting combination of Thai and Chinese, it's not quite like either, but if you've eaten both you will be familiar with it. It is actually a nice change of pace from the common Thai food you can get in the area.
(4)
Supraja M.

Tried Mandalay Restaurant & Cafe with my family for a belated Father's Day lunch. The food was nice, nothing super spectacular in my book but a nice change of pace from the usual lineup of Thai and Chinese foods. The restaurant itself was a bit dark inside. The website says that they restaurant is closed from 3-5 every day, but the kitchen actually closes at 2:30, which we didn't know until we were ordering at about 2:15. We had the gram fritters and Burmese samosas as appetizers, and then shared a vegetarian stir-fried veggie, tofu, and noodle dish, a potato, peppers, and onions in gravy dish, and a tofu dish in a coconut cream based sauce for our party of 5. We all liked the tofu/coconut sauce the best. It was a good amount of food--portions were significantly smaller than your average chinese restaurant, about on par with most Thai places. We had the food medium spicy, because one person in the party can't deal with spice very well; next time I'd probably up the spice level.
(3)
Tim T.

Best restaurant experience since moving to Maryland! Why are there so few Burmese restaurants. The food is amazing. Get the tea leaf salad and the sticky rice dessert!
(5)
Sandy L.

Literally sat at the table with my family for 30 min with no service. Not even water or a look of acknowledgement. It was NOT busy at all. It was a Wednesday night. Ridiculous...
(1)
Nicole L.

We were going to Silver Spring for a show decided at the last minute to turn to Bonifant St to check out Mandalay, didnt know it was that close! I always wanted to try it. The guy who served us was friendly and casual like the other servers I asked him for recommendations he said the pork and pickled mango and the chicken and potato curry. We went with those but started with the fermented tea leaves salad loved the crunch from the freshly fried garlic chips. It's a very tasty salad. I also ordered their dried shrimp sambal at the last minute just out of curiosity. Loved the sambal it was so spicy and yummy. As for the curries - they were good but was not mind blowing. I would definitely go back perhaps try some other dishes but the tea leave salad and sambal would be on my order list!
(4)
Jules K.

We've been eating here since Mandalay was a doughnut shop by day and a restaurant by night in College Park. We were crushed and relieved when the owners of their building sold the site. Crushed because we no longer had easy access to the delicious food; relieved because if we'd eaten there any more often we would have had to take second jobs there to support our Mandalay addiction. But it was worth the seemingly endless wait for them to reopen. The food is still excellent and now they have a bar. Plus, a much better, larger space! They allow you to select how spicy your food is. The medium is a little on the low side of spicy to me. The mild ... YAWN. Try the pork with bitter melon for something different. My husband is crazy about the curry salmon. Even though a meal without an appetizer can run you less than $10 a head, I selected moderate for the price range because I can never pass up the Gram Fritters for an appetizer and usually have the ShweJi for dessert. Something to note: They do not take reservations and on weekends the wait to get a table can be long. The son who is built like a bouncer does not care if you're in a hurry and will be quite stern with those who attempt to whine their way to a table.
(5)
Jeremy M.

Absolutely delicious, fair prices, and great service. Take their spicy warnings seriously....
(5)
Jill M.

I've been wanting to come back here since having lunch with a friend several months ago. That experience was so good, that my leftovers didn't make it home! On my first visit, I was with a "regular"--the owner basically placed his order for him, because he knew the customer so well. On my most recent visit, my husband and I had plans to see a movie, and weren't sure we'd be able to sit for a meal. We were pleasantly surprised when we were seated right away (6pm/Saturday). After looking over the menu, and trying to recall what I had previous, we ordered the VO6, VO15 and Burmese Samosa--note: all veg items are vegan. The waitstaff (owners and family?) we're very attentive and friendly, regularly refilling our waters and checking that we were ok. The orders came out quickly--first the samosa, which were tasty, with a distinct curry flavor, which wasn't too overpowering. The purÃ©ed filling was dense and the pastry was served hot and flaky--it was served with a hot sauce that was delicious. I saved some to add to my meal. We both shared and enjoyed the entrees. The peanut sauce served with the VO6 was as good as I remembered and my husband raved about it. We also liked his meal--the brown sauce was light, but rich in flavor, and the large chunks of vegetable we're cooked well, with some crunch remaining. We were almost talked into dessert, but one of the staff said she preferred another one to the one we selected--which we weren't interested in. Honestly, since we cleared out dinner plates, there was no room. Overall, nice experience--one that we'll repeat when we're in the area. It's nice to have veg options that are authentic, tasty and unique. It's true that the decor is dated, but you honestly don't notice, because the ambiance is right on, and the food is so good!
(4)
Shawna S.

Great food, excellent staff, quick service times. Never had Burmese food before and was up for the adventure - it was very tasty!
(4)
J B.

I don't know how this place got four stars. Went in looking for some Burmese food, which is rare in the DMV area. If you're looking for authentic Burmese food, you're out of luck. And as far as unauthentic food goes, this place has average meals at best. The chicken satays were dry and the curry tasteless. Service was adequate but the decor is odd. I would say this place could be good, but they would have to revamp quite a few things.
(2)
Jenn H.

Went here excited that there's a burmese joint in the DMV, but was sadly disappointed. If you're looking for authentic burmese food, this is not it.
(2)
Steve T.

Over priced. Small portions and they charge for small extra rice. All bad forms. The food was okay.
(2)
Jared S.

We had never had Burmese food until we stopped in for lunch while looking at apartments in the area. So we decided to move to Silver Spring after having a delicious meal here. Ok not really, but it didn't hurt! We both had delicious noodle dishes from the lunch specials and decided we'd be back. Fast forward a few weeks and we returned for dinner with the in laws and again we were blown away by the experience. Service was excellent despite the fact every table was full. Food was amazing. We got the Theesone Hin soup. ORDER THIS SOUP. So many flavors and so delicious. Next we got three dishes - Letthoke Sone (mixed noodles), Pazun Ohnno Hin (shrimp in onion base curry), and Htamin Paung (tofu and veggies in brown sauce). The noodles and the tofu and veggies were light, tasty, and not too spicy. The brown sauce is heavenly. Lastly, we finished with the sticky rice and coconut ice cream. I would go here to just get these two desserts and nothing else. The ice cream has so much flavor without being overpowering and the sticky rice has the perfect addition of brown sugar. Order these dishes and you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Herschel S.

Are you okay with spicy food? Do you like surprises? If you answer yes to both questions, you'll love this place. Food is pretty good. I ordered the noodle #3. When the waitress took my order, she asked me what I wanted for my spice level, I went for the medium level (since I heard their spicy is really spicy). The food was awesome. The spice level was the right amount. My husband ordered bittermelon with pork, he also enjoyed his food. It smells really good. I tasted some of his food, they cooked it in a way that the bittermelon isn't too bitter. Some people who ordered with us (medium level of spice), they didn't get the medium level. They thought it was pretty spicy. When I talked to a friend about this, she said she loves this place but you need to be wary of their spice level. It is never consistent. Sometimes the medium level gets too spicy and sometimes not so much or none at all. So if you can handle spice, this place is great.
(4)
Denise K.

Was not sure what to expect from Burmese as this was my first time. Noodles (V6) were so good. They tasted like drunken noodles- which if you haven't had basically melts in your mouth. The coconut rice was delicious as well. I will definitely be going back.
(5)
Timur B.

This is absolutely the best food we have had in a long time. Beef #4 on the menu is to die for. Love this local restaurant with a great staff. We can't wait to come back. This is our second trip just this week. Loved it.
(5)
Mark A.

If you like Thai and Indian foods you will love this spot. Since the menu is quite extensive I simply asked the server what he would have and alas I ordered the pork in a pickled mango curry with samosas as an appetizer. For a roll of the dice I was very pleased with my order. The pork was very good and the mango curry had a deep flavor to it. The samosas were as advertised also and gone in no time. So for the more adventurous eater go for one of the more unique items on the menu. But if you enjoy more of the traditional fare from a Thai restaurant, their noodle dishes looked excellent. Great service and environment to go try something new.
(4)
Melissa Z.

Always looking for a great vegetarian option and finally had a chance to eat here tonight with my veg sister. We were delighted with the food. We started with the Baya gyaw (Gram Fritter), a perfectly spiced fried delight that comes with a spicy chili dipping sauce and the green papaya salad with Burmese Dressing that was earthy and light. For entrees, we shared the mixed noodle dish with tofu, also with Burmese Dressing. This was equally tasty, however, we would recommend only choosing one dish with Burmese Dressing to avoid repetitious flavors. We also tried the Tofu Kabat Gyaw, sauteed tofu with peppers, onions, tomato in curry spices. This was well prepared, but not as flavorful as our other choices. We will try another dish next time. Key word, next time, as we will DEFINITELY be back. We were a little surprised when it took about ten minutes to be greeted by our server (as we saw regular customers served immediately), but once our order was taken the food came out VERY quickly. We left pleased enough to be motivated to become one of those regular customers!
(4)
Matthew K.

Order any of the curry poultry based dishes -- you can't go wrong. Deserts were even better.
(4)
Eva M.

Just got back from Mandalay and all I can think of right now is how badly I want to travel to Burma. The food was absolutely amazing and I don't say that lightly. I had a lunch chicken recommendation (a chicken curry dish - No. 11) and it was delicious. It's hard to put in words but the dishes were just perfect from every perspective - taste, size, spiciness level. It seems all chicken dishes on the menu were dark meat except for one and I was a bit concerned but the dark meat chicken curry I had was incredibly tasty. I was there with a group of 5 and we were all impressed. I liked the homey atmosphere and the owners' consideration while asking us how everything was. I will definitely go back.
(5)
Simret Z.

Oh Baby.. The Irish say you that can't reheat cabbage - meaning that Old Loves are best left in the past. I disagree. C'mere sweetheart, I don't bite - No, wait.. Never minded a Thang that was a little bit saucy. Not to mention spicy. We all like a little pain with our pleasure. I don't even mind the Fat Man behind the bar watching us go at it. Hell, he's been watching us do this since college. And that last kiss tasted distinctly of coconut. Just like I remembered.
(5)
Aliya W.

I LOVE MANDALAY. I can't believe I haven't reviewed them already. This little gem, close to Silver Spring metro, has delicious Burmese food, which for those who haven't tasted it is kind of a mix of Indian and Thai. Very affordable prices and always a table available. A good wait staff. Lots of vegan options (the vegetarian menu is all vegan) and 2 yummy vegan ice creams for dessert, coconut and pineapple. Go here!
(5)
Katie I.

Service: Friendly and helpful! Seated us promptly, and quick to answer questions about the menu and refill our water (which can be troublesome when you have a group of 7). Drinks: The drinks menu is full of interesting and affordable choices. There's at least five interesting mocktails available, so that your DD/underaged friends don't feel left out. Food: A variety of choices for vegetarians (we had 2 in our group) and meat-eaters alike. The food was decent-- it wasn't particularly memorable, except for the coconut ice cream, which was GREAT. It's made from coconut milk, sugar, and MAGIC. I don't think they make it in house, which is why it costs a little more than the other desserts (which are conveniently listed on your table mat, so you see all the choices as soon as they take your main course plate away!). It doesn't contain milk (I believe it's vegan?) but still has all the richness you expect from ice cream. It even comes in a real little coconut shell! It doesn't look like a lot, but it's enough to share between two people and be satisfied. Note: There's an automatic 18% gratuity for a group of 5 or more (which I tend to like, because it means less mental math on my part!)
(3)
Kristin M.

It'd been long enough since i'd been here that I literally remembered nothing from previous visit(s?) besides a vague memory of liking it. However, Mandalay comes up so frequently as one of people's favorite Silver Spring restaurants, I was excited to finally get back in there. It's a family-owned Burmese restaurant on a low-key side street lined with several other small businesses and restaurants. There's 3 "People Love Us On Yelp" stickers at the door of varying degrees of fadedness - an excellent sign. Inside was larger than expected, casual, nothing fancy or trendy, but definitely felt like a family restaurant, which was nice. There were even what appeared to be large, frames family photos on one wall. I was Geared Up for awesome food. Unfortunately, this is where they fell short of my expectations. The tea leaf salad had great texture and crunch, but not much flavor. Our chicken in mango curry sauce was also the perfect texture and cur eadily with a spoon, but was sooo salty, each bite had to go down with a generous pile of rice to avoid a salt-licked pucker face. Our beef with cilantro in curry sauce was enjoyable, but not enough to reorder it. Out dessert of sticky rice with brown sugar and coconut, however, I'd totally get again. Delicious. Our service was casually warm, and I dig that this block feels a bit off the beaten path. All their great reviews on here and in person tell me we may have hit an off night or just ordered remarkably poorly. Mandalay's excellent reputation precedes it, and I'll certainly be back to try other dishes, and hopefully discover that tonight was a fluke.
(3)
Rod S.

I've been to Mandalay twice & enjoyed the meals on both occasions. The wait time wasn't long for our orders. This restaurant is in the cut so be sure you pay attention where you are driving because you can easily miss it. The ambiance is very casual for this family operated restaurant. Nothing in the restaurant draws your attention to start a conversation on. Hint = Mandalay is right behind the Safeway in downtown Silver Spring.
(3)
Leigh D.

Letter M: This is my first time trying Burmese, and it was excellent. I was concerned about the menu saying the dish was served at room temperature, but it didn't matter; it was awesome. The mild was still a bit spicy, but I didn't mind. The food was a lot like Thai, which is one of my favorites, but with a slight Indian food twist only because of the spice. I went here with a Meetup group in July. This group is going through the alphabet of categories. I tried Afghan for the first time as well as Cuban. Of the three restaurants we went to, this one was my favorite. I missed the Dim Sum day, but I had a friend in town, and I've had Dim Sum before. Despite being way up in Silver Spring on a Monday evening, this was worth my drive.
(5)
Matt D.

Silver spring's best hidden gem. I have yet to have a meal I didn't like on their large and authentic menu. My only complaint is that it took me so long to discover this place
(5)
Marcia G.

Our first visit to this restaurant. I was curious about the tea leaf salad and I must admit that it was pretty good. There were a series of people that served us and they were somewhat "cold". I feel they should be more friendly. The food was really good and tasty. We had the salmon SF03 and the combination noodles N06. The sticky rice and coconut ice were pretty good as well. I will go back.
(4)
Eileen G.

This place is one of my favorites in downtown Silver Spring. Parking is a little tricky--only a limited number next to the restaurant--may have to walk a ways. The food is unusual, flavorful, and it really depends on who the cook is on the day you go--we've had outstanding, and then just "pretty good". We took some difficult eaters--who are "gluten free", "vegan", and multiple dietary restrictions--and they were surprised at how accommodating this place was.
(4)
Angela K.

Love it, love it, love it. Their spring roll salad is amazing. I recently had a shrimp curry dish and it was incredibly delicious. Yummm. Family owned. Awesome and friendly staff. I go here whenever I'm passing Silver Spring. I've never had an issue with street parking, they even have a small parking lot for customers. Delicious food, if you are in the mood for an Asian dish, try this Burmese restaurant. Casual atmosphere. Great pricing.
(5)
Ping X.

No 6 noodle is really tasty. But No 4 beef is too salty for us. We also like the No 1 dessert.
(4)
William M.

Mandalay is solid. Yes yes it's up in Silver Spring, for those DCers who don't want to head out to MD or VA, but it is metro accessible. The restaurant is just blocks from the Silver Spring metro on the red line. The value is incredible. You get decent sized entrees for roughly $10 (particularly for vegetarian) each. The menu is incredibly overwhelming, but the staff are always happy to offer up a recommendation. I've had the V04 A Sane Gaw (Broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, cabbage with brown sauce) and the V13 (Coconut cream curry with tofu) and both are excellent. I ordered them both mild, but I may have to step it up next time. Gotta be careful though -- a few of my friends who ordered spicier dishes informed me that these chefs bring the heat. Definitely worth the trip out of DC. And if you live in Silver Spring and you haven't been here, what have you been doing?!
(4)
Alex T.

Pretty good...we order some appetizers and a chicken, beef, and pork dish - flavors were okay not too overpowering but a tab bit bland except the beef dish - personally I thought the portions was a bit small...
(3)
Faithyui C.

I came so far to try Burmese food. what a funny! I live in Thailand but never tried Burmese food. since i came to this restaurant This gonna be my other favorite food. I Love spicy chili that they serve in small plate.
(5)
Cristi D.

Really delicious food and great service. I cant recall the name of the dish I ordered but can't go wrong with noodles, veggies and chicken. Look forward to going back.
(5)
Timo S.

If you live near Silver Spring, this should be required eating. Easily in the top two restaurants in Silver Spring.... and I can't think of another I could rank as high yet. You MUST try the chef's specials on Thursday and Sunday. They are special because they take the whole day to prepare. The friendly wait staff and the well-loved + cared for shrine to the Buddha add to the ambience!
(5)
R L.

The service is very slow. We sat a long time but nobody cared. Then came the big guy who was known as their big brother. He has always been rude and unprofessional. Even though we were regular that he knew us, he still behaved just a street thug in talking to us. We will never be back again.
(2)
Alex Z.

I work in Silver Spring and one night I had to stay late and wanted to order dinner. I really wanted something great to get me through the evening and this was just that! I love love love Southeast Asian food so when I saw this on Yelp and Ness I had to order it. I was not disappointed, only complaint is that it was not spicy enough at the medium temp, but I got some extra hot sauce on the side. I ordered the #1 Noddles(mixed noodles) and Gram Fritter appetizer. Next time, I want to try to coconut ice cream!
(5)
Andy Y.

I was introduced to this hidden gem in downtown Silver Spring from a meetup group event and so after a long day of tennis in the afternoon, our meetup group dined at this Burmese restaurant. This is also my first time having Burmese cuisine and so my curiosity also is what led me to give this restaurant a try. ATMOSPHERE & DÃ‰COR: The restaurant was fairly crowded with the number of tables occupied--this is always a good sign. The restaurant also had a nice separate bar area with a 50" rear-projection TV. Definitely very open floor plan restaurant and an ambience suitable for groups, family, or even a couple with their booths. Nothing special but also nothing lackluster. Rating: 3 of 5 SERVICE: The service was okay as it was a busy Saturday evening and the waitresses were quick to always keep our drinks topped and attended to our needs. Rating: 3 of 5 FOOD PORTION: For the price, the food portion is below-average. The food serving per dish is for one person as explained by the waiter. Each dish (really depending on what you order) is about $11-15. More is always good but in this case, our group of about 6 people had to order like 8 dishes and requesting for refills on rice to keep our stomach full. Rating: 2 of 5 FOOD QUALITY: For those who haven't had Burmese food, it's very similar to Thai food as they have their own selections of various curry (by color) dishes where you would choose the type of meat (chicken, pork, beef, or seafood that cost about several bucks more). Everyone ordered a dish (we collectively decided the last 3 dishes) and the dish I order (also my favorite) was the PaZun Ohnno Hin -- (Shrimp, Green Pepper, Onion, & Tomato simmered in Coconut Curry Sauce); see my upload pic of it. It is a recommend as the coconut flavor didn't overpower the taste of the curry that was made mild as I ordered and the ingredients as shrimp and vegetables were all fresh. Very tasty and colorful dish. Rating: 5 of 5 PRICING: The pricing is a little pricey (personally) for what you get in return. But at least if anyone asked me if I ever had Burmese food I can at least tell them I had them before. I would of went to a Chinese restaurant like Wong Gee or New Kam Fung or even PJ's Rice Bistro (all in Wheaton area) to get the most bang for the buck and personally Chinese food is my #1 if we're talking Eastern food. Rating: 2 of 5 With the above, I don't mind going back but this wouldn't be a restaurant I recommend because of pricing vs food portion plus finding a place to park is limiting since their parking lot is small and it's not that convenient (without walking a far distance) to park in nearby garages.
(3)
Karen L.

I've been eating here for years, and everyone I bring here has been impressed by the food. It is suitable for both vegans and meat eaters, and since you can specify the level of spiciness it's good for groups with a wide variety of preferences. The ginger salad is amazing. You can order it with or without fish sauce. I am picky about fish sauce - the cheap stuff makes me gag, especially when it's piled on. Mandalay does not abuse the fish sauce. Read the drinks menu even if you're not ordering cocktails. You don't get seated unless everyone in your party is there, and I have no complaints about that. If I'm eating there with my perpetually late friends, I wait in the bar.
(5)
Gail S.

The food was great but my friends and I felt our experience was marred by the rude behavior of the owner/manager who treated us as if we were unwanted pests. We got there a few minutes before they opened at 5 last Saturday, and that gave us time to read the long, hostile notice on the front door telling salespeople and solicitors to get lost and not bother them. Then someone threw the door open for us to come in then disappeared and didn't say a word of welcome or greet us. A man in a white T shirt that looked like an undershirt threw some menus at us and frowned. We didn't know what was going on but when our waitress showed up, she was great and so was the food. The bus boys are not at all friendly either; when we asked for a couple of extra napkins, they didn't answer and never came back. This treatment put a damper on what could have been an enjoyable experience.
(3)
Sai Aung L.

I like all the food that we ordered; soup, ginger salad, mango salad, coconut chicken, fried pork with vegetables and fried shrimp. They are amazing. It reminds me of my home. The tastes are very similar with those in Myanmar. Btw, I am from Myanmar. The ice tea is amazing. I feel like I was brought back home. The place is spacious; the service is excellent and the staff are very outgoing. I highly recommend the place not because I am from Myanmar, but due to its delicious food, drink and lovely atmosphere.
(5)
Denise R.

This is my go-to restaurant for great food when in down town silver spring. I highly recommend the coconut curry shrimp. I love that the entrees are reasonably priced. My husband likes to get his meals spicier, and they are willing to go as spicy as you can handle it. The dinning room is nothing spectacular, but it is clean and always busy around dinner time. Yummy food, I will be back!
(5)
N S.

3.5 stars I had been to this place over ten years ago, and didn't remember being too impressed, but I decided to give it another go since it has such a following. I ordered the coconut tofu curry AKA Tofu Ohnno Hin and described as lightly fried tofu cooked with coconut cream curry sauce. You can also opt additionally for green pepper, onion and tomato. At first taste, the curry was very salty and I have seen that reflected in other reviews. Aside from the saltiness, I did enjoy the simplicity and flavor of the dish. It was nice to enjoy curry without all the sugar that Thai curries have. Additionally, the veggies added did not have the life zapped out of them which I really enjoyed. The curry was also a nice consistency, neither too thin or two thin. I actually felt that aside from the excess salt, I was enjoying a pretty healthy and tasty meal. I look forward to returning.
(3)
Siv L.

Came here for a second time with a friend. We ordered the fried egg plant which was just okay. We also both ordered the No. 6 noodles. They were good but the portion size seemed much smaller than the first time I had them. Overall, still a great place to dine and have reasonably priced delicious Burmese food.
(4)
Ghee S.

Great authentic Burmese food with familiarity but a chance to truly explore the cuisine in the dc area.
(5)
Jennifer N.

I don't mean to be a grumpasaurus but I think Mandalay has gone downhill recently. I have long appreciated Mandalay's distinctive (and cheap!) grub, but lately, I find things there a bit unpleasant - first, the always-rushed service has become insanely rushed. You literally have to hold onto your plate to keep waiters from grabbing it, and the number of times you'll be asked "are you done?" is ridiculous. The food still comes at fast-food speed (within minutes, it will arrive) which is fine, but I think I should get to sit at a table for 30 minutes enjoying my meal. The food itself also seems to be less good- I've noticed that more and more of the dishes are tasting identical, the portions seem smaller, and everything seems a little less fresh. I still appreciate the price point, but I'm not as wow-ed as I was a year ago.
(3)
Phi N.

3.5 is more like it. The menu is big and lacks descriptions of the sauce each dish comes with! Be sure to ask the waitress, mine at least, was very helpful. We got the fried shrimp and gram fritters to start off. I really enjoyed the shrimp. They were dipped in a batter and fried, to be eaten with this sweet&sour type sauce that also had spiciness to it. I liked it a lot. I had to use the sauce for the gram fritters too, because that appetizer lacked any flavor. For my main course I ordered the Noodle6 dish with pork.. It's a rice noodle dish with egg, pork, some other stuff to it. My favorite part is that it comes really spicy (upon request). I could have used more of the brown sauce that came on the side (not sure what it is or how to explain it, but if you've every been to indonesia, it's kind of like the sauce they use with their satay). I would say my dish is kind of like pad thai but really spicy. I liked it and I'd order it again. My friend ordered the beef4. His dish was really drenched in spiciness. I thought his dish was okay. I preferred mine over his tomato/onion sauce. I think that's what it was at least. It was served with rice. I found out from another review that they have their own parking here. Just in case you don't get to that review on the yelp list, I added it here for your knowledge.
(3)
Johnny A.

Recently discovered this gem in Silver Spring and have been going there at least once a week for lunch. The best way to describe Burmese food is a mix between Indian, Thai and Chinese and it's all delicious. The lunch specials are excellent and very well priced.
(4)
Raylene T.

The food was great but the service could have been better. It took over 10 min to order drinks. And our finished plates sat for 20 minutes before we called someone over to clear them and give us our bill.
(3)
Sheva F.

I love this food. It is well made and delicious. The owners are kind and cooperative, explaining whatever you need to know. Do not miss the coconut ice cream desert. It is amazing. Oh, the noodles are fantastic too.
(5)
John M.

Thai and Indian have a baby and you get Burmese, although you don't see too many delicious room temperature noodles dishes (seriously, I can't remember what it was called but it was surprisingly good) at Indian restaurants. The interior decor was decent, the food was good-very good, but the service was only decent. The location leaves something to be desired, but to be honest D.C. and the surrounding areas are not up my alley as it's a bit overstimulating. Not much interaction after the food was delivered by a runner vs. the server. I'm a big fan of having someone come back and ask me if I need anything, if I like my food, etc. just in case, as was the case this time, I'd like a glass of wine, etc. The fritter appetizers and the sauce they come with were also very good. Overall a new and somewhat uniquedining experience for my wife and I - we would return but hopefully someone else would be driving...D.C. is nuts!
(4)
Don M.

Mandalay Restaurant is a reliable option for Silver Spring dining. I ate here on a recent Monday and I have to say, this place certainly has potential. I'm not an expert on Burmese food so I can't judge the authenticity of the cuisine, but to me it felt like a refreshing mix of Thai and Bangladeshi fare. I'll echo the praise for the mango salad, though the real winner in my mind is the "Burmese dressing" which tops both this salad and the Noodle #01 dish. Likewise, the hot and sour sauce served with the fried shrimp app elevated the plate and left a nice tingle on the tongue. But beware, that tingle will turn into a burn if you order the spiciest spice for your entree. Now, if only they complimented the decent food with a quality drinks and less offensive decor! It's the perfect place for a tiki/tropical bar but the cocktail list is stuck in the 1990's day-glo era. If the barman acquired a decent cocktail book and began offered a properly mixed Singapore Sling, Mai Tai, or Zombie, I would be sold. Those complex rum drinks would really compliment the food and elevate the experience.
(3)
Matt C.

When some friends first dragged me out here several years ago, I was skeptical. Burmese food? What's that? But I gave it a try, and it was awesome. I've been coming back whenever I have a chance since. To be honest, I've only ever ordered one dish -- KyetThar Ohnno Hin, chicken cooked in a coconut cream curry sauce with green peppers, onions, and tomatoes. I know that I should probably branch out more, but this one dish is so incredible that I can't pass it up. The Iced LaPetYay (iced tea with condensed milk and sugar) is great as well, though some may find it too sweet or too strong. The coffee equivalent is quite good too, if coffee is more your thing. Service can be a little slow at times when they're busy, but it's usually fairly attentive. Once an order is placed, the food comes out reasonably quickly. A great place, and well worth checking out.
(5)
Elana G.

This was my first time eating Burmese cuisine. My friend and I just picked two interesting-sounding dishes to share and the Burmese samosas. First, the samosas were good. Then we went with noodles #1 (don't ask me to remember what was in it), and a pickled mango curry with chicken. The noodles were really good. I would definitely get that dish again. The curry sauce for the chicken was way too salty for both of us. The chicken (dark meat) was cooked perfectly but I had to start wiping off some of the sauce because it was just too salty. Knowing nothing of Burmese cuisine, I can't really pass judgment on this dish since for all I know, that's how it's supposed to be. I'd definitely want to go back and explore more of the menu though.
(4)
Matt L.

Went back at dinner with friends. Having now sampled 5 dishes from the menu (yay family style ordering!), I can confidently say that the dishes are inventive, varied, and seem to always be prepared with care. There is parking adjacent to the building and the dining room is roomy. I wouldn't hesitate to take anyone with a refined or adventurous palate here. It's not a place to find duck blood, but it is damn good food that is not cookie-cutter. And at a fair price.
(4)
Shristi S.

Delicious food and great/fast service! Their food comes in mild, medium and spicy. Their "spicy" is VERY SPICY so I would not recommend it unless you eat spicy food on a daily basis. I grew up eating spicy food and I still can't handle their level of spicy. I'd recommend going for "medium", which has a good kick to it and you can enjoy your food without tearing up :)
(5)
Esther O.

I can't ever go to Silver Spring without thinking "oh I'm all the way over here, I should go to Mandalay." I try not to do that so that I can actually experience other places :), but Mandalay will always be one of my favorites and somewhere I make a point to go regularly. I have been a fan since they were over in College Park. Actually, the CP location would have received 5 stars. It was a tiny little hole-in-the-wall, completely family run - mom in the kitchen, dad hosting, sons serving, wives bringing the kids by at the end of the end to play on the tables (the infants) - and it was wonderful. A little bit of that character has been lost in the move to Silver Spring, but the food is still excellent and it is always an enjoyable place to be. Burmese is similar to Thai, and if you haven't tried it - do. Really wonderful. Mandalay offers a wonderful selection and plenty of choices for vegetarians, and I have never had something here I didn't like. My favorite is V06: Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw - Flat rice noodles stir-fried with yellow beans (Vatana), bean sprouts, romain hearts, crushed peanuts, and lightly fried tofu. To be honest, I really have trouble ever ordering anything else. Noodles #6 is the non-vegetarian version of this dish which I used to eat and was also wonderful. I love the desserts as well. Shweji and Sticky Rice (vegan) are both treats not to be missed. If I'm too full to eat dessert I usually order them to go and get to have something special waiting for another day. They also have vegan coconut and pineapple ice creams, which I haven't yet tried.
(4)
M J.

Amazing food. One of my favorite restaurants in the entire DC area, if not my top favorite. I highly recommend going with a few people, ordering a few dishes and sharing - otherwise you might not understand why I love it so much. My favorites: Ginger salad (amazing), noodle #1, beef and cilantro, and Mandalay Tofu. The combination of these dishes is amazing. My husband, son, and I can finish it all (but the leftovers are delicious when we don't!). We order it so often, we don't even need to tell them our order anymore. The sweji for dessert is delicious too. Everyone we bring to Mandalay loves it. We've tried several other Burmese restaurants, but none compare.
(5)
Tracy L.

This is my entire family's favorite restaurant. I started going back when I went to College Park and it was located on route one. I think my roommate found it when it was listed as one of the DC area's cheap eats, though now that it is so popular it is definitely not so cheap anymore. I always order the exact same meal, eggplant fritters, V3. eggplant curry, and sometimes the Mandalay Tofu to go. I am extremely spice adverse so I get it with no spice and I think the flavors are amazing. My family and friends go pretty regularly and order a wide variety of the dishes and I have never heard a complaint unless a newbie accidentally ordered their dish too spicy (be careful, the spice builds). There are so many things to try, I should probably branch out but I am a creature of habit. Sometimes the wait can be kind of long, but there is a bar area on the left that serves some pretty good martini's which helps to pass the time. And parking has never been an issue, there is a tiny lot for the restaurant, and a larger one next to that with meters and several large parking garages close buy.
(5)
Tu-van L.

Since my first review I've come back to this place both in the evenings and for lunch. Each time the quality has remained the same in both food and service. The one change I might see is how heavy-handed the chefs are in spicing up your dishes, so be prepared!
(5)
Margaret A.

Tasty Burmese a few blocks from Silver Spring metro. Mandalay has a couple of decent beers on tap at reasonable prices. Full bar service but I did not try the cocktails. I recommend the eggplant fritters as an appetizer. At $12, the chicken green with pepper, onion, and tomato simmered in coconut cream sauce was my favorite entree. Definitely try the BaLaChaung side dish if you like spicy flavors - shrimp paste with fried onions and chili peppers. Goes well with just about everything on the menu. I went with a group and we ordered a variety of dishes and shared them. The total per person (with drinks) came to about $20 when we split the tab. I would go here again.
(4)
Jerry Y.

I've eaten in many Asian restaurants in my life. The food is remarkable, the prices more than reasonable for the quality and quantity of the food, and the service is very friendly. The tables are spaced so that you can have a conversation with friends without yelling across the table. I must go back on my next visit to the DC area.
(5)
John G.

Wow. What a find. Great food from Mandalay. Great selection of appetizers and beers to start. Did the spring rolls and pototo rolls. Loved them both with the spicy sauce. For main entrees, we had the chicken in curry sauce, shrimp with vegetables and a pork rice dish. All were cooked well and had scrumptious flavors. They do a great job here. Nice service and the ambiance is ok. Best of all is the price. Entrees were only $10.99 to $12.99. So, great place to eat at a very affordable price.
(4)
Leyali R.

Had a wonderful spontaneous dinner here for the first time tonight. The atmosphere upon entering was relaxed and pleasant, and we were seated quickly for a Friday night, despite the place being busy. Service was prompt and our waiter was helpful and friendly throughout our dinner. Onto the food. I was thrilled with the vegetarian selection, while my husband was drooling over the various meat-laden dishes on the menu. We decided to share the gram fritters appetizer and the ginger salad (minus the fish sauce for me) as starters. The fritters were done well and we liked the dipping sauce, but the salad was truly beautiful. A fresh, strong ginger flavor complimented by the crunch of the Burmese dressing and cabbage- the fried garlic was an unexpected touch that blended really nicely. Seriously, I could have eaten this all night. But we did actually order dinner, and the vegetarian entrees were so diverse that it took me sometime before I settled on the Nyat Kaukswe Gyaw (stir-fried flat rice noodles with tofu and other delectables). Our waiter mentioned it was the most popular veg dish on the menu, and once I tasted it, I could see why. The combination of flavors with the perfectly fried tofu, creamy yellow beans, fresh lettuce, and brown sauce was amazing. Husband tried the pork in pickled mango curry (ordered very spicy) and was happy with the level of heat and the tang of the pickled curry- he commented on how homemade and fresh everything tasted, and I agreed 100%. We had no room for dessert this time, but definitely plan to try the shwe ji next time. And next time will be sooner rather than later, as we both thoroughly enjoyed the distinct and fresh flavors infused in every dish we tried. Bravo for the Burmese food here!
(5)
Matt F.

Coconut shrimp was awesome. The green papaya salad was entirely tasty but we could not detect papaya. Would order again
(5)
Jeff T.

Really amazing food. My first Burmese Restaurant and the best salads in the world. Definitely try the Spring Roll salad, you won't be disappointed! =)
(5)
Pradeep H.

Awesome food...and decent ambience...Never knew Burmese food tasted this tasty and unique...There are a ton of items to choose from in the Menu...Loved the Yellow Lentils and the spices used...Loved the Baya gyaw (gram fritter)...Totally liked it. (FYI - Amex cards not accepted).
(5)
Lillian C.

I honestly think it's too pricey- your portion size is modest, the ingredients aren't high caliber, and i know it didn't take that much effort to throw a few ingredients into a sauce base so should I be paying 13 dollars for 6 pieces of shrimp floating in a tomato sauce ? The ingredients are typical of asian american restaurants- onions, tomatoes, green peppers and some sort of meat/tofu with rice/noodles. maybe the occasional bean sprout or cilantro but everything is pretty tame. The food is decent but pretty unremarkable. All the appetizers are 4 pieces of deep fried somethings, all priced around 5.49, the "fritters" are in the same type of "sweet and sour" batter. 8 dollars for a cocktail as well ehhhh My melon cooler was good but borderline sickly sweet. When you order dessert they plunk it in front of you as fast as they can- nuke the sticky rice dish in the microwave for a minute, grab the coconut out of the freezer and stick it on a plate. They really aim for FAST service, but not necessarily for an enjoyable and comfortable experience. They will refill your glass, you will have a waiter at your side but there's this urgency to the service that makes you want to get out there quickly. This is a positive if I was carrying out, but your entrees come while your "fritter" is still traveling down your esophagus. Overall, I'd say stick to the noodle dishes (the broad noodle dish is very good, i think its #4 that I ordered), and skip the dessert / app's because they're not worth it.
(3)
Lauren B.

#NAME?
(4)
Bruce J.

Mandalay, oh, Mandalay. How I love you, Mandalay. I discovered Mandalay back when it was located on beautiful Rt. 1, in College Park. What an oasis in the vast wasteland of fast food chains it was! As a result, even though Mandalay was a trek from campus, the place was always full, at least at lunch time, mainly with grad students, profs, and staff. Luckily for me (though not for those still in C.P.) Mandalay relocated to Silver Spring, closer to where I live, shortly after I finished my degree. Now, it's in a bigger, nicer space, and last time I was there it was as busy as ever. Deservedly so. Food is the main reason to go to Mandalay. Oh, man, is it good. So many tasty flavors abound. I love the samosas. Warm and crispy with a mellow, but spicy dipping sauce. Then there are the salads. Tofu with sour mustard's my favorite, but sometimes I opt for the gram fritter, papaya, or mango. And for an entree? Usually I'm torn between tofu with sour mustard and tofu with coconut cream curry. Maybe it's because all of my early trips to Mandalay were with my vegan friend, Asim, but I prefer the vegetarian versions of these dishes. I know people who eat at Mandalay multiple times a week. And I've taken out-of-towners there who still talk about the place years after I introduced them to it. Besides the symphony of flavors, everyone's amazed at how affordable a meal here is. Not every metro area has a good Burmese restaurant. While the DC area is fortunate to have two, this remains my favorite.
(5)
B. A.

Last Thursday I had the special (two pieces of chicken in an onion/tomato sauce and coconut rice). I have been unable to stop thinking about it. I wake up in the middle of the night craving it. One of the best things I've eaten since moving to the area. For dessert we had the coconut sticky rice. Warm, sweet and the perfect end to a meal.
(5)
Candace C.

All 4 of us had the same reactions to everything we ordered--not quite what we were expecting, but not necessarily a bad thing. Based on some of the reviews, we were kind of expecting something similar to Thai food and while some dishes were close, they were definitely distinct. The highlight of this trip for me was the iced black tea--the flavor accomplished here is similar to the much treasured ice milk tea in Hong Kong--a flavor that has challenged many to recreate outside of Asia. I'll be back for many more glasses of this for sure. I won't slaughter the names here, but we ordered two noodle dishes--the noodle combination dish and the stir fried flat rice noodles--both of these we liked. We also ordered two beef dishes--a curry dish and another with potatoes--both of which we found too salty. While we didn't walk away thinking this was the best restaurant, I can't keep but thinking that we didn't order the right dishes, so I'll be back to give it another try (and drink another glass or two of the iced tea).
(3)
Wen Z.

The food here is similar as Thai food with cheaper presentation. The price value is so so.
(3)
Constance C.

Yum! We came many years ago and sat next to a really awkwardly fascinating pair of nutcases on what had to have been a first date. I think that soured my husband on the place but luckily, I convinced him to finally return. We were very pleased with our mixed noodle/tofu dish and our pickled mustard green pork. The noodles were a little sweet and had a nice fresh crunch thanks to peanuts and veggies, and the pork was savory and delicious with white rice. We'll definitely be going back to try more dishes. Our waiter was super nice and knowledgeable about the ingredients in each dish and was very helpful in accommodating an allergy to garlic.
(4)
Dak F.

Can't decide between Indian or Thai? Split the difference and try Burmese. This isn't fine dining, and if Mandalay had posed as it, I would have given them 3 stars, but the prices are excellent. Seafood #5 (Sour greens and shrimp) is killer. The samosas, though, are not what you might expect, and they are small and greasy. A word of caution: I find that Mandalay's sense of "hot, medium, and mild" varies from visit to visit. I think they add chili to order and eyeball it. I've been here at least a half dozen times and never have been disappointed.
(4)
Beth K.

One of my favorite Asian restaurants in the DC area, especially since it moved from the location in College Park. Don't get me wrong- the old strip mall feel certainly had character but this location is much nicer and is convenient to combine with other activities in Silver Spring. The food is delicious and the service is exceptional. It's the kind of place where pretty much the entire staff is made up of members of the family that owns it.
(5)
Azher S.

Great quick meal. We ordered the egg plant dish, a red curry with shrimp and a coconut curry as well. Everything was spiced well. Hot is really hot and medium is also quite hot but seemed to be just right. The samosas we had for an appetizer lacked flavor.
(4)
Jeff P.

I was once again surprised to find that some of the best restaurants in Silver Spring are mere blocks from where I live. I have gone to Mandalay twice since moving to Silver Spring, and it's just fabulous. The first time was back in December with some friends of mine who live down in VA, and we all loved it. I had AMeThar PinSane Hin (a beef curry dish) and it was delicious (if you haven't figured out that I'm a curry fan yet, read some of my other reviews!). One of my friends is Taiwanese, and she said that the noodle dish she ordered reminded her of home, that it was the closest thing to the way her family cooks that she's had in the D.C. area. For sweet treats my friends had both gotten Iced LaPetYay, which is black tea with condensed milk and sugar (vaguely similar to Thai iced tea). I opted to wait until dessert and got the coconut ice cream. This was fantastic. It was really flavorful and came served in half of a carved out coconut. Also, the menu said it was vegan, which I thought was pretty cool. The second time I ate at Mandalay I came by myself and decided to work on giving myself heartburn by ordering a noodle dish "a little spicy". I like spicy food a lot, but don't really have a tolerance for it as many of my friends can attest to :-) I ordered the NanJee Thoke, which are thick noodles cooked with chicken, onion, cabbage and cilantro. In Burmese tradition, this noodle dish is served at room temperature, which was good because then I could focus simply on dealing with the spiciness. Seriously, if you go here do not ask for spicy unless you either grew up on it or are a glutton for pain, because they mean business. The dish was cooked perfectly though. Luckily for me the walk home was short! Chalk this place up as another one of my favorites in Silver Spring.
(5)
Ben B.

Tried this place out for dinner on a Friday night with a friend, based on a lot of positive reviews on here, and from word of mouth. The place was quiet at 5:30 when we arrived. The hostess was not very energetic, although she was not rude either. Staff was attentive the entire evening in taking our order, delivering food and providing the check. I ordered the Burmese Samosa (Golden Triangle), and NanJee Thoke (noodles with meat, vegetables and house sauce), my friend ordered a Mai Thai and Ngar MaGeeThee Hin (tomato curry salmon). The Golden Triange fritters were not our favorite, although not bad either. Both entrees were delicious. Will most certainly be returning soon.
(4)
Kasumi L.

OMG this place is amazing. AHH. My mouth is watering right now and I haven't even written my review yet. Where to begin.. ok I like to order the fritter salad, and the beef in a cilatro tomato curry sauce. I can't remember exactly what is was called but it's so amazingly flavorful and good. The soups are great too, and the ice tea. I wish it wasn't 11pm right now. I would drive 40 minutes to eat it right now if I could. The waiters are friendly and it's just one of those places where everything on the menu is spectacular. It's fast, it's easy. GO NOW.
(5)
E. P.

It was my first time eating Burmese food. As a fan of the cuisine of the nations surrounding Myanmar, I was certain I'd love it. And I did -- though more so the appetizer, salad and dessert than the entrees. The gyinn thoke (ginger salad) woke up my tastebuds -- the flavor profile was amazing and not overly spicy like I imagine a salad comprised of raw ginger would be. I was impressed that the server asked if we'd like the Burmese dressing that comes with the salad vegetarian or non-vegetarian (meaning: with or without fish sauce). A perfect example of how attentive the wait staff are. The gram fritters were light and crisp, with a tooth like corn meal -- a nice texture and savory taste. The dishes served in the onion tomato base curry are far superior to the ones in the onion base curry; the former was succulent, spicy and textural, whereas the latter was bland and oily. The ShweJi dessert was a first -- Cream of Wheat made with coconut milk, sugar, eggs. It was like a cross between a rice pudding and a Burmese creme brulee. And topped with white poppy seeds, which I'd never encountered before. It was warm and comforting. The restaurant interior feels like an outdated retirement home dining room -- but I'm not coming there for the scene. Will try more entrees next time and hope to turn this four-star review into a five.
(4)
Paul T.

I had gram fritters- I liked them, but she did not care for the texture. She liked her eggplant better. Iced coffee was great, the wine was good, too. She had shrimp, peppers, & onion in a coconut curry sauce. She asked for very spicy and was undewhelmed. It tastes good, though. I had pork and sausage with onion and pepper. Very good, indeed. The portions were just right, and the service was attentive. We will be back.
(3)
Alexander L.

Has gone down hill in the past year. The quality of the ingredients is not the same and the chicken was overcooked.
(3)
Gabi S.

This restaurant has found its niche in the area as the only (or at least only notable) Burmese restaurant. My personal favorites are their papaya salad (if you're vegetarian- ask for it without the fish sauce) and the V13 (sorry I don't remember the name!). The V13 is a delicious and very original tofu curry that you can ask for with vegetables. I go for medium spiciness and I appreciate that they ask how much heat you can take. But if you're at all unsure- go for mild just in case. Entrees run about $10-$12
(5)
Daniel K.

Mandelay is a vegetarian's dream come true. They do serve some meat dishes too but the veggie dishes are the best, in my opinion. I love the simosas, the tofu dishes and the cocunut (vegan) ice cream. The Tilapia was also very delicious. The sauces are very flavorful and the spice level is determined by mild, medium or hot. The medium was plenty hot. The cost is nominal and the service was quick! They obviously take great pride in their food and the server was very friendly.
(5)
Rebecca C.

This restaurant was my introduction to Burmese food, and boy am I glad it was. It's delicious, and I have never been disappointed -- except by other Burmese restaurants! I'm not a repeat orderer. I always want to try something different when I go to restaurants more than once, because I want to see what I've been missing. But I've ordered the KyetThar Ohnno Hin (chicken and veggies in coconut milk) multiple times; that's how good it is. I'd also recommend the tealeaf and papaya salads. I also tried a noodle dish with tofu that was spicy (don't remember the name) that was REALLY good, and very spicy. The best time I had here was when I went with a big group. Getting 10 people around a table and ordering that many different things was amazing! I tried so many things I never would have, and now have a much better idea about the full range of the country's cuisine. They also recently added a large bar area which makes waiting for a table much more pleasant. Mandalay is now a destination for me -- it's proximity to Quarry House and Piratz Tavern also doesn't hurt!
(4)
Ralph G.

I hate to say this to you Mandalay, but I think you're a bit average. If you've never had Burmese (myanmarese?) food before, then please, give this restaurant a chance. It's an interesting fusion of Thai, Chinese, and Indian with a bit of kick (especially if you request it "spicy"). The vegetarian selection is great, the best being the coconut curry tofu (splurge a dollar for the peppers and tomatoes). However, the actual taste of the food is nothing spectacular. The flavors are not as dynamic as Indian food, and the curry is not quite as good as thai. Also, the serving sizes (and bowls of rice) can leave a bit to be desired especially when it comes to the appetizers. It pains me to give this place an average rating, I take many out of town guests here and it's definitely worth checking out. However, I probably won't frequent it too often unless the quality of the food improves.
(3)
Jess L.

I've never had Burmese food before, but after a bit of Wikipedia research, I found out it's an amalgam of Indian, Vietnamese and Thai cuisine. Uhhh, yes please? Mmmm...maybe not with this restaurant. The service was fine because I was seated promptly and even though it was busy my water was refilled often. They had a large vegetarian menu, but I finally decided on V15 (HtaMin Paung). I ordered it medium spiciness, but I should have ordered it hot because I could barely taste any hotness. Overall the dish was pleasant, but they weren't kidding with the "brown sauce" description. It tasted as dull as the name. My friend ordered the tofu coconut curry which was much more tasty, but I can't believe they charged extra for adding veggies. Maybe I was spoiled when I lived in Seattle where I could get 50% more curry for half the price, but 10 bucks does seem a bit much for a dish that likely won't yield any leftovers to box up. Anyways, I'll have to agree with others when they say this place is quite average. I'm still looking forward to eating more distinct Burmese food somewhere.
(3)
Kate C.

I liked them better in college park.....but I still them in silver spring... 1st thing - when they say hot they mean HOT...so don't play tough guy cuz Ur gonna lose. I LOVE THE CHOP SALADS AND THE SQUASH FRITTERS.....they also have a great vegetarian curry with potatoes.
(4)
Alexis G.

3.5 stars. Welcome to your local Burmese family diner. That's what I thought when we walked in the other night. I panicked for a second because I thought that meant they didn't serve booze, but a wave of relief washed over me when I saw beer at one of the tables. I have to say I enjoyed my first experience with Burmese. This place has a whole vegetarian menu, and the appetizers (Golden Triangles) were amazing. I had the Tofu Ohnno Hin and I loved it and so did my hus. In fact, I think my friend finished his dinner in like 30 seconds. He had a full plate, then I dropped my fork and leaned down to pick it up and when I looked at his plate again, it was completely empty. I'm exaggerating, but not by much. One bad thing about this place is the service is terrible. I don't ask for much, seriously. But the only time we saw our waitress was when she took our order. I flagged down the busboy for another drink and our check was brought by someone I'd never seen before ... not sure if he even worked there.
(3)
Neal C.

A longtime fan of Burmese in Philly (Rangoon) and NYC (Mingala), my wife and I are hooked on Mandalay - it is the real deal. The mango salad is addictive as is Noodle Dish #1. Some items are more tasty than others but nothing is bad. I suggest reading the reviews in the foyer as you will probably forget the Burmese words from Yelp by the time you get to the restaurant. You can get most items vegetarian (no fish sauce) and a lot of items are vegan as well. They have a few good beers on tap and in bottles and have a hilarious drink menu that is evocative of a Caribbean resort and not the hole-in-the-wall ambiance that is Mandalay.
(5)
Shieva R.

I've known about mandalay and wanted to try it for a while now so I decided to do some carry out after a long day. First, I have to say that I got lost getting there, then some bozo rear ended me on my drive home, and all in all I had to work realllly hard to finally get some Burmese food in my belly! I think i was looking for something amazing. It wasn't amazing but it was good. My entree portion was a bit small, but good, I ordered the coconut curry chicken. It reminded me a lot of indian cuisine; and just like everyone else has already said if you want any sort of spiciness order your food extra spicy. I had medium and wished I would've ordered much spicier. I also had a room temperature noodle dish that i really didn't care for at all. I think it was a mix of 5 noodles or something I think I chose to block it out. And there was the fermented tea leaf salad, which was bitter but to me the flavors were interesting and the bitter worked, my family on the other hand just found it bitter. This was the most interesting thing I ate, and i think the only place i'll be able to find a salad like this, so for the sake of being new and interesting i loved it! Of course I made sure to order the cream of wheat dessert, which i really really enjoyed!! Overall, the food was good, I'm sure I'll be back ordering everything extra spicy!
(4)
Amanda B.

The menu has a great variety and the food is top knotch. The curries are great and I cannot go there without getting the mango salad. The quality of the meat is just ok (I'm told by meat-eaters), but their tofu is awesome. They have a great mix of offerings and flavors that you cannot get anywhere else. As for the atmosphere, they could work on it a little. The decor worked when it was a hole in the wall in College Park, but now it feels a little strange in the huge space. Also, it can be a little annoying when there is a wait because they do not have enough staff, yet you can see many tables open. Still, the food is definitely worth waiting for, and they now have a bar area where you can wait.
(4)
Karthik B.

I've always judged cities based on the quality of its Burmese food. Mandalay is absolutely amazing, meaning that Silver Spring and the entire DC area must also be just as awesome. I came here twice in a single week, ate fully vegetarian meals, and didn't feel like the flavors were being repeated. Both times I visited, my group ordered several dishes and split them family style. I think this is the way to do it -- any other way and you don't get to sample the wide variety of dishes. Definitely start with one of their salads, it's NOT a simple green salad with random vegetables sprinkled in. I personally like the mango and papaya ones. The only thing that I would change is the rice portions...when people order family style, it would be great to either get a single large pot of rice, or have the waiter come by more often to replace the individual bowls. It's a little annoying when you have a delicious curry and no rice to eat it with....
(4)
Jonathon B.

The flavor is amazing on every type of food we ordered. Service was fast. Prices were very good. They do mixed drinks really good too.
(5)
Jayne M.

Revolting. We ordered two appetizers and two entrees. The Burmese rice salad appetizer had hard/uncooked bits of rice with the soft, and tasted as thought it had been left sitting out for a while (yes, I know it's served room temperature). The samosas were greasy and tasteless. The onion-tomato beef curry had so much salt in it, there was literally no other discernable flavor. The beef was not good quality - tough and chewy. The mixed noodles entree was mushy - the noodles had no integrity, the cabbage mixed in with the dish was old, again, it tasted as though it had been sitting out for a while. We ate about two bites and asked the waitress to take it away. Staff: manager argued with us about whether or not the noodles were supposed to be mushy. Do yourself a favor, if you like Burmese food, don't bother with this place.
(1)
Carolyn P.

I can't say enough how good they are to me here. It's become one of my favorite places, both because I love the food, and the staff are so helpful. I need to eat gluten-free, and they will not only let me know when I order whether I can eat a particular dish, they have offered to adjust how some of them are made so that I can have it. I mean most places just won't do that, that's awesome. I love the tea leaf salad -- such a different blend of flavors, including an added crunch from toasted garlic. The pickled mango curry is amazing, probably my favorite dish. When you order they ask you how spicy you want it, and while I am a spice-fiend, I am always happy with 'medium.' Just be prepared for a lot of hot chili pepper in your mouth if you ask for hot! (In other words it's not a 'fake' spicy scale.) They also have an extensive drinks menu, including a long list of cocktails they designed, a decent beer selection (including gluten-free!) and several organic wines. My vegetarian friends seem to eat very well here too, worth noting.
(5)
Kevin M.

Again, it ain't fancy, but it remains my favorite restaurant in DC at this point. The food is always delicious and the service is fast and efficient. I don't pick restaurants based on ambiance except when I'm on a date, and sometimes not then.
(5)
Natalie F.

Delicious food and fantastic service! Came here for dinner over the weekend with a few friends and sampled several tasty dishes. We started with the Samosas and the Green Papaya salad, both were excellent. The salad was super fresh and delightfully flavorful. For dinner, we ordered the mixed noodle dish with fried tofu, vegetables, fresh cilantro tossed with a Burmese dressing served at room temperature. It was fabulous! We also tried the lightly fried catfish in an onion-tomato based curry sauce with green pepper. The catfish was cooked to perfection; light and flaky which was surprising seeing as how it was fried. We also ordered a chicken entree which I didn't try but everyone else seemed to enjoy. For desert we shared the Shweji which was simply divine and surprisingly satisfying shared between 4 people. It was similar to a custard but a bit firmer in consistency. Subtly sweet with sugar, coconut cream and topped with poppy seeds. Simply divine! The portions are rather small if your use to typical "American" restaurants but I think it's more quality over quantity here. Can't wait to come back!
(4)
Pete D.

I love asian food and I love Thai food especially. That being said I would implore anyone who likes Thai food to try Mandalay. The Burmese food is spicy but it's different enough to make it interesting. Good vegetarian choices here. My favorites are the V6, V8 and V12 - I can't remember the names. The coconut ice cream is good but a little pricey. The greean mango salad is great also. The service leaves something to be desired but if you focus on the food you will enjoy your time here.
(4)
Maya E.

Mandalay has a friendly staff and long menu, but I wasn't as impressed with the food as I hoped I would be after reading other reviews. The food we had was good, but not all that memorable for us.
(3)
Kim B.

This was my first time with Burmese food, so I can't testify as to any level of authenticity. I can, however, attest to a level of yumminess. My friend and I ordered a vegan fritter (I totally can't remember the name of it -- I believe it's the first thing listed on the menu) to start off the night that was pretty good -- very light with a similarly light sweeter dipping sauce. My main dish was fried tofu in chili sauce, while my friend had a rice noodle and tofu dish. The tofu seemed like it may have been pressed -- it was very dense. When I ordered, the server asked me if I knew the dish was spicy. I didn't, but said that was fine, as I like spicy food. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the food was actually spicy! It wasn't too spicy for me, but my friend (who also likes spicy food) was actually a little taken aback by the heat. I admit that I was happy to have some rice to cut the heat a bit so I could fully enjoy the flavor. My friend's noodle dish was spicy and more mild than mine. The rice noodles were cooked well and both dishes were very flavorful. The best part was dessert. We shared a vegan pineapple ice cream that was made with coconut milk. It came frozen in a baby pineapple! We were both pretty psyched with the presentation and it tasted really good -- so good, in fact, that if they sold it in pints, I would probably purchase it.
(4)
Patrick H.

On a recent visit I ordered the Mandalay KyetThar which is served room temperature. It's described as "White meat chicken strips boiled, and served with lemon-soy, crushed peanuts, and sesame seed sauce". Sounds pleasant enough... they forget to mention that it's quite spicy. The waitress advised that the sauce could only be served very spicy or moderately spicy. Mild was not an option. I like spicy, but I know better than to order something very spicy until I understand exactly what that means to a specific restaurant or cuisine. My dining companion ordered the Shrimp in Tomato Onion Curry, also ordered moderately spicy. We decided to split everything. Thank God we ordered them moderately spicy. Both dishes had that sneaky burn that you don't notice at first, but which continues to get spicier and spicier the more you eat, until your lips are tingling and your mouth is quite literally on fire. Water won't help you, the rice is little comfort, and it tastes so damn good that you just keep eating making matters worse. As an added bonus I unwittingly ordered a small bowl of the AChin Yay "Lemon and garlic with hot chili sauce". "It makes things a little hotter" said our lovely waitress. I didn't realize that Satan made a hot sauce, but apparently he does. It's called A Chin Yay, and it comes from Burma. It definitely makes things a little hotter. I put some on the Shrimp Curry and the first bite actually made me cough. I am also smart enough to know not to douse my food with an unknown hot sauce until I have gauged the intensity of what I am about to eat. Needless to say, the AChin Yay was used only sparingly after that. Despite the intensity of the heat (which I actually love), this is really fantastic food. Everything is fresh and tasty, with simple presentations that highlight the direct flavors of the dish. Service was incredibly attentive and friendly. Our waitress gave us many suggestions and we felt like she helped us to choose wisely. hardypartyreview.blogspoâ€¦
(4)
Jade T.

Not impressed. Pros: Mandalay has a good selection of vegan dishes at moderate prices ($10 or less). Water constantly refilled. Pleasant wait staff. Cons: The food is mediocre. The quality was fine, but maybe Burmese food just doesn't please my palate. I love the flavors of Thai, Indian and Chinese food, but they don't match so well together. I had V10 (tofu with hot pepper in tomato curry sauce), which was basically a tomato stew with tofu. The V4 (vegetables with brown sauce) is a dish you can find at any Chinese (Vegetables with Garlic Sauce) or Thai restaurant (Pad Pak Ruam). Only, their sauce was sweeter and slightly thicker. The Papaya Salad was not very appetizing. It had a very odd texture to it, which I assume is from sugar granules (palm sugar is used in papaya salads). It didn't have the wonderful tang of Thai Papaya Salad. While Burmese has cuisine of their own, it is certainly influenced by the surrounding regions. I recommend Mandalay for vegans/vegetarians looking to try something new. I, on the other hand, wouldn't be returning here.
(3)
Karen A.

Mmmmm I just adore this place. I've only eaten here for lunch and have never been less than delighted with my meal. To top it off everything on the menu is relatively affordable. The ginger salad is among my favorites: lightly dressed shredded ginger, cabbage, and carrot with fried garlic. Your breath will smell so yummy after eating this dish! The mixed noodle dish (noodle #1) and Mandalay tofu (vegetarian #5) are my two favorite entree dishes. The sauce on the Mandalay tofu has such a wonderful flavor... I usually order my meals spicy but it almost takes away from the flavor of the sauce on this dish, so I would recommend ordering on the milder side. And when the waiter asks how spicy you would like your dish, order on the side of caution because spicy at Mandalay means SPICY! The iced tea with condensed milk and sugar is a perfect compliment to everything on the menu, especially on a hot day. Once you try this place you will be hooked forever!
(5)
Jess S.

Mandalay is consistently great. Love the tofu panang. & the cream of wheat dessert.
(4)
MrJoel ..

This is not a full review (maybe later), but I just had to respond to Rob M.'s post for the sake of my fellow beer-lovers. There's no Burmese beer at Mandalay, on draft or otherwise, and according to one of the owners there never was. They do have "Mandalay Ale" but that is an American beer made for them locally and widely available under its "real" name elsewhere. A friend and I went in seeking the mystery beer. However, between Jennifer the hilarious bartender and a few plates of good food, we left happy. Just FYI!
(3)
Kalpa S.

The food here is OVER-THE-TOP TASTY!! I had never had 'Burmese' food before, and holy cow, was I in for a treat. As I was eating through my 3 course dinner, mild music was playing in head...happy-joy, anyway, I digress. We had the Baya gyaw (gram fritter), squash fritter, burmese samosa and the Green Papaya salad. If you're new, definitely try the burmese samosa. So flaky, so light, its great. Oh, and the salads are seasonal...so, in summer, I would definitely recommend the papaya salad - it was super-delish. The burmese dressing, which is made out of fermented fish sauce is great. My sis went for the vegetarian dressing, which was a type of Burmese vinagrette, which also tasted nice. For the entree, I had the Kayaan Thee him (eggplant). This was thai-eggplant, simmered in a broth... so tasty, I could bathe in it. Sis had Mandalay tofu (ordered hot). Holy-moly, hot REALLY meant HOT. There was a sesame-chilli pepper powder they use with this house-speciality, that was increadibly tasty and so flavourful. For my palate though, I would stay at the medium spicy...I like spicy food, but prefer not to have my mouth on fire ;) ;) Sis' husband had the tofu-in-coconut curry. That coconut curry sauce was amazing. Keep in mind that being a combination of Indian and Thai cuisines, burmese flavors combine, chili, sesame, coconut, ginger and garlic. For dessert, we ordered the coconut ice-cream, served in a coconut, pineapple ice cream in a pineapple. I would prefer they change the ice-cream names into sorbets. Because while flavorful, they're not as creamy as one would expect. But kudos for the presentation. I had the shweji, which was good (not too sweet, just right) Didn't quite care for the cocktails. Lacked sophistication. The wait staff were so-so. (that's the one point down) Overall, food was Fantastic, will be back!
(4)
Anu G.

Great veggie food. The tofu is always sautÃ©ed perfectly. The food is a mix of Thai and Indian fusion. Nice and spicy. I always try to get myself there for the food, even though it's a bit of a drive for me from VA.
(5)
Kimberly W.

I'm pretty sure there's a troop of Burmese grandmas in the kitchen preparing this food. Everything tastes homemade, completely lacking the commercial taste that is so common in most restaurants. I've been here a few times. My most recent visit was for lunch. I tried the A Loo Hin (potatoes with a curry sauce) and the Tofu MoteNyinChin Gyaw (tofu with a mustard sauce). At first I was a little disappointed because neither was as spicy as I was hoping, but after a few bites I realized that they were actually really good the way they were. They had some subtle flavors I might have missed if they were any hotter.
(4)
Eliza K.

The cocktails are great, and the food is fantastic. We moved out of silver spring several months ago, and when we were asked what is the one place we missed the most, this was our pick.
(5)
Ian N.

I try not to spend money eating out, but when I do, it's usually here. Mandalay is unarguably a price-performance winner for the $10-12 entree range. It's my tendency to repeatedly order green curry chicken at south Asian restaurants, but of the half-dozen people I've eaten with here, nobody has had a dish not worth their while. We love the Burmese formula of geographically and gastronomically bordering India, China, and Thailand. You owe it to yourself to try every dessert, starting with the unbelievably delicious cream-of-wheat-based ShweJi; my fiancee and I struggle not to order every dessert choice every time. The dishes are served authentically in that they can be spicy for the weak-palated. I like to feel the heat, so I order the dishes spicy. I once offhandedly ordered a dish "very spicy", not knowing that this specifically means "like grandma makes it;" orderer beware. There is a small selection of reasonably well-picked Asian import beers; the house beer is better than expected. Several waitstaff cover your table, which in my experience has contributed to responsive service. As noted elsewhere, the kitchen closes 30 mins before close, and the portions are no more than 1 meal's worth. Spurn the megachains that taste the same from California to Miami in favor of this gem.
(5)
Margaret H.

Great food. GREAT service. I was impressed. Try the mixed noodle salad or NO1. Great combination of flavors. Seriously enjoyed myself.
(4)
Ayon J. R.

I can't believe they are selling such great food at such reasonable prices! The wait staff were very friendly also.
(4)
Rick B.

Excellent service, broad menu selection, and great pricing. Highly recommended.
(4)
Octavius I.

This place is money !!!! Good food, cheap prices, and cozy atmosphere.
(4)
Will M.

Very fresh, filling but not heavy. The dipping sauce they serve with the golden triangles rocks, it goes with everything. The wife and I will return.
(4)
Ji-In L.

3.5 stars. I can't give it quite 4 because Burma Superstar in SF is a solid 4 and this place just isn't as good, but it's still good. The green tea leaf salad was yummy and so was the shrimp coconut curry and the noodle dish with curried chicken. Warning: the coconut curry dish was still a tad spicy (but delicious) even when ordered mild. Bonus points for having some tasty imported beers on draft for only $3. Service was friendly. If I'm ever back in Silver Spring, I'd come back.
(3)
Kyle U.

I love going here. The food is delicious. Last time I ordered V15 which is steamed vegetables over rice with a thick brown sauce with ginger. I ordered it very spicy. It was super hot. Like hotter than any dish I've ever had before. Maybe next time i'll just get medium or regular spicy. Not much more I can say that isn't covered in the other reviews. Just go here if you can appreciate good food.
(5)
Maria P.

I have loved Mandalay ever since it was in College Park. It was one of the few things I really missed about the DC area when I was living in Baltimore. When I was a vegetarian, there was always something on the menu for me. Now that I'm not anymore, my favorite dish has become the tamarind catfish curry--I can credit this dish with getting me to appreciate catfish. I am really surprised that some reviewers have called the food at Mandalay bland! I know I'm a wimp, but their "medium" is too spicy for me. I like that they give you options for the spiciness of your entree. "Hot" is not for the faint of heart. To address a couple of other comments: I don't think the portions here are too small (a comment I've heard before from friends). I think they're just right--I think we're just all used to the portions at most Chinese restaurants (where I usually find myself taking home leftovers). The other thing is, the best way to experience this or many other Asian cuisines is family-style...order a salad and a couple entrees and then share them. That way you won't get bored with just potato curry (which I think is great, but not really a well-balanced meal). There are so many things on the menu, and chances are you're probably not going to love all of them. It took me a while to find my favorites. I think this can be a kid-friendly place, depending on the kid. We took my 6-year-old stepdaughter and her 5-year-old friend here and they loved it (this is where sharing entrees comes in handy; kids can't finish a whole one themselves). They were especially thrilled by the coconut ice cream in a real coconut!
(5)
A B.

Unbelievable - like Indian and Thai food had a beautiful love child! I had tofu with tomatoes, green peppers, and onions in coconut milk curry sauces. The samosas were fabulous (the orange curry/sauce they were served with was really different and good), and the shweji for dessert was perfect. Highly recommended.
(5)
kim c.

So wonderful. Lots of options for veggies. Everything we had was great--the veggie soup was delicious, and the mixed noodle dish was one of my favorite noodle dishes of all time. And, seriously, vegan coconut ice cream, in a tiny coconut? AMAZING.
(5)
Pascal P.

I've been here once and was very happy with the food that I had. Both the appetizer (Burmese Samosas) and my main dish (pork w/mango curry) were delicious. I went with someone who was a vegetarian, and there were lots of excellent looking meatless options on their menu as well. Service was prompt and friendly, and their prices are fantastic. An appetizer, two entrees and a beer came out to around thirty bucks. I'm coming back here the next time I'm in Silver Spring.
(5)
TkdElf H.

We had a surprisingly good dinner at Mandalay tonight. I've had Burmese food before and sometimes it's just weird, but this place was actually good. We started with the Gram Salad. I liked the salad part a lot, but there was too much of the fried gram fritter. For a main course I got the first noodle dish. It had mixed noodles, tofu, potatoes, onion, and cabbage. I had to get mild to share with a little person, but they did bring me some really good hot sauce to spice it up. Since I'd ordered it mild it was pretty plain, but pretty good. My husband got pork with sour mustard. He thought the pork was well cooked and a good flavor and the mustard and onions were also tasty, but a little overpowering. The combination of the super tart pork and mustard greens and the plain noodles was a nice balance. The full page of vegetarian entrees provided a lot of great options for a return visit. For dessert the vegan coconut ice cream was rich, creamy goodness to rival any non-vegan version. The cream of wheat, bread pudding thing (first dessert) was warm and yummy and just the right amount of sweet. Based on other reviews we had low expectations for the decor, but we thought it was cozy and interesting. At least it was not stark and boring. Our favorite part of the service was when we got the busboy talking about Burma itself and his life there. That made the whole experience more authentic.
(4)
Ben W.

Absolutely amazing food. First time trying Burmese cuisine and could not have had a better introduction into the culture. Service was excellent on a Thursday evening. My wife and I were seated immediately and our server provided excellent suggestions. The s07 (I wont attempt to butcher the name) shrimp, in a coconut curry sauce was phenomenal. My wife's mixed noodles were excellent and as we split it was a great combination of dishes. We will definitely be coming back in the future. Great beer prices too, leffe at $3.00 a bottle. Two entrees and a drink came to under $30.00
(5)
Jono S.

In as much as you don't have much choice when it comes to Burmese food in the D.C. area, it would almost be an affront to say that Mandalay is the best Burmese restaurant. The matriarch chef of the family who owns the restaurant cooks delectable authentic home-style meals, though many items on the menu have a similar taste. Burmese cuisine is often compared to a cross between Thai and Indian food with myriad curry and noodle dishes, yet the large variety of salads are what stands out as particularly unique. The green tea salad is quite the novelty, albeit a slight after-taste is apparent but not unexpected. My favorites are the papaya and the gram fritter salads. Whenever I go to Mandalay, I'm tempted to make a meal out of the salads alone, which is no wonder, because the restaurant practically caters to vegetarians with a wide assortment of dishes in every category. The wait staff will even offer to serve dishes such as the salads without the fish sauce, which is a common ingredient in South East Asian cuisine and a common faux pas when ordering for the unsuspecting vegetarian.
(4)
Nan W.

I give Mandalay 3.5 stars, but Yelp doesn't allow that. So I'll err on the side of mercy and give 4. Mandalay is a reliable spot to grab a cheap and tasty meal. Decor-wise, it falls between hole in the wall and family restaurant. It's pleasantly busy but not noisy. You can hold a conversation with your friends without getting hoarse. There are booths; if you can snag one, do. Don't miss the shredded green papaya salad - a perfectly balanced combination, spiced just right. Utterly delicious and possibly good for you! The golden triangles are among the better appetizers. I'd skip the gram fritters - kind of like deep fried cream of wheat in texture, and the main flavor appears to be salt. The noodle dishes are a sure bet. Tofu comes with tomatoes, onions and cilantro - a winning combination. I'm a veg so I can't comment on the meat end of the menu, but I believe most if not all the chicken dishes use dark meat, in case that matters to you. The parking lot spaces are tight. If you don't want a ding on your shiny new motor, park down the street at the bank (if you're there after banking hours) or get a meter if you can.
(4)
Amanda H.

Room temperature noodles don't sound tantalizing, but oh, they are delicious. I also *love* Mandalay's chicken and sour mustard greens.
(4)
Jeni Y.

While home for the holidays, I 'ventured' out with a friend to try some Burmese food, as neither one of us have had it yet. One thing I liked about Mandalay was its atmosphere. Although located in downtown Silver Spring, the inside is very unassuming and quite unlike the typical new suburban town centers (stucco complexes complete with huge chain stores and multi-level parking garages but made to look village-y and cute - aka freak shows!). The interior of Mandalay makes you think that locals must have been coming here for years. Burmese food is a cross between Indian/Chinese/Thai cuisines; meaning, you will find mixtures of curries, spices, noodle-soups, lemon grass, coconut, etc. - just much more scaled down. We shared a fish noodlesoup, vegetarian eggplant dish, and plate of sauteed glass noodles. I thought the food was just okay. But then, I did just come back from spending extensive time around South/South-East Asia, so I could tell that the food was not that similar to the real deal. That being said, the prices almost makes up for everything. Three dishes with tea came up to just around $25 - score!
(3)
Julia L.

I've tried a lot of the food here. I used to patronize this place back when they were a smaller restaurant in College Park, MD. I love the variety of salads. The ginger is my favorite. The appetizers are so tasty, not the healthiest (at least not the ones I choose), but so good. I love the tofu ohno hin & the mixed noodle dish. I've tried the cilantro beef as well as the basil beef - both were really good in my opinion. The only thing I tasted that I did not like was the sour mustard shrimp dish, however I think it is because I do not like sour mustard. The service is usually good, but I am kind of a regular.
(5)
Diana P.

great food, but the portions are getting smaller and the prices larger.
(3)
cranzy p.

I always thought this place was where it was never...In Wheaton but I think there was another Burmese restaurant that used to be there but I could be wrong...There just aren' t too many places that serve food from this country in this area anyway....I ordered to go so I have no idea how the dine in experience may be and most likely will never find out...the guy who greeted me at the door seemed nice enough and had an everready smile...he asks if I know what I want and when I don't he lets me peruse the pretty good sized menu.... I settle on the Tofu with tomato curry which is V2 on the menu which is in Burmese. It wasn't pricey enough to charge so I tried to find something else that might interest me but they didn't have any of the coconut milk cream so he let me slide ... The food came out in about 7 minutes and they were close to closing yet most of the tables were still occupied. I traversed another 30 minutes in oder to examine what was in the magical Burmesian Paper Bag. And it was an interesting blend of flavors...I tasted coconut milk, tomato, I chose the spiciest of the spicy on offer yet this spicy is closer to the fruit used in sichuan province of china like style than chile pepper India, however I also noticed a Thai influence as well which really just says that certain people have access to certain shit living in certain parts of the world...so there you have it nothing fancy...nothing nasty...flavorful without the heat overwhelming the dish and it even stuck in my chest as I laid down to rest for the night...what can you say about cooked food sourced fairly cheaply and sold at reasonable temperatures I mean prices....what I did not like was the fact that I automatically didn't have a fork or napkin in my bag..maybe I was supposed to drink it as it was quite soupy and lite...and the tofu was crumbly which I don't like either...like it came out of the cheesy tofu section of Giant or safeway though I know these proud Burmese wouldn't stoop so low..???Imaybe my fresh off the cheesecloth standards are too high but who cares this is yelp.... Over and all over I say try the Mandalay to the average person considering eating out..It's clean enough and the people look like they wash their hands after they come out of the bathroom....the employees I mean.
(3)
Sherry G.

We've been here twice over the last month. The first time we had a wonderful waitress, attentive and helpful. The food was good, which is why we went back. Our second visit was simply awful. It was weekend during the day. Being seated seemed like a chore, even though there were only three other tables taken. Then it took for ever to place our order. While the squid salad was wonderful, one of the other dishes we had was inedible, due to an overabundance of salt, the same dish we had had a couple of weeks prior and was good. We brought it to the attention of our server, saying we needed to order something else because we could not eat the dish due to the salt. The next dish was okay, but nothing special. Then when we went to pay the dish we sent back was still on the bill. We asked to have it removed. This is when things became unprofessional...Out comes a woman screaming to the server that "if it was too salty they should have said something." Well, we DID! She went on and on so the whole restaurant could hear. Totally unprofessional. We won't be back and if I were you I'd think twice.
(2)
Keri M.

The food is unique and good and healthy. The prices are around $10 an entree. For these reasons, this is my absolute favorite restaurant in the DC area. (I've been to the downtown Silver Spring location and that's what I'm reviewing.) On a side note, the atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired, so I wouldn't go here on a date. But the food more than makes up for it. This is where I take people who visit, especially family. I recommend any of the salads - mango or papaya salad. It doesn't have a bitter taste that often accompanies leafy salads and the dressings work so well with the fruit. Get the thai tea with your meal. I can't remember what entree I got, but my friends all shared our meals and I loved every single one of them. There is selection here to please everyone - from vegetarians to octogenarians. I also got the dessert made with "cream of wheat" and it was unbelieveably delicious. Three of us shared it and there was nearly a war. The service was great, the food is fantastic and the prices are among the cheapest I've seen in the DC area. This place is the best!
(5)
jessica c.

Wonderful place. Wonderful food. The only thing that is a toss up would be the service and the food. Most dishes are delicious but I am adventurous and sometimes too much so and the meal is "eh". However overall a comfortable local place that has an incredible Ginger Salad and great curry and noodle dishes.
(4)
Sara M.

This place is so good, and reasonably priced. Lots of vegetarian dishes here, and you can tell them how spicy to make your order. My favorites are the eggplant fritters and V06, which is a flat noodle, romain lettuce, bean type of dish. It sounds odd, but it's really yummy.
(4)
Katie T.

A friend and I decided to go to Mandalay one Saturday a few months after it moved to Silver Spring. The next day, we started talking about how good it had been--and we decided to go back again that night. (It was just as good as the night before.) I liked it in College Park, and I like it here. I tend to order iced coffee, then focus on the starters, especially the samosas and salads (I second the gram fritter salad recommendation), and then skip to dessert, but the entrees are also good. The coconut cream curry tofu (tofu ohno hin) is excellent. The food is light and unusual and addictive.
(5)
Jennifer T.

Sadly I haven't been to Mandalay in about a year now but was writing a review on another Burmese restaurant so had to add this one in too. I love this restaurant; my staple dishes were the beef and basil - the sauce is very tomato-ie, the chicken and potato, the nan gee thok (not sure if that's how you spell it - it's a cold noodle dish that I loved but a couple of my friends though was more of an acquired taste), and the Sunday chicken special.
(5)
Sean G.

Our first experience with Burmese food was good but not otherworldly great. The prices are a bit higher than one might expect for a meal that was not exceptional and not especially memorable. That said, the ginger salad was terrific and the coconut ice cream was quite good (if a tad pricey).
(3)
Dan S.

A former favorite of mine more than 4 years ago before it transplanted from College Park to Silver Spring. Fast forward to 2008... What happened? Prices rose exponentially and intimate service deteriorated to sub-par care that ended the night with empty plates piling up by the time the check arrived (and they automatically charge tip for a party of six or more...) 11.99 for about 5 small pieces of chicken pieces in tomato-onion curry sauce is quite appalling by any standard. You would think that you're paying for service and/or ambience but if you're talking about the Mandalay I used to know, you go for the scrumptious, authentic Burmese food that is reasonably cheap. By no means am I questioning the food; it is still good and I love the tomato-onion curry. But the new price + service does not equate to a quality dining experience that I'd recommend to my friends. Perhaps they'll get better money's worth ordering out or ordering the lunch portion... and maybe get 3 pieces of small chicken... A great case study of when a great product is overpriced and the service doesn't make up for it...
(2)
michelle m.

I guess I had great expectations for the place (a friend had recommended it as well), but I was disappointed. The food was bland and overcooked. I probably won't go back there, even to try it again. Oh, and a post-script: if you are there at their closing time, they will turn off the lights on you and lock the door EXACTLY on-the-dot. So be warned if you sit too long at the table, even if others are in the restaurant....
(1)
Idris M.

This is a rare spot for good, authentic, original food in Silver Spring. Just tried this place out with a friend of mine, and we were pleasantly surprised. For an appetizer, we got the fried shrimp. No complaints at all about the fried shrimp. Very crispy, and none of that fried-batter-instead-of-shrimp that you may find at other places. The sauce that the shrimp came with was an incredible orange medley of sweet, sour and spicy. We kept the sauce around and put it on the noodles later! For my main dish, I got the MoHingar (Rice noodles in fish soup with lemon grass (served with a sliced lime and fresh cilantro). It was good, but not quite what I was looking for. Although I've never had fish soup before so I'm not sure what I was expecting. The cilantro and lime added a nice freshness to it. My friend got the NanJeeGyaw Noodles with shimp. I had some, and I'm pretty certain Mandalay has the best noodles in Silver Spring. All the flavors and textures were pretty much perfect, and they went well with the hot sauce, and even some cilantro sprinkled on top. Bottom Line: If you're in Silver Spring, you need to try Mandalay.
(4)
Kate G.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. It is the dining establishment I miss most since leaving Discovery. And came for lunch to meet an old co-worker today to discover they finally have a lunch menu... Yay! Just wish they had one in the three years I worked nearby because it was too expensive to have lunch off a dinner menu everyday. Need the recipe for "burmese-spicy" beef #4 so I can try to replicate my Mandalay experience at home. I live WAY too far for regular visits anymore. Joe - help me out? ;-)
(5)
Alicia C.

I had been wanting to try Mandalay for a while and was curious to see what Burmese food actually way. Convinced a friend to come along for the adventure of trying this place out. We were both very impressed with the dishes we ordered. I'm a big fan of Southeast-Asian flavors in general, and the curry I got here was some of the best I've ever had. The samosas we ordered for appetizers were pretty amazing, too. I can't wait to get back here to try out a couple more of their dishes!
(4)
Joe G.

It was quite busy when we visited so we felt a bit rushed. We started off with the chicken spring rolls and an amazing spicy sauce. We wish we ordered more because they were simply delicious! For dinner, we ordered the chicken & potato curry as well as the SF05 (cilantro/mustard shrimp). The chicken curry was decent overall. I thought it was pretty similar to a basic Indian recipe. The SF05 however, I was overall not too keen on. The presentation wasn't very good and after getting passed that, I didn't really feel the mustard flavor mingling well with the shrimp. Mandalay however, is a place I wouldn't say I'm done with just yet. I've had excellent, authentic, and homemade Burmese cooking before and loved it so knowing there are few options for Burmese, I would like to try it again. I will probably go with something coconut curry-based. I would also like to try the sticky-rice/brown sugar/coconut dessert, as it seems like it would remind me of a South Indian treat that I recall once having. I really respect the owners of Mandalay and their loyalty to their Burmese community. Supporting them in that respect is the right thing to do.
(3)
Cliff E.

A little pricey- but the food is novel and good. Ginger salad is unique, good selection of Tofu dishes for Vegans. Hot is hot with these people, and it will make you sweat. If you are alone- eat at the Thai market next block over and save $$ - but for dates, and to impress friends- this is it. Big tables encourage big groups and though I miss the fusion that their College Park location had (Do you want some Fish Sauce on that doughnut?) overall this is and has been for several years a good place.
(4)
Mic X.

i have only eaten here once, but my wife has eaten here a couple of times and she loves it. her favorite is the PaZun ChoChin Gyaw aka SF05 (it's shrimp sauteed with sour mustard, onion and fresh cilantro). i had the KyetThar ALoo Hin aka CH01 (it's chicken and potatos in an onion base curry) and it was pretty good. i ordered it to be hot, like burmese hot, but what i got was medium (for me at least) spicy, which was a big disappointment because my wife said that they can pour on the hot - like sweating from your brow hot and that was the kind of hot i was hoping for. i'll have to try again to see how hot it can get.
(4)
Mike S.

Outstanding. A favorite since they were in College Park.
(5)
Thuba J.

Mandalay is the real Asian fusion, the other Indian-French, Italian-Thai bistros are just imitating! Those Burmese have been fusing Indian, Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese culinary traditions for thousands of years over by the Silk Road there. Take advantage. Now, I have an insider caveat to add to Ralph G's review. He's vegan! And fish sauce, along with other seasonings made from aquatic life, are central to Burmese cuisine. It may be the case that their vegetarianized entrees are more lacking in flavor, but I don't think anyone who's had Mandalay's fish soup, made from a base of fermented fish paste and lemongrass, and topped with cilantro and fresh-squeeze lime, would think their food lacks dynamic flavors. Or their cold mixed noodles, a medley of noodle textures tossed with fried tofu and potato, grated carrots, fresh toasted shallots and sesame seeds, cilantro, and a drizzle of seasoned fish sauce. Ralph and I have also gone to Mandalay with meat-eating friends who were all about Mandalay's curried chicken. Mandalay remains one of the best options for a meal in DC that isn't your average Americanized Asian food substitute. It's worth trying even if you're vegetarian, but if you're a fish/meat eater, Mandalay's so good, it'll make up for your not being vegetarian. Yesss!
(4)
Julie S.

Even though I live in San Diego now, I make a point to go to Mandalay every time I'm back east. Started going there back when it was in a tiny place in College Park and the food and service are still just as great since they have expanded into a much nicer and larger place. Everything I've eaten there has been amazing - the flavors are so interesting and different from other Asian cuisines. The servers are always very friendly. They have a great beer selection too, although maybe a bit more pricey than your average restaurant.
(5)
christopher m.

Wanted to try something new instead of the same old restaurants we frequent in Silver Spring. Ordered the Chicken with Curry, Tomatoes, Onions, and Basil and the Fried Rice. Both were extremely disappointing. First, the Fried Rice tasted like something out of a cheap frozen package. The menu listed it as having bean sprouts and instead came with thin slices of cabbage. The chicken with curry was also extremely uninspiring and frankly something any cook with minimal experience could have made. They charged us $1 for an extra cup of rice (very cheapskate). Additionally the cook who served us was wearing a baseball hat and t-shirt and looked and acted angry--very unprofessional. Can't understand how other reviewers enjoy this restaurant. If you want good Asian food go across the street to Thai Derm--much, much better food for your money.
(1)
jax g.

we have been going here every friday night for three weeks in a row! love the vegetarian entrees, and the staff are very friendly and remember us each time. the bartender is a friendly kookie woman with a bubbly personality. anyway, so far the favorite is v15... my carnivorous bf loves it. watch out for v10 man, they ain't kiddin when they say it's hot! update--been here for dinner two more times. i love this place, the food is excellent and the staff is always on mark. any entree you order, be assured will be delicious.
(5)
Becky T.

I sure had a different experience than many of the other reviewers at this restaurant. I thought service was excellent, especially considering that I was there on a busy Saturday night. Our water and soda glasses were always refilled and our server was very attentive. As far as food goes, it was solidly good. The spring rolls and fried eggplant that we ordered was average and the fried noodle dish I ordered was good but nothing near spectacular. I ordered my noodles medium thinking that it was going to be really spicy but it was barely mild. My friends felt the same way about the dishes that they ordered as well. I think that we're so use to Thai food that we were expecting more zing to the dishes. Good place to try with friendly service, but food wasn't very memorable.
(3)
C T.

Mandalay definitely stars in my top 5 favorite restaurants in the DC area. Now I tend to stick with the rice noodle entrees so that's what I'm basing my experience on. So in that respect, everything I've had here has been delicious. In addition, the prices are fantastic and the service has always been good. And that's basically all that's needed to make this girl happy.
(5)
Ngoc L.

A friend took me here for lunch this past Saturday. This was my first time trying Burmese food too. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't enjoy it as much as Malaysian food when I first tried it. Agreed on the papaya salad, it was bland to me and I didn't like the crushed peanuts with it. My friend ordered the triangles (? that's what he called it, it's like fried triangular eggroll but stuffed with potatoe. It came with a red hot sauce) I had their N01 (4 types of noodles) and this spicy beef curry with bell peppers. The food was decent but I didn't find it enjoyable enough to come back for more.
(3)
Ernest W.

Before I started reading the reviews on Yelp, I was already on another website, and one person had said to try something (ANYTHING!) with "yellow beans". So, looking down the menu, I narrowed down my selection to just dishes with "yellow beans" (what the restaurant calls "vatana") and decided to try out the V06 dish. While it was not necessarily the best dish I ever had, it was truly unique. At first, it looked just like any other Chinese/Thai flat noodle dish, but once I got a hold of those "yellow beans", I couldn't help but think "Gee, I've never had this before. What is this?" Well, whatever it was, I have to agree with whoever wrote about it here...IT WAS GOOD! Yeah, for some reason, once I got a hold of those "yellow beans", there was no holding me back, no stopping me! TRULY AMAZING! (So I guess that person was right...make sure to get something with "yellow beans" because...as I found...that's what makes it Burmese and not Chinese or Thai.) On a sadder note, though, I didn't care too much for the gram fritters. They were overly dry, oily, and lacking flavor. Well, I guess I've learned not to order those next time...just stick to the veggie dishes!
(4)
R K.

Great for groups and kids. A little pricey but you won't leave hungry. Just the right sized portions.
(4)
Camelia C.

I have fallen in love with the food here. This is where I first started training my bland-loving palate to taste and cherrish spice. Not to say that I can go for their extr-spicy dishes or even the very spicy dishes yet. Oh, no. Really not there yet, after all I'm an East-European and i've never had anything left of paprika before i met my spice-loving American friends. At Mandalay, my favorite salad is the Fermented Tea leaf, a delisciously crunchy and curiously flavored dish; the best appetizer remains the Spring Rolls - a bit on the heavy side, but when you're hungry from the long-long drive from the city, they're quick and satiating; loved the veggie sprout and tofu dish and everything else that's cooked in coconut milk at tolerable levels of spicy-ness; No, really cooking with fake milk that comes from exotic nuts lends even the most commonplace strip o'chicken a flavor unrivalled. Yes, i know, i'm getting overly poetic here. Other marginal notes: the drinks are long, watery and fruity, although, on occasions my friends have been served pure gin - which I guess is good if you're into (yuk!) gin :-) Service could be friendlier and the place could use some redecorating, but ehen I go there, I expect the pleasure of the taste buds to blind me to the visual shortcomings. So far, it happened every time.
(4)
Josh B.

I was disappointed - the food just fine, but not that interesting. I usually like everything Tyler Cowen recommends, but this just wasn't too special. The dessert was pretty good, though.
(3)
Snailman J.

The best burmese food I ever ate. The room temperature served N01 five noodles in the best dish but other things don't disappoint either. Can't wait to go there again.
(4)
V R.

Food is very good, but the manager there is like the soup nazi..No substitutions allowed at all. And I cannot believe that they charge $1 for carry out. I was very tempted to eat there and not tip instead.
(3)
Stacie C.

I think this place is good but I liked it so much more when it was in College Park. I think it lost some of its charm when they expanded. However, I love love love the gram fritters and I think I get noodles number 9 when I come here. It's always tasty and filling. The restaurant gets pretty crowded at night on the weekends but is worth a small wait. Just a word of caution. The kitchen closes 30 minutes before the restaurant does and they won't seat you.
(3)
Kate M.

Maybe I went to Mandalay on an off night. Perhaps my expectations were too high after reading all the glowing reviews of this place. I've been once, with one friend, and neither of our dishes were particularly special. I had a tofu noodle dish that I could have gotten at any mediocre Thai place, and my friend had a chicken and potato dish that tasted like a thin Indian-style curry. Decor was blah and service was not great. My overall impression was, well, I don't really have one because the place was just unmemorable.
(2)
Yusuke T.

Loved this place when I was in DC. The spring roll salad is great for appetizer, and the salmon dishes always hit the spot. And great if you have small kids - without fail, they'll bring out a mat to lay under the high chair, extra plates and a water cup with lid.
(4)
Timothy M.

update: i gave this place another shot because my wife said that it really is good and i just did not get a good dish. well i have been disappointed again, my dish was not worth the 8 bucks that i payed. i do not recall the name of it but it was just potato's cut up and soaked in a sauce, and the dish did not have a lot of taste. they still have the same samosa also, which they really need to work on they are bland compared to every other samosa that i have had. well this will probably be the last time i go here. this was the first time that we had visited this restaurant. it got a lot of high reviews here, so we thought that we would give it a shot. first off, parking is difficult, especially on a friday night. it is about 2 blocks from the silver spring metro, so if you are going to visit from downtown i would take the metro. when we got there we did not have to wait long at all to get at table. the menu range is wide, and they do have a good amount a vegetarian dishes. they also offer a good selection of beer and wine. it looked like the also had a bar, i did not get a good look at it, it was in another room. we ordered some samosa's as an appetizer, they were very small and not really that good, compared to other samosa that i have had. hardly any spice and texture. and here is what i was not impressed with at all, my wife and i both ordered vegetarian dishes (they did come quickly), when we got them they looked exactly alike. the only difference was that mine had the rice in it and the other had the rice on the side. the dishes where really nothing that great, they lacked taste. sad to say that i cook better then this. so i would not recommend this restaurant. i would have rather have gone to chipotle.
(2)
Rob M.

I agree with the other reviewers. Mandalay is a very good restaurant. Quite a wide variety of meat, non-meat, noodle, and rice dishes. Be careful, if you ask for the spicy, it will be spicy - make you sweat! Their bar opened recently so that is a nice touch. They serve a Burmese ale on tap - quite good ($4). For food dishes I recommend the hot noodle dishes - as opposed to the room temperature dishes. Also, the salads are great, especially the gram fritter (similar to a chick pea - AKA garbanzo bean). These are good folks and I for one am glad they are in my neighborhood.
(3)
Erin M.

I am usually a picky eater and while i want to try new foods, I am also afraid of it. I went here on a recommendation and just picked what looked good to me. I forget the name, but it was a veggie noodle dish with potatoes, and it was freakin delicious! just the right level of spice and flavor, and they made excellent appletinis. i recommend this place!
(4)
RonAnderson ..

This is a fantastic Burmese restaurant. If you've never had Burmese before, it's a cross between Thai, Indian, and Chinese (which, if you think about it, makes sense). Come here if you want to avoid the chain restaurants in the Silver Spring Downtown shopping complex; it's only two blocks south of it. The menu offers a huge variety of dishes. I recommend starting with a green papaya salad, and then saving room for dessert--the sticky rice is good (though it looks different from that served by Thai restaurants) and the fresh pineapple ice cream is really great. Huge portions for dinner entrees. Many choices for vegetarians too!
(4)
Heather S.

I'm in love with this place. My aunt took me to lunch here when my mom visited and we now come back every time she is in town. I live on the other side of the city and we still make the trip. The food is yum-- I recommend the mango salad and their friendliness is even better. The restaurant has a very homey/family feel to it.
(4)
Mark M.

The new address is 930 Bonifant St., Silver Spring. It's about 4 blocks from the Silver Spring Metro stop.
(5)
Michelle W.

The food is good here, but I have always found the service to be lacking. I keep persevering though, as the food really is a delightful combination of spices and fresh vegetables and noodles. So I'd recommend going with some friends while you are in a good mood, and don't wait to show up until you are starving... And don't ask for any modifications to a dish unless you can stand the rude stares (or sometimes they say "OK" and then just completely ignore the request).
(3)
Lagwana E.

The food is just tasty. This noodle dish that is served at room temperature, I have no idea what it is called, is my favorite thing on the menu. I have never had any problems with service, they were nice and prompt and bring me water when I needed it. Highly recommended by me, if not for anything more than that noodle dish, which is the first one on the menu under the noodle dishes. Yum!
(5)
A.M. d.

make sure you try this place - i can't get over their flavor-full sauces. you can't put your finger on the ingredients. everyone raves about their 'thursday special' it's good if you like a lot of chicken. i prefer their noodle dishes (especially "No. 2" which is served at room temperature)... i recommend going with a group and sharing a bunch of plates. that's the way to go -
(5)
Patricia D.

While staying in Silver Spring for a wedding I started wandering the downtown streets in search of something different and off the beaten path... Burmese food? Why not, I'm game! Mandalay is a cozy little spot with friendly staff. I was immediately greeted and taken to a booth and brought some water. I asked my server for a recommendation and told him I loved curry. He immediately recommended the Kyetthar Ohnno Hin which is dark meat chicken pieces in a coconut curry sauce with onions, peppers and tomatoes. My server asked how spicy I would like it and I went with Medium which turned out more like mild but still very tasty. There was plenty of chicken in the dish and fresh veggies but the sauce was the star. As it hit my palate, I could taste the different layers of coconut milk which was subtle, the curry didn't over power the dish. The dish reminded me a bit of the Thai dish Massaman curry. Similar flavor profile. The placemat actually has 3 desserts listed on it and being a huge lover of coconut anything, I opted for the homemade coconut ice cream of course! Presentation is nice - served in an actual coconut shell. Creamy and rich flavor, I didn't want to stop eating even though my belly was about to burst! The manager came by my table to ensure I enjoyed everything - What a great first meal in DMV!
(5)
Alex O.

The food is amazing and the customer service is excellent. Our waiter came by several times just to see if we needed anything. The food was fresh and very flavorful. My girlfriend is vegetarian so she was happy to see they had plenty of vegan and gluten free entrees and appetizers. She ended up going with the Tofu Ohnno Hin, the coconut curry was amazing. The location isn't huge but it fits a lot of people. The price was great for the quality and quantity of food. I'm a big eater so I really value large meals at fair prices. I would have to recommend the KyetThar ALoo Hin because the potatoes and chicken were immaculate. And you have to wash it down with the Double D IPA. The Mandalay Restaurant & Cafe is one of the best ethnic restaurants I've been to in Silver Spring. Five Stars.
(5)
Debbie S.

The Burmese salad dressing is amazing. Seriously. Amazing. That's mostly all I get, though have tried their tofu many times from friends and it's always on point. Not necessarily the quietest of environments since sound travels. If you have weird eating hours, make sure to check when they're open so you don't show up at a closed restaurant, as I've done in the past trying to grab a late lunch.
(5)
Tin H.

I had reservations once I enter restaurant with non-Asian ! I was only Asian besides the staff ! My partner have been here few times and rave all the dishes he had ! Of all the dishes we order, my fave was Burmese flat noodles with tofu and peanut sauce ! Similar to pad Thai ! A dish my friend William is a master ! So it tastes vey similar to his ! I will Order my food before I head to airport !! Thanks Micheal!
(5)
Anna D.

It's always an adventure to try a new place especially when you only eat plants. This place had a few options. I tried a tofu dish. Was pretty spicy and delicious. I usually don't have a desert but hearing how fantastic it is there I had to try one and wow! . The vegan coconut ice cream was one of the most amazing things I've ever tried. Also the friendly and knowledgeable staff makes this place one of my absolute faves.
(5)
Haroun K.

I think this might be a classic example of the Yelp overhype. I had the sour tofu dish (ordered medium spicy) which sounded interesting, but was on the bland side. The tofu was ordered fried, but was pretty mushy. The samosa which comes with the lunch special was pretty good, with a rather sriracha-ish red sauce. Of note, the lunch special I ordered was a few dollars more expensive than they list on their online menu. Nevertheless, there was a pretty sizable lunchtime crowd. Service is pretty fast at lunchtime, too.
(3)
Lia M.

So, I've pretty much eaten my way through many Asian cuisines, and Burmese was one of the few that I had left to try. And while I've heard stories of mind-blowing Burmese dishes, I've also heard that the options in this area are not quite up to par. However, having nothing to compare with, I must say that I'm a fan. I started with what is probably the most-renowned Burmese dish: tea leaf salad. This dish, lightly dressed, comprised of fermented tea leaves, tomatoes, cabbage, and crispy yellow peas, was different from anything I've had. The texture is interesting because of the slightly sour leaves and crisp cabbage, but overall, the dish is quite refreshing and balanced. I loved it. The gram fritters were not my cup of tea (bad pun, I know). With a consistency similar to hush puppies and a flavor reminiscent of Indian cuisine, it just was not worth the stomach space. But it wasn't bad. Mandalay offers weekday lunch specials, so I opted for a curry with chicken and fried potato, with a samosa as my side. The samosa small and the filling was pureed. The dough is the thin, flat, crispy style and the samosa was good, but again, a waste of precious space. The curry was flavorful and fantastic. I asked for mild, which I was assured had some heat to it, but it had none at all. So if you like spicy, as I do, go for at least the medium. That's okay. The dark meat chicken was much appreciated. It reminded me of a Nepali-style curry. Now, you must be wondering why I keep talking about stomach space. This is because you absolutely must get the coconut ice cream, which is served in a half coconut, which is one of those kitschy things I like, only here, there's no kitsch. Just a great dessert. The first few bites did not impress me. I thought to myself "Why did I order ice in a coconut"? But I urge you to keep going. After you get past the icy part, you immense yourself into creamy, coconut-y goodness, and you wonder where this has been all your life (obviously, it's been hiding out in the food of a country with one of the most restrictive, most brutal regimes in the world). I cannot say this is the best Burmese restaurant ever, or even that my mind was blown. I can say that Mandalay offers something different than the more common cuisines of the region and that I was truly satisfied with everything (including the service), and am looking forward to a return visit.
(4)
Jessica R.

This is the first time I've had Burmese food but I have to say that I am a fan! It definitely has a distinct taste from other Asian cuisines. We came as a large group and ordered practically everything on the menu. For appetizers we tried the samosas and the eggrolls. I was kinda expecting Indian style samosas but these were different. They were small triangle shaped pastries with potato, peas and onions. They were good though! But the eggrolls were BOMB. Seriously, get these! They went quickly at the table because everyone loved them so much. We also got a Gyinn Thoke (Ginger Salad) to split at the table. It has a very strong ginger taste, so if you're into that, get it! I honestly could eat that everyday of my life. I had the KyetThar Ohnno Hin (CH11), which was chicken in a coconut milk curry and some veggies. The waitress asked us all if we would like our food mild, hot, or Burmese hot. I'm fiend for spicy food so I decided to try the Burmese hot. She tried to warn me against it, but I was feeling brave lol. While it definitely was hot, it was perfect for me. The meal itself was full of flavor. And for dessert, a couple of us split the coconut ice cream. It comes in a coconut shell which was so cute. It wasn't very ice-cream like though, probably because it was vegan. It reminded me more of Italian ice. But still good and very coconutty. The service here was pretty good. Our food came out in a timely manner and our waitress checked on us numerous times. They have a tiny parking lot and there is also some metered parking out front. The staff here were nice enough to let exchange our cash for quarters to pay the meters. Can't wait to come here again!
(5)
Katelyn K.

Came in on a Saturday evening with 3 friends. There was an open table at the door with 4 seats and set up. They sent us to the bar for 20 minutes (where there was no bartender) and then directed us to the table. Then we were given menus and no one came to check on us for another 15 minutes. When they dropped off the drinks, one member in our party said she needed another moment to look at the menu. That translated to another 20 minutes waiting. One of my friends asked how hot was their hot. The waitress said "melt your face off, crying". The mild had no spice at all... not even a tang. The medium was what I would have expected a mild to be. Despite this, the food tasted great. The real gem is the coconut ice cream - made with coconut milk and not actual milk. No one wanted dessert, but I ordered it anyway and everyone else ate it.
(3)
Amanda F.

Love this place! The atmosphere is not your trendy, concept, new-age DC restaurant. But, eh, who cares...at least it doesn't distract from the deliciously interesting food. Musts are the ginger salad, any of the noodles and the Burmese iced tea. The tea is super strong and super sweet, so be prepared. In a city where the food scene is hot hot hot, it's nice to have restaurants who have been around for a long time and that are solely focused on serving excellent, authentic food.
(5)
Annie B.

Vegetarians, let me tell you what to order, which is based on a bit of trial and error. The first time I went here I got something that was not memorable and somewhat blah. BUT, luckily my friend convinced me to come back and she ordered for the both of us. So good! In fact, the choices she made were so awesome that I have ordered the exact same things from the menu at least on 10 separate occasions. I'm moving to San Francisco soon and am really really sad to be having my last meal at Mandalay soon :( So, here's what to get to share between two people (and possibly have leftovers): 1. ThinnBawThee Thoke (Green Papaya Salad). This is very different and much more tasty in my opinion than what you get at a Thai restaurant. The flavors are so amazing and the bits of crispy shallots, sesame seeds, and peanuts on top are delightful. 2. LetThoke Sone (Mixed Noodle Dish) When I tell you that this dish is four kinds of noodles mixed together with bits of fried tofu and potatoes, you likely are questioning my judgement. But, it is absolutely delicious and refreshing! The Burmese dressing on it, which from the menu states "Burmese dressing: crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, gram powders, lemon juice, garlic oil, and fish sauce (Vegetarian dishes are available upon request)" is so tasty! I've tried to replicate this dish myself on a few occasions and sadly can't capture the delicious addictive flavor. 3.Tofu Ohnno Hin. This is in-house fried soft tofu. Let that sink in. Pretty much all fried tofu you get in restaurants is that pre-fried crap that isn't very fresh tasting. Mandalay's tofu is yummy and fried on the outside and meltingly tender inside. The coconut curry sauce is phenomenal. I again have tried to replicate it and have been unable to capture the lip-smaking delicious-ness of it. So good! Although you likely won't have any room at this point, the ShweJi, which is unappetizingly described as: "Cream of wheat, coconut cream, sugar, egg, milk, and raisins, topped with poppy seeds, then baked until lightly golden brown" is really YUMMY! So, go forth and enjoy fast service, delectable food, and a fairly reasonable check in the end.
(5)
Kerry C.

This is my go to Burmese restaurant. I always get the Gyinn Thoke which is the ginger salad and Let Phet Thoke which is the green tea leaf salad. The salads are so fresh and well prepared. So far all the dishes I've tasted are yummy! My two favorites are WetThar KaYann Thee Hin which is pork and eggplant in an onion brown sauce with cilantro AND AMeThar ASane Gyaw which is beef with carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage in a brown sauce. Only, the service is not always good. It depends on who is the server. If it's one of the owners then you're in good hands, if it's an employee then there usually is an attitude that comes with the person...
(5)
Jenny T.

Whereeeeee has this place been all my life?!?!!? So, short story: so technically I'm half Burmese. My aunt used to make this amazing coconut curry with chicken growing up. Now that I've moved away... I rarely ever get to eat it now. I've only come across / tried three other Burmese restaurants...(one in San Fran, 2 in DC). And hands down Mandalay is the most legit. All I can say is, I'll be back.... Again and again. Get the KyetThar Ohnno Hin (coconut cream sauce chicken). It is awesome and I can eat it all day long. And the coconut ice cream... Worth all $6. I need to come back on Thursday to get some coconut rice. Omg.
(5)
Mario L.

Been going here for years. This is the only restaurant that I've been to that consistently does not disappoint when you ask for a dish extra spicy. The mango salad with fish sauce is my favorite appetizer and serves as a sharp, refreshing segue into dinner. My favorite dishes are the Kyet Thar Nga Yote Thee Hin (Ch 7) and the Kyet Thar Aloo Masala Hin (Ch 10), spiced up to my eyeballs. That spice hitting my tongue is absolute euphoria.
(5)
Jolene L.

As a vegetarian, I am very happy I found out about this gem. Food is delicious, service is great. They even offer vegan versions of meals which is a plus! The V06 Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw is amazing and the papaya salad devine (could be spicier, but nonetheless delicious). Definitely recommend for eat-in or take-out.
(5)
Andrew O.

This was some decent Burmese, which is special because Burmese is tough to find. The food we got was good, but nothing was amazing. In general, the flavors were fairly bland. The spicy dishes had heat but not a ton else. The service was good, and there was no wait on a Sunday night. If I lived in Silver Spring, I'd probably go back semi-regularly. But I think that Myanmar restaurant in Falls Church, VA is much better. Worse service, but much much better food than Mandalay.
(3)
Susan H.

I was looking forward to eating at this restaurant as it had good reviews and was busy when we visited on Saturday evening. I was sorry to be disappointed. The food was lackluster, poorly presented, and did not seem fresh. I had three dishes so it is not a full comparison of what Mandalay offers. I also found the restaurant interior cluttered and unappealing. We sat next to a tower of boxes (of paper?), a child's bicycle, and a messy bar (not in use). Service was very good. Prices were good but I will not return.
(3)
Gauri N.

Great Restaurant. My first time trying Burmese Food. For Vegetarians, try Nyat Khausuey
(5)
A. B.

Excellent food, great vegan options, good service.
(5)
Shirley H.

This is my first time having Burmese food. It tastes just like Thai food but not as flavorful in my opinion. I don't know if that's characteristic of Burmese food or of Mandalay. The portion size is about the same as Thai food.
(3)
Evan J.

Interesting and delicious food. When we went it was awfully quiet, with only a few other customers in the shop that weekday evening. Their decor feels a little uninspired, but the cuisine is the focus here and makes the visit stand out.
(4)
Jen Y.

The service was great, but the noodle dishes were "a-o.k." It seems like the highlight of Mandalay is the marination sauce or whatever they use for the entrees.. but even so that might have been because I requested the option for adding fish oil. I ordered noodle dish #1 based on other Yelp reviews.. slightly disappointed, feeling that this place got slightly overrated.
(3)
Dimple N.

Loved the food! Good service too! Had the tea leaf salad (it was okay), coconut shrimp curry (delicious!) and Nyat Kaukswe Gyaw (flat rice noodles) with veggies (again- delicious). Will definitely visit again.
(4)
Dan M.

Alright so I have a real soft spot in my heart for Burmese Food. I will not lie by saying that I know this cuisine well but after moving to SF this type of cuisine has been catching my attention more and more. I could not help but say yes to the chance of grabbing some Burmese Food when I was in the Silver Springs area. We arrived at around 7 PM and there was no line although still bustling with activity. The servers were attentive and came over pretty quickly to take our order. After looking through the menu, we decided to go with the LetThoke Sone which is room temperature, WetThar HtaMin Paung, and the ShweJi for a sweet ending. Yes I had to look up the names to remember because there is no way in heck that I could remember that. No drinks ordered this night *gasp* so I cannot comment on the drinks menu. All the food came out promptly and all of the dishes were solid. The room temperature noodles were just absolutely amazing so do not hesitate on this one and get it. We basically scraped up the entire plate hoping for more to fall out of the sky. The beef dish was good as well and reminded me of a beef with broccoli dish. This was a bit sweeter than our room temperature noodle dish so I appreciated the contrast between the two. After finishing these two dishes we were both full but were curious about trying our dessert. I have to say I was a bit disappointed by this and not something I would probably order again in the future. Overall a solid place and definitely worth checking out for your Burmese Food kick and on par with the Burmese restaurants I have had in SF.
(4)
Helen C.

Got the Mandalay Tofu - it was very delicious and wonderfully spicy. Mango ice cream was served in a tiny coconut and was quite good. Food is rather pricy, but good. They have a private lot for restaurant customers. Service staff was attentive.
(5)
Koral S.

Since the time I was introduced to this place by a Burmese friend it has been one of my favorites in the neighborhood. The food is always fresh and tasty ... and spicy if you like it that way ... and really medium is spicy enough if you like spicy foods. The extra spicy will leave you not being able to taste the flavors ... up to what you prefer. I usually always order the gram fritter salad, which is perfectly balanced and a great starter to share with others. I also love the spicy mango chicken with rice. The last few times I have gotten the mixed noodle dish with tofu - served room temperature - which is oh so yummy! The service is always pleasant and attentive and the food comes out super quick.
(5)
J E.

Service and atmosphere are Ok. But, we keep going back because we love, Love, LOVE the food. There is no place else like is around. We were customers when they used to be in College Park, MD, and remained customers after they moved to Silver Spring. My family's favorites: mango salad, papaya salad and N06. They have specials on Thursday and Sunday, but run out because they are popular. So. if you want them, go early or call ahead and ask them to save an order for you.
(4)
AK K.

I am Burmese & I cook well. So I know which Burmese is really good & which one is pretender. Those pretenders are Burmese restaurants that are only good for Americans customers. This restaurant was actually good but I can't give five stars because it is missing a lot of Burmese signature dishes on the menu. They need to work on the Burmese non alcoholic drinks & desserts menus. The restaurant also need proper modern decoration. There are so many beautiful Burmese artworks that can be displayed!
(4)
Rachel S.

In my experience, good Burmese is a rare find in the Northeast. Between Baltimore, DC, and New York, I could only find one place whose rating met my usual range for a spot worth visiting: Mandalay. Man, did they deliver. We arrived around 6 pm on a Sunday for dinner, and after seeing the Portugal v. USA World Cup game on in the bar, decided to postpone our meal to catch the action. The bartenders (and owner) sat with us side by side in suspense, watching the game as if we'd been regulars for years. Definitely a warm, friendly environment, with surprisingly decent white wine. Starting out strong. After our gut-wrenching defeat on the field, we moved to the dining room to give our bellies some much needed pampering. The waitress was all smiles and prompt service. We started with the Baya gyaw (yellow split peas, ginger, garlic, and cilantro blended and deep fried) and ThinnBawThee Thoke (green papaya salad). The former were deliciously flavored dumplings that reminded me of chickpea & potato samosas, but more subtle flavoring, and less curry. The latter was crunchy, refreshing, with a multi-layered peanut-based dressing (classic Burmese). For entrees, we shared the NanJee Thoke (thick noodles with curried chicken strips, onions, and lots of veggies, all tossed in Burmese dressing), and the PaZun Ohnno Hin (shrimp, green pepper, onion, and tomato simmered in coconut curry sauce). My boyfriend, a Burmese-noshing vet, insisted we go "EXTREMELY spicy" on the shrimp dish, much to my and the waitress' skepticism . He made the right choice. The PaZun Ohnno Hin is one of the most complexly flavored, wonderfully prepared dishes I have ever experienced. In my life. And that's not even limited to Burmese cuisine. YOU MUST TRY THIS. And please kids, do yourself a favor, and go spicy. Spice it all up. You won't regret it. Completely worth going out of your way for a visit to Mandalay. We live in Baltimore, and are already planning our next trip back. This little gem is a 10/10.
(5)
Xo T.

I got the big flat fried noodles with pork. It was ok: above average. The atmosphere was good, very relaxing and clean, and service was good. I only wish that they turned up the AC a bit higher. It was a little warm in there. I like how they refill your water very often without you asking. That's a huge deal for me
(4)
Sonia K.

A culinary adventure and delight. To start, I really enjoy the spring roll and papaya salads. The spring roll salad has chicken spring rolls cut up and mixed in with cabbage, carrot and maybe lettuce slaw with their Burmese dressing. I can't have fish sauce so order a "vegetarian" Burmese dressing. So glad I can do that. I get the same vegetarian request for the papaya salad. It is light and a little spicy, with thin, strips of green papaya, carrots and onion. It is the best and most consistently made papaya salad I've had in the area. A friend ordered salad with green tea leaves, which had a complex, rich taste that I enjoyed but would have to be in the mood for. I enjoy the curry with tomato, coconut milk and optional veggies. It is sweet, savory and rich-that addictive combo! I don't care for the fried rice here; it's too oily for me. I also must caution people who like "spicy". I ordered an oil-based onion, tomato and pepper dish that singed my nose hairs. It was barely edible-and I grew up eating very hot foods! Cocktails are hit or miss. I decided to try a recommended cocktail 7 months ago. I forget the name, maybe it had the word cactus in it? Anyway, it tasted like all the cough and cold syrups from the medicine cabinets shaken over ice and poured in a glass. Most of all, I like that there are simple and complex flavors are familiar and new. I was not familiar with Burmese before frequenting Mandalay but definitely appreciate it now.
(4)
Vincent V.

Found this place on accident because it showed being closed, but after driving by we were intrigued. The atmosphere is a little blah, but not reading any reviews we had an amazing experience with food and service! We all commented how we felt like we were eating at some friends house. The waiter gave very personal feedback on what is best for our ordering and made us feel welcome in every way possible. I was personally torn between the egg and rice noodles and after someone else with me went with the egg I was then forced to do the rice. Both were worthy of ordering again and I imagine on a repeat experience I would have the same problem making up my mind. Really good combo of meat mixed with egg, veggies and noodles. I also took a liking to the green tea leaf salad which was extremely yummy and great way to start the meal. So overall this place was a winner and the worst thing going for it is the decor and atmosphere inside, but that was such a minimal part of our experience that I will still leave the fifth star because I would make sure and visit this place again!
(5)
Monte H.

This restaurant does not make authentic food the way food is made in Myanmar. It is made for a very specific set of tastebuds that dominates the general region of Maryland/Virginia/DC. Not my tastebuds. The dishes all seem kind of watered down so....go here and enjoy if that's your thing.
(2)
Andrew F.

Meh, is right. It was a toss-up between Burma Road or Mandalay last night. We've been to both many times and tended to be disappointed by the latter. Same this time. After being seated, we waited a long time before asking to have our drinks delivered. They were a little busy but more scattered. Ordered two salads to share -- green papaya and tea leaf. Both came out looking nearly identical and piled onto plain, white oval plates. No visual appeal at all. Sadly, very little flavor, either. We ordered a tomato-based catfish as a main dish, and asked it to be spicy. It was, thankfully. The side of belacan was nice, but again, unappealing visually. The place was packed but disorganized; the food so-so. Burma Road really is miles better. But unlike Mandalay, it is rarely packed, in my experience, making me worry just how long we'll have to enjoy it.
(2)
Mike B.

A very satisfying last Yelp Luck Club. The sheer amount of food that we ordered was crazy. So crazy - that I can't remember a lot of the dishes names. Also... all of the dishes names are incredibly hard to say... so there's that. Example 1: KyetThar PinSane or NanNanBin Hin Example 2: WetThar KyetHinnGarThee Gyaw You get the point. I can tell you that it's very helpful that they have a number and letter code. I should just write those letters and numbers down next time... V03- KaYann Thee Hin- Eggplant simmered in onion base curry and garnished with fresh cilantro $10.99 It was delicious and I would surely get it again! I also tried the tea-leaf salad... i wasn't a huge fan of it to be honest. It vaguely reminded me of peeled broccoli stems with a little fish sauce and peanuts. But all the entree's that we ordered were fantastic! One of my favorites was the N06 - Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw- Flat rice noodles stir-fried with pork or chicken (dark meat), bean sprouts, lettuce, ground peanuts and topped with egg ($2 extra with shrimp or combo) $11.99 We got it with combo meats. I loved the flat rice noodles and it was really flavorful with the accompanying sauce. Could have eaten that entire dish! Many of the other dishes were stews with different meats in them. They were all tasty, and to be honest, a few of them tasted very similar. All in all, I would have no qualms going back here anytime soon. It's not hard to understand why Mandalay has 4 stars with 270 reviews.
(4)
Jeong L.

4.25! This was our 4th yelpluck dinner spot, and it surely wasn't a disappointment. I drove from DC, and it took over 45 minutes to get here due to traffic, but the trip was totally worth it. I never had Burmese food, but I am extremely glad that my lovely fellow MD burbs yelpers chose this place!!!!!! If anything you should try the tealeaf salad. It's like cole slaw, but very nice, creamy in a strange way, and refreshing at the same time. We ordered a bunch of dishes to share, and many of the dishes had tomato pastes. But the best dish of the night was this remarkable fish pasta. We didn't order it, but our server (I arrived late, so I didn't get his name), gave it to us on house. That dish was so unbelievably good... I am not familiar with this cuisine, and we ordered a bunch of things so I can't really exactly describe everything we ate... I just remember tasting all different dishes, and thinking they were really good lol. I would definitely like to come back here to taste each dish better!
(4)
Phuong H.

The food here is amazing! I definitely recommend the curries, although I haven't tried everything on their menu. I love that you can request the level of spiciness for your food too.
(5)
Michael G.

With a cuisine as unique as Burmese, it's good to have a guide. And as anyone who have ever taken a bad walking tour can attest, a good guide should be informative, entertaining, and answer all newbie questions with the patience of a saint. Luckily, Mandalay has one of the best in their owner, host, and server. For a group of nine (especially nine Yelpers), his floor show of jokes and recommendations wasn't surprising, but having been here in a "group" of two before, I knew it was the norm. Our large group started out with the Tealeaf Salad. It was very unexpected. It's more a slaw (though don't call it similar to a cole slaw, according to the owner, "cole slaw has mayonnaise in it!") than a traditional salad with pieces of crunchy leaves and peas throughout. It's vinegary aftertaste gave it just the right amount of kick. I could have eaten it as a main course. Being the token vegetarian, I only got to try a couple of the dishes. Their noodles in bean sauce (V06) was savory and the noodles were just the thick, firm noodles were fulfilling. The tofu could have used a bit more blending with the sauce (which tasted a lot like a black bean sauce even though it's not advertised as such) but other than that it was perfect. I never even got to sample more than a bite of the veggie eggplant dish since the omnivores ate it all! So I would guess that was even better. Throughout the meal, the server came by a lot to make sure everything was alright on both occasions I was there and was very good to check about dietary restrictions. This place is legendary, according to my lady, in the D.C. vegan community since all of their veggie dishes are vegan and they cater to that crowd. One warning though, the spicy is not "American spicy" as the owner reminded us. A couple of drops of the chili sauce is no joke. I guess the profuse sweating of those of us with weaker constitutions just adds to the authenticity though.
(4)
Paul D.

I had been wanting to eat here for a while, since Myanmar is on my list of where I'd like to vacation next. So with no experience in eating food from that nation, I ventured in and was looking forward to trying new things. The mango salad I ordered was pretty good. Having traveled to Southeast Asia often, I love mango salads. The version here adds julienned cabbage, which is unusual. I liked it because it was different. I also ordered fish that was cooked in some spicy tomato-type sauce, though it wasn't spicy and lacked flavor, so I was disappointed. Unfortunately, I doubt I'll come back. The server, who looked like he probably owned the place (or his family owns the place), was disgusting. He simply came to my table and blurted out "What do you want" - that was his way of asking me what I'd like to order for dinner. Now, having lived in NY for some time, I'm used to "rudeness." This big guy seemed like he was from the Bronx, and was slovenly and unprofessional. After putting in my order, he just left.
(2)
Misty K.

We made a special trip here, after trying another Burmese restaurant that we really enjoyed. We'd walked by Mandalay and bookmarked it on Yelp, for a future trip. Last night, when we were deciding where to have dinner, my husband said, "What about that Burmese place, we wanted to try, in SS?" We settled on it, and off we went. We were tired, and we did not thoroughly explore the menu, but I can tell you that there's something for everyone. My husband had some kind of beef dish with lots of fresh veggies (AMeThar HtaMin Paung). He said it tasted very fresh. He also ordered an appetizer of "Golden Triangles" (I giggled), and I had one. They were piping hot, and the sauce was surprising - Hot & Sour, and delicious. They were akin to a samosa, but I liked them better. My meal was the #6 Noodle dish with shrimp (don't ask me to pronounce it). I was so tired that I ordered it just like that. "Green tea and the #6 Noodles with shrimp." The waitress took pity and didn't ask me to explain. She just GOT IT. I was so pleased. The service was great! (For the record though, the dish is called Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw with Shrimp.) They also ask you for the level of spiciness you desire. We both chose "Medium," but we both like spicy food. We just weren't sure exactly what we'd be getting into if we said, "Spicy." I asked him later if his was spicy, and he said, "Not really." Mine wasn't either, so in the future, I might turn up the heat a bit. We also shared the ShweJi (Cream of Wheat with Coconut Milk and Raisins, baked in the oven). My husband doesn't like coconut, and he still enjoyed the dessert. One thing about the desserts - I didn't see any without coconut, so if you're not a fan, you might have to skip dessert. The place itself is large, if a little dated. It's one of those places where you might have to sit on a long bench strewn with tables, so your table is close to your neighbor's. It didn't bother us much, but if you get irritating neighbors, it might be. I have to let my whiteness shine through, and admit that I can't distinguish a person from Myanmar, unless they tell me, but I suspect that many of the people around us were originally from the area, which is always a good sign to me. People enjoying the food of their culture tells me that it is likely authentic (or closer to authentic), and good. And it seemed to be both. With regard to parking, there is a lot 2 doors down. You don't have to pay to park there on Sat/Sun, or after 6 PM any week day. (Read the meters carefully, so you don't end up paying when you don't need to.) Definitely recommended.
(4)
Sarah H.

Mandalay is great! I was a little hesitant to go for dinner because the outside kind of resembles a sketchy Chinese restaurant that serves mystery meat - little did I know that I just stumbled into a Silver Spring gem! The atmosphere is pretty mediocre but I love the waitstaff. They were all incredibly friendly, attentive, and offered some advice on the menu. I'm also a really big fan of the fact that they have giant pictures of their children hanging on the walls. It made me smile to know the owners really just love their kids enough to show them off to everyone who dines at their restaurant. I ordered pork with pickled mango because I had absolutely no idea what it would taste like. It tasted like delicious. It was a little heavy and the pork was very fatty but I should have know that going in. Regardless, I now like pickled green mangoes. Overall, great experience!
(5)
Chris D.

So delicious. It took me a couple of visits to commit, but I'm all in now. My esteem for Mandalay definitely increased when I began doubling up on their salads. I don't even get an entree any more. The tea leaf salad is delicious. It has a bit of bitterness (not sure that is the right descriptor) that I wasn't expecting at first. Now that I'm accustomed to it, though, it definitely add a layer to the flavor. You also can't go wrong with one of the shredded salads (papaya, mango, ginger). They are all delicious and light. They make a great entree on a hot evening. Finally, I highly recommend that tofu salad. Generous slices of tofu and a nice crisp flavor. A bit more filling than the others but still pretty healthy. The one place where Mandalay is a weak is the dining experience. The restaurant is a nice size but the decor needs some sprucing up. It's clean, don't get me wrong. Just a bit worn. Also, the service is odd a bit random. You're never sure who is waiting on you. Sometimes the food comes quickly. Other times it's slow. The number of other diners never seems to affect this one way or the other. Oh, and the sticky rice with brown sugar is pretty amazing. Just watch out; it's hot. Small drawback of a really great, casual restaurant, though.
(4)
Richard S.

The food was ok, but poorly presented. No garnish. No attention to detail. I had a drink, an appetizer, and an entree and the bill was $32.58! Only in the DC area can you get away with this. Not worth it.
(2)
S V.

This is one of my favorite restaurants. It's family run and the food tastes like a mother cooked it in the back (which might actually be the case). The food is just amazing. I'm vegetarian and they have a very extensive vegetarian menu. There has never been a dish I got here that I didn't like. My favorite is the V14. If you want to treat your palette to some exciting flavors you have to try this place.
(5)
Aria H.

Revisited in Jan 2015. The spice is still awesome. :) The coconut-flavored dessert cake was interesting, too.
(5)
Tanzina I.

Mandalay is by far my most favorite restaurant in downtown Silver Spring! The price is great for the portion. The food is just oh so delicious. The restaurant gets pretty crowded at times (yup, even during weeknights), but it is not surprising - the food is just that delicious! I usually order a fried rice dish or a noodles dish. But anything and everything the chef creates at Mandalay is delicious! If I had to pick one word to describe the overall experience, I'd choose delicious!
(5)
Amanda P.

Yum! This was my first experience with Burmese food, and everything I've gotten has been delicious! I've only gotten take out so I can't speak too much to the service, but while we were waiting to pick up our food, the staff let us sit in another area and were very nice and attentive.
(4)
Vlad T.

Love the noodles here. The owner and staff are always helpful with the menu when I want to try something new. The place feels a bit worn at the edges but makes up for it with their food.
(4)
Tim W.

All of the food was delicious. Beware of your spice level when they offer mild, medium, or spicy. They say spicy is off the charts. No music. The decor was lacking. Christmas lights hung, but not on. Booths need a new life, but the tables looked nice. The two ladies sitting near us talked about sperm donors, penis, swabbing, and vagina, vagina, vagina the entire freaking meal. Gross!!
(4)
Ling W.

Great vegetarian options. We had #6 and 13, the flat noodles with peanut sauce, beans, add and sprouts, and the tofu coconut cream curry. The ingredients were fresh, the colors vibrant, and the dinner delicious!
(5)
Chirjiv A.

We had ordered the Burmese samosa. I did not find it any different from the indian version, enjoyable still! We ordered KyetThar ALoo Hin Chicken chunks (dark meat) and lightly fried potato simmered in onion base curry. I should have ordered white meat. It had a distinct meat taste smell which I did not like. We also ordered Tofu Ohnno Hin Lightly fried tofu cooked with coconut cream curry sauce . This one was a lunch savior! I enjoyed this one.
(3)
Greg D.

Very good Burmese in WDC area. We always get the tofu salad. There is some magic potion in that salad-amazing. Decent service. Try the coconut ice cream when you get the chance. You won't want milk-based ice-cream anymore. We are repeat and returning customers.
(5)
Joseph H.

I'm not quick to give a five-star review, but we love this place. We went on Sunday and I had the special which is a chicken over rice dish with a very spicy onion sauce, simply amazing. Fragrant saffron rice, perfectly done chicken and the sauce was so hot I was hallucinating (know what you are getting into when you eat Burmese!). My wife got a shrimp in coconut curry sauce that was out of this world.
(5)
Jessie L.

Tea leaf salad was an interesting dish, we enjoy it a lot. This was our first time trying Burmese food, and it's every different but we definitively enjoyed it. Waitress was friendly and show us what are the authentic choices on the menu. Deco was pretty old and dimgy, but I guess it's just been in the business in a long time. Give it a try when you are in town!
(4)
Elizabeth M.

Wow. Can't wait to go back! Two words. Onion curry. Experienced Burmese food here for the first time this evening. My only regret is that we were just a party of two; I'd have loved to try a LOT more of the menu! Met a friend for a "girl's night" dinner. She'd been here several times but it was new to me. First things first ... parking can be a little tricky, but there's a small public lot with meters one lot down from the restaurant. On weekends or other busy times, plan for parking to take a little while. Service ... ours was good, if a tad haphazard. But it was much enhanced by the ...manager? owner? I'm not sure? ....but the gentleman who stopped by our table several times, first to help us make menu choices and later to see if all was well. He was extremely helpful in guiding our entree choices. We'd initially picked two items that were both at the tart/sour/vinegary end of the spectrum and he encourages us to pick one that was more different. We bounced a few options around with him and he helped us make two good and nicely-contrasting choices. Ambiance ... none. It's a medium-sized establishment, with a strip-mall aesthetic. Don't go for the ambiance. Go for the FOOD. Seriously. For instance, the onion curry. The dishes I sampled had one foot in Chinese cuisine, one in Indian, and one in Thai ... and the blend is fabulous. Lots of curry sauces, but unlike most Indian curries I've had. Lots of use of fish sauce in unexpected ways. Can get spicy but stays richly flavored, even when not spicy. We started with the squash fritters ... think tempura squash sticks but MUCH more lightly battered than most tempura, crispy and light and not greasy, paired with a nicely tangy sweet-and-sour type sauce. Entrees were shrimp with veggies in the aforementioned (fabulous) onion curry, and chicken sauteed with sour mustard, and cilantro. The shrimp was perfectly cooked, tender and flavorful, sauteed with green pepper, onion, and tomato, and the onion curry was amazing ... I'd like to buy that sauce by the gallon jug! The chicken dish was large chunks of dark meat simmered with onion in sauce, and was tender and satifying, if slightly more salty that my usual tastes run. We'd asked for "medium spice;" I'd consider the spice level in our entrees to be a little on the light side of medium, but the flavor in both was so lively and complex that I didn't feel I was missing spice at all. Did I mention how good the onion curry was? We finished up splitting the sticky rice with brown sugar and coconut, and I thought it delicious. I'm not much of a dessert eater, but this was light, not cloyingly sweet, and was a delightful end to a very fine meal. I'll be going back, soon .. with more people! I want to sample everything!
(4)
Jerry S.

I can't believe this is related to the Mandalay that used to be in College Park. Very cozy room, very helpful staff. I went with a group, and we passed dishes around, and frankly I lost track of which was which! But all were tasty, a sort of fusion of other cuisines in the region. Less brash than Thai, more robust than Cantonese. The beer of the day was Leffe Belgian ale, rich and smooth. A companion enjoyed the Mandalay Ale, brewed to spec by Old Dominion. Alas, we had no room to try the deserts. Worth braving the Silver Sprung congestion.
(4)
Sherry Z.

Mendalay was ok for Burmese food. However, Burma in DC was much better in terms of their green tea salad and tofu salad, and honestly some of the entrees as well. In terms of the food, the entree was a bit forgettable (some kind of mixed noodle dish and mustard tofu). The mustard tofu was decently good, but I would not get the noodle dish again. The mango salad was actually surprisingly delicious, don't be turned off by the fact that it might be a sickeningly sweet salad. They use green mangos and do a good job of flavoring the dish. I was very disappointed in the green tea salad-- this is usually my favorite part of a Burmese food outing. I think the green tea leaves were a bit too fermented, and the rest of the flavoring just clashed with the dish. Finally, when I thought the meal was going to be a bust outside of the mango salad, we got our dessert-- the shweji was absolutely delicious. It was very comforting, a mixture of the flavoring of bread pudding with the consistency of niangao (sweet rice cakes). I would go back to Mendalay for this if nothing else.
(3)
Josh G.

Maybe I'm missing something or this place is better suited for dinner, but I can't say it was anything too special. We went here on a Thursday for lunch. I passed on the coconut rice with chicken special of the day, despite hearing a lot about it. If I ever go back, maybe I'd try it, since my chicken with onions and cilantro was pretty unimpressive, as was the accompanying rice which was a bit overcooked in my opinion. The other people in my party all had different orders and seemed to enjoy them well enough, but everything was fairly ordinary. One of our salads even had some pretty wilted leaves in it, so I would wonder whether the greens are out of a bag. Still, the menu has a ton of variety and an option for everyone and the prices are certainly reasonable. The service was fine, and also fairly fast, though I will say that the restaurant was almost empty when we first arrived. Overall, I think if you know what they do well here or stick to the specials, it would be a decent experience, but otherwise, I'd probably go elsewhere for Burmese food.
(2)
Laura S.

After a quick Google search of vegan-friendly restaurants around Silver Spring, I decided to try this restaurant. I'm glad I did--it has a full page of vegetarian food, all of which is also vegan. I love it when restaurants make things so easily available like this. Since I wasn't sure spicy this restaurant's food is, I opted to try dish V06 at medium spiciness but with spicy sauce on the side. The dish was of a gentle spiciness (or "a slow burn" as I like to say) that was complemented by the sauce's savory and slightly sweet qualities. I'd never had Burmese rice noodles before this, but I found their large size and soft texture to be quite pleasing. I ended up eating the whole dish. Additionally, I ordered the vegan coconut ice cream. Being a vegan in the summertime can sometimes be a little lonely since it can be hard to find summer treats, but that was no problem here. The coconut ice cream was smooth and its sweetness was not cloying. I think that it might melt somewhat quickly, but I didn't give it the chance to! The service was nice, too. The owner's niece (?) was helping out, and although she sometimes had to go back to ask questions or to confirm things, she was very attentive and I appreciated when she checked with me. Sadly I was just passing through the area, so it's unlikely I'll visit this restaurant again, but I would recommend it to anyone.
(5)
Kevin H.

Let Phet Thoke (green tea leaf salad), green papaya salad, Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw with pork The decent The noodle was fine hot, slightly greasy, nice mix of veggies and meat. The taste was very ordinary though nothing exciting. This dish really was pad see eew with a different name. The bad Green tea leaf salad was a mix of a weird fermented green tea leaves and a bunch of green cabbage. It wasn't unpleasant but it seemed like something that requires a certain perspective. The taste isn't why it's bad it was the over use of the shredded cabbage and over use of a unbalanced dressing. The green papaya salad had the same problem, too much cabbage and over dressed. If you have no clue what real Burmese food tastes like, or real asian food in general, then this place is decent, but seriously is not a 4 star restaurant. If you want a better experience food-wise, go to Chinatown.
(2)
Daniel B.

Mandalay is fantastic. It's a regular for me. Some of my favorite dishes are things I haven't seen anywhere else, like Pork 7, Pork 2, Chicken 1, Chicken 10, Seafood 3, and the Thursday special are all absolutely amazing. The Thursday special and Pork 7 are an absolute must. The pork is simmered to fork tender with pickled mango, with a seriously complex flavor that I can't get anywhere else. The Thursday special is an amazing combination of onion based sauce with a coconut rice. The service is incredibly quick and very friendly. They're always so nice and always willing to provide a recommendation for something new that's just as amazing, and somehow, is always exactly what I'm looking for.
(5)
Dennis O.

Ok, the first thing you will need to get over is the decor of the place, which is a bit 1970's. I really think they could update the carpet and put in dividers in the space so it doesn't seem like a giant room. I guess I prefer more intimate spaces. That being said, the food is quite tasty. I recommend the mango salad. I had a beef dish here and asked them to make it spicy, which they did. Spice level was good, but you definitely need to be used to spicy food or you will have problems. My dinner companion ordered a noodle dish that seemed to be lacking in chicken. The food is an interesting combination of Thai and Chinese, it's not quite like either, but if you've eaten both you will be familiar with it. It is actually a nice change of pace from the common Thai food you can get in the area.
(4)
Supraja M.

Tried Mandalay Restaurant & Cafe with my family for a belated Father's Day lunch. The food was nice, nothing super spectacular in my book but a nice change of pace from the usual lineup of Thai and Chinese foods. The restaurant itself was a bit dark inside. The website says that they restaurant is closed from 3-5 every day, but the kitchen actually closes at 2:30, which we didn't know until we were ordering at about 2:15. We had the gram fritters and Burmese samosas as appetizers, and then shared a vegetarian stir-fried veggie, tofu, and noodle dish, a potato, peppers, and onions in gravy dish, and a tofu dish in a coconut cream based sauce for our party of 5. We all liked the tofu/coconut sauce the best. It was a good amount of food--portions were significantly smaller than your average chinese restaurant, about on par with most Thai places. We had the food medium spicy, because one person in the party can't deal with spice very well; next time I'd probably up the spice level.
(3)
Harold G.

I have come here for years and enjoy the food but now they have decided to charge customers $1 extra for take out orders. For years I have stopped here for take out and discovered this surcharge yesterday when I picked up my food. I asked the owner. He told me that since I complained he would remove it for me in the future. For the others who don't complain? You will still pay $1 extra. What a shame that for $1 greed he and his restaurant will lose a long time customer.
(2)
Tim T.

Best restaurant experience since moving to Maryland! Why are there so few Burmese restaurants. The food is amazing. Get the tea leaf salad and the sticky rice dessert!
(5)
Sandy L.

Literally sat at the table with my family for 30 min with no service. Not even water or a look of acknowledgement. It was NOT busy at all. It was a Wednesday night. Ridiculous...
(1)
Nicole L.

We were going to Silver Spring for a show decided at the last minute to turn to Bonifant St to check out Mandalay, didnt know it was that close! I always wanted to try it. The guy who served us was friendly and casual like the other servers I asked him for recommendations he said the pork and pickled mango and the chicken and potato curry. We went with those but started with the fermented tea leaves salad loved the crunch from the freshly fried garlic chips. It's a very tasty salad. I also ordered their dried shrimp sambal at the last minute just out of curiosity. Loved the sambal it was so spicy and yummy. As for the curries - they were good but was not mind blowing. I would definitely go back perhaps try some other dishes but the tea leave salad and sambal would be on my order list!
(4)
Jules K.

We've been eating here since Mandalay was a doughnut shop by day and a restaurant by night in College Park. We were crushed and relieved when the owners of their building sold the site. Crushed because we no longer had easy access to the delicious food; relieved because if we'd eaten there any more often we would have had to take second jobs there to support our Mandalay addiction. But it was worth the seemingly endless wait for them to reopen. The food is still excellent and now they have a bar. Plus, a much better, larger space! They allow you to select how spicy your food is. The medium is a little on the low side of spicy to me. The mild ... YAWN. Try the pork with bitter melon for something different. My husband is crazy about the curry salmon. Even though a meal without an appetizer can run you less than $10 a head, I selected moderate for the price range because I can never pass up the Gram Fritters for an appetizer and usually have the ShweJi for dessert. Something to note: They do not take reservations and on weekends the wait to get a table can be long. The son who is built like a bouncer does not care if you're in a hurry and will be quite stern with those who attempt to whine their way to a table.
(5)
Jill M.

I've been wanting to come back here since having lunch with a friend several months ago. That experience was so good, that my leftovers didn't make it home! On my first visit, I was with a "regular"--the owner basically placed his order for him, because he knew the customer so well. On my most recent visit, my husband and I had plans to see a movie, and weren't sure we'd be able to sit for a meal. We were pleasantly surprised when we were seated right away (6pm/Saturday). After looking over the menu, and trying to recall what I had previous, we ordered the VO6, VO15 and Burmese Samosa--note: all veg items are vegan. The waitstaff (owners and family?) we're very attentive and friendly, regularly refilling our waters and checking that we were ok. The orders came out quickly--first the samosa, which were tasty, with a distinct curry flavor, which wasn't too overpowering. The purÃ©ed filling was dense and the pastry was served hot and flaky--it was served with a hot sauce that was delicious. I saved some to add to my meal. We both shared and enjoyed the entrees. The peanut sauce served with the VO6 was as good as I remembered and my husband raved about it. We also liked his meal--the brown sauce was light, but rich in flavor, and the large chunks of vegetable we're cooked well, with some crunch remaining. We were almost talked into dessert, but one of the staff said she preferred another one to the one we selected--which we weren't interested in. Honestly, since we cleared out dinner plates, there was no room. Overall, nice experience--one that we'll repeat when we're in the area. It's nice to have veg options that are authentic, tasty and unique. It's true that the decor is dated, but you honestly don't notice, because the ambiance is right on, and the food is so good!
(4)
Shawna S.

Great food, excellent staff, quick service times. Never had Burmese food before and was up for the adventure - it was very tasty!
(4)
J B.

I don't know how this place got four stars. Went in looking for some Burmese food, which is rare in the DMV area. If you're looking for authentic Burmese food, you're out of luck. And as far as unauthentic food goes, this place has average meals at best. The chicken satays were dry and the curry tasteless. Service was adequate but the decor is odd. I would say this place could be good, but they would have to revamp quite a few things.
(2)
Jenn H.

Went here excited that there's a burmese joint in the DMV, but was sadly disappointed. If you're looking for authentic burmese food, this is not it.
(2)
Sweet S.

Yum yum, I love Chicken 11!!! I don't go to Mandalay very often, normally I call ahead for take out. Call when you're on the beltway, by the time you reach Bonifant the food is always ready. The restaurant is always full around dinner time. My one complaint is their servings of rice are very skimpy. Sometimes, if you order 2 entrees, they will give you 1 "large", which isn't as big as their 2 regular servings, which are smaller than any other asian restaurant.
(4)
Eric H.

My wife's favorite place in Silver Spring. Remarkable variety and consistently delicious.
(4)
John B.

One of those suburban strip mall gems. Doesn't look like much from the outside (and truth be told, the booths inside could use some updating), but you're greeted by an entryway full of pictures of happy customers, a conversational but non-pushy owner, and an intriguing menu. I like my regional Asian cuisines, but this was my first Burmese, and the options were distinct from anything you'd find at any other Southeast Asian restaurant. I indulged in a Mandalay tofu, perhaps the only pronounceable menu option (they wisely do ordering by number). It's wasn't the cheapest or the largest portion, but it got the job done. Oddly, it's served at room temperature (not chilled, not hot). They ask you mild/medium/spicy directly upfront, and when they say spicy they are not kidding. My spicy dish was quite delicious, in a sweaty, nose-runny sort of way. Be warned. There's a long list of vegetarian options, all of which are vegan (no secret fish sauce/chicken broth/etc. shenanigans it seems). They note that their default salad dressing has fish sauce but offer an alternative, and even their dessert menu included vegan coconut ice cream. If you want to eat a real meal 100% vegan, this is a pretty appealing place to do it. Many of the entrees are tofu-based, but there are some with vatana beans, eggplant, potato, and other vegetables if you're not up for that. A limited menu with an included appetizer (mine was a small but tasty samosa) is available as lunch specials. It came out fast. Certainly a good work lunch spot in downtown SS, though I'd be happy to return for dinner. Not hard to see why this place has been around for a while and opened up a fancier spinoff downtown (since closed). It's a polished operation with good food.
(4)
Richie K.

Halfway through a long road trip, I started getting hungry. Next thing I know, I'm pulling up outside Mandalay in scenic Silver Spring. I'm used to Rangoon in Philadelphia, a Burmese place that makes syrupy sweet dishes. This was my Burmese baseline but I wasn't sure quite what to expect. How does Rangoon compare to Mandalay and which is the real deal? I decided to keep it light and went with the baya gyaw thoke salad which comprised a gram fritter; tomato; cabbage; onion; and fresh cilantro tossed in Burmese dressing and garnished with fried onion and carrots. Nothing syrupy sweet here, just fresh and flavorful food with attentive service. As far as which is the real deal, I'll have to keep eating my way through Burmese spots until I figure it out.
(4)
Zest A.

Mandalay is one of my favorite places to eat in Maryland area. I have visited Maryland about 4 times, and not once have I missed lunch at Mandalay. Our favorite item on the menu is DanPauk and ShweJi. DanPauk is a dish of chicken's dark meat cooked in onion curry and served over saffron flavored rice. It's texture and flavor reminds me of a traditional Bengali preparation "pulao & kosha mangsho". ShweJi is the perfect dessert to end any meal. To top it, the owner is very friendly and the restaurant is very well maintained.
(5)
Sarah G.

Never having had Burmese food before, I didn't know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised! I started with the fried squash appetizer- basically yellow squash tempura which was pretty good, nicely fried and tasty! My entrÃ©e was the chicken with potatoes in a red, onion based curry sauce which was delicious over rice! It didn't taste a whole lot like curry, maybe because it was onion based but it was still great! Our service was quick, the food came out really fast, perhaps because by the time we had our entrees, the place had basically cleared out. But I'll give them the benefit of the doubt! It was not a fancy place by any means but had plenty of seating and the food was really tasty!
(4)
Eric B.

Pretty lousy! go to Charm Thai instead. Bring a gallon of coke to wash down the prison food style cuisine. Strangely it tastes exactly like Chinese food in El Salvador. Coincidence?
(2)
J. B.

After multiple visits this spot gets a 1. I would rate it a zero if Yelp allowed. Now first let me validate what some of the other patrons stated - the food is good. I can't call it great as the curry is watery and greasy, the tea leaf salad is too tart and they haven't elevated to the level of offering brown rice yet. Come on Mandalay--step up your game, dude. But, if you want some ok tasting food, this spot is good for that. But having had Burmese food on the west coast, (Burma Superstar)--Mandalay needs to go back to the drawing board and like Lauren Hill famously once said, "come again." Onward to the multiple issues! The wait staff and management are rude. In fact, I can honestly state this is the WORST service I've encountered in the DC Metro Area....ever. Try it out for yourself and see. It seriously reminds me of that Dave Chapelle Show Kinko's skit. Ridic. These folks also seem to be striving for some authentic, remote, Burmese countryside atmosphere because I have yet to have a meal there when they've had the lights on - granted, I've eaten there before the sun has gone down but me thinks that perhaps these fools don't want me to actually see my dish since it has been proven we eat with our eyes, not our mouths. Finally, the first time I went to Old Mandalay, I parked in the rather small (but so glad they have it) parking lot. Before I could make it to the front door however, some restaurant staff ran out to tell me I couldn't park there if I wasn't going to eat at the restaurant. When I told him I was indeed making my way to the restaurant before he so rudely assumed I wasn't, he turned on his heel and didn't say another word. Mandalay, you may be the only game in town offering Burmese cuisine, but I hope you smell what the San Francisco Bay is cooking (Burma Superstar) because your karma is gonna catch you.
(1)
Res R.

Delicious! The decor could use some updating and some guy (possibly the manager) is rather brusque. Those two issues aside, the food is awesome. I'm obsessed with the golden triangles (which I had tried before at a now closed Burmese restaurant in DC). I can't remember the name of the dish I had the last time, but it was one of those served at room temp (which was a leap for me, because I like my warm food piping hot and my chilled food very cold - what can I say, I'm extreme!), and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
(4)
Hilary G.

Amazing. This was my first experience with Burmese food and it was even better than the Loatian restaurant I went to. We started with the Burmese samosas and mango salad. Both were delicious appetizers and I really enjoyed the Burmese dressing on the mango salad along with the onions. I was with some vegetarians so we ordered some meals to share and they were both good - the N01 has 4 types if noodles and tofu with the Burmese dressing - and the V06 had the flat rice noodles that I love (drunken noodles anyone?) along with tofu and yellow beans. We split 2 desserts to top it off (it was a goodbye lunch so you have to gorge!) and they went well together - the ShweJi with the coconut ice cream on top. Another person in our party had Leffe which is one of my fav Belgian ales but they have the darker version - Leffe Brune which is delicious too. This is my new fav place in SS.
(5)
Evir R.

This is the best restaurant in Silver Spring. This family run business serves authentic Burmese food. It is a delicious choice for vegans and meat eaters alike. The ginger salad is the best thing on the planet and V14 - tofu with tomato and cilantro is amazing. This is the perfect place for a date or family meal.
(5)
Erica B.

Mandalay is one of the first places I reviewed on Yelp and still a favorite. Price wise, it's a steal and the food is mind bogglingly good. Having eaten here many, many times, here are some of the best things on the menu (bear in mind that I have yet to be disappointed by any of their dishes.) Appetizers: The gram fritters are reminiscent of hush puppies, fluffy and flavorful with a crispy golden exterior. The chickpea flour gives them a savory quality and they come with a spicy red sauce that would make shoe leather appetizing. The tomato salad is sublime - chopped fresh tomatoes with crunchy fried onion tidbits, cilantro, and a dressing that will rock your world. Even nicer, they offer a fish-sauce free version of the dressing for vegetarians. Entrees: The Tofu NanNanBinHin is irresistible. Even when I have something else while here, I often get an order of this stuff to go. Completely gluttonous, I know, but this dish has a hold on me. The onion tomato curry sauce is an umami bomb and the cilantro brightens the dish, keeping it from tasting too heavy. Mandalay does the fried tofu right too. Thin strips of firm tofu, browned on both sides, are hearty without being greasy or pillow-y. Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw is loaded with big, fat rice noodles, more of that spectacular fried tofu, and a mix of crunchy and tender vegetables. On the side, there's a small dish of this intensely flavorful sauce that you pour over the top. I don't know what goes into this addictive stuff, but you may find yourself dredging noodles through the last remaining drops to avoid missing out on any of it. Desserts: The dessert array here is unusual, fun, and not too sweet. The brown sugar coconut sticky rice has the texture and flavor of a caramel mochi hybrid. The ShweJi is a bit like a baked polenta pudding, but without the corn flavor and studded with raisins.
(5)
Jared S.

We had never had Burmese food until we stopped in for lunch while looking at apartments in the area. So we decided to move to Silver Spring after having a delicious meal here. Ok not really, but it didn't hurt! We both had delicious noodle dishes from the lunch specials and decided we'd be back. Fast forward a few weeks and we returned for dinner with the in laws and again we were blown away by the experience. Service was excellent despite the fact every table was full. Food was amazing. We got the Theesone Hin soup. ORDER THIS SOUP. So many flavors and so delicious. Next we got three dishes - Letthoke Sone (mixed noodles), Pazun Ohnno Hin (shrimp in onion base curry), and Htamin Paung (tofu and veggies in brown sauce). The noodles and the tofu and veggies were light, tasty, and not too spicy. The brown sauce is heavenly. Lastly, we finished with the sticky rice and coconut ice cream. I would go here to just get these two desserts and nothing else. The ice cream has so much flavor without being overpowering and the sticky rice has the perfect addition of brown sugar. Order these dishes and you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Herschel S.

Are you okay with spicy food? Do you like surprises? If you answer yes to both questions, you'll love this place. Food is pretty good. I ordered the noodle #3. When the waitress took my order, she asked me what I wanted for my spice level, I went for the medium level (since I heard their spicy is really spicy). The food was awesome. The spice level was the right amount. My husband ordered bittermelon with pork, he also enjoyed his food. It smells really good. I tasted some of his food, they cooked it in a way that the bittermelon isn't too bitter. Some people who ordered with us (medium level of spice), they didn't get the medium level. They thought it was pretty spicy. When I talked to a friend about this, she said she loves this place but you need to be wary of their spice level. It is never consistent. Sometimes the medium level gets too spicy and sometimes not so much or none at all. So if you can handle spice, this place is great.
(4)
Denise K.

Was not sure what to expect from Burmese as this was my first time. Noodles (V6) were so good. They tasted like drunken noodles- which if you haven't had basically melts in your mouth. The coconut rice was delicious as well. I will definitely be going back.
(5)
Timur B.

This is absolutely the best food we have had in a long time. Beef #4 on the menu is to die for. Love this local restaurant with a great staff. We can't wait to come back. This is our second trip just this week. Loved it.
(5)
Sancungluai M.

I'm from Burma (Myanmar). This place is a disgrace Burmese cuisine. Me n my friend had ginger salad n tea leaf salad. It was the worse I ever have in my life. I wanna throw it to the chef face. I felt like the boss pay people to write a good review. Me n my friend also got 2 other meal which is not even Burmese food. It's more like Indian n Vietnamese mix. Never going here ever again.
(1)
Melissa Z.

Always looking for a great vegetarian option and finally had a chance to eat here tonight with my veg sister. We were delighted with the food. We started with the Baya gyaw (Gram Fritter), a perfectly spiced fried delight that comes with a spicy chili dipping sauce and the green papaya salad with Burmese Dressing that was earthy and light. For entrees, we shared the mixed noodle dish with tofu, also with Burmese Dressing. This was equally tasty, however, we would recommend only choosing one dish with Burmese Dressing to avoid repetitious flavors. We also tried the Tofu Kabat Gyaw, sauteed tofu with peppers, onions, tomato in curry spices. This was well prepared, but not as flavorful as our other choices. We will try another dish next time. Key word, next time, as we will DEFINITELY be back. We were a little surprised when it took about ten minutes to be greeted by our server (as we saw regular customers served immediately), but once our order was taken the food came out VERY quickly. We left pleased enough to be motivated to become one of those regular customers!
(4)
Matthew K.

Order any of the curry poultry based dishes -- you can't go wrong. Deserts were even better.
(4)
Eva M.

Just got back from Mandalay and all I can think of right now is how badly I want to travel to Burma. The food was absolutely amazing and I don't say that lightly. I had a lunch chicken recommendation (a chicken curry dish - No. 11) and it was delicious. It's hard to put in words but the dishes were just perfect from every perspective - taste, size, spiciness level. It seems all chicken dishes on the menu were dark meat except for one and I was a bit concerned but the dark meat chicken curry I had was incredibly tasty. I was there with a group of 5 and we were all impressed. I liked the homey atmosphere and the owners' consideration while asking us how everything was. I will definitely go back.
(5)
Simret Z.

Oh Baby.. The Irish say you that can't reheat cabbage - meaning that Old Loves are best left in the past. I disagree. C'mere sweetheart, I don't bite - No, wait.. Never minded a Thang that was a little bit saucy. Not to mention spicy. We all like a little pain with our pleasure. I don't even mind the Fat Man behind the bar watching us go at it. Hell, he's been watching us do this since college. And that last kiss tasted distinctly of coconut. Just like I remembered.
(5)
Mark A.

If you like Thai and Indian foods you will love this spot. Since the menu is quite extensive I simply asked the server what he would have and alas I ordered the pork in a pickled mango curry with samosas as an appetizer. For a roll of the dice I was very pleased with my order. The pork was very good and the mango curry had a deep flavor to it. The samosas were as advertised also and gone in no time. So for the more adventurous eater go for one of the more unique items on the menu. But if you enjoy more of the traditional fare from a Thai restaurant, their noodle dishes looked excellent. Great service and environment to go try something new.
(4)
Katie I.

Service: Friendly and helpful! Seated us promptly, and quick to answer questions about the menu and refill our water (which can be troublesome when you have a group of 7). Drinks: The drinks menu is full of interesting and affordable choices. There's at least five interesting mocktails available, so that your DD/underaged friends don't feel left out. Food: A variety of choices for vegetarians (we had 2 in our group) and meat-eaters alike. The food was decent-- it wasn't particularly memorable, except for the coconut ice cream, which was GREAT. It's made from coconut milk, sugar, and MAGIC. I don't think they make it in house, which is why it costs a little more than the other desserts (which are conveniently listed on your table mat, so you see all the choices as soon as they take your main course plate away!). It doesn't contain milk (I believe it's vegan?) but still has all the richness you expect from ice cream. It even comes in a real little coconut shell! It doesn't look like a lot, but it's enough to share between two people and be satisfied. Note: There's an automatic 18% gratuity for a group of 5 or more (which I tend to like, because it means less mental math on my part!)
(3)
Kristin M.

It'd been long enough since i'd been here that I literally remembered nothing from previous visit(s?) besides a vague memory of liking it. However, Mandalay comes up so frequently as one of people's favorite Silver Spring restaurants, I was excited to finally get back in there. It's a family-owned Burmese restaurant on a low-key side street lined with several other small businesses and restaurants. There's 3 "People Love Us On Yelp" stickers at the door of varying degrees of fadedness - an excellent sign. Inside was larger than expected, casual, nothing fancy or trendy, but definitely felt like a family restaurant, which was nice. There were even what appeared to be large, frames family photos on one wall. I was Geared Up for awesome food. Unfortunately, this is where they fell short of my expectations. The tea leaf salad had great texture and crunch, but not much flavor. Our chicken in mango curry sauce was also the perfect texture and cur eadily with a spoon, but was sooo salty, each bite had to go down with a generous pile of rice to avoid a salt-licked pucker face. Our beef with cilantro in curry sauce was enjoyable, but not enough to reorder it. Out dessert of sticky rice with brown sugar and coconut, however, I'd totally get again. Delicious. Our service was casually warm, and I dig that this block feels a bit off the beaten path. All their great reviews on here and in person tell me we may have hit an off night or just ordered remarkably poorly. Mandalay's excellent reputation precedes it, and I'll certainly be back to try other dishes, and hopefully discover that tonight was a fluke.
(3)
Rod S.

I've been to Mandalay twice & enjoyed the meals on both occasions. The wait time wasn't long for our orders. This restaurant is in the cut so be sure you pay attention where you are driving because you can easily miss it. The ambiance is very casual for this family operated restaurant. Nothing in the restaurant draws your attention to start a conversation on. Hint = Mandalay is right behind the Safeway in downtown Silver Spring.
(3)
Leigh D.

Letter M: This is my first time trying Burmese, and it was excellent. I was concerned about the menu saying the dish was served at room temperature, but it didn't matter; it was awesome. The mild was still a bit spicy, but I didn't mind. The food was a lot like Thai, which is one of my favorites, but with a slight Indian food twist only because of the spice. I went here with a Meetup group in July. This group is going through the alphabet of categories. I tried Afghan for the first time as well as Cuban. Of the three restaurants we went to, this one was my favorite. I missed the Dim Sum day, but I had a friend in town, and I've had Dim Sum before. Despite being way up in Silver Spring on a Monday evening, this was worth my drive.
(5)
Matt D.

Silver spring's best hidden gem. I have yet to have a meal I didn't like on their large and authentic menu. My only complaint is that it took me so long to discover this place
(5)
Marcia G.

Our first visit to this restaurant. I was curious about the tea leaf salad and I must admit that it was pretty good. There were a series of people that served us and they were somewhat "cold". I feel they should be more friendly. The food was really good and tasty. We had the salmon SF03 and the combination noodles N06. The sticky rice and coconut ice were pretty good as well. I will go back.
(4)
Eileen G.

This place is one of my favorites in downtown Silver Spring. Parking is a little tricky--only a limited number next to the restaurant--may have to walk a ways. The food is unusual, flavorful, and it really depends on who the cook is on the day you go--we've had outstanding, and then just "pretty good". We took some difficult eaters--who are "gluten free", "vegan", and multiple dietary restrictions--and they were surprised at how accommodating this place was.
(4)
Angela K.

Love it, love it, love it. Their spring roll salad is amazing. I recently had a shrimp curry dish and it was incredibly delicious. Yummm. Family owned. Awesome and friendly staff. I go here whenever I'm passing Silver Spring. I've never had an issue with street parking, they even have a small parking lot for customers. Delicious food, if you are in the mood for an Asian dish, try this Burmese restaurant. Casual atmosphere. Great pricing.
(5)
Ping X.

No 6 noodle is really tasty. But No 4 beef is too salty for us. We also like the No 1 dessert.
(4)
William M.

Mandalay is solid. Yes yes it's up in Silver Spring, for those DCers who don't want to head out to MD or VA, but it is metro accessible. The restaurant is just blocks from the Silver Spring metro on the red line. The value is incredible. You get decent sized entrees for roughly $10 (particularly for vegetarian) each. The menu is incredibly overwhelming, but the staff are always happy to offer up a recommendation. I've had the V04 A Sane Gaw (Broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, cabbage with brown sauce) and the V13 (Coconut cream curry with tofu) and both are excellent. I ordered them both mild, but I may have to step it up next time. Gotta be careful though -- a few of my friends who ordered spicier dishes informed me that these chefs bring the heat. Definitely worth the trip out of DC. And if you live in Silver Spring and you haven't been here, what have you been doing?!
(4)
Alex T.

Pretty good...we order some appetizers and a chicken, beef, and pork dish - flavors were okay not too overpowering but a tab bit bland except the beef dish - personally I thought the portions was a bit small...
(3)
Faithyui C.

I came so far to try Burmese food. what a funny! I live in Thailand but never tried Burmese food. since i came to this restaurant This gonna be my other favorite food. I Love spicy chili that they serve in small plate.
(5)
Cristi D.

Really delicious food and great service. I cant recall the name of the dish I ordered but can't go wrong with noodles, veggies and chicken. Look forward to going back.
(5)
Timo S.

If you live near Silver Spring, this should be required eating. Easily in the top two restaurants in Silver Spring.... and I can't think of another I could rank as high yet. You MUST try the chef's specials on Thursday and Sunday. They are special because they take the whole day to prepare. The friendly wait staff and the well-loved + cared for shrine to the Buddha add to the ambience!
(5)
R L.

The service is very slow. We sat a long time but nobody cared. Then came the big guy who was known as their big brother. He has always been rude and unprofessional. Even though we were regular that he knew us, he still behaved just a street thug in talking to us. We will never be back again.
(2)
Alex Z.

I work in Silver Spring and one night I had to stay late and wanted to order dinner. I really wanted something great to get me through the evening and this was just that! I love love love Southeast Asian food so when I saw this on Yelp and Ness I had to order it. I was not disappointed, only complaint is that it was not spicy enough at the medium temp, but I got some extra hot sauce on the side. I ordered the #1 Noddles(mixed noodles) and Gram Fritter appetizer. Next time, I want to try to coconut ice cream!
(5)
Andy Y.

I was introduced to this hidden gem in downtown Silver Spring from a meetup group event and so after a long day of tennis in the afternoon, our meetup group dined at this Burmese restaurant. This is also my first time having Burmese cuisine and so my curiosity also is what led me to give this restaurant a try. ATMOSPHERE & DÃ‰COR: The restaurant was fairly crowded with the number of tables occupied--this is always a good sign. The restaurant also had a nice separate bar area with a 50" rear-projection TV. Definitely very open floor plan restaurant and an ambience suitable for groups, family, or even a couple with their booths. Nothing special but also nothing lackluster. Rating: 3 of 5 SERVICE: The service was okay as it was a busy Saturday evening and the waitresses were quick to always keep our drinks topped and attended to our needs. Rating: 3 of 5 FOOD PORTION: For the price, the food portion is below-average. The food serving per dish is for one person as explained by the waiter. Each dish (really depending on what you order) is about $11-15. More is always good but in this case, our group of about 6 people had to order like 8 dishes and requesting for refills on rice to keep our stomach full. Rating: 2 of 5 FOOD QUALITY: For those who haven't had Burmese food, it's very similar to Thai food as they have their own selections of various curry (by color) dishes where you would choose the type of meat (chicken, pork, beef, or seafood that cost about several bucks more). Everyone ordered a dish (we collectively decided the last 3 dishes) and the dish I order (also my favorite) was the PaZun Ohnno Hin -- (Shrimp, Green Pepper, Onion, & Tomato simmered in Coconut Curry Sauce); see my upload pic of it. It is a recommend as the coconut flavor didn't overpower the taste of the curry that was made mild as I ordered and the ingredients as shrimp and vegetables were all fresh. Very tasty and colorful dish. Rating: 5 of 5 PRICING: The pricing is a little pricey (personally) for what you get in return. But at least if anyone asked me if I ever had Burmese food I can at least tell them I had them before. I would of went to a Chinese restaurant like Wong Gee or New Kam Fung or even PJ's Rice Bistro (all in Wheaton area) to get the most bang for the buck and personally Chinese food is my #1 if we're talking Eastern food. Rating: 2 of 5 With the above, I don't mind going back but this wouldn't be a restaurant I recommend because of pricing vs food portion plus finding a place to park is limiting since their parking lot is small and it's not that convenient (without walking a far distance) to park in nearby garages.
(3)
Karen L.

I've been eating here for years, and everyone I bring here has been impressed by the food. It is suitable for both vegans and meat eaters, and since you can specify the level of spiciness it's good for groups with a wide variety of preferences. The ginger salad is amazing. You can order it with or without fish sauce. I am picky about fish sauce - the cheap stuff makes me gag, especially when it's piled on. Mandalay does not abuse the fish sauce. Read the drinks menu even if you're not ordering cocktails. You don't get seated unless everyone in your party is there, and I have no complaints about that. If I'm eating there with my perpetually late friends, I wait in the bar.
(5)
Gail S.

The food was great but my friends and I felt our experience was marred by the rude behavior of the owner/manager who treated us as if we were unwanted pests. We got there a few minutes before they opened at 5 last Saturday, and that gave us time to read the long, hostile notice on the front door telling salespeople and solicitors to get lost and not bother them. Then someone threw the door open for us to come in then disappeared and didn't say a word of welcome or greet us. A man in a white T shirt that looked like an undershirt threw some menus at us and frowned. We didn't know what was going on but when our waitress showed up, she was great and so was the food. The bus boys are not at all friendly either; when we asked for a couple of extra napkins, they didn't answer and never came back. This treatment put a damper on what could have been an enjoyable experience.
(3)
Sai Aung L.

I like all the food that we ordered; soup, ginger salad, mango salad, coconut chicken, fried pork with vegetables and fried shrimp. They are amazing. It reminds me of my home. The tastes are very similar with those in Myanmar. Btw, I am from Myanmar. The ice tea is amazing. I feel like I was brought back home. The place is spacious; the service is excellent and the staff are very outgoing. I highly recommend the place not because I am from Myanmar, but due to its delicious food, drink and lovely atmosphere.
(5)
Denise R.

This is my go-to restaurant for great food when in down town silver spring. I highly recommend the coconut curry shrimp. I love that the entrees are reasonably priced. My husband likes to get his meals spicier, and they are willing to go as spicy as you can handle it. The dinning room is nothing spectacular, but it is clean and always busy around dinner time. Yummy food, I will be back!
(5)
N S.

3.5 stars I had been to this place over ten years ago, and didn't remember being too impressed, but I decided to give it another go since it has such a following. I ordered the coconut tofu curry AKA Tofu Ohnno Hin and described as lightly fried tofu cooked with coconut cream curry sauce. You can also opt additionally for green pepper, onion and tomato. At first taste, the curry was very salty and I have seen that reflected in other reviews. Aside from the saltiness, I did enjoy the simplicity and flavor of the dish. It was nice to enjoy curry without all the sugar that Thai curries have. Additionally, the veggies added did not have the life zapped out of them which I really enjoyed. The curry was also a nice consistency, neither too thin or two thin. I actually felt that aside from the excess salt, I was enjoying a pretty healthy and tasty meal. I look forward to returning.
(3)
Siv L.

Came here for a second time with a friend. We ordered the fried egg plant which was just okay. We also both ordered the No. 6 noodles. They were good but the portion size seemed much smaller than the first time I had them. Overall, still a great place to dine and have reasonably priced delicious Burmese food.
(4)
Ghee S.

Great authentic Burmese food with familiarity but a chance to truly explore the cuisine in the dc area.
(5)
Jennifer N.

I don't mean to be a grumpasaurus but I think Mandalay has gone downhill recently. I have long appreciated Mandalay's distinctive (and cheap!) grub, but lately, I find things there a bit unpleasant - first, the always-rushed service has become insanely rushed. You literally have to hold onto your plate to keep waiters from grabbing it, and the number of times you'll be asked "are you done?" is ridiculous. The food still comes at fast-food speed (within minutes, it will arrive) which is fine, but I think I should get to sit at a table for 30 minutes enjoying my meal. The food itself also seems to be less good- I've noticed that more and more of the dishes are tasting identical, the portions seem smaller, and everything seems a little less fresh. I still appreciate the price point, but I'm not as wow-ed as I was a year ago.
(3)
Phi N.

3.5 is more like it. The menu is big and lacks descriptions of the sauce each dish comes with! Be sure to ask the waitress, mine at least, was very helpful. We got the fried shrimp and gram fritters to start off. I really enjoyed the shrimp. They were dipped in a batter and fried, to be eaten with this sweet&sour type sauce that also had spiciness to it. I liked it a lot. I had to use the sauce for the gram fritters too, because that appetizer lacked any flavor. For my main course I ordered the Noodle6 dish with pork.. It's a rice noodle dish with egg, pork, some other stuff to it. My favorite part is that it comes really spicy (upon request). I could have used more of the brown sauce that came on the side (not sure what it is or how to explain it, but if you've every been to indonesia, it's kind of like the sauce they use with their satay). I would say my dish is kind of like pad thai but really spicy. I liked it and I'd order it again. My friend ordered the beef4. His dish was really drenched in spiciness. I thought his dish was okay. I preferred mine over his tomato/onion sauce. I think that's what it was at least. It was served with rice. I found out from another review that they have their own parking here. Just in case you don't get to that review on the yelp list, I added it here for your knowledge.
(3)
Johnny A.

Recently discovered this gem in Silver Spring and have been going there at least once a week for lunch. The best way to describe Burmese food is a mix between Indian, Thai and Chinese and it's all delicious. The lunch specials are excellent and very well priced.
(4)
Raylene T.

The food was great but the service could have been better. It took over 10 min to order drinks. And our finished plates sat for 20 minutes before we called someone over to clear them and give us our bill.
(3)
Sheva F.

I love this food. It is well made and delicious. The owners are kind and cooperative, explaining whatever you need to know. Do not miss the coconut ice cream desert. It is amazing. Oh, the noodles are fantastic too.
(5)
Seyran C.

Fiery amazingness! I came here for the sole reason of trying the noodle dish which used to be N7, and then was N9, and is now N6. (or something along those lines). I ordered this with chicken and requested they make it very spicy. Boy was I pleased with the spice level. I got carry out and couldn't even wait to take it back to work to eat it, so I sat in my car with my makeshift plastic fork, wiping my nose on my sleeve, and simultaneously cursing and thanking the gods for bestowing upon me such spiciness. I LOVED LOVED LOVED that they use dark meat chicken and that they incorporated romaine into the dish. The noodles were both gelatinous and rubbery (two qualities i look for in wide noodles - both good of course). And it was pleasantly greasy. I also ordered the ginger salad, which was ok. I was expecting something a little more varied, but it was predominantly cabbage. The house dressing was lovely (get it WITH the fish sauce). I'll definitely be back and look forward to trying everything else on the menu.
(4)
angela n.

Vegetarians: Try the papaya salad, which comes with cabbage, onion, carrot, and a deliciously salty Burmese dressing. As for entrees, I liked menu item V-6: "Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw." It's stir-fried noodles with bean sprouts, peanuts, fried tofu, and small yellow beans. Not sure what's in those beans, but they are tasty.
(4)
Morgana A.

The venue itself is nothing special, but the food is very good. I like the spring roll salad since I don't do spicy food. But as boring as the name sounds, it is a flavorful and hearty dish, I normally have enough to take some home. The drinks are good too, I tend to the white cosmo, expertly mixed and generously poured. The one time we came in with about 10 people, it wasn't a problem at all. Service was still very prompt despite the extensive order. This really is the kind of place where mom is in the back making food from grandma's recipe. The absolute best
(4)
Stephanie S W.

I've been trying to go here for quite some time, so finally when my boyfriend said he would treat me to dinner, there was a perfect opportunity to try it! We started with tea-leaf salad... NOT my favorite thing. Had a bitter taste and a lot of different textures. As entrees, we ate: rice noodles with pork (Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw ($10.99), Flat rice noodles stir-fried with pork or chicken (dark meat), bean sprouts, lettuce, ground peanuts and topped with egg ($2 extra with shrimp or combo) and, chicken coconut cream curry (KyetThar Ohnno Hin ($11.99), Chicken (dark meat), green pepper, onion, and tomato simmered in coconut cream sauce ). BOTH WERE ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. We ordered them mild and they had just the right amount of spice. Perfectly prepared and the sauces were divine. Service was initially pretty slow, but once we ordered our food, the service improved and our waiters were very cordial. The interior has some cute pictures of little girls (oh, that sounded creepy), but they're in traditional Burmese dresses... so that's what makes it cute. In any case, it was a very good dining experience.
(5)
Anna K.

This place doesn't look like much but the food is excellent and the service quirky but superb. Burmese food is unique - delicious, with many flavors. We especially love the vegetarian offerings like the tofu in a creamy coconut sauce. It's never crowded and you can hear yourself talk.
(5)
Jen G.

We ate here on a Thursday with our neighbors (we're new to the area and they said it was their favorite restaurant). We started with the Burmese Samosa, since we're huge fans of Indian samosas. These were smaller than their Indian counterparts but delicious: flavorful and perfectly fried. I prefer the Indian tamarind chutney to the spicy orange sauce that accompanied these, but it was still great. We also had the Boothee Gyaw (fried squash fritter), which was piping hot and a great choice if you like squash (which I do). Next up, we had the Gyinn Thoke (ginger salad). YOU MUST ORDER THIS! It was crunchy, crispy, and wildly refreshing. I want to go back right now and get another one. For the main courses, we ordered the Letthoke Sone (mixed noodle dish) and the Thursday special, Ohnhta Min (dark meat chicken with onion curry served over coconut sticky rice). I have a huge weakness for coconut sticky rice and I was not disappointed. The chicken was so tender; it fell off the bone with hardly a touch. The onion curry was very nice; we ordered it mild (it was my wife's main dish) but it still had enough spice for me. The mixed noodle dish was out of this world. I ordered it medium spicy; I might go "hot" next time, but the medium had wonderful flavor and a nice heat. I almost always get a doggy bag to take food home, but not this time. I all but inhaled the Letthoke Sone because it was so good. The menu says it's served at room temperature; the noodles themselves are at room temperature, but the fried tofu and potatoes are warm and work well with the noodles. The dish also has a bit of a crunch from the carrot strips and fried onion (like onion straws) on top. For dessert, we had the sticky rice with brown sugar and coconut and the coconut milk ice cream (a big hit with my wife, who has to avoid regular ice cream). I expected the ice cream to be about the same quality as So Delicious Coconut Milk Vanilla ice cream, which I like just fine. The ice cream at Mandalay was far superior to any coconut milk ice cream I've had before! But the real treat, for me (with my coconut sticky rice addiction) was the brown sugar coconut sticky rice. It was more flavorful than the typical Thai coconut sticky rice with mango dessert. It was also shaped (sort of like flan) and hot from the oven. Much like the Gyinn Thoke, I want to go eat another one of these right now! I'm really pleased to have found Mandalay and I'm fairly certain it'll be one of our regular restaurants. It does have its own small parking lot, which is a plus. The decor is nothing exciting but the restaurant was clean and the service was great. I'm marking it as moderately priced ($11 - $30) because you really should get an appetizer or salad in addition to an entree. But if you're on a budget, you can certainly have a nice entree for under $10.
(5)
Danny H.

I ate here for lunch twice as part of my "last day" hurrah at the FDA and the lunch specials are good. The 'spicy' was the right amount of spice which I loved. I hate restaurants who call their food spicy and it turns up being mild/medium blandness. The curry there is very good but recently I had the lunch special #5, spicy. The mimosa are to die for...they are crispy, good filling, and the hot sauce provided definitely kicked the otherwise bland filling up a notch. The thick noodles w/ Chicken was delicious and not too oily. Definitely enough spice to keep me happy and filling. Portion wise for 9.99$ it was OK, could have used a bigger portion but hey...that's the economy for ya!
(4)
Krishna R.

Really 4 star????....I wish I can give this place 0 STAR. I registered to write my first review about this place. We are bunch of 4 people and I would say we are ill-treated. We walk into this place during holiday season for lunch.It was a weekday and I went from work with my cousins. They came to meet me at work. Weird part is manager saw us and didn't even greet us. He didn't even say hi but very rudely did show us a table to seat. Even beggars in my home town will be treated much better. The waiter gave us a lunch menu. We took 5 -10 minutes to order. After another 5 min the waiter came to us and told us that lunch menu will not be served during last 2 weeks of holidays. Hmm...Isnt this be told to us in the first place and not give us the lunch special menu? We asked for the same items without the lunch special. The waiter went away. Few minutes later the manager came back and told us the price of all these items will increase by $2 with no lunch special menu. So we are stripped of extra samosa thats included in the lunch special and we got to pay $2 extra per dish we ordered. Even this message was communicated in a rude way possible. We still kept our cool and waited for our food. Foood is not good. I prepare better food at home. The chicken smells bad and we could clearly see the chicken was just dumped in some soup, micro waved and bought to us. At the end, we felt cheated for a bill of nearly $60 for four of us. Sorry but we felt very bad for selecting this place. Never again I am entering this place.
(1)
Michael D.

I won't go there again. This is a low end, ethnic restaurant. The staff are all friendly, and it's clean, etc. But the food was mediocre. If you like well cooked, genuine Asian, South Asian, South East Asian, cooking -- then you may find Mandalay on par with crap Chinese takeout from a strip mall. It is notable for being Burmese, and therefore its own unique flavors -- but the food was clearly made without love and reheated. Also, I didn't like the dishes, all of which seemed a little pasty. We were there on a Thursday evening, maybe that's not their best time.
(2)
M B.

I'm a regular. The veggie dishes are great. VO9 is what I get. I love how spicy they make it! The house beer is great. And lets not forget the salads...please try one. YUMMM!
(4)
Adp P.

This is one of the places I'd look forward to eating at before I moved to DC. Now that I live around the corner, its remained one of my favorite places for lunch or dinner. I've tried many of the noodle dishes and a number of the the salads. My favorite is the noodle, chicken, cilantro and Burmese dressing dish, which is served at room temp. The mango and green papaya salads are excellent. The tea leaf salad is also really good. There is a curried potato and beef stew which is also excellent. Burmese food is hard to describe. Its definitely Asian. The spices and curry hint of Indian food. One of the appetizers is a samosa, which tastes like a lot of samosas I've had. But the fritters are totally different and unlike anything I've had. The people who own the place and work there are very nice. They have a special menu a couple of times a week which is not to be missed!
(4)
Erin K.

Had a rough experience here. My friend and I went for dinner on a Friday. The wait staff seemed to have it together. However the manager was the person who served us. He seemed to be above it all and just wanted to get us out of his hair. I ordered a fish soup which had no fish in it when it came. The manager was obviously annoyed with me for asking why, and he told me that there was fish in it, it was just pureed. I would have been ok with that and chalked it up to my own ignorance of the traditional cuisine, except that the menu is a pretty misleading. The manager who was serving us continued to be super in-attentive the rest of the evening. A big disappointment from a place that could be better.
(1)
Monica A.

Food was really good, flavorful, and service was fast. I had the beef with cilantro (B1) and the boo thang ordered a fried catfish dish that was simmered in a curry sauce (SF1). Both were excellent but I tip my hat to the beef dish because it was just so delicious, beef was tender, flavors were great, and it had just the right amount of heat. I opted for the "spicy" which was a nice amount of heat but not to were you burn your lips off. My only critique is out of my desire to take home leftovers. I feel like the portions were smaller than most restaurants. Which, you know, I don't always have to be a porker and have a massive plate of food but it is nice to take some home for next day eating.
(4)
kc c.

As a fan of Burmese food ( we have been known to drive to the Burmese restaurant in Philadelphia), Mandalay was a huge disappointment, from Limited choices on the menu to tired flavors and indifferent service. I tried hard to find something positive to write about, and the only redeeming feature is their own parking lot adjacent. Truly avoidable.
(1)
Alicia C.

My husband and I cannot figure out why this place is soooooo popular. We keep trying and trying, but just don't find the love. The inside is a bit uncomfortable, there is always a wait on weekend evenings, the food is mediocre, and the portions are tiny.
(2)
Dahna S.

Everyone I know who frequents Mandalay's LOVES it. My experience was good, but didn't live up to what I was expecting... I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could, but for now I'll stick with the 3. We started with the pazun gyaw, or fried shrimp, and the mango salad. The pazun gyaw was absolutely delicious-- jumbo shrimp battered in almost a funnel cake-like batter (minus the sweetness, of course) and served with a tangy/spicy sauce. The mango salad was also quite tasty: shredded green mango and cabbage with Burmese dressing and toasted peanuts. Then we all split a noodle dish, tofu in a coconut cream curry sauce, chicken in a lemon-soy sesame sauce, and beef in a basil and onion-tomato based curry sauce. Everything was tasty and I definitely left that place feeling satisfied. Buuuut, the portions were relatively small considering each dish was around $12! So overall I'd say everything we ate was tasty, and I'd check out the restaurant again, but I feel like it was missing some sort of POW... some kind of ZING... or some bit of POP. I'm hoping for that kind of magic the next time I stop by this Silver Spring establishment.
(3)
Steve B.

Really good food! My wife and I stopped here for lunch a couple Saturdays ago, and were very pleased. Though we love Chinese, Thai, and Indian food, we've had limited experience with other Asian cuisines, but we're open to learn. Based on other Yelp reviews, we decided to try out Mandalay on our excursion to downtown Silver Spring for a show. It took a little exploring to locate the place, and the streetscape and storefront may not impress you. Once in the door, again not that impressive, at least in daylight; despite the windows, it's a dark space, with a somewhat thrown-together appearance (I was left with the impression of cheap wood paneling slapped on here and there). The staff were very nice, if not extraordinary. Our server didn't seem all that knowledgeable about the menu, and we could have used the help. But you probably didn't come here for the dÃ©cor or the employees...and the food was excellent. We wisely followed other Yelpers' advice and started with the green tea leaf salad (Let Phet Thoke). The description of a sort of cole slaw isn't far off, though it's far better than that: very crunchy, with a savory and nutty flavor, and unlike typical cole slaw, barely dressed. Never had it before, but we'll be back for this among other dishes. Our entrees were a noodle dish with chicken (NanJee Thoke?) and a beef curry-based dish (NanNanBin Hin). The former was a delicious, if subtle, plate of bits of chicken strips and long spaghetti-ish noodles in an orange-colored sauce (served room temperature). The latter was even a little better (I love me the curry), with bits of steak strips in a tomato and onion-based curry sauce with a strong cilantro flavor. I don't recall specifying the heat level, but it was a pleasant medium, to my tastes. We did get cruised late in our meal by the manager (?), and we stopped him to compliment the food. He talked a little about the prep of the tea leaf salad, and we shared our delight in discovering it. He also told us to come back for one of the weekly specials, which I think was a chicken dish. The service was efficient, the portions were adequate, the prices were reasonable. Surprisingly clean men's room. I enjoyed the house Mandalay Ale on tap. I'm not qualified to compare Mandalay with other Burmese restaurants, but we loved it.
(4)
R C.

I found the food to be good here. We ordered Burmese samosas, flat rice noodles with vatana (yellow beans), tilapia, sour mustard and tofu, and a chicken dish. I don't think the spice levels were bad. We ordered things spicy but nothing was too spicy. The atmosphere is a little run down looking. I was waiting in the bar for a while and did enjoy seeing the owner's son (I think) in his onesie and child-sized chair watching TV. He's a cute kid! The service, however, was pretty bad. The waitress seated us and took our order but we never saw her again. She didn't bring the beer that we had requested and by the time we could flag down a waiter, it was pointless to get it. We literally had to flag down waiters because there were so few of them and they weren't too attentive. They never refilled our water and it took forever to get more rice because they never checked in with us. And when we did bring it to their attention that the service was bad, nobody seemed to care at all. I'd still recommend this place if you want Burmese (not very many choices out there) but I was surprised by how bad the service was.
(3)
F. C.

We do love the food here but the past several times we went, the portions were much smaller. Esp. if you order take-out, the small portion portion size is ridiculous and not worth the amount they charge (their prices have increased a bit). I understand that prices everywhere are going up due to the economy and I don't mind the cost increase. I do, however, mind their portion sizes decreasing drastically while the prices increase. We used to go regularly for years (I'm addicted to their shweji! :) and most of the time I ordered CH. #11 (chicken, green peppers, onions & tomatoes in a coconut curry - it's delish!) but I've def. seen the portions sizes continue to decrease. And the last two times we ordered take-out, I really felt cheated!! The container was 70% empty! My first words when I saw it were "WTF". I was really upset. If I went to the Thai restaurant in downtown SS, I get a lot more food than I can finish in one sitting for about the same cost. And it's really good too. So now we rarely order the food at Mandalay. I just usually stop to pick up the shweji and call it a day :P lol. Once in a while, I still don't mind indulging in good but overpriced-for-the-small-quantity of food. But usually, I skip the food and go straight to the Shweji! If you don't mind smaller portions compared to what you can get elsewhere, definitely go for it. The food is great and to be honest, I've never had any issues with their service either. All their dishes are really nice and salads are great too.
(3)
R D.

Excellent salads and soups, standard noodle fare. Go for the unfamiliar and you will be pleasantly surprised. Atmosphere is substandard and service not always friendly, but the food is worth it, mostly.
(4)
Betsey C.

This is our absolute favorite restaurant! We travel 45 mins just for dinner and take out. The LetThoke is fantastic. I wish I had the recipe!
(5)
Peter T.

I've been to this restaurant about 20 times in the last six months, and I think I've eaten three meals MAX on Mandalay's menu. That's how good those three meals are - I don't even need to explore the others. If you're like me and you like to eat food so spicy that your brain smolders, get to Mandalay. The food at this restaurant deserves five stars, as does the service. The ONLY reason I've given it four stars is because they're serving food that is incredibly spicy, yet charge extra for more than the little bowl of rice that comes with every entree. I feel conflicted even depriving them of that fifth star, because I shouldn't be mad at them for serving what they say they'll serve, right? Especially because I'm specifically seeking out said food. So maybe it's not logic or rationale that's giving only four stars, but the part of me that still remembers the (self-inflicted) pain of KyetThar ALoo Masala Hin (dark meat chicken with ever-so-lightly fried potatoes in tomato-onion curry with masala) - aka CH-10 for my non-Burmese speaking brethren - without enough rice. Don't worry if you don't like to suffer while you eat, you can choose your spiciness level. They'll warn you off maximum heat if you seem hesitant or ask too many questions about how hot it might be. Other highlights include: Burmese samosa appetizers; Shweji, which to be honest I don't even remember what it even is, I just know it's awesome; and coconut ice cream - yeah it's out of a real coconut. whaaaat In short: go there, now.
(4)
Tara S.

I don't know which I love more about Mandalay, the food or the atmosphere. Both are 100% awesome. Mandalay has been my go-to restaurant for group gatherings and family dinners for the past 7 or 8 years. The owner is wonderful- super friendly and remembers every customer. First time I came in after moving back to dc he came by and said "oh hi, I knew you were moving back, your friend was in here a couple months ago and told me to expect you." Seriously. Service is quick, I've almost never had any kind of error, and the staff is very attentive, esp. about making sure new customers understand that spicy means Spicy. And the food, oh the food. V6 (a peanut noodle dish a little bit like pad thai) is my favorite, but it goes back and forth between that and the eggplant. Try the squash fritters, they're delicious. I hear the meat stuff is all awesome too! Plus, the prices are reasonable, you almost never have to wait more than 5 minutes for a table. If I were creating a top 10 list of DC area restaurants this would definitely be on it. Getting hungry just thinking about it...
(5)
Patricia B.

I enjoy being able to get dishes with some of my favorite ingredients here--mustard greens and bitter melon for example. The noodle dishes are good too--noodles with a bit of bite and chewiness, and not mushy or overcooked. never get the sense that there's a lot of variety in the Burmese cuisine as presented here. Everything seems to come with a "brown sauce." Though I would appreciate more choice, the dishes are always well-prepared and flavorful. Service is friendly, efficient and quick, and the overall ambience is friendly and pleasant as well.
(4)
Matthew S.

Went here for dinner on our first night of officially living in Silver Spring and was pretty impressed. I'd been here once before, several years ago, but really didn't remember much. We started off with the Baya gyaw (Gram Fritter), which was pretty good and had a nice spicy dipping sauce with it. The fritter itself wasn't incredibly flavorful, but did have a unique blend of spices that made it interesting. My entree, however, was rather impressive - a pork in pickled mango curry. The appearance and texture of the meat was similar to that of an Indian curry dish (think lamb rogan josh), but the flavor was unlike anything I've had before. It was spicy, but also had a nice bit of sweet and sour to it. They also had a pretty decent beer and wine list, and I had a Heavy Seas Loose Cannon, while my girlfriend really enjoyed her wine. I should note, that while I loved my entree, my girlfriend wasn't a huge fan of her eggplant entree. The service was very attentive and overall this was a great experience. The prices also were quite reasonable. If you're looking for an interesting twist on typical Asian cuisine, this place is worth checking out. I'm glad to have it in my neighborhood and will certainly be back.
(4)
Sam W.

This place has major problems with food portion. I paid $9.99 for their four noodle salad which, although tasty, was the appropriate amount for a ten-year-old child. Adding insult to injury, my dinner companion and I ordered an appetizer to fill us up. We ordered the Burmese Samosas--four fried one-bit pellets for $5.49. It's tasty, it's authentic, but Silver Spring, wake up! You are being fleeced.
(1)
Linda L.

I've never been to a Burmese restaurant before and this was my first experience. It was recommended by a friend. It was actually really good, we ended up clearing off all the food we ordered. I would recommend the chicken number 4 and The sweji desert was made from simple ingredients but the taste is delicious. I'd come back again.
(5)
Lisa W.

I've eaten here too many times to count, so I'll just give a list of my favorite dishes: Apps: Samosas - fried potato-filled goodness. The sauce is a bit spicy. Salads - try the mango, papaya, tomato, or ginger. Noodles: 1 & 3 - #1 is lighter and refreshing, with similar dressing as the salads. #3 is hearty and filling. Beef: Beef with potato, or beef with cilantro/basil. The latter may be on the salty side. Chicken: Same as above, and also chicken sour mustard is an unique dish that cilantro-lovers would enjoy. Hint: If you're not sure of the spice level, order on the low side and ask for red pepper flakes to mix in to taste! Otherwise you might get killed. Celebrity sighting! Carla from top chef!!!
(5)
Wonseok H.

For me, regular spicy feels like mild. The menu that I ordered (B06) was good. Shweji was perfect for dessert!!
(4)
Frankie B.

Excellent food and friendly fast service! Great price with good beers and iced teas! I had the green mango salad and the chicken with creamy coconut sauce and it was great! My friend got a flat noodle chicken dish like pad thai, and it was also tasty.
(5)
Libby F.

I haven't been here in years, and when my neighbor suggested it (as a thank you to me for looking after her pooch) I could not say no. This is a place where herbivores and carnivores can dine together in perfect harmony. Luckily my friend is very accommodating and agreed to share all veggie choices with me. We started with the fried eggplant fritters. They were okay, but nothing special or anything you couldn't make for yourself if you owned a deep fryer. We also shared the ginger salad. OMG! This was so good! You have to order this when you come. It is a cabbage salad with fresh ginger and fried garlic pieces. It is so refreshing. Be sure to ask for it without the fish sauce if you want to keep it vegetarian. For an entree we shared Tofu Ohnno Hin (tofu in a coconut cream curry sauce). As Gloria L. mentioned, they do ask you how spicy you'd like your dish. I said mild, but I should of went with medium. The sauce was good. My friend said she couldn't taste the coconut flavor. It was there, just really mildly. The tofu was kinda bland. I usually like my tofu to be marinated in something flavorful before being cooked. All in all a great meal for two for around $20.00. You can definitely share an entree, but I think I'd get the ginger salad all to myself next time. It's that good!
(4)
Andrew M.

We've been here twice with different family members and everyone has enjoyed their meal. Service is fast; they are kid-friendly (they even brought our son very tasty Burmese crackers last time) and the prices are fair. The decor is a bit dreary and worn looking, but the service is friendly and exceedingly fast---I can't believe how fast they bring all the dishes out of the kitchen.... and they have a fairly extensive menu as well. They have a nice beer selection and pretty good value (at least for some of the bottled beer). I really like the mango pickle and meat. Their room-temperature mixed noodles are also very tasty. Others liked the shrimp in coconut sauce (not my favorite). I liked the bitter melon and chicken. Pork and eggplant was also good. ...can't say I've had a bad dish here, though some I liked less than others. The food is, as one might expect, a mix between Thai, Indian, and Chinese cuisine. Oh, and this is definitely a place where it makes sense to order a bunch of dishes for the table and share them... I definitely saw tables where people were NOT doing that, which I just don't understand.... most Asian food is meant to be served family style (e.g., Thai, Chinese, Korean, Pakistani, Indian... only things that aren't are personal noodle soups or thalis). Why would you choose to just eat one or two dishes (w/ rice) when you could sample 5 or more dishes..?
(4)
L And T S.

Friends took me here and I can't thank them enough. We ordered a bunch of dishes and afterwards were so happy that we ordered 2 more dishes before we finally got some dessert. Rice is great and the sauces are so tasty. I don't think we ordered anything bad that night! I'll be back next time I'm in town.
(4)
Nicole R.

Just had lunch here the other day and was blown away by the quality of the food here. I have tried the following: * Tofu with Brown Sauce * Chicken with peppers & coconut sauce * Tilapia with tomato & onion sauce * Coconut Ice Cream accompanied with ShweJi Everything was so full of flavor and cooked to perfection. The chicken fell apart and the tofu was lightly fried but not overly greasy. I give Mandalay 5 stars because their service was also excellent. The server was attentive and the owner even stopped by to check on us. This is a casual restaurant that has an inviting atmosphere and it's a perfect place for groups, date night, etc. Give it a try! You will be glad you did.
(5)
Amanda N.

Great customer service and no reservations needed. Went out for Sunday night dinner and we were seated immediately upon arrival. I ordered the Nanjee Gyaw. I got my food quickly. It was really good! I wasn't even that hungry but I ate everything on the plate. The waiter was really nice. I will be back!!!!
(4)
Justin S.

We ordered the chicken and beef curry dishes as well as a pork dish. The chicken was ok and the pork was a bit bland, but the beef dish was excellent!! It's a nice sit down restaurant with a nice atmosphere.
(3)
Stephanie B.

Went here with a large group (13 of us) on a Monday night. They wouldn't take reservations but we were able to be seated pretty quickly regardless and overall for the casual group dining experience I have no major service complaints (they auctioned food, etc, but for $10 a plate...oh well). I ordered the N3 and had a few bites appetizers (samoas, spring rolls, fried shrimp) and D2 for dessert. I chose "2"-medium spice for my N3 and it had a nice kick with a slow afterburn on spice that was enhanced as you went through the meal. The N2 had excellent flavor and though I was stuffed I strongly considered ordering a second plate for my lunch and dinner tomorrow (not living near Silver Spring I knew I wouldn't be able to be back anytime soon). I wish I lived near this restaurant. It would be my regular curl up on the couch after a long day order in spot. Pickled mango pork and the shrimp coconut curry were loved at our table as well. The appetizers were EHH. A lot of fry. I heard mixed reviewed on all three and what some loved others were not so keen on. My favorite was the samosas of the batch, though all three of the dishes had more of a "fry" flavor than anything else and I could have passed on appetizers in lieu of more of my N3. I ordered the D2 but knowing what I know now, go for the D1. The D2 was heavy and I much preferred my bites of the lighter D1 (and the flavor as well, though D2 just had a slower flavor then D1 really). If I am back in the area I would come back here. Wish they had one downtown!
(4)
Anpan W.

Wow, amazing Burmese food! We had the samosas (more like an Asian fried dumpling than an Indian samosa), the ginger salad, LetThoke Sone (Mixed Noodle Dish), WetThat ThaYetThee Hin (mango pork), and the Sunday special Dan Pauk (chicken in an onion curry with jasmine rice). You can order your main dishes in one of three levels of spiciness. We went with medium, which was underwhelming, though the pork had a curious afterburn. Dessert was delicious sticky rice and a refreshing generous portion of coconut ice cream. You can share the ice cream, but may not want to share the smaller portion of sticky rice. Mandalay has a lot of veggie and vegan options. Tell the server if you have a peanut allergy or a coconut allergy. Decor could be better. Definitely more of a jeans place than a dressed to impress place. Service could be a lot better.
(4)
Lisa B.

I have long wanted to go to Mandalay based on the great online reviews. Our family went today and were sorely disappointed. The restaurant has zero ambiance, which could be forgiven, but the food was bitter, overpriced and generally awful. Out of five dishes and two appetizers we did not have one winner. The staff was nice, but we will never be back.
(1)
Duy N.

agreed, this is about 3.5 so far. so many dishes on the menu. the fried shrimp appetizer was good and the sauce was a tangy spicy thick fish sauce, similar to a thai sauce. the gram fritters were pretty bland, nothing to write home about. I got the Beef#4 dish, beef in a spicy tomato curry with rice. The thing they do really well is make it as spicy as you like. This was really spicy. I liked the dish, but it wasn't amazing. My friend got the Noodle#6 pork. Sorta like pad thai but with wider noodles and more spice. Pretty good. I also had the gin fizz and it was quite refreshing. There's a FREE PARKING LOT outside btw.
(3)
Desiree R.

The food was good and the menu offers lots of choices. The staff was very friendly.
(4)
John K.

Burmese food is pretty much like Thai food mixed with Indian food. Same dishes as Thai dishes, but with strong flavors and stronger spices. It makes sense since the country sits right between Thailand and India. The curry is very good, the lamb dishes are very good, but the one thing that I would complain are that the portions are a little small. I was still a little hungry after the meal. I wish I could remember what we ordered, but the titles were so freaking confusing. I would stay away from the tomato-basil based dishes. Not that great. Also, learn from me, they have their own parking lot too. You don't have to pay for the huge parking garage for Downtown Silver Spring.
(2)
J S.

I've been here a few times with friends. I do agree the decor is nothing to shout about. That being said, I enjoy being able to have a nice quiet conversation with friends - it's cozy in it's simplicity for me. We've always had good service and food served nice and hot, and in a timely manner. I enjoyed the Kyarzan Hingar soup and I'm sure some vegetable stir fry dish with a light sauce. I believe there's parking in the back which I always forget about. I would definitely come here again.
(5)
Izzat A.

This place is okay. Service sucks. Took forever to get food and even to get water refilled. Prices are okay. Never had Burmese food before so didn't really know what to expect. Got the green papya salad, which was alright. Got the PePyar NgaYoteThee Hin, which to be fair was pretty good. Also, I kid you not. this was the spiciest dish I've ever had. It was uncomfortably spicy. Be careful! All in all, the food is just okay and the service is very very subpar. Don't have any plans on coming back here.
(2)
Danny F.

Within hours of arriving in DC, I was craving for some real mom/pop food in the area of Silver Springs. It didn't take long to weed out the franchise places and decide to come here. Although we drove here from Downtown Silver Springs, the distance is negligible. This area, as I was to be taught in the days to come, is very walk-able. As we approached the door, it was easy to see how good of a recommendation this gem was. The glass door was littered with zagat, yelp, and every other foodie accolade possible. It was also easy to see the warm and small interior. The menu is very extensive, but the service of this place is great.With help, I settled on the Mandalay draft beer, along with a tofu dish. I forget the name but it had a sweet/spicy peanut sauce. My food, along with my friends dishes were amazing. The experience itself left a lasting impression. Warm, inviting, and exotic nonetheless. A different taste of what you'd be used to in the franchised food radius of Silver Springs.
(4)
Evie S.

I love the flat fried rice noodles with yellow beans, vegetables and tofu. So good! They have many other vegan and gluten free options.
(5)
PAJ J.

The restaurant is spacious, the menu offers many choices, and the waitstaff is prompt and attentive. However, the food was surprisingly generic and lacking in flavor. The gram fritters had a nice consistency but tasted bland. So did a mild vegetable and tofu dish. On the spicy hot dish, spices seemed added as an afterthought. All in all, dishes were edible but not enjoyable. I did not walk away feeling like I had gotten to know Burmese cuisine.
(3)
Andy L.

It was alright. Had the Green Papaya salad and the chicken with lightly fried potatoes. The salad was the best part of the meal. Couldve been spicier though. The chicken dish was a little disappointing. The sauce it was cooked it was a bit thin and the chicken was cut up into really small pieces and made eating it awkward. Almost like diced chicken.. I will give another tentative chance....
(3)
Ju L.

Pros: Much better quality food, drinks & service than the Burmese Restaurant in Washington, DC Chinatown. Nice decor. Busy during dinner time on the weekdays which means it must be a good restaurant. Cons: Limited privacy due to the close proximity of the seating.
(5)
Rob H.

Good stuff! It was kind of a slow night there, the service was friendly and very fast. Everything came out very quickly. The food has a special flavor that I haven't had before. My Wife ordered beef and hot peppers, I ordered pork and potatoes. Both dishes were hot and very flavorful. We had the Schweji for desert. My Wife wants to try to make it at home it was so good. They have a great selection of draft and bottled beer too. We'll definitely be back for their coconut ice cream.
(4)
Stacey P.

Love Mandalay! Their noodle dishes are particularly awesome - my favorites are the No. 1 noodles (four different types of noodles with tofu, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, fried onions, and Burmese dressing) and the No. 6 noodles (kind of like chicken pad Thai but different). There are a few things I've had that haven't wowed me (of course I can't remember what they are!) but in general Mandalay is awesome. Vegetarians and anyone who enjoys Thai, Vietnamese, or Indian food will like it!
(4)
Martin B.

Nice little Burmese place in the Spring. They were open pretty late for a weeknight so that was cool, and our waitress was friendly. The food came out very quickly. I ordered the noodle dish #1, which I think is called the mixed noodle dish (in English of course, I cannot remember the Burmese name). It was very good and a BIG portion. They were out of tofu so I got dried bean curd instead, and I couldn't really tell much of a difference. The samosas were also good and seemed very Indian, probably because the countries are next to each other. For dessert I had the sticky rice, which comes served looking more like a slice of pie than the sticky rice you get at a Thai place. It was good though, and I'd definitely come back here again if I was in the mood for some different Asian food.
(4)
Tom D.

We had a noodle dish (Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw) and a chicken dish (KyetThar PinSane or NanNanBin Hin). Both were extremely flavorful and delicious. The chicken dish was dark meat simmered in onion-tomato curry with cilantro -- the chicken was a little dry, but the flavor of the dish was amazing. Noodle dish had flat rice noodles with stir-fried with chicken (dark meat!) , bean sprouts, lettuce, ground peanuts and topped with egg. Also a great dish. For an appetizer we started out with the eggplant fritter -- it was fried very nicely and loved the dipping sauce, but it just didn't reach the same level as the entrees. Leffe was on special for $3 a bottle. Service was a little less than attentive, but still friendly -- and understandable given that every table was taken. Prices were extremely reasonable. Love this place. Will return.
(4)
Maria D.

This place has the most adorable bar menu in existence. All of the drinks have acknowledgements and detailed descriptions. Read it. The food here is simple & excellent. Go with a group, order family style, go to town, order the mango salad.
(5)
Mayme W.

I love ethnic foods and was very pleased to see that Silver Spring had a great selection of ethnic restaurants. Based on the reviews on Yelp, I was torn between Burmese and Ethiopian. As I was only in town for business for 1 day, I decided on Burmese, since it seemed unusual. I was expecting a mix of Indian and Thai flavors, but was unpleasantly surprised by the overwhelming saltiness of the food. I started with the green tea leaf salad, which was an acrid mix of cabbage, yellow split peas, fried garlic bits and peanuts. The dressing had no discernible flavor, as it was taken over by the strong bitterness of the tea leaves and garlic. I had the salad with fish sauce which unfortunately further added to the bitter taste. At least with Thai food, the fishy flavor is countered with the sour and sweet tastes, but there was no such balance of flavors here. I also had the salty fish soup with lemongrass, lime and cilantro, which was OK, with a strong fishy/ meek lemony flavor. My entree was salmon in a tomato curry sauce and slivers of green pepper which was also quite salty, but appropriately spicy (for my taste.) It was a tiny portion for the $14 price though. I finished off with the vegan coconut ice cream, which had a light consistency somewhat like gelato, and was mildly sweet. It was definitely the high point of the meal and worth coming back for. The service was very quick, as I was there midweek around 6pm. The place started to fill up with lots of local regular customers around 7. I would not eat here again, because of the salty food which was overpriced for the portion size.
(3)
Sarah B.

Um, fantastic. I'm a white girl with a strong spice tolerance, and I usually end up disappointed with the level of spice in my spicy food. Not here. I ordered a vegetarian tofu asian pepper dish, which they told me would be spicy, and it was phenomenal (and almost uncomfortable). My fiance, on the other hand, ordered their first noodle dish (they dishes here are numbered, because I don't think they expect too many people to speak passable Burmese), and it was fairly spicy but also delicious. I've never had Burmese before; it's sort of a like a Thai/Indian/Chinese hybrid, and I was intrigued by the room-temperature nature of the noodles. They were delicious, though -- tangy, fascinatingly textured, packed with flavor. Their house amber (I think) was also tasty. They have three dessert options -- a sticky rice, vegan coconut ice cream, and a baked cream of wheat/rasin/coconut milk concoction which is like a coconut pudding cake. The last dessert is perfect, and calmed my burning mouth. The service was great, and they do take-away.
(5)
Leslie M.

Samosas, Tomato Salad & Beef #4 are my jam.
(4)
MaJ C.

Atmosphere was really just bland, and not very ethnically exciting, Though the service was good, It seems the whole family works here. Lots of Veg options, The menu as expansive as the dining room. Books and covers! For the Price, I was thoroughly happy, and impressed. This turned out to be a great meeting spot for my In-laws, and the portions were exactly as I wanted them. Do not expect glitz, and made up meals. Do Bathe in the Authenticity of this place.
(4)
Seema F.

I'm a huge lover of southeast Asian cuisine, so this popular Burmese place seemed like a good idea. I was there on a Friday night with 2 other people and the place was pretty packed. The decor is cheesy with pink tablecloths and uncomfortable chairs like most Asian restaurants. But, we were seated promptly. Upon opening the menu I was immediately confused. I have been to many southeast Asian restaurants, and I have never seen a menu more undescriptive. Perhaps Mandalay is catering to the young white crowd who think everything South and Southeast Asian is just "curry" but every description was practically the same! Usually you would read something like: "Jungle Beef: Stir fried beef with bell peppers, string beans, lime leaves & onions in a coconut green curry sauce." Here the descriptions were minimal: "AMeThar ASane Gyaw: Sliced beef, cauliflower, cabbage, and carrots with light brown sauce." What is this "brown sauce" that is on nearly every one of their dishes? Everything seemed to be protein + brown sauce + some combination of vegetables, and maybe some tomato and onion. Eventually we settled on something that appeared to be Basil Beef and something that sounded like Drunken Noodles. The noodles were not to bad, with pork, eggs, and peanut sauce. The beef had about 2 basil leaves and had a weird tang to it that I can only attribute to old beef. Most "curries" are thick and flavorful, but not this. The sauce was thin and runny, almost like something you'd get out of a frozen dinner. Both had average sized servings, however when you order a big bowl of beef you'd expect more than a 1/8 cup of rice. I also find their heat scale to be off. The waitress insisted that the "hot" was really very hot, so we ordered the medium with hot sauce on the side. Of course, we ended up using the hot pepper. Amazingly though, they did not give us just chili flakes or Maggi sauce, They're hot pepper was actually pretty good. My favorite Burmese restaurant is in Philadelphia (Rangoon). Perhaps this restaurant cooks from a different part of Myanmar than I like, but I felt this was fairly mediocre. It was also a little pricey for the quality of food, so I don't really understand the draw. Pros: hot pepper sauce Cons: menu descriptions, quality and taste of food
(3)
Samuel K.

Torn furniture. Go here if your date is homeless or a refugee! They might be okay for takeouts, if you can trust their food. If they can't keep their furniture well, who knows how the food is!
(1)
Ken M.

Went there for a Friday dinner. It was very crowded, but they led us to the lounge fairly promptly and prepared a table. That was definitely a plus. Foods are "low key" - Nothing special, but they tasted just fine. Friendly and lively atmosphere were enjoyable. It's a good place to get relaxed on Friday night. Will try a lunch sometime!
(3)
Netsie T.

I ordered the spicy Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw (chicken) and the meal was excellent.
(4)
Sara M.

Mandalay was a foodie staple in College Park for many years, at it evolved from a donut shop into a restaurant serving amazing Burmese food to clientele happy to drive from all over the DC area to pack the small dining room. When they closed and moved to Silver Spring, we mourned the loss of such amazing cuisine. But they're not so far away... and their Silver Spring restaurant is larger and even more popular! I've tried a lot of dishes on the menu and never been disappointed. The appetizers are all delicious - I especially love the squash and gram fritters. The noodles (hot or cold) are flavorful and very generously portioned. And the curries are my absolute favorites. I've been getting Chicken #11 (chicken in a coconut curry sauce) for nearly a decade and my mouth is watering as I write this. The same sauce can also be found with seafood and vegetarian options. All of the entries can be made with a variable level of heat (mild, medium, or spicy - and a friend once ordered his meal at a "please kill me" level of spiciness that definitely had him sweating). They have special dishes on Thursdays and Sundays that are worth a special visit - the Thursday special coconut rice is delightful. Save room for drinks (Burmese iced coffee, yum) and amazing desserts. Mandalay is definitely crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, and they recommend reservations for these evenings. Other nights can still have a bit of a wait. But there's a reason they frequently place well in local restaurant ratings - they're reliable, affordable, and TASTY.
(5)
Pin k.

Food was good. Many vegan options. Ginger salad is quite good, as is the coconut ice cream, though pricey. Unfortunately, service was rather poor. Staff was not friendly. The waitstaff never once refilled any of our waters (no other drinks making up for it, either) and they automatically gave us the party of 6 gratuity charge, counting the infant that slept through the whole meal as one of the 6. Again - no service, other than bringing out our food. The other problem was when we asked to use two credit cards and to split the gratuity between the two and they put it all on one card. We suspect they hoped we wouldn't notice and the family who had the higher bill, but not the tip, would unwittingly tip again on their part. Shady.
(2)
Jason P.

First time at Mandalay last night after wanting to try it for several months. The food and service was great! We will definitely be back (multiple times). One of the best things were how family friendly they were. We have a 1 year old and feel like we are finally getting back on track with our pre-baby foodie days, but obviously the options are limited based on who is friendly to kids and can we make an easy escape if the child acts up. The staff immediately laid down a colorful mat under the high chair (helps them but also relieves us of guilt on what ends up on the floor). They also brought our paper and plastic silverware right away. These little things make a difference for a parent and definitely encourage us to go back.
(4)
Melinda J.

My husband and I have a favorite Burmese restaurant in London, also called Mandalay (see my review, it's beyond amazing!). It's unusual to find Burmese food here in the States, so we decided to give this a try. Overall, we liked it pretty well - we started with the mango salad, which was delicious. It was sort of like the more-common papaya salad, but much lighter on the garlic, which was nice. I don't remember the Burmese names of the entrees we ordered, but mine was chicken in a tomato-based curry with cilantro and my vegetarian husband's involved curry, potatoes and tofu. Both were very tasty, and the 'medium' spice level was not for the faint of heart (fine with us). We don't mind the small portion size - for urban dining, we didn't feel the price was too outrageous either. So why only 3 stars? I violated my usual rule of never ordering wine in an Asian restaurant in the U.S., and asked the host/waiter what he recommended. From an intriguing wine list, he recommended the Tempranillo. When it arrived, it had clearly gone off, probably open for too long, Since it only cost $7 we decided not to worry about it, but since we heard the guy recommending the same wine to another table, we wondered if he was pushing a day or two-old wine to get rid of it! On a brighter note, the coconut ice cream in a coconut shell was delicious. I'd probably return.
(3)
Amy P.

We always enjoy going here. Some interesting things on the menu and very reasonably priced. Good drinks.
(4)
Elizabeth D.

I have a lot of friends who love this place, so I've been a few times, but I've never really be impressed. Clearly there's a loyal following of regulars and a pleasant atmosphere, but I've never really loved the food and usually decline to take home my leftovers.
(2)
Julie M.

This is a good, solid place for quite tasty and filling dishes. Service is always good, as are the iced teas. Never had a bad meal here, and there's plenty on the menu to keep me coming back (both myself -- an omnivore -- and my partner, who is a vegetarian) whenever we're in Silver Spring or feel like a Metro trip a bit north.
(4)
DMLinDC C.

I went for the lunch special, and we ordered 2 of the tofu dishes. The tofu-with-bean-sprouts was quite nice. The tofu-with-tomatoes-and-cilantro was less exciting. The samosa (and its sauce) was awesome. The service was nice and the setting was mellow. The flavor didn't blow my mind, so I'm less likely to make a special trip back.
(3)
Emily A.

I always bring visiting friends and relatives to dinner here, and they always rave. Really delicious, unique food, and quite reasonably priced.
(5)
Katie W.

Delicious. The room temperature noodles are amazing! Samosas are great. Beer and cocktail menu was much more extensive than I expected. Reasonable prices. Mandalay has become a standard recommendation for anyone asking about dining options in Silver Spring.
(4)
Leang E.

I can't believe I forgot to put in my review for this place! It's one of my cousin and her husband's favorite spot, and it's the first Burmese restaurant that I've been to. I think it will always have a special place in my heart because of that and the great memories of the night. We were a group of 8, and so I just let my cousin and her husband do the ordering so I can't be certain of what we exactly ordered. Since I have never had Burmese food before I can't make out what would be considered common names of the items we ordered. It did help that they do have a corresponding number and letter. I have pictures but it was hard to match up with the menu names, but I guess it does give some idea to what we got. I think we got the Eggplant Fritter, but it could very well be the Squash Fritter. This was a good start, and then we had a chicken curry dish, a beef stir-fry dish of some sorts, a salad dish, and a noodle dish as well. Maybe also we had a tofu dish. There was such an abundance of food and we probably got a couple of the same dishes to ensure that everyone got to try some of everything. I love family style meals. It was quite delicious! The food tasted like a cross between Indian food and Thai food, both being known for their spicyness truly did not disappoint us, so this place is HOT! We also rounded the night with a few desserts, the Shweiji and the Coconut ice cream that comes in a coconut. Yeah I was scraping the coconut from the inside of the coconut shell. With my family, we don't waste food - especially if it's good! I think we also had the sticky rice dessert, too. The service was great, and the prices were very reasonable. I can easily see how my cousins frequent this place often for meals. I would certainly love to come back!
(5)
Natasha S.

This is the best Burmese restaurant I have EVER been to. The food is SO fresh, and my favorite thing about this place is the generous amount of animal-free dishes. I'm not even a vegetarian but love veggies! My favorite thing is the Tea Leaf Salad, and the desserts are always delicious! There's always a wait to get seated, but luckily they have a bar room to sit and have a drink in while waiting. Service is awesome, even when they're at their busiest!
(5)
David S.

My friend Vijay first brought me to Mandalay when it was the tiny lil shop in College Park. The food was great then, and it is still great now! Some places get "bigger and better" and as they appeal to a wider audience, they change their recipes to be more accommodating, or more widely accepted. I love that Mandalay has never done this. This restaurant isn't for everyone, but if you like spicy food I think you'll love it. The best way I have been able to describe Burmese food to those who are not familiar is that it is somewhere in between Indian and Thai food. The food tends to be spicy, although many dishes can be made less so. Be careful if you ask for a dish spicy, and I think Joe takes extra spicy as a challenge - so you better know what you are doing!
(5)
Yuh Wen L.

This is a terrific joint tucked on a quiet street of downtown Silver Spring. Burmese food is an interesting amalgam of different influences: Chinese, Indian, Thai. The textures and tastes of the menu offerings at Mandalay will probably remind most folks of a savory, less spicy Thai. But the common feature amongst all the styles mentioned above is that they are all delicious. And Mandalay certainly is that. I always end up sharing family-style with pretty much the same dishes (the dishes are also portioned out property for you to have a dish per person). The gram fritters and green papaya salad are a nice start to any meal - the perfect combo of crispy and crisp! The fritters are served with a terrific lemony chili sauce that I can never get enough of! Then it's always a noodle entree (I've tried basically every single one of them, and they are all great...with the Lethoke Sone probably being my favorite) and a stir-fried dish or curry (have not yet had all of these, but the Tofu Ohnno Hin I had recently was great). Mandalay is one of those rare restaurants where both vegetarians and omnivores/carnivores will feel comfortable in ordering just about anything on the menu. The service is friendly and very efficient. Sometimes I feel the food is a little over-priced for what it is, but it's definitely delicious and well-worth the (short!) trek from the Metro.
(4)
Jessica K.

Good, not great. Went with a party of eight and there was more than enough dishes for us all to choose from on their menu. Everyone had bites of each others and there was a nice assortment of flavors and textures. I agree with some other reviewers that the portion sizes were modest, but the prices are reasonable. Coconut sticky rice was awesome!
(3)
Roger G.

This place is right up there with Rangoon in Philadelphia and the best Burmese Restaurants in New York City.
(5)
Kiki D.

The most amazing food, they will make it quite spicy if you want. I have never had a bad meal here, the beer on tap caters to the beer aficionado (fear not, there are actually good beers available, not just the standard fare!) The Thursday special is so good I find myself always wanting to go on Thursday. You should order the golden triangle appetizer because it is fantastic and comes with a spicy sauce that you will crave for the rest of your days.
(5)
Michael K.

I'd never had Burmese food, but the dishes here incorporate flavors that predominate neighboring cuisines, like Thai, Indian, and Indonesian. We sampled the gram fritters, the fried tofu salad, the mixed noodles, and the chicken in coconut cream sauce. I enjoyed everything, but portion sizes were small. Two apps and two entrees with a side of white rice was barely enough sustenance for my wife and I for dinner. A 16 oz. draft Kirin beer was $6, commensurate with the high restaurant prices in this area. Overall, I would love to come back and try more dishes. Service was friendly and quick, although the school cafeteria ambiance in the place adds nothing to the dining experience.
(3)
Andrew L.

Mandalay's food was ok. My friend and I ordered lunch specials. To start were samosas with dipping sauce. Those were the best part of the meal. Samosa were triangular and had a similar flavor other country's cuisine by that name. And the sauce, it was really spicy and enjoyable. Then our main course came out. My friend ordered a chicken dish. However, the server announced it was beef when he served it. Upon inspection...it appeared to be neither. We decided they had actually given him pork! It made for some fun lunchtime conversation but not exactly the best service. Both meals were ok, they weren't bad but they did not have strong flavors that would have me go out of the way to go here again.
(3)
Diana C.

I love this place. I eat here quite often: sometimes twice a week. Burmese food is a very interesting cuisine. It's like taking Thai and mixing it up with Indian. There are a lot of really good curries and noodle dishes, as well as some really unique flavor profiles. You can customize the heat level of your food (mild, medium, spicy, OMG); I always get medium, which delivers a nice heat without sacrificing flavor. To be fair, even the crazy spicy isn't too much of the "tastes like burning" variety of hot, although it is a bit too much for me. I've tried a wide variety of dishes, and I've never been disappointed. The appetizers are mostly fried and can be a bit greasy, so I tend to avoid them, even though they are all full of yum. The salads are fairly solid, though most are shredded cabbage with other things mixed in. The squid salad, however, is bloody fantastic. (I've never been a huge seafood fan, but this is really well done.) The entrees are varied and numerous. I've never had a dish I didn't like. I've had at least one thing in every category (noodles, vegetarian/tofu, chicken, pork, beef, and seafood), and all are well seasoned, properly cooked, and delicious, consistently. And be sure to leave room for dessert! The shweJi is light and delicious, and the coconut ice cream is made of heaven and sparkles and unicorn magic. The restaurant is always busy, which I think is a great testament to the quality of the food. The wait staff are also very friendly and fast. I've never had to wait around forever to get my meal. This is a no-brainer choice for really good food.
(5)
Bonnie J.

MMMMM. The Tofu MoteNyinChin Gyaw (with sour mustard) is yummy. And the sauce that comes with the spring rolls is sooooo good. I always ask for more -- secret recipe! Nothing fancy about this place but the food is good and they serve it quickly.
(4)
Brandima A.

The kitchen is making judgement calls it shouldn't be! I ordered spicy. I know spicy, I love spicy! The kitchen sent back the waiter to get me to change my order because of the amount of "Too Spicy" orders that had been sent back. I insisted I wanted spicy, the lack of spicy added to the lack of flavor of the food here. It was horrible. Perficetly good food wasted because they didn't listen to what I asked for! They became very busy and the orders got mixed up (this doesn't usually happen) and it was just all around disappointing. I won't go back anytime soon. Such a shame!
(1)
Michael K.

I've been going to Mandalay since they were a humble hole-in-the-wall restaurant in College Park. It is one of my top restaurants in the DC area and I simply adore the beef dishes. I like my food hot and spicy and they rarely fail to deliver on either count. Burmese food, as geography would indicate, is a hybrid of Thai and Indian food. Not being an expert on the culinary nuances of either types I will merely say that the Burmese food at Mandalay is mostly curry based, but with large number of non-curry (including some noodle) dishes. There is something for everyone between the pork, noodle, beef chicken and vegetarian options. I typically go for the beef dishes, spicy. But be warned, they can really crank of the heat. Fortunately, you can order what level of spiciness you want, so even a person with a low heat tolerance can order any dish on the menu. First timers would be best served ordering medium or mild the first time there to gage their relative tolerance. And no trip to Mandalay is complete with out the ShweJi (cream of wheat). This sweet treat is served warm is an excellent end to a delicious (and filling) meal.
(5)
Henry M.

Burma Road is closer to my home in Gaithersburg, and the food isn't as salty, but this isn't a bad choice if you're looking for something tasty in Silver Spring. There's a small private lot as well as street parking. It was full on a Friday night, and we waited for a little while in the bar. If you enjoy mixed drinks, try one of their unusual specialties. We had the Baya gyaw (Gram Fritter) (4) for an appetizer. It was bland, but the sauce that comes with it is very nice. The ChinBaung Hincho, Burmese sorrel in garlic broth that I orderd came out at the same time. It's a little sour, and the broth is so flavorful that next time I sure won't share it with two other people. Mild, Medium, or HOT! How do you ever know in a restaurant that's new to you? I usually try a mild, a couple of mediums, and stay away from the HOT until I know better. That worked out great last night for the three of us. The medium AMeThar NanNanBin Hin, sliced beef and (hardly any) fresh cilantro simmered in onion-tomato base curry was plenty spicy, but the least interesting dish that we had. The WetThar KaYann Thee Hin, pork and eggplant simmered in onion base curry, garnished with fresh cilantro that we ordered mild was much tastier, owing partially to the inherent tastiness of pork and eggplant, but perhaps the tomato muddied the flavor of the beef dish. We all agreed that PaZun MoteNyinChin Gyaw, Shrimp sautÃ©ed with sour mustard, onion, and fresh cilantro that we ordered medium was the tastiest of our three entrees, with the sour mustard adding nice hits of flavor and crunchiness to a well-seasoned dish. Noisy place, but very attentive, friendly staff. We'll be back.
(3)
Jane W.

I came here with a friend last weekend who had been before and thought it was good. I've visited Myanmar before so I was interested in seeing what the food tasted like. I don't know how authentic it was but it tasted very good. I got one of the noodle dishes with chicken and it was delicious. I even had enough to take home and eat again the next day! At ~$10/dish it was definitely a good value. There is a small parking lot behind the restaurant which was very convenient for me. Will definitely be back again.
(5)
Marc M.

This quiet street has a Thai restaurant across the street in what looks like a row house, a tattoo place next door, a used book store, and the Kefa cafe. A nice eclectic collection just beyond the standard downtown fare. I liked this place and have never had Burmese before. I went with a Tofu curry and was not disappointed. Staff was courteous and the force was strong with the woman who filled the water glasses. Every time I took a sip, she was refilling the glass within maybe 10 seconds of my putting it down. I do believe that they may have a dedicated person on staff to tend to this. Seeing this astonishing feat alone with worth the visit.
(3)
Gregory M.

Had a pleasant lunch here today - LetThoke Sone (Mixed Noodle Dish) and the Thursday special, Chicken with coconut rice, iced Myannmar coffee- all tasty, but not noteworthy. Service was pleasant and prompt. I found the items we got to be pricey given their straightfoward preparation. It was my first time here, I would go back for another try when I'm in the area.
(3)
t.sa c.

Tea leaf salad, four noodles stir-fry. Ignore the slightly snobby service.
(5)
Mark P.

Very tasty, nice servers, affordable. The lady had noodle no. 1 and I the pork curry with pickled mango - definitely try it! A little spicy, a little bitter.
(4)
Rhonda J.

I came here with my fiance and a couple of friends recently. I had heard really good things about this place, so I was optimistic. I'll start with the good: the food is very tasty and reasonably priced for dinner (around $9.99-$10.99 per dish). I ordered the coconut tofu curry and my friends ordered various noodle dishes with chicken. It's also a very pretty restaurant with nice decorations and a pleasant feel inside. However, the reason I can only give it 2 stars is because of the service, which was atrocious. First of all, we arrived with one of our party members missing, and they refused to seat us even though she was on her way, walking up the sidewalk. They finally agreed to seat us and then... it took about 15-20 minutes for anyone to come over to us. It was as if they were punishing us for not having our entire party there when we were seated. When the server finally came over, she was hurried, rude, and pushy. When the food was delivered, she only brought one dish at a time and we all had to sit and wait until the other food was delivered. No one came to check on us throughout the meal, and at the end, we had to practically BEG to see a dessert menu. When it was time to pay, the owner insisted that they cannot split the check 5 ways, only 3... At this point, we had already split it and written down each person's credit card information. He kept arguing with us until my fiance finally agreed to pay for himself and me. The management has tons of rules and they are very inflexible. In the future, we will order take-out or delivery. The service is too awful.. I would never take any friends or family here again, especially not for a special occasion.
(2)
Sana J.

It gets super busy - so definitely don't come here if you're starving and want to eat asap (which happens to me often and I become a mean, grumpy ogre). That aside, we got 2 dishes: Amethar Nannanbin Hin (sliced beef and fresh cilantro simmered in onion-tomato base curry) and the Letthoke Sone (mixed Noodle Dish). I wouldn't recommend the beef dish but definitely try the mixed noodle one. The beef was so-so and nothing to rave about but the noodles were really good. The service was really rushed and it took a bit to get our server's attention so don't expect a lot of attention or answers to questions, either.
(3)
Yancy D.

Though I've moved away from the DC area, Mandalay remains one of my favorite restaurants on the planet, and I still make a pilgrimage every time I'm in town. Back when I lived close enough to visit regularly, Mandalay was my top "go-to" restaurant for visiting friends, co-workers and dates, and almost never failed me in any way. Some of the dishes are less exciting than others, which would explain to me the few low ratings I see on here, so I'll toss out a few recommendations so that you can't go wrong: 1. The salads. I'm not a salad fan in general, but these are mindblowingly good and filled with unqiue flavors and textures (the sesame seeds and fried crunchy bits on top really work well with the crisp, thin salad greens and carrots). There are around ten different ones, but they're mostly the same save for one different ingredient each. Ginger is the best, in my opinion, but mango's pretty damned good as well. 2. Appetizers -- I prefer either the samosas or the gram fritters. The former aren't exceptionally different from other veggie samosas out there but both of these (and all the appetizers, I think) come with an amazing sweet/spicy red dipping sauce that complements them so perfectly. Sometimes, when no one is looking, I will eat a spoonful of this sauce by itself... 3. Chicken in coconut cream sauce -- Amazing. I still order it even though, after years of patronage, Joe (one of the three brothers that run the place) gave me the recipe. And no, I will not share it with you. 4. Noodle Number ? -- I do not know the number because they have changed the menu on me multiple times. My friends and I used to rave about "Noodle Number 7" so much that, when it became "Noodle Number 9" years later, we were lost and confused, despite the recipe being unchanged. Last I checked it was "Noodle Number 6." It's got flat noodles, peanuts, bean sprouts, chicken and an egg in the ingredient list and it's probably the best thing on the menu. I went to visit some friends in Scranton (4 hours away) who had visited Mandalay before and they begged me to bring them four servings of this dish. It's pretty much perfect -- sweet, salty, nutty, chewy, meaty, crisp. God, it's amazing! 5. Dessert -- The Golden Shweji. It's as fun to say as it is to put in your mouth. It's a hot, wet, semolina pie with coconut flavor and a few raisins tossed in. No matter how full I am, I get this every time. 6. The Iced Coffee. I'm not a coffee person, but this stuff is addictive. Price-wise, dishes are around 10-13 bucks each, which is a big jump from the old days when they were in College Park, but still very reasonable compared to other local fare, and well worth it. I can't recommend this place enough!
(5)
Steve C.

Was not impressed at all. The decor was non-existent and the wait staff were dressed in street clothes. The food was bland, un-appetizing and greasy. Will not be coming back.
(2)
Alissa G.

My foodie Silver Spring colleague recommended this place to take my 81 year old aunt for a special dinner. She loves spicy 'ethnic' food, so this looked right up her alley. I called for a reservation, they don't take them but said dinner at 7pm wouldn't be an issue, and it wasn't. There were 4 other tables. I believe our staff was an owner. So me having an adventurous pallet, I ask for what he would have with his family, or something a bit off the beaten path. I first was interested in a chicken dish with sour melon, then a chicken dish with mango chutney. His recommendation was that these were both bitter, and I should try "chicken no. 10). So I try it! His whole taking the order technique was brash. Chicken No. 10 is chicken and potatoes!!!!! How UNADVENTUROUS is that?!?!? It tasted fine, wasn't hot. Everyone else's meals were tasty and spiced to the level they asked for, so long as my camp is happy, I'm good. Time to leave I guess came at 9:45, as our bill was dropped without asking if we wanted coffee....dessert?? THEN they turn on the vacuum right behind us as were having dinner conversation. How terribly rude! So we pack it on up, and on the way out, my boyfriend unplugs the vacuum :) I'd go back and try something off the beaten path, without expectation of any customer service.
(2)
J. W.

Why on earth am I up at 1 am writing to an audience of tens of readers about wetthar aloo hin? Because I care. I care about your experience at a Zagat rated Burmese cafe in Silver Spring. The appeal of being different; of being able to say tomorrow at the water cooler that you went to this fabulous Burmese cafe - may be too strong for you to resist. You imagine yourself saying pithy things like, "I call it 'Burma' because I just will NOT support Than Shwe and his Myanmarian thugs." Don't let this desire cloud your taste buds. The pork was low quality, dry and tasteless. It reminded me of a dish I made as a 17 year old for my "world culture" dinner at Mr. Santos' house (I was India). To be fair, this isn't terrible food. It's marginally good food.
(2)
Chontelle M.

I am a huge fan of this place. This place is family owned and community run. When you walk in, you are seated by the owner who will also take an order or bring your food. Not saying this to belittle him, but just so you can truly get a feel of how you are automatically part of the family when you enter. I try to go at least once a month and enjoy the ambiance as well as the delicious food. You are bound to make the right decision at this place. You can even decide how spicy you would like your food. I recommend the samosas and the green tea salad. Your taste buds will be more than satisfied. The sauce that comes with the samosas is indescribably delicious. I would also recommend getting the ShweJi. It is a complicated sounding dessert with a big taste. Just go! You'll love it! I do! If you go on a weekend night, make a reservation.
(5)
Mary K.

I'm sad that as many times as I have been here, I have never written a review for it. One of the best places to eat in the DMV area. Customer service is always superb. Food is always fresh and delicious. Spicy is ALWAYS spicy. Prices are very reasonable. The place is great for one, two, to a large group. Whether you are having an intimate date to a lunch outing with your co-workers, it never feels like you have to shout. Try the coconut icecream its delicious. One item on their menu that is my go to is the room temperature noodles.
(5)
Joanna K.

There was a Boy; a foodie, who walked up to the Genie (the greatest ever lived), and said, "Genie, I want a restaurant that serves my new ethnic meal at a bargain meal price. " "The cuisine would be less sweet than Thai, less pungent than Indian, less predictable than Chinese, less onion-garlicky than Mexican, and less fishy than Japanese." "But, what I wish for is something that tastes as harmonious as Thai, intriguing as Indian, addicting as Chinese, flavorful as Mexican, and vegetable heavy as Japanese. I eat with my other senses, not with my eyes. Genie, can you make this happen all at once?" Looking very excited and wise, the Genie said, waving his Aladdin Lamp, with a little twinkle in his seductive, kohl-lined dark eyes, "Sure! Dear Boy, Burmese food is your wish. Tomorrow night, go to the location of 930 Bonifant Street, Silver Spring, MD USA and your greatest wish will come true!" "And don't be cheap...bring something back for me!" So...don't ask. Don't expect delicate ingredients or fresh nouvelle cuisine (because that's not what The Boy wished for). Expect something that is close to crack comfort food cooked with a lot of flavors, heavy seasonings like fish sauce and MSG. Wash everything down with a cold beer on a summer's night. No food can taste that addicting without MSG, which is something that the Genie created himself. MSG is the dust powder of his moustache when it turned white, the culmination of the tastiest things that the Genie has ever had.
(5)
Jeremy D.

Good prices, fast and courteous service, great food....yeah, I'll be a regular!
(5)
Jack S.

This is my favorite restaurant in the world! Period. Burmese food is like a combination of Thai, Chinese, and Indian, and Mandalay takes the best aspects of those and blends them to a unique wonderfulness that I can't even describe. If you like spice and flavor in your life, you haven't lived until you've eaten at Mandalay. I'm not joking about this. The atmpsphere is so-so, but they get five stars because the food is that good. Tip: Get the achin-yay hot sauce for an extra 49 cents. Imagine a blend of the most amazing chilis, garlic, and lime. It would be worth it even if it was 5 dollars.
(5)
Sarah B.

Mandalay is my favorite restaurant in the D.C. area. I've lived here almost 7 years and have eaten just about everywhere, but there's nothing I crave more than Mandalay's extra spicy dried bean curd and vegetable dish (V15). I used to live nearby and ordered it once a week as take-out. Mandalay is fresh, inexpensive, and incredibly delicious. The restaurant decor isn't much to write home about, but the food more than makes up or it.
(5)
Roll T.

Instead of a traditional Easter dinner, I went to Mandalay to further investigate the idea that maybe I have an aversion to Burmese food. Although eating incredible amounts of spicy food one night after alcohol overload on H Street was probably not my greatest idea, I'm glad I did it because this food rocked. I started with a fried tofu salad. The thinly sliced and lightly fried tofu was paired with crushed peanuts over a bed consisting mostly of cabbage and carrots. The entire dish was accented with a refreshing dressing. At $4.99, this dish was a steal. It was good enough that my brother ended up subsequently ordering the similar mango salad (where mango substituted fried tofu). Although I was partial to the former, they were both worth ordering. My brother ordered some odd dried shrimp flavoring that could be used both in our soups, salads and entrees. I added it to my ginger soup (the spicy dried shrimp added a welcome layer to the soup) and my brother added it to both salad dishes (I liked the salads without the additional flavoring). When the order had come out, I thought it was a mistake, but it ended up not only flavoring the soup and two salads, but also my own entree. For dinner, I ordered a combination pork and potato dish served in onion curry. The base curry appeared to be a specialty of the house as it appeared in a number of orders across Mandalay's rather extensive menu. While I liked the dish, I thought that six moderately sized chunks of pork was a bit minimal given the price point ($11.99). Also, while the potato was nice, it really kicked with the addition of the dried shrimp flavoring. I also tried the pork in mango curry. The mango base tasted similar to pickled mango commonly served as an accompaniment to rice based dishes in India. Mandalay's dish presented like a curried version of the pickled mango (sounds gross but it was very tasty) served with meat (in this case, pork). I loved this fiery dish although I would have probably paired it with beef over pork. If you are in the Silver Spring area, you should definitely add this restaurant to your regular rotation. In my case, I learned that even though Burma may no longer appear on a map, it's cuisine is certainly still worth exploring.
(4)
Jane Y.

It wasn't enough food. We got the zucchini sticks as appetizers and two curries. We had to get negril afterwards. The food was ok. The zucchini was just deep fried zucchini sticks. It wasn't anything special. Four fried zucchini sticks for like $6? nahh. The curries were flavourful but the portions were WAY TOO SMALL. They also charge for extra rice. C'mon. I wasn't feeling that. Being asian, and paying extra for rice.
(3)
Sara K.

Love it! Been eating there for years. All the way back when they were a tiny little restaurant in College Park. So happy when they moved to Silver Spring. Golden Triangle appetizer is so yummy. Just wish there were more on the plate.
(5)
Briana W.

dish N.02 w/ clear bean thread noodles w/ added spice is delicious! I like their sustainable wine options too. I wish they would make substitutions, such as added broccoli, etc.
(5)
tamm r.

Most of the "salads" can be made vegetarian. The green tea leaf, green papaya, and tofu salad are worth trying. The salads are not traditional western salads. They are made with a lime, peanut, & cilantro sauce and shredded white cabbage and deep fried garlic chips. Unique dishes to try are the sour mustard tofu and tofu with coconut curry. The mixed noodle #1 dish can be made vegetarian and is also very tasty. The gram fritter salad is also a delicious option. It is made with deep fried patties made with chickpea flour and served with torn lettuce and the house dressing. Another unique dish is the peyoke with bamboo shoots. It is made from a round yellow bean (similar to a soybean). It has a very savory flavor unlike anything else I have ever had. I would recommend going with a few friends so you can share and try a little bit of everything! A traditional dessert is the cake made with coconut milk and cream of wheat. It is simple, but worthwhile (if you have any room left after your entrees).
(5)
Brent J.

We visited this because it was listed in the February 2010 issue of Washingtonian Magazine in an article called "Best of Silver Spring" [MD]. I can tell you, it belongs on the list! The first thing on the checklist for a new place is parking. Check! This place has a small parking lot next door and plenty street parking. When we arrived at the front door, there was a sign explaining that the credit card system was down and it was cash only for now. No problem. A bank was half a block up the street. A quick visit to the ATM and we're in business. From here, the place got better and better! It has an extensive drink menu with a nice selection of cocktails and mocktails [non-alcoholic]. The food menu was extensive as well. When there are several items on the menu I want to try, I've scored! I will be back. Things usually fall apart in the service department. Not here! Our waitress didn't know much about the wine selection but she was great in all other areas. She was friendly and could answer all questions about the food. The food was delivered fast and hot. I though the food was excellent! My wife said it was very good but could use a little more salt. Dessert was the best part! Mandalay has three desserts; ice cream, ShweJi or sticky rice with brown & coconut. We chose the ShweJi and the sticky rice. The sticky rice was very good. The ShweJi was awesome! Try this stuff!!! I look forward to my next visit here.
(5)
Jeremy M.

Absolutely delicious, fair prices, and great service. Take their spicy warnings seriously....
(5)
Zachary H.

Having never eaten Burmese food before, Mandalay had been on my to-do list for several months now! Last night we finally had the chance and were not disappointed! What Mandalay lacks in decor, it more than makes up for in quality of food and value for money! Having no idea what to order (if you're not familiar with Burmese food, you'll be at a bit of a loss), we asked the waitress what she reccomended. She suggested the pork curry (red curry base) and the coconut shrimp curry. She was absolutely spot on! Both were excellent with very dynamic tastes - the likes of which I have never experienced in an Indian or Japanese curry before. I will definately return and will have a hard time ordering anything else, though I am excited to try the numerous options offered on the menu! The food was provided quickly. My only regret was that I ordered my curry with "medium" heat, instead of taking the hot option. I found the medium option to not be spicy enough for my tastes. My fiance, who also ordered her dish with medium spiciness, agreed. On the question of service - it was polite and prompt. The waitress did ask us for drink and appetizer orders almost as soon as we sat down, which was a bit irritating, but, it does seem like a place with many regulars, so, perhaps she thought we knew what we wanted when we walked in the front door. I certainly will next time!
(4)
Genius M.

Not impressed at all. We were greeted by a guy who was just a little weird-- whistling, shouting and singing randomly. The rest of the restaurant was busy but quiet. The food was the big disappointment though. We have been to a Burmese restaurant in Sterling and were expecting really flavorful food. What we got was deep fried tasteless shrimp and egg rolls. Fried greasy noodles and really hot chicken curry which was only chilly and completely devoid of any taste. Regardless to say we are not going back--rather drive an hour to get good Burmese cuisine.
(2)
Thoreau B.

Oh I love this place. The mango salad is amazing!! And so is the creamy chicken dish (I can't remember the name). I like the squash fritters and the beer selection. The only reason it doesn't get a higher rating is the location is crappy, and the service kind of sucks. But it is a great place to take a long time girlfriend for a cheap date night if you are focused on the food.
(4)
Aliya W.

I LOVE MANDALAY. I can't believe I haven't reviewed them already. This little gem, close to Silver Spring metro, has delicious Burmese food, which for those who haven't tasted it is kind of a mix of Indian and Thai. Very affordable prices and always a table available. A good wait staff. Lots of vegan options (the vegetarian menu is all vegan) and 2 yummy vegan ice creams for dessert, coconut and pineapple. Go here!
(5)
John M.

Thai and Indian have a baby and you get Burmese, although you don't see too many delicious room temperature noodles dishes (seriously, I can't remember what it was called but it was surprisingly good) at Indian restaurants. The interior decor was decent, the food was good-very good, but the service was only decent. The location leaves something to be desired, but to be honest D.C. and the surrounding areas are not up my alley as it's a bit overstimulating. Not much interaction after the food was delivered by a runner vs. the server. I'm a big fan of having someone come back and ask me if I need anything, if I like my food, etc. just in case, as was the case this time, I'd like a glass of wine, etc. The fritter appetizers and the sauce they come with were also very good. Overall a new and somewhat uniquedining experience for my wife and I - we would return but hopefully someone else would be driving...D.C. is nuts!
(4)
Don M.

Mandalay Restaurant is a reliable option for Silver Spring dining. I ate here on a recent Monday and I have to say, this place certainly has potential. I'm not an expert on Burmese food so I can't judge the authenticity of the cuisine, but to me it felt like a refreshing mix of Thai and Bangladeshi fare. I'll echo the praise for the mango salad, though the real winner in my mind is the "Burmese dressing" which tops both this salad and the Noodle #01 dish. Likewise, the hot and sour sauce served with the fried shrimp app elevated the plate and left a nice tingle on the tongue. But beware, that tingle will turn into a burn if you order the spiciest spice for your entree. Now, if only they complimented the decent food with a quality drinks and less offensive decor! It's the perfect place for a tiki/tropical bar but the cocktail list is stuck in the 1990's day-glo era. If the barman acquired a decent cocktail book and began offered a properly mixed Singapore Sling, Mai Tai, or Zombie, I would be sold. Those complex rum drinks would really compliment the food and elevate the experience.
(3)
Matt C.

When some friends first dragged me out here several years ago, I was skeptical. Burmese food? What's that? But I gave it a try, and it was awesome. I've been coming back whenever I have a chance since. To be honest, I've only ever ordered one dish -- KyetThar Ohnno Hin, chicken cooked in a coconut cream curry sauce with green peppers, onions, and tomatoes. I know that I should probably branch out more, but this one dish is so incredible that I can't pass it up. The Iced LaPetYay (iced tea with condensed milk and sugar) is great as well, though some may find it too sweet or too strong. The coffee equivalent is quite good too, if coffee is more your thing. Service can be a little slow at times when they're busy, but it's usually fairly attentive. Once an order is placed, the food comes out reasonably quickly. A great place, and well worth checking out.
(5)
Elana G.

This was my first time eating Burmese cuisine. My friend and I just picked two interesting-sounding dishes to share and the Burmese samosas. First, the samosas were good. Then we went with noodles #1 (don't ask me to remember what was in it), and a pickled mango curry with chicken. The noodles were really good. I would definitely get that dish again. The curry sauce for the chicken was way too salty for both of us. The chicken (dark meat) was cooked perfectly but I had to start wiping off some of the sauce because it was just too salty. Knowing nothing of Burmese cuisine, I can't really pass judgment on this dish since for all I know, that's how it's supposed to be. I'd definitely want to go back and explore more of the menu though.
(4)
Matt L.

Went back at dinner with friends. Having now sampled 5 dishes from the menu (yay family style ordering!), I can confidently say that the dishes are inventive, varied, and seem to always be prepared with care. There is parking adjacent to the building and the dining room is roomy. I wouldn't hesitate to take anyone with a refined or adventurous palate here. It's not a place to find duck blood, but it is damn good food that is not cookie-cutter. And at a fair price.
(4)
Shristi S.

Delicious food and great/fast service! Their food comes in mild, medium and spicy. Their "spicy" is VERY SPICY so I would not recommend it unless you eat spicy food on a daily basis. I grew up eating spicy food and I still can't handle their level of spicy. I'd recommend going for "medium", which has a good kick to it and you can enjoy your food without tearing up :)
(5)
Esther O.

I can't ever go to Silver Spring without thinking "oh I'm all the way over here, I should go to Mandalay." I try not to do that so that I can actually experience other places :), but Mandalay will always be one of my favorites and somewhere I make a point to go regularly. I have been a fan since they were over in College Park. Actually, the CP location would have received 5 stars. It was a tiny little hole-in-the-wall, completely family run - mom in the kitchen, dad hosting, sons serving, wives bringing the kids by at the end of the end to play on the tables (the infants) - and it was wonderful. A little bit of that character has been lost in the move to Silver Spring, but the food is still excellent and it is always an enjoyable place to be. Burmese is similar to Thai, and if you haven't tried it - do. Really wonderful. Mandalay offers a wonderful selection and plenty of choices for vegetarians, and I have never had something here I didn't like. My favorite is V06: Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw - Flat rice noodles stir-fried with yellow beans (Vatana), bean sprouts, romain hearts, crushed peanuts, and lightly fried tofu. To be honest, I really have trouble ever ordering anything else. Noodles #6 is the non-vegetarian version of this dish which I used to eat and was also wonderful. I love the desserts as well. Shweji and Sticky Rice (vegan) are both treats not to be missed. If I'm too full to eat dessert I usually order them to go and get to have something special waiting for another day. They also have vegan coconut and pineapple ice creams, which I haven't yet tried.
(4)
M J.

Amazing food. One of my favorite restaurants in the entire DC area, if not my top favorite. I highly recommend going with a few people, ordering a few dishes and sharing - otherwise you might not understand why I love it so much. My favorites: Ginger salad (amazing), noodle #1, beef and cilantro, and Mandalay Tofu. The combination of these dishes is amazing. My husband, son, and I can finish it all (but the leftovers are delicious when we don't!). We order it so often, we don't even need to tell them our order anymore. The sweji for dessert is delicious too. Everyone we bring to Mandalay loves it. We've tried several other Burmese restaurants, but none compare.
(5)
Tracy L.

This is my entire family's favorite restaurant. I started going back when I went to College Park and it was located on route one. I think my roommate found it when it was listed as one of the DC area's cheap eats, though now that it is so popular it is definitely not so cheap anymore. I always order the exact same meal, eggplant fritters, V3. eggplant curry, and sometimes the Mandalay Tofu to go. I am extremely spice adverse so I get it with no spice and I think the flavors are amazing. My family and friends go pretty regularly and order a wide variety of the dishes and I have never heard a complaint unless a newbie accidentally ordered their dish too spicy (be careful, the spice builds). There are so many things to try, I should probably branch out but I am a creature of habit. Sometimes the wait can be kind of long, but there is a bar area on the left that serves some pretty good martini's which helps to pass the time. And parking has never been an issue, there is a tiny lot for the restaurant, and a larger one next to that with meters and several large parking garages close buy.
(5)
Tu-van L.

Since my first review I've come back to this place both in the evenings and for lunch. Each time the quality has remained the same in both food and service. The one change I might see is how heavy-handed the chefs are in spicing up your dishes, so be prepared!
(5)
Margaret A.

Tasty Burmese a few blocks from Silver Spring metro. Mandalay has a couple of decent beers on tap at reasonable prices. Full bar service but I did not try the cocktails. I recommend the eggplant fritters as an appetizer. At $12, the chicken green with pepper, onion, and tomato simmered in coconut cream sauce was my favorite entree. Definitely try the BaLaChaung side dish if you like spicy flavors - shrimp paste with fried onions and chili peppers. Goes well with just about everything on the menu. I went with a group and we ordered a variety of dishes and shared them. The total per person (with drinks) came to about $20 when we split the tab. I would go here again.
(4)
Jerry Y.

I've eaten in many Asian restaurants in my life. The food is remarkable, the prices more than reasonable for the quality and quantity of the food, and the service is very friendly. The tables are spaced so that you can have a conversation with friends without yelling across the table. I must go back on my next visit to the DC area.
(5)
Steve T.

Over priced. Small portions and they charge for small extra rice. All bad forms. The food was okay.
(2)
John G.

Wow. What a find. Great food from Mandalay. Great selection of appetizers and beers to start. Did the spring rolls and pototo rolls. Loved them both with the spicy sauce. For main entrees, we had the chicken in curry sauce, shrimp with vegetables and a pork rice dish. All were cooked well and had scrumptious flavors. They do a great job here. Nice service and the ambiance is ok. Best of all is the price. Entrees were only $10.99 to $12.99. So, great place to eat at a very affordable price.
(4)
Leyali R.

Had a wonderful spontaneous dinner here for the first time tonight. The atmosphere upon entering was relaxed and pleasant, and we were seated quickly for a Friday night, despite the place being busy. Service was prompt and our waiter was helpful and friendly throughout our dinner. Onto the food. I was thrilled with the vegetarian selection, while my husband was drooling over the various meat-laden dishes on the menu. We decided to share the gram fritters appetizer and the ginger salad (minus the fish sauce for me) as starters. The fritters were done well and we liked the dipping sauce, but the salad was truly beautiful. A fresh, strong ginger flavor complimented by the crunch of the Burmese dressing and cabbage- the fried garlic was an unexpected touch that blended really nicely. Seriously, I could have eaten this all night. But we did actually order dinner, and the vegetarian entrees were so diverse that it took me sometime before I settled on the Nyat Kaukswe Gyaw (stir-fried flat rice noodles with tofu and other delectables). Our waiter mentioned it was the most popular veg dish on the menu, and once I tasted it, I could see why. The combination of flavors with the perfectly fried tofu, creamy yellow beans, fresh lettuce, and brown sauce was amazing. Husband tried the pork in pickled mango curry (ordered very spicy) and was happy with the level of heat and the tang of the pickled curry- he commented on how homemade and fresh everything tasted, and I agreed 100%. We had no room for dessert this time, but definitely plan to try the shwe ji next time. And next time will be sooner rather than later, as we both thoroughly enjoyed the distinct and fresh flavors infused in every dish we tried. Bravo for the Burmese food here!
(5)
Matt F.

Coconut shrimp was awesome. The green papaya salad was entirely tasty but we could not detect papaya. Would order again
(5)
Jeff T.

Really amazing food. My first Burmese Restaurant and the best salads in the world. Definitely try the Spring Roll salad, you won't be disappointed! =)
(5)
Lillian C.

I honestly think it's too pricey- your portion size is modest, the ingredients aren't high caliber, and i know it didn't take that much effort to throw a few ingredients into a sauce base so should I be paying 13 dollars for 6 pieces of shrimp floating in a tomato sauce ? The ingredients are typical of asian american restaurants- onions, tomatoes, green peppers and some sort of meat/tofu with rice/noodles. maybe the occasional bean sprout or cilantro but everything is pretty tame. The food is decent but pretty unremarkable. All the appetizers are 4 pieces of deep fried somethings, all priced around 5.49, the "fritters" are in the same type of "sweet and sour" batter. 8 dollars for a cocktail as well ehhhh My melon cooler was good but borderline sickly sweet. When you order dessert they plunk it in front of you as fast as they can- nuke the sticky rice dish in the microwave for a minute, grab the coconut out of the freezer and stick it on a plate. They really aim for FAST service, but not necessarily for an enjoyable and comfortable experience. They will refill your glass, you will have a waiter at your side but there's this urgency to the service that makes you want to get out there quickly. This is a positive if I was carrying out, but your entrees come while your "fritter" is still traveling down your esophagus. Overall, I'd say stick to the noodle dishes (the broad noodle dish is very good, i think its #4 that I ordered), and skip the dessert / app's because they're not worth it.
(3)
Lauren B.

#NAME?
(4)
Bruce J.

Mandalay, oh, Mandalay. How I love you, Mandalay. I discovered Mandalay back when it was located on beautiful Rt. 1, in College Park. What an oasis in the vast wasteland of fast food chains it was! As a result, even though Mandalay was a trek from campus, the place was always full, at least at lunch time, mainly with grad students, profs, and staff. Luckily for me (though not for those still in C.P.) Mandalay relocated to Silver Spring, closer to where I live, shortly after I finished my degree. Now, it's in a bigger, nicer space, and last time I was there it was as busy as ever. Deservedly so. Food is the main reason to go to Mandalay. Oh, man, is it good. So many tasty flavors abound. I love the samosas. Warm and crispy with a mellow, but spicy dipping sauce. Then there are the salads. Tofu with sour mustard's my favorite, but sometimes I opt for the gram fritter, papaya, or mango. And for an entree? Usually I'm torn between tofu with sour mustard and tofu with coconut cream curry. Maybe it's because all of my early trips to Mandalay were with my vegan friend, Asim, but I prefer the vegetarian versions of these dishes. I know people who eat at Mandalay multiple times a week. And I've taken out-of-towners there who still talk about the place years after I introduced them to it. Besides the symphony of flavors, everyone's amazed at how affordable a meal here is. Not every metro area has a good Burmese restaurant. While the DC area is fortunate to have two, this remains my favorite.
(5)
B. A.

Last Thursday I had the special (two pieces of chicken in an onion/tomato sauce and coconut rice). I have been unable to stop thinking about it. I wake up in the middle of the night craving it. One of the best things I've eaten since moving to the area. For dessert we had the coconut sticky rice. Warm, sweet and the perfect end to a meal.
(5)
Candace C.

All 4 of us had the same reactions to everything we ordered--not quite what we were expecting, but not necessarily a bad thing. Based on some of the reviews, we were kind of expecting something similar to Thai food and while some dishes were close, they were definitely distinct. The highlight of this trip for me was the iced black tea--the flavor accomplished here is similar to the much treasured ice milk tea in Hong Kong--a flavor that has challenged many to recreate outside of Asia. I'll be back for many more glasses of this for sure. I won't slaughter the names here, but we ordered two noodle dishes--the noodle combination dish and the stir fried flat rice noodles--both of these we liked. We also ordered two beef dishes--a curry dish and another with potatoes--both of which we found too salty. While we didn't walk away thinking this was the best restaurant, I can't keep but thinking that we didn't order the right dishes, so I'll be back to give it another try (and drink another glass or two of the iced tea).
(3)
Wen Z.

The food here is similar as Thai food with cheaper presentation. The price value is so so.
(3)
Constance C.

Yum! We came many years ago and sat next to a really awkwardly fascinating pair of nutcases on what had to have been a first date. I think that soured my husband on the place but luckily, I convinced him to finally return. We were very pleased with our mixed noodle/tofu dish and our pickled mustard green pork. The noodles were a little sweet and had a nice fresh crunch thanks to peanuts and veggies, and the pork was savory and delicious with white rice. We'll definitely be going back to try more dishes. Our waiter was super nice and knowledgeable about the ingredients in each dish and was very helpful in accommodating an allergy to garlic.
(4)
Dak F.

Can't decide between Indian or Thai? Split the difference and try Burmese. This isn't fine dining, and if Mandalay had posed as it, I would have given them 3 stars, but the prices are excellent. Seafood #5 (Sour greens and shrimp) is killer. The samosas, though, are not what you might expect, and they are small and greasy. A word of caution: I find that Mandalay's sense of "hot, medium, and mild" varies from visit to visit. I think they add chili to order and eyeball it. I've been here at least a half dozen times and never have been disappointed.
(4)
Beth K.

One of my favorite Asian restaurants in the DC area, especially since it moved from the location in College Park. Don't get me wrong- the old strip mall feel certainly had character but this location is much nicer and is convenient to combine with other activities in Silver Spring. The food is delicious and the service is exceptional. It's the kind of place where pretty much the entire staff is made up of members of the family that owns it.
(5)
Azher S.

Great quick meal. We ordered the egg plant dish, a red curry with shrimp and a coconut curry as well. Everything was spiced well. Hot is really hot and medium is also quite hot but seemed to be just right. The samosas we had for an appetizer lacked flavor.
(4)
Jeff P.

I was once again surprised to find that some of the best restaurants in Silver Spring are mere blocks from where I live. I have gone to Mandalay twice since moving to Silver Spring, and it's just fabulous. The first time was back in December with some friends of mine who live down in VA, and we all loved it. I had AMeThar PinSane Hin (a beef curry dish) and it was delicious (if you haven't figured out that I'm a curry fan yet, read some of my other reviews!). One of my friends is Taiwanese, and she said that the noodle dish she ordered reminded her of home, that it was the closest thing to the way her family cooks that she's had in the D.C. area. For sweet treats my friends had both gotten Iced LaPetYay, which is black tea with condensed milk and sugar (vaguely similar to Thai iced tea). I opted to wait until dessert and got the coconut ice cream. This was fantastic. It was really flavorful and came served in half of a carved out coconut. Also, the menu said it was vegan, which I thought was pretty cool. The second time I ate at Mandalay I came by myself and decided to work on giving myself heartburn by ordering a noodle dish "a little spicy". I like spicy food a lot, but don't really have a tolerance for it as many of my friends can attest to :-) I ordered the NanJee Thoke, which are thick noodles cooked with chicken, onion, cabbage and cilantro. In Burmese tradition, this noodle dish is served at room temperature, which was good because then I could focus simply on dealing with the spiciness. Seriously, if you go here do not ask for spicy unless you either grew up on it or are a glutton for pain, because they mean business. The dish was cooked perfectly though. Luckily for me the walk home was short! Chalk this place up as another one of my favorites in Silver Spring.
(5)
Ben B.

Tried this place out for dinner on a Friday night with a friend, based on a lot of positive reviews on here, and from word of mouth. The place was quiet at 5:30 when we arrived. The hostess was not very energetic, although she was not rude either. Staff was attentive the entire evening in taking our order, delivering food and providing the check. I ordered the Burmese Samosa (Golden Triangle), and NanJee Thoke (noodles with meat, vegetables and house sauce), my friend ordered a Mai Thai and Ngar MaGeeThee Hin (tomato curry salmon). The Golden Triange fritters were not our favorite, although not bad either. Both entrees were delicious. Will most certainly be returning soon.
(4)
Kasumi L.

OMG this place is amazing. AHH. My mouth is watering right now and I haven't even written my review yet. Where to begin.. ok I like to order the fritter salad, and the beef in a cilatro tomato curry sauce. I can't remember exactly what is was called but it's so amazingly flavorful and good. The soups are great too, and the ice tea. I wish it wasn't 11pm right now. I would drive 40 minutes to eat it right now if I could. The waiters are friendly and it's just one of those places where everything on the menu is spectacular. It's fast, it's easy. GO NOW.
(5)
E. P.

It was my first time eating Burmese food. As a fan of the cuisine of the nations surrounding Myanmar, I was certain I'd love it. And I did -- though more so the appetizer, salad and dessert than the entrees. The gyinn thoke (ginger salad) woke up my tastebuds -- the flavor profile was amazing and not overly spicy like I imagine a salad comprised of raw ginger would be. I was impressed that the server asked if we'd like the Burmese dressing that comes with the salad vegetarian or non-vegetarian (meaning: with or without fish sauce). A perfect example of how attentive the wait staff are. The gram fritters were light and crisp, with a tooth like corn meal -- a nice texture and savory taste. The dishes served in the onion tomato base curry are far superior to the ones in the onion base curry; the former was succulent, spicy and textural, whereas the latter was bland and oily. The ShweJi dessert was a first -- Cream of Wheat made with coconut milk, sugar, eggs. It was like a cross between a rice pudding and a Burmese creme brulee. And topped with white poppy seeds, which I'd never encountered before. It was warm and comforting. The restaurant interior feels like an outdated retirement home dining room -- but I'm not coming there for the scene. Will try more entrees next time and hope to turn this four-star review into a five.
(4)
Paul T.

I had gram fritters- I liked them, but she did not care for the texture. She liked her eggplant better. Iced coffee was great, the wine was good, too. She had shrimp, peppers, & onion in a coconut curry sauce. She asked for very spicy and was undewhelmed. It tastes good, though. I had pork and sausage with onion and pepper. Very good, indeed. The portions were just right, and the service was attentive. We will be back.
(3)
Alexander L.

Has gone down hill in the past year. The quality of the ingredients is not the same and the chicken was overcooked.
(3)
Tuan T.

Ever since my office relocated to Silver Spring, Mandalay has been the go to place for birthday lunches or just plain lunchtime stomach grumbling. Although influences from China and India are apparent, Burmese cuisine has its own unique identity, and it surprises me that it has not caught on as well as other South East Asian offerings. If you're not sure about what to order, check with Joe.He's the owner of the place. He has guided us from day one and his recommendations have never disappointed. Since then a few favorites have emerged: green tea leaf salad, stir fried yellow beans, chicken with bitter melon, pork with Chinese sausages, beef with fresh basil and, last but definitely on top of my list, noodle number 6, which is flat rice noodle stir fried with seafood. With so many delicious choices, I seldom have room for dessert. Still I have to cap it off with an order of shweji; a tasty baked treat made from cream of wheat, coconut cream, raisins, and topped with poppy seeds. Although you can indicate the level of heat, the food is best at its spiciest. So, leave behind your wimpy friends for a day and enjoy the feast.
(5)
Missy T.

I wasn't quite sure what Burmese food was, but a co-worker told me I had to check it out. I'm a fan of Indian and Thai food (I now know that Burmese is kind of a hybrid of the two) so how could I not love it? Now I'm a regular customer even though the portions could be bigger. The food is great, friendly service and the place is always hoppin' during lunch and dinner. If you haven't had Burmese food, have it here.
(4)
Peter K.

I've never had Burmese food so I didn't really know what to expect. I figured it would be similar to Indonesian or Malaysian food. I was pleasantly surprised with their beer selection. Most Asian places only have Asian beers and some bad mainstream beers like Bud and Heineken. Mandalay had Hefeweizen on draft! Nice. Now to the food. I got the N01 noodle dish (I forgot the real name of it). I think it's kinda weird that its served room temperature. I guess that's the reason why the menu has a special note on that since other people have found that weird too. I think it would taste better if it was hot. We also got a beef with potato dish and a chicken with cilantro dish. Both were okay; nothing mindblowing. Not sure if I would come here again but it was cheap and far more interesting than the abundance of cookie cutter chain restaurants in Silver Spring (not that I have an inherent problem with chain restaurants).
(3)
Jesus J.

Burmese food (at this place at least) is very similar to Indian food. They have an delicious array of curry and other entrees. My favorite entree is the chicken and potatoes cooked in masala sauce. Most dishes allow you to select how spicy you want it. You have the choice of mild, medium, or spicy. The dishes that don't allow a choice will say "cooked with spicy peppers" or something similar, so you know what you're getting. The medium always sits right with me. I've tried spicy one time, and it was too much. I was only able to eat half of my meal. I may be a light weight, but I would recommend starting at a lower level and work your way up. The prices are reasonable and are typical (~$12-$15/dish). The service has always been excellent. The servers constantly come by to bring you more water and they always have a smile. Even when doing take out (which is the majority of my orders), the staff are very welcoming. The amount of food you receive for each dish isn't an incredible amount (it's not like Indian restaurants where you'll most definitely have leftovers). Now, this isn't to say they give you very little. It's plenty for one person, but it's nice to have leftovers for the next day's lunch. I frequent Mandalay about every week to every two weeks and I plan on continuing my pattern.
(5)
Pradeep H.

Awesome food...and decent ambience...Never knew Burmese food tasted this tasty and unique...There are a ton of items to choose from in the Menu...Loved the Yellow Lentils and the spices used...Loved the Baya gyaw (gram fritter)...Totally liked it. (FYI - Amex cards not accepted).
(5)
Eric L.

Chicken 11, spicy with a ginger salad. Perhaps I should branch out. I moved from Columbia some years ago to College Park. I looked for a place nearby and saw Mandalay on another website. Hmmm, Burmese? Ok, I try it. I drove up Route 1 only to find out that they moved. I saw the new address and tromped over to Silver Spring to check it out. I guess I was set on Burmese. To my surprise the place had a lot more charm than the pre-fabricated stuff popping up only a few blocks away. Yet it wasn't dumpy like a lot of old Silver Spring. I had a chance to talk to the owner and I've always been a curry lover so he gave me a few options. After countless visits, I'm stuck on one or two items. I branch out occasionally and have never been disappointed. The place is unpretentious but good. There's no million dollar koi pond or temple or anything like that. It's just good food with an interesting twist. Oh and by the way, their spicy isn't insanely hot. I had a Thai roommate years ago who could eat from a smelting furnace. In comparison, Mandalay is tame. Enjoy.
(3)
Sal A.

Really good food in here! you have something special in here. My girl and I were on a cross country trip and decided to stop by with the help of Yelp, we couldn't be any happier to stop by! GREAT FOOD, The Tofu Salad is a most! The entire menu is full with good stuff. I wish we had one in Los Angeles. My girl wanted some chili, so the staff prepared something for us, we are very grateful for it.
(5)
Mina A.

Arguably the best restaurant in downtown Silver Spring. Really delicious food and the owners/operators provide great service and are very friendly. Although the menu may seem intimidating, it's hard to go wrong when ordering here, as they have a lot of good dishes. The waiters can help you out if you're not sure. Some favorites of mine are: Mixed Noodle, Sour Mustard Chicken, Aloo Hin Curry witch Chicken, Pandauk Curry (on Sundays only), Papaya Salad, and Squash Fritters. The sauce they bring with appetizers is amazing. Each entree can be ordered however spicy you like it. If you like spicy, order Medium. If you don't want it spicy, try mild or "none" if you know you absolutely can't take the heat. Spicy is too damn spicy. Trust me. For dessert, Shweji and some Burmese iced coffee or Burmese iced tea hits the spot.
(5)
Beth C.

They catered our wedding. I think that says it all. Wait! There's more. EVERYONE could find something that they enjoyed, and guests still talk about the delicious food to this day. Even my family members who won't venture far from traditional American fare were heading back for seconds.
(5)
Mike S.

Outstanding. A favorite since they were in College Park.
(5)
Yusuke T.

Loved this place when I was in DC. The spring roll salad is great for appetizer, and the salmon dishes always hit the spot. And great if you have small kids - without fail, they'll bring out a mat to lay under the high chair, extra plates and a water cup with lid.
(4)
Allan R.

Do you know the way to Mandalay? This is, perhaps, my favorite restaurant in the Silver Spring area. Amazing, delicious food which is almost certainly like nothing like you've ever tried before. Nothing in the area anyway. Their salads are amazing, and I am no salad person. But then, Mandalay salads aren't like most salads. My favorite is the grean tealeaf salad, which sounds awful and tastes wonderful, and by god you've never eaten so much tealeaf in your life. My girlfriend, by contrast, prefers the unripe mango salad, which is also deserving of stellar reviews. Those are just the salads though. The entree menu is just as good. I'm a vegetarian by preference and this place has plenty for me to love. May I recommend the V08 (a yellow bean dish) or the Mandalay Tofu? And get dessert. The dessert is amazing too. More often then not when I've been there the owner himself is wandering around serving customers, and who can dislike that? Point being, go. Really. I know that a block away there are chain restaurants galore that attract far more money and attention. That's silly. Walk a block. Go to Mandalay. You won't be sorry.
(5)
Hana B.

This is the most authentic burmese food i have had, after my grandmothers burmese cooking. The dishes taste the same if not better than what she makes. I ordered the Lethoke Sone - absolutely amazing vegan dish full of textures and flavours that meld together to give a very authentic taste, without being very spicy or overwhelming at all. This is one of my favourite burmese dishes and this place knows how to do it with perfection! Also tried the Chicken KaukSwe Gyaw, felt the gravy could be a bit creamier, but still an exceptional dish thats really easy to love by all. Nice cozy family owned restaurant, well made dishes, I only wish i lived closer. This was easily the best part of my visit to Washington.
(5)
Gabi S.

This restaurant has found its niche in the area as the only (or at least only notable) Burmese restaurant. My personal favorites are their papaya salad (if you're vegetarian- ask for it without the fish sauce) and the V13 (sorry I don't remember the name!). The V13 is a delicious and very original tofu curry that you can ask for with vegetables. I go for medium spiciness and I appreciate that they ask how much heat you can take. But if you're at all unsure- go for mild just in case. Entrees run about $10-$12
(5)
Daniel K.

Mandelay is a vegetarian's dream come true. They do serve some meat dishes too but the veggie dishes are the best, in my opinion. I love the simosas, the tofu dishes and the cocunut (vegan) ice cream. The Tilapia was also very delicious. The sauces are very flavorful and the spice level is determined by mild, medium or hot. The medium was plenty hot. The cost is nominal and the service was quick! They obviously take great pride in their food and the server was very friendly.
(5)
Rebecca C.

This restaurant was my introduction to Burmese food, and boy am I glad it was. It's delicious, and I have never been disappointed -- except by other Burmese restaurants! I'm not a repeat orderer. I always want to try something different when I go to restaurants more than once, because I want to see what I've been missing. But I've ordered the KyetThar Ohnno Hin (chicken and veggies in coconut milk) multiple times; that's how good it is. I'd also recommend the tealeaf and papaya salads. I also tried a noodle dish with tofu that was spicy (don't remember the name) that was REALLY good, and very spicy. The best time I had here was when I went with a big group. Getting 10 people around a table and ordering that many different things was amazing! I tried so many things I never would have, and now have a much better idea about the full range of the country's cuisine. They also recently added a large bar area which makes waiting for a table much more pleasant. Mandalay is now a destination for me -- it's proximity to Quarry House and Piratz Tavern also doesn't hurt!
(4)
Ralph G.

I hate to say this to you Mandalay, but I think you're a bit average. If you've never had Burmese (myanmarese?) food before, then please, give this restaurant a chance. It's an interesting fusion of Thai, Chinese, and Indian with a bit of kick (especially if you request it "spicy"). The vegetarian selection is great, the best being the coconut curry tofu (splurge a dollar for the peppers and tomatoes). However, the actual taste of the food is nothing spectacular. The flavors are not as dynamic as Indian food, and the curry is not quite as good as thai. Also, the serving sizes (and bowls of rice) can leave a bit to be desired especially when it comes to the appetizers. It pains me to give this place an average rating, I take many out of town guests here and it's definitely worth checking out. However, I probably won't frequent it too often unless the quality of the food improves.
(3)
Jess L.

I've never had Burmese food before, but after a bit of Wikipedia research, I found out it's an amalgam of Indian, Vietnamese and Thai cuisine. Uhhh, yes please? Mmmm...maybe not with this restaurant. The service was fine because I was seated promptly and even though it was busy my water was refilled often. They had a large vegetarian menu, but I finally decided on V15 (HtaMin Paung). I ordered it medium spiciness, but I should have ordered it hot because I could barely taste any hotness. Overall the dish was pleasant, but they weren't kidding with the "brown sauce" description. It tasted as dull as the name. My friend ordered the tofu coconut curry which was much more tasty, but I can't believe they charged extra for adding veggies. Maybe I was spoiled when I lived in Seattle where I could get 50% more curry for half the price, but 10 bucks does seem a bit much for a dish that likely won't yield any leftovers to box up. Anyways, I'll have to agree with others when they say this place is quite average. I'm still looking forward to eating more distinct Burmese food somewhere.
(3)
Kate C.

I liked them better in college park.....but I still them in silver spring... 1st thing - when they say hot they mean HOT...so don't play tough guy cuz Ur gonna lose. I LOVE THE CHOP SALADS AND THE SQUASH FRITTERS.....they also have a great vegetarian curry with potatoes.
(4)
Alexis G.

3.5 stars. Welcome to your local Burmese family diner. That's what I thought when we walked in the other night. I panicked for a second because I thought that meant they didn't serve booze, but a wave of relief washed over me when I saw beer at one of the tables. I have to say I enjoyed my first experience with Burmese. This place has a whole vegetarian menu, and the appetizers (Golden Triangles) were amazing. I had the Tofu Ohnno Hin and I loved it and so did my hus. In fact, I think my friend finished his dinner in like 30 seconds. He had a full plate, then I dropped my fork and leaned down to pick it up and when I looked at his plate again, it was completely empty. I'm exaggerating, but not by much. One bad thing about this place is the service is terrible. I don't ask for much, seriously. But the only time we saw our waitress was when she took our order. I flagged down the busboy for another drink and our check was brought by someone I'd never seen before ... not sure if he even worked there.
(3)
Neal C.

A longtime fan of Burmese in Philly (Rangoon) and NYC (Mingala), my wife and I are hooked on Mandalay - it is the real deal. The mango salad is addictive as is Noodle Dish #1. Some items are more tasty than others but nothing is bad. I suggest reading the reviews in the foyer as you will probably forget the Burmese words from Yelp by the time you get to the restaurant. You can get most items vegetarian (no fish sauce) and a lot of items are vegan as well. They have a few good beers on tap and in bottles and have a hilarious drink menu that is evocative of a Caribbean resort and not the hole-in-the-wall ambiance that is Mandalay.
(5)
Shieva R.

I've known about mandalay and wanted to try it for a while now so I decided to do some carry out after a long day. First, I have to say that I got lost getting there, then some bozo rear ended me on my drive home, and all in all I had to work realllly hard to finally get some Burmese food in my belly! I think i was looking for something amazing. It wasn't amazing but it was good. My entree portion was a bit small, but good, I ordered the coconut curry chicken. It reminded me a lot of indian cuisine; and just like everyone else has already said if you want any sort of spiciness order your food extra spicy. I had medium and wished I would've ordered much spicier. I also had a room temperature noodle dish that i really didn't care for at all. I think it was a mix of 5 noodles or something I think I chose to block it out. And there was the fermented tea leaf salad, which was bitter but to me the flavors were interesting and the bitter worked, my family on the other hand just found it bitter. This was the most interesting thing I ate, and i think the only place i'll be able to find a salad like this, so for the sake of being new and interesting i loved it! Of course I made sure to order the cream of wheat dessert, which i really really enjoyed!! Overall, the food was good, I'm sure I'll be back ordering everything extra spicy!
(4)
Amanda B.

The menu has a great variety and the food is top knotch. The curries are great and I cannot go there without getting the mango salad. The quality of the meat is just ok (I'm told by meat-eaters), but their tofu is awesome. They have a great mix of offerings and flavors that you cannot get anywhere else. As for the atmosphere, they could work on it a little. The decor worked when it was a hole in the wall in College Park, but now it feels a little strange in the huge space. Also, it can be a little annoying when there is a wait because they do not have enough staff, yet you can see many tables open. Still, the food is definitely worth waiting for, and they now have a bar area where you can wait.
(4)
Karthik B.

I've always judged cities based on the quality of its Burmese food. Mandalay is absolutely amazing, meaning that Silver Spring and the entire DC area must also be just as awesome. I came here twice in a single week, ate fully vegetarian meals, and didn't feel like the flavors were being repeated. Both times I visited, my group ordered several dishes and split them family style. I think this is the way to do it -- any other way and you don't get to sample the wide variety of dishes. Definitely start with one of their salads, it's NOT a simple green salad with random vegetables sprinkled in. I personally like the mango and papaya ones. The only thing that I would change is the rice portions...when people order family style, it would be great to either get a single large pot of rice, or have the waiter come by more often to replace the individual bowls. It's a little annoying when you have a delicious curry and no rice to eat it with....
(4)
Jonathon B.

The flavor is amazing on every type of food we ordered. Service was fast. Prices were very good. They do mixed drinks really good too.
(5)
Jayne M.

Revolting. We ordered two appetizers and two entrees. The Burmese rice salad appetizer had hard/uncooked bits of rice with the soft, and tasted as thought it had been left sitting out for a while (yes, I know it's served room temperature). The samosas were greasy and tasteless. The onion-tomato beef curry had so much salt in it, there was literally no other discernable flavor. The beef was not good quality - tough and chewy. The mixed noodles entree was mushy - the noodles had no integrity, the cabbage mixed in with the dish was old, again, it tasted as though it had been sitting out for a while. We ate about two bites and asked the waitress to take it away. Staff: manager argued with us about whether or not the noodles were supposed to be mushy. Do yourself a favor, if you like Burmese food, don't bother with this place.
(1)
Carolyn P.

I can't say enough how good they are to me here. It's become one of my favorite places, both because I love the food, and the staff are so helpful. I need to eat gluten-free, and they will not only let me know when I order whether I can eat a particular dish, they have offered to adjust how some of them are made so that I can have it. I mean most places just won't do that, that's awesome. I love the tea leaf salad -- such a different blend of flavors, including an added crunch from toasted garlic. The pickled mango curry is amazing, probably my favorite dish. When you order they ask you how spicy you want it, and while I am a spice-fiend, I am always happy with 'medium.' Just be prepared for a lot of hot chili pepper in your mouth if you ask for hot! (In other words it's not a 'fake' spicy scale.) They also have an extensive drinks menu, including a long list of cocktails they designed, a decent beer selection (including gluten-free!) and several organic wines. My vegetarian friends seem to eat very well here too, worth noting.
(5)
Kevin M.

Again, it ain't fancy, but it remains my favorite restaurant in DC at this point. The food is always delicious and the service is fast and efficient. I don't pick restaurants based on ambiance except when I'm on a date, and sometimes not then.
(5)
Natalie F.

Delicious food and fantastic service! Came here for dinner over the weekend with a few friends and sampled several tasty dishes. We started with the Samosas and the Green Papaya salad, both were excellent. The salad was super fresh and delightfully flavorful. For dinner, we ordered the mixed noodle dish with fried tofu, vegetables, fresh cilantro tossed with a Burmese dressing served at room temperature. It was fabulous! We also tried the lightly fried catfish in an onion-tomato based curry sauce with green pepper. The catfish was cooked to perfection; light and flaky which was surprising seeing as how it was fried. We also ordered a chicken entree which I didn't try but everyone else seemed to enjoy. For desert we shared the Shweji which was simply divine and surprisingly satisfying shared between 4 people. It was similar to a custard but a bit firmer in consistency. Subtly sweet with sugar, coconut cream and topped with poppy seeds. Simply divine! The portions are rather small if your use to typical "American" restaurants but I think it's more quality over quantity here. Can't wait to come back!
(4)
Pete D.

I love asian food and I love Thai food especially. That being said I would implore anyone who likes Thai food to try Mandalay. The Burmese food is spicy but it's different enough to make it interesting. Good vegetarian choices here. My favorites are the V6, V8 and V12 - I can't remember the names. The coconut ice cream is good but a little pricey. The greean mango salad is great also. The service leaves something to be desired but if you focus on the food you will enjoy your time here.
(4)
Maya E.

Mandalay has a friendly staff and long menu, but I wasn't as impressed with the food as I hoped I would be after reading other reviews. The food we had was good, but not all that memorable for us.
(3)
Kim B.

This was my first time with Burmese food, so I can't testify as to any level of authenticity. I can, however, attest to a level of yumminess. My friend and I ordered a vegan fritter (I totally can't remember the name of it -- I believe it's the first thing listed on the menu) to start off the night that was pretty good -- very light with a similarly light sweeter dipping sauce. My main dish was fried tofu in chili sauce, while my friend had a rice noodle and tofu dish. The tofu seemed like it may have been pressed -- it was very dense. When I ordered, the server asked me if I knew the dish was spicy. I didn't, but said that was fine, as I like spicy food. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the food was actually spicy! It wasn't too spicy for me, but my friend (who also likes spicy food) was actually a little taken aback by the heat. I admit that I was happy to have some rice to cut the heat a bit so I could fully enjoy the flavor. My friend's noodle dish was spicy and more mild than mine. The rice noodles were cooked well and both dishes were very flavorful. The best part was dessert. We shared a vegan pineapple ice cream that was made with coconut milk. It came frozen in a baby pineapple! We were both pretty psyched with the presentation and it tasted really good -- so good, in fact, that if they sold it in pints, I would probably purchase it.
(4)
Patrick H.

On a recent visit I ordered the Mandalay KyetThar which is served room temperature. It's described as "White meat chicken strips boiled, and served with lemon-soy, crushed peanuts, and sesame seed sauce". Sounds pleasant enough... they forget to mention that it's quite spicy. The waitress advised that the sauce could only be served very spicy or moderately spicy. Mild was not an option. I like spicy, but I know better than to order something very spicy until I understand exactly what that means to a specific restaurant or cuisine. My dining companion ordered the Shrimp in Tomato Onion Curry, also ordered moderately spicy. We decided to split everything. Thank God we ordered them moderately spicy. Both dishes had that sneaky burn that you don't notice at first, but which continues to get spicier and spicier the more you eat, until your lips are tingling and your mouth is quite literally on fire. Water won't help you, the rice is little comfort, and it tastes so damn good that you just keep eating making matters worse. As an added bonus I unwittingly ordered a small bowl of the AChin Yay "Lemon and garlic with hot chili sauce". "It makes things a little hotter" said our lovely waitress. I didn't realize that Satan made a hot sauce, but apparently he does. It's called A Chin Yay, and it comes from Burma. It definitely makes things a little hotter. I put some on the Shrimp Curry and the first bite actually made me cough. I am also smart enough to know not to douse my food with an unknown hot sauce until I have gauged the intensity of what I am about to eat. Needless to say, the AChin Yay was used only sparingly after that. Despite the intensity of the heat (which I actually love), this is really fantastic food. Everything is fresh and tasty, with simple presentations that highlight the direct flavors of the dish. Service was incredibly attentive and friendly. Our waitress gave us many suggestions and we felt like she helped us to choose wisely. hardypartyreview.blogspoâ€¦
(4)
Jade T.

Not impressed. Pros: Mandalay has a good selection of vegan dishes at moderate prices ($10 or less). Water constantly refilled. Pleasant wait staff. Cons: The food is mediocre. The quality was fine, but maybe Burmese food just doesn't please my palate. I love the flavors of Thai, Indian and Chinese food, but they don't match so well together. I had V10 (tofu with hot pepper in tomato curry sauce), which was basically a tomato stew with tofu. The V4 (vegetables with brown sauce) is a dish you can find at any Chinese (Vegetables with Garlic Sauce) or Thai restaurant (Pad Pak Ruam). Only, their sauce was sweeter and slightly thicker. The Papaya Salad was not very appetizing. It had a very odd texture to it, which I assume is from sugar granules (palm sugar is used in papaya salads). It didn't have the wonderful tang of Thai Papaya Salad. While Burmese has cuisine of their own, it is certainly influenced by the surrounding regions. I recommend Mandalay for vegans/vegetarians looking to try something new. I, on the other hand, wouldn't be returning here.
(3)
Karen A.

Mmmmm I just adore this place. I've only eaten here for lunch and have never been less than delighted with my meal. To top it off everything on the menu is relatively affordable. The ginger salad is among my favorites: lightly dressed shredded ginger, cabbage, and carrot with fried garlic. Your breath will smell so yummy after eating this dish! The mixed noodle dish (noodle #1) and Mandalay tofu (vegetarian #5) are my two favorite entree dishes. The sauce on the Mandalay tofu has such a wonderful flavor... I usually order my meals spicy but it almost takes away from the flavor of the sauce on this dish, so I would recommend ordering on the milder side. And when the waiter asks how spicy you would like your dish, order on the side of caution because spicy at Mandalay means SPICY! The iced tea with condensed milk and sugar is a perfect compliment to everything on the menu, especially on a hot day. Once you try this place you will be hooked forever!
(5)
Jess S.

Mandalay is consistently great. Love the tofu panang. & the cream of wheat dessert.
(4)
Ji-In L.

3.5 stars. I can't give it quite 4 because Burma Superstar in SF is a solid 4 and this place just isn't as good, but it's still good. The green tea leaf salad was yummy and so was the shrimp coconut curry and the noodle dish with curried chicken. Warning: the coconut curry dish was still a tad spicy (but delicious) even when ordered mild. Bonus points for having some tasty imported beers on draft for only $3. Service was friendly. If I'm ever back in Silver Spring, I'd come back.
(3)
Kyle U.

I love going here. The food is delicious. Last time I ordered V15 which is steamed vegetables over rice with a thick brown sauce with ginger. I ordered it very spicy. It was super hot. Like hotter than any dish I've ever had before. Maybe next time i'll just get medium or regular spicy. Not much more I can say that isn't covered in the other reviews. Just go here if you can appreciate good food.
(5)
Kalpa S.

The food here is OVER-THE-TOP TASTY!! I had never had 'Burmese' food before, and holy cow, was I in for a treat. As I was eating through my 3 course dinner, mild music was playing in head...happy-joy, anyway, I digress. We had the Baya gyaw (gram fritter), squash fritter, burmese samosa and the Green Papaya salad. If you're new, definitely try the burmese samosa. So flaky, so light, its great. Oh, and the salads are seasonal...so, in summer, I would definitely recommend the papaya salad - it was super-delish. The burmese dressing, which is made out of fermented fish sauce is great. My sis went for the vegetarian dressing, which was a type of Burmese vinagrette, which also tasted nice. For the entree, I had the Kayaan Thee him (eggplant). This was thai-eggplant, simmered in a broth... so tasty, I could bathe in it. Sis had Mandalay tofu (ordered hot). Holy-moly, hot REALLY meant HOT. There was a sesame-chilli pepper powder they use with this house-speciality, that was increadibly tasty and so flavourful. For my palate though, I would stay at the medium spicy...I like spicy food, but prefer not to have my mouth on fire ;) ;) Sis' husband had the tofu-in-coconut curry. That coconut curry sauce was amazing. Keep in mind that being a combination of Indian and Thai cuisines, burmese flavors combine, chili, sesame, coconut, ginger and garlic. For dessert, we ordered the coconut ice-cream, served in a coconut, pineapple ice cream in a pineapple. I would prefer they change the ice-cream names into sorbets. Because while flavorful, they're not as creamy as one would expect. But kudos for the presentation. I had the shweji, which was good (not too sweet, just right) Didn't quite care for the cocktails. Lacked sophistication. The wait staff were so-so. (that's the one point down) Overall, food was Fantastic, will be back!
(4)
Anu G.

Great veggie food. The tofu is always sautÃ©ed perfectly. The food is a mix of Thai and Indian fusion. Nice and spicy. I always try to get myself there for the food, even though it's a bit of a drive for me from VA.
(5)
Kimberly W.

I'm pretty sure there's a troop of Burmese grandmas in the kitchen preparing this food. Everything tastes homemade, completely lacking the commercial taste that is so common in most restaurants. I've been here a few times. My most recent visit was for lunch. I tried the A Loo Hin (potatoes with a curry sauce) and the Tofu MoteNyinChin Gyaw (tofu with a mustard sauce). At first I was a little disappointed because neither was as spicy as I was hoping, but after a few bites I realized that they were actually really good the way they were. They had some subtle flavors I might have missed if they were any hotter.
(4)
Eliza K.

The cocktails are great, and the food is fantastic. We moved out of silver spring several months ago, and when we were asked what is the one place we missed the most, this was our pick.
(5)
Ian N.

I try not to spend money eating out, but when I do, it's usually here. Mandalay is unarguably a price-performance winner for the $10-12 entree range. It's my tendency to repeatedly order green curry chicken at south Asian restaurants, but of the half-dozen people I've eaten with here, nobody has had a dish not worth their while. We love the Burmese formula of geographically and gastronomically bordering India, China, and Thailand. You owe it to yourself to try every dessert, starting with the unbelievably delicious cream-of-wheat-based ShweJi; my fiancee and I struggle not to order every dessert choice every time. The dishes are served authentically in that they can be spicy for the weak-palated. I like to feel the heat, so I order the dishes spicy. I once offhandedly ordered a dish "very spicy", not knowing that this specifically means "like grandma makes it;" orderer beware. There is a small selection of reasonably well-picked Asian import beers; the house beer is better than expected. Several waitstaff cover your table, which in my experience has contributed to responsive service. As noted elsewhere, the kitchen closes 30 mins before close, and the portions are no more than 1 meal's worth. Spurn the megachains that taste the same from California to Miami in favor of this gem.
(5)
Margaret H.

Great food. GREAT service. I was impressed. Try the mixed noodle salad or NO1. Great combination of flavors. Seriously enjoyed myself.
(4)
Ayon J. R.

I can't believe they are selling such great food at such reasonable prices! The wait staff were very friendly also.
(4)
Rick B.

Excellent service, broad menu selection, and great pricing. Highly recommended.
(4)
Octavius I.

This place is money !!!! Good food, cheap prices, and cozy atmosphere.
(4)
Will M.

Very fresh, filling but not heavy. The dipping sauce they serve with the golden triangles rocks, it goes with everything. The wife and I will return.
(4)
MrJoel ..

This is not a full review (maybe later), but I just had to respond to Rob M.'s post for the sake of my fellow beer-lovers. There's no Burmese beer at Mandalay, on draft or otherwise, and according to one of the owners there never was. They do have "Mandalay Ale" but that is an American beer made for them locally and widely available under its "real" name elsewhere. A friend and I went in seeking the mystery beer. However, between Jennifer the hilarious bartender and a few plates of good food, we left happy. Just FYI!
(3)
Maria P.

I have loved Mandalay ever since it was in College Park. It was one of the few things I really missed about the DC area when I was living in Baltimore. When I was a vegetarian, there was always something on the menu for me. Now that I'm not anymore, my favorite dish has become the tamarind catfish curry--I can credit this dish with getting me to appreciate catfish. I am really surprised that some reviewers have called the food at Mandalay bland! I know I'm a wimp, but their "medium" is too spicy for me. I like that they give you options for the spiciness of your entree. "Hot" is not for the faint of heart. To address a couple of other comments: I don't think the portions here are too small (a comment I've heard before from friends). I think they're just right--I think we're just all used to the portions at most Chinese restaurants (where I usually find myself taking home leftovers). The other thing is, the best way to experience this or many other Asian cuisines is family-style...order a salad and a couple entrees and then share them. That way you won't get bored with just potato curry (which I think is great, but not really a well-balanced meal). There are so many things on the menu, and chances are you're probably not going to love all of them. It took me a while to find my favorites. I think this can be a kid-friendly place, depending on the kid. We took my 6-year-old stepdaughter and her 5-year-old friend here and they loved it (this is where sharing entrees comes in handy; kids can't finish a whole one themselves). They were especially thrilled by the coconut ice cream in a real coconut!
(5)
A B.

Unbelievable - like Indian and Thai food had a beautiful love child! I had tofu with tomatoes, green peppers, and onions in coconut milk curry sauces. The samosas were fabulous (the orange curry/sauce they were served with was really different and good), and the shweji for dessert was perfect. Highly recommended.
(5)
kim c.

So wonderful. Lots of options for veggies. Everything we had was great--the veggie soup was delicious, and the mixed noodle dish was one of my favorite noodle dishes of all time. And, seriously, vegan coconut ice cream, in a tiny coconut? AMAZING.
(5)
Pascal P.

I've been here once and was very happy with the food that I had. Both the appetizer (Burmese Samosas) and my main dish (pork w/mango curry) were delicious. I went with someone who was a vegetarian, and there were lots of excellent looking meatless options on their menu as well. Service was prompt and friendly, and their prices are fantastic. An appetizer, two entrees and a beer came out to around thirty bucks. I'm coming back here the next time I'm in Silver Spring.
(5)
TkdElf H.

We had a surprisingly good dinner at Mandalay tonight. I've had Burmese food before and sometimes it's just weird, but this place was actually good. We started with the Gram Salad. I liked the salad part a lot, but there was too much of the fried gram fritter. For a main course I got the first noodle dish. It had mixed noodles, tofu, potatoes, onion, and cabbage. I had to get mild to share with a little person, but they did bring me some really good hot sauce to spice it up. Since I'd ordered it mild it was pretty plain, but pretty good. My husband got pork with sour mustard. He thought the pork was well cooked and a good flavor and the mustard and onions were also tasty, but a little overpowering. The combination of the super tart pork and mustard greens and the plain noodles was a nice balance. The full page of vegetarian entrees provided a lot of great options for a return visit. For dessert the vegan coconut ice cream was rich, creamy goodness to rival any non-vegan version. The cream of wheat, bread pudding thing (first dessert) was warm and yummy and just the right amount of sweet. Based on other reviews we had low expectations for the decor, but we thought it was cozy and interesting. At least it was not stark and boring. Our favorite part of the service was when we got the busboy talking about Burma itself and his life there. That made the whole experience more authentic.
(4)
Ben W.

Absolutely amazing food. First time trying Burmese cuisine and could not have had a better introduction into the culture. Service was excellent on a Thursday evening. My wife and I were seated immediately and our server provided excellent suggestions. The s07 (I wont attempt to butcher the name) shrimp, in a coconut curry sauce was phenomenal. My wife's mixed noodles were excellent and as we split it was a great combination of dishes. We will definitely be coming back in the future. Great beer prices too, leffe at $3.00 a bottle. Two entrees and a drink came to under $30.00
(5)
Jono S.

In as much as you don't have much choice when it comes to Burmese food in the D.C. area, it would almost be an affront to say that Mandalay is the best Burmese restaurant. The matriarch chef of the family who owns the restaurant cooks delectable authentic home-style meals, though many items on the menu have a similar taste. Burmese cuisine is often compared to a cross between Thai and Indian food with myriad curry and noodle dishes, yet the large variety of salads are what stands out as particularly unique. The green tea salad is quite the novelty, albeit a slight after-taste is apparent but not unexpected. My favorites are the papaya and the gram fritter salads. Whenever I go to Mandalay, I'm tempted to make a meal out of the salads alone, which is no wonder, because the restaurant practically caters to vegetarians with a wide assortment of dishes in every category. The wait staff will even offer to serve dishes such as the salads without the fish sauce, which is a common ingredient in South East Asian cuisine and a common faux pas when ordering for the unsuspecting vegetarian.
(4)
Nan W.

I give Mandalay 3.5 stars, but Yelp doesn't allow that. So I'll err on the side of mercy and give 4. Mandalay is a reliable spot to grab a cheap and tasty meal. Decor-wise, it falls between hole in the wall and family restaurant. It's pleasantly busy but not noisy. You can hold a conversation with your friends without getting hoarse. There are booths; if you can snag one, do. Don't miss the shredded green papaya salad - a perfectly balanced combination, spiced just right. Utterly delicious and possibly good for you! The golden triangles are among the better appetizers. I'd skip the gram fritters - kind of like deep fried cream of wheat in texture, and the main flavor appears to be salt. The noodle dishes are a sure bet. Tofu comes with tomatoes, onions and cilantro - a winning combination. I'm a veg so I can't comment on the meat end of the menu, but I believe most if not all the chicken dishes use dark meat, in case that matters to you. The parking lot spaces are tight. If you don't want a ding on your shiny new motor, park down the street at the bank (if you're there after banking hours) or get a meter if you can.
(4)
Amanda H.

Room temperature noodles don't sound tantalizing, but oh, they are delicious. I also *love* Mandalay's chicken and sour mustard greens.
(4)
Jeni Y.

While home for the holidays, I 'ventured' out with a friend to try some Burmese food, as neither one of us have had it yet. One thing I liked about Mandalay was its atmosphere. Although located in downtown Silver Spring, the inside is very unassuming and quite unlike the typical new suburban town centers (stucco complexes complete with huge chain stores and multi-level parking garages but made to look village-y and cute - aka freak shows!). The interior of Mandalay makes you think that locals must have been coming here for years. Burmese food is a cross between Indian/Chinese/Thai cuisines; meaning, you will find mixtures of curries, spices, noodle-soups, lemon grass, coconut, etc. - just much more scaled down. We shared a fish noodlesoup, vegetarian eggplant dish, and plate of sauteed glass noodles. I thought the food was just okay. But then, I did just come back from spending extensive time around South/South-East Asia, so I could tell that the food was not that similar to the real deal. That being said, the prices almost makes up for everything. Three dishes with tea came up to just around $25 - score!
(3)
Julia L.

I've tried a lot of the food here. I used to patronize this place back when they were a smaller restaurant in College Park, MD. I love the variety of salads. The ginger is my favorite. The appetizers are so tasty, not the healthiest (at least not the ones I choose), but so good. I love the tofu ohno hin & the mixed noodle dish. I've tried the cilantro beef as well as the basil beef - both were really good in my opinion. The only thing I tasted that I did not like was the sour mustard shrimp dish, however I think it is because I do not like sour mustard. The service is usually good, but I am kind of a regular.
(5)
Diana P.

great food, but the portions are getting smaller and the prices larger.
(3)
cranzy p.

I always thought this place was where it was never...In Wheaton but I think there was another Burmese restaurant that used to be there but I could be wrong...There just aren' t too many places that serve food from this country in this area anyway....I ordered to go so I have no idea how the dine in experience may be and most likely will never find out...the guy who greeted me at the door seemed nice enough and had an everready smile...he asks if I know what I want and when I don't he lets me peruse the pretty good sized menu.... I settle on the Tofu with tomato curry which is V2 on the menu which is in Burmese. It wasn't pricey enough to charge so I tried to find something else that might interest me but they didn't have any of the coconut milk cream so he let me slide ... The food came out in about 7 minutes and they were close to closing yet most of the tables were still occupied. I traversed another 30 minutes in oder to examine what was in the magical Burmesian Paper Bag. And it was an interesting blend of flavors...I tasted coconut milk, tomato, I chose the spiciest of the spicy on offer yet this spicy is closer to the fruit used in sichuan province of china like style than chile pepper India, however I also noticed a Thai influence as well which really just says that certain people have access to certain shit living in certain parts of the world...so there you have it nothing fancy...nothing nasty...flavorful without the heat overwhelming the dish and it even stuck in my chest as I laid down to rest for the night...what can you say about cooked food sourced fairly cheaply and sold at reasonable temperatures I mean prices....what I did not like was the fact that I automatically didn't have a fork or napkin in my bag..maybe I was supposed to drink it as it was quite soupy and lite...and the tofu was crumbly which I don't like either...like it came out of the cheesy tofu section of Giant or safeway though I know these proud Burmese wouldn't stoop so low..???Imaybe my fresh off the cheesecloth standards are too high but who cares this is yelp.... Over and all over I say try the Mandalay to the average person considering eating out..It's clean enough and the people look like they wash their hands after they come out of the bathroom....the employees I mean.
(3)
Sherry G.

We've been here twice over the last month. The first time we had a wonderful waitress, attentive and helpful. The food was good, which is why we went back. Our second visit was simply awful. It was weekend during the day. Being seated seemed like a chore, even though there were only three other tables taken. Then it took for ever to place our order. While the squid salad was wonderful, one of the other dishes we had was inedible, due to an overabundance of salt, the same dish we had had a couple of weeks prior and was good. We brought it to the attention of our server, saying we needed to order something else because we could not eat the dish due to the salt. The next dish was okay, but nothing special. Then when we went to pay the dish we sent back was still on the bill. We asked to have it removed. This is when things became unprofessional...Out comes a woman screaming to the server that "if it was too salty they should have said something." Well, we DID! She went on and on so the whole restaurant could hear. Totally unprofessional. We won't be back and if I were you I'd think twice.
(2)
Keri M.

The food is unique and good and healthy. The prices are around $10 an entree. For these reasons, this is my absolute favorite restaurant in the DC area. (I've been to the downtown Silver Spring location and that's what I'm reviewing.) On a side note, the atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired, so I wouldn't go here on a date. But the food more than makes up for it. This is where I take people who visit, especially family. I recommend any of the salads - mango or papaya salad. It doesn't have a bitter taste that often accompanies leafy salads and the dressings work so well with the fruit. Get the thai tea with your meal. I can't remember what entree I got, but my friends all shared our meals and I loved every single one of them. There is selection here to please everyone - from vegetarians to octogenarians. I also got the dessert made with "cream of wheat" and it was unbelieveably delicious. Three of us shared it and there was nearly a war. The service was great, the food is fantastic and the prices are among the cheapest I've seen in the DC area. This place is the best!
(5)
Joe G.

It was quite busy when we visited so we felt a bit rushed. We started off with the chicken spring rolls and an amazing spicy sauce. We wish we ordered more because they were simply delicious! For dinner, we ordered the chicken & potato curry as well as the SF05 (cilantro/mustard shrimp). The chicken curry was decent overall. I thought it was pretty similar to a basic Indian recipe. The SF05 however, I was overall not too keen on. The presentation wasn't very good and after getting passed that, I didn't really feel the mustard flavor mingling well with the shrimp. Mandalay however, is a place I wouldn't say I'm done with just yet. I've had excellent, authentic, and homemade Burmese cooking before and loved it so knowing there are few options for Burmese, I would like to try it again. I will probably go with something coconut curry-based. I would also like to try the sticky-rice/brown sugar/coconut dessert, as it seems like it would remind me of a South Indian treat that I recall once having. I really respect the owners of Mandalay and their loyalty to their Burmese community. Supporting them in that respect is the right thing to do.
(3)
Cliff E.

A little pricey- but the food is novel and good. Ginger salad is unique, good selection of Tofu dishes for Vegans. Hot is hot with these people, and it will make you sweat. If you are alone- eat at the Thai market next block over and save $$ - but for dates, and to impress friends- this is it. Big tables encourage big groups and though I miss the fusion that their College Park location had (Do you want some Fish Sauce on that doughnut?) overall this is and has been for several years a good place.
(4)
jax g.

we have been going here every friday night for three weeks in a row! love the vegetarian entrees, and the staff are very friendly and remember us each time. the bartender is a friendly kookie woman with a bubbly personality. anyway, so far the favorite is v15... my carnivorous bf loves it. watch out for v10 man, they ain't kiddin when they say it's hot! update--been here for dinner two more times. i love this place, the food is excellent and the staff is always on mark. any entree you order, be assured will be delicious.
(5)
Thuba J.

Mandalay is the real Asian fusion, the other Indian-French, Italian-Thai bistros are just imitating! Those Burmese have been fusing Indian, Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese culinary traditions for thousands of years over by the Silk Road there. Take advantage. Now, I have an insider caveat to add to Ralph G's review. He's vegan! And fish sauce, along with other seasonings made from aquatic life, are central to Burmese cuisine. It may be the case that their vegetarianized entrees are more lacking in flavor, but I don't think anyone who's had Mandalay's fish soup, made from a base of fermented fish paste and lemongrass, and topped with cilantro and fresh-squeeze lime, would think their food lacks dynamic flavors. Or their cold mixed noodles, a medley of noodle textures tossed with fried tofu and potato, grated carrots, fresh toasted shallots and sesame seeds, cilantro, and a drizzle of seasoned fish sauce. Ralph and I have also gone to Mandalay with meat-eating friends who were all about Mandalay's curried chicken. Mandalay remains one of the best options for a meal in DC that isn't your average Americanized Asian food substitute. It's worth trying even if you're vegetarian, but if you're a fish/meat eater, Mandalay's so good, it'll make up for your not being vegetarian. Yesss!
(4)
Julie S.

Even though I live in San Diego now, I make a point to go to Mandalay every time I'm back east. Started going there back when it was in a tiny place in College Park and the food and service are still just as great since they have expanded into a much nicer and larger place. Everything I've eaten there has been amazing - the flavors are so interesting and different from other Asian cuisines. The servers are always very friendly. They have a great beer selection too, although maybe a bit more pricey than your average restaurant.
(5)
christopher m.

Wanted to try something new instead of the same old restaurants we frequent in Silver Spring. Ordered the Chicken with Curry, Tomatoes, Onions, and Basil and the Fried Rice. Both were extremely disappointing. First, the Fried Rice tasted like something out of a cheap frozen package. The menu listed it as having bean sprouts and instead came with thin slices of cabbage. The chicken with curry was also extremely uninspiring and frankly something any cook with minimal experience could have made. They charged us $1 for an extra cup of rice (very cheapskate). Additionally the cook who served us was wearing a baseball hat and t-shirt and looked and acted angry--very unprofessional. Can't understand how other reviewers enjoy this restaurant. If you want good Asian food go across the street to Thai Derm--much, much better food for your money.
(1)
Mic X.

i have only eaten here once, but my wife has eaten here a couple of times and she loves it. her favorite is the PaZun ChoChin Gyaw aka SF05 (it's shrimp sauteed with sour mustard, onion and fresh cilantro). i had the KyetThar ALoo Hin aka CH01 (it's chicken and potatos in an onion base curry) and it was pretty good. i ordered it to be hot, like burmese hot, but what i got was medium (for me at least) spicy, which was a big disappointment because my wife said that they can pour on the hot - like sweating from your brow hot and that was the kind of hot i was hoping for. i'll have to try again to see how hot it can get.
(4)
Becky T.

I sure had a different experience than many of the other reviewers at this restaurant. I thought service was excellent, especially considering that I was there on a busy Saturday night. Our water and soda glasses were always refilled and our server was very attentive. As far as food goes, it was solidly good. The spring rolls and fried eggplant that we ordered was average and the fried noodle dish I ordered was good but nothing near spectacular. I ordered my noodles medium thinking that it was going to be really spicy but it was barely mild. My friends felt the same way about the dishes that they ordered as well. I think that we're so use to Thai food that we were expecting more zing to the dishes. Good place to try with friendly service, but food wasn't very memorable.
(3)
C T.

Mandalay definitely stars in my top 5 favorite restaurants in the DC area. Now I tend to stick with the rice noodle entrees so that's what I'm basing my experience on. So in that respect, everything I've had here has been delicious. In addition, the prices are fantastic and the service has always been good. And that's basically all that's needed to make this girl happy.
(5)
Ngoc L.

A friend took me here for lunch this past Saturday. This was my first time trying Burmese food too. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't enjoy it as much as Malaysian food when I first tried it. Agreed on the papaya salad, it was bland to me and I didn't like the crushed peanuts with it. My friend ordered the triangles (? that's what he called it, it's like fried triangular eggroll but stuffed with potatoe. It came with a red hot sauce) I had their N01 (4 types of noodles) and this spicy beef curry with bell peppers. The food was decent but I didn't find it enjoyable enough to come back for more.
(3)
Ernest W.

Before I started reading the reviews on Yelp, I was already on another website, and one person had said to try something (ANYTHING!) with "yellow beans". So, looking down the menu, I narrowed down my selection to just dishes with "yellow beans" (what the restaurant calls "vatana") and decided to try out the V06 dish. While it was not necessarily the best dish I ever had, it was truly unique. At first, it looked just like any other Chinese/Thai flat noodle dish, but once I got a hold of those "yellow beans", I couldn't help but think "Gee, I've never had this before. What is this?" Well, whatever it was, I have to agree with whoever wrote about it here...IT WAS GOOD! Yeah, for some reason, once I got a hold of those "yellow beans", there was no holding me back, no stopping me! TRULY AMAZING! (So I guess that person was right...make sure to get something with "yellow beans" because...as I found...that's what makes it Burmese and not Chinese or Thai.) On a sadder note, though, I didn't care too much for the gram fritters. They were overly dry, oily, and lacking flavor. Well, I guess I've learned not to order those next time...just stick to the veggie dishes!
(4)
R K.

Great for groups and kids. A little pricey but you won't leave hungry. Just the right sized portions.
(4)
Camelia C.

I have fallen in love with the food here. This is where I first started training my bland-loving palate to taste and cherrish spice. Not to say that I can go for their extr-spicy dishes or even the very spicy dishes yet. Oh, no. Really not there yet, after all I'm an East-European and i've never had anything left of paprika before i met my spice-loving American friends. At Mandalay, my favorite salad is the Fermented Tea leaf, a delisciously crunchy and curiously flavored dish; the best appetizer remains the Spring Rolls - a bit on the heavy side, but when you're hungry from the long-long drive from the city, they're quick and satiating; loved the veggie sprout and tofu dish and everything else that's cooked in coconut milk at tolerable levels of spicy-ness; No, really cooking with fake milk that comes from exotic nuts lends even the most commonplace strip o'chicken a flavor unrivalled. Yes, i know, i'm getting overly poetic here. Other marginal notes: the drinks are long, watery and fruity, although, on occasions my friends have been served pure gin - which I guess is good if you're into (yuk!) gin :-) Service could be friendlier and the place could use some redecorating, but ehen I go there, I expect the pleasure of the taste buds to blind me to the visual shortcomings. So far, it happened every time.
(4)
Josh B.

I was disappointed - the food just fine, but not that interesting. I usually like everything Tyler Cowen recommends, but this just wasn't too special. The dessert was pretty good, though.
(3)
Snailman J.

The best burmese food I ever ate. The room temperature served N01 five noodles in the best dish but other things don't disappoint either. Can't wait to go there again.
(4)
V R.

Food is very good, but the manager there is like the soup nazi..No substitutions allowed at all. And I cannot believe that they charge $1 for carry out. I was very tempted to eat there and not tip instead.
(3)
Stacie C.

I think this place is good but I liked it so much more when it was in College Park. I think it lost some of its charm when they expanded. However, I love love love the gram fritters and I think I get noodles number 9 when I come here. It's always tasty and filling. The restaurant gets pretty crowded at night on the weekends but is worth a small wait. Just a word of caution. The kitchen closes 30 minutes before the restaurant does and they won't seat you.
(3)
Kate M.

Maybe I went to Mandalay on an off night. Perhaps my expectations were too high after reading all the glowing reviews of this place. I've been once, with one friend, and neither of our dishes were particularly special. I had a tofu noodle dish that I could have gotten at any mediocre Thai place, and my friend had a chicken and potato dish that tasted like a thin Indian-style curry. Decor was blah and service was not great. My overall impression was, well, I don't really have one because the place was just unmemorable.
(2)
Timothy M.

update: i gave this place another shot because my wife said that it really is good and i just did not get a good dish. well i have been disappointed again, my dish was not worth the 8 bucks that i payed. i do not recall the name of it but it was just potato's cut up and soaked in a sauce, and the dish did not have a lot of taste. they still have the same samosa also, which they really need to work on they are bland compared to every other samosa that i have had. well this will probably be the last time i go here. this was the first time that we had visited this restaurant. it got a lot of high reviews here, so we thought that we would give it a shot. first off, parking is difficult, especially on a friday night. it is about 2 blocks from the silver spring metro, so if you are going to visit from downtown i would take the metro. when we got there we did not have to wait long at all to get at table. the menu range is wide, and they do have a good amount a vegetarian dishes. they also offer a good selection of beer and wine. it looked like the also had a bar, i did not get a good look at it, it was in another room. we ordered some samosa's as an appetizer, they were very small and not really that good, compared to other samosa that i have had. hardly any spice and texture. and here is what i was not impressed with at all, my wife and i both ordered vegetarian dishes (they did come quickly), when we got them they looked exactly alike. the only difference was that mine had the rice in it and the other had the rice on the side. the dishes where really nothing that great, they lacked taste. sad to say that i cook better then this. so i would not recommend this restaurant. i would have rather have gone to chipotle.
(2)
Rob M.

I agree with the other reviewers. Mandalay is a very good restaurant. Quite a wide variety of meat, non-meat, noodle, and rice dishes. Be careful, if you ask for the spicy, it will be spicy - make you sweat! Their bar opened recently so that is a nice touch. They serve a Burmese ale on tap - quite good ($4). For food dishes I recommend the hot noodle dishes - as opposed to the room temperature dishes. Also, the salads are great, especially the gram fritter (similar to a chick pea - AKA garbanzo bean). These are good folks and I for one am glad they are in my neighborhood.
(3)
Erin M.

I am usually a picky eater and while i want to try new foods, I am also afraid of it. I went here on a recommendation and just picked what looked good to me. I forget the name, but it was a veggie noodle dish with potatoes, and it was freakin delicious! just the right level of spice and flavor, and they made excellent appletinis. i recommend this place!
(4)
RonAnderson ..

This is a fantastic Burmese restaurant. If you've never had Burmese before, it's a cross between Thai, Indian, and Chinese (which, if you think about it, makes sense). Come here if you want to avoid the chain restaurants in the Silver Spring Downtown shopping complex; it's only two blocks south of it. The menu offers a huge variety of dishes. I recommend starting with a green papaya salad, and then saving room for dessert--the sticky rice is good (though it looks different from that served by Thai restaurants) and the fresh pineapple ice cream is really great. Huge portions for dinner entrees. Many choices for vegetarians too!
(4)
Heather S.

I'm in love with this place. My aunt took me to lunch here when my mom visited and we now come back every time she is in town. I live on the other side of the city and we still make the trip. The food is yum-- I recommend the mango salad and their friendliness is even better. The restaurant has a very homey/family feel to it.
(4)
Mark M.

The new address is 930 Bonifant St., Silver Spring. It's about 4 blocks from the Silver Spring Metro stop.
(5)
Michelle W.

The food is good here, but I have always found the service to be lacking. I keep persevering though, as the food really is a delightful combination of spices and fresh vegetables and noodles. So I'd recommend going with some friends while you are in a good mood, and don't wait to show up until you are starving... And don't ask for any modifications to a dish unless you can stand the rude stares (or sometimes they say "OK" and then just completely ignore the request).
(3)
Lagwana E.

The food is just tasty. This noodle dish that is served at room temperature, I have no idea what it is called, is my favorite thing on the menu. I have never had any problems with service, they were nice and prompt and bring me water when I needed it. Highly recommended by me, if not for anything more than that noodle dish, which is the first one on the menu under the noodle dishes. Yum!
(5)
A.M. d.

make sure you try this place - i can't get over their flavor-full sauces. you can't put your finger on the ingredients. everyone raves about their 'thursday special' it's good if you like a lot of chicken. i prefer their noodle dishes (especially "No. 2" which is served at room temperature)... i recommend going with a group and sharing a bunch of plates. that's the way to go -
(5)
jessica c.

Wonderful place. Wonderful food. The only thing that is a toss up would be the service and the food. Most dishes are delicious but I am adventurous and sometimes too much so and the meal is "eh". However overall a comfortable local place that has an incredible Ginger Salad and great curry and noodle dishes.
(4)
Sara M.

This place is so good, and reasonably priced. Lots of vegetarian dishes here, and you can tell them how spicy to make your order. My favorites are the eggplant fritters and V06, which is a flat noodle, romain lettuce, bean type of dish. It sounds odd, but it's really yummy.
(4)
Katie T.

A friend and I decided to go to Mandalay one Saturday a few months after it moved to Silver Spring. The next day, we started talking about how good it had been--and we decided to go back again that night. (It was just as good as the night before.) I liked it in College Park, and I like it here. I tend to order iced coffee, then focus on the starters, especially the samosas and salads (I second the gram fritter salad recommendation), and then skip to dessert, but the entrees are also good. The coconut cream curry tofu (tofu ohno hin) is excellent. The food is light and unusual and addictive.
(5)
Jennifer T.

Sadly I haven't been to Mandalay in about a year now but was writing a review on another Burmese restaurant so had to add this one in too. I love this restaurant; my staple dishes were the beef and basil - the sauce is very tomato-ie, the chicken and potato, the nan gee thok (not sure if that's how you spell it - it's a cold noodle dish that I loved but a couple of my friends though was more of an acquired taste), and the Sunday chicken special.
(5)
Sean G.

Our first experience with Burmese food was good but not otherworldly great. The prices are a bit higher than one might expect for a meal that was not exceptional and not especially memorable. That said, the ginger salad was terrific and the coconut ice cream was quite good (if a tad pricey).
(3)
Dan S.

A former favorite of mine more than 4 years ago before it transplanted from College Park to Silver Spring. Fast forward to 2008... What happened? Prices rose exponentially and intimate service deteriorated to sub-par care that ended the night with empty plates piling up by the time the check arrived (and they automatically charge tip for a party of six or more...) 11.99 for about 5 small pieces of chicken pieces in tomato-onion curry sauce is quite appalling by any standard. You would think that you're paying for service and/or ambience but if you're talking about the Mandalay I used to know, you go for the scrumptious, authentic Burmese food that is reasonably cheap. By no means am I questioning the food; it is still good and I love the tomato-onion curry. But the new price + service does not equate to a quality dining experience that I'd recommend to my friends. Perhaps they'll get better money's worth ordering out or ordering the lunch portion... and maybe get 3 pieces of small chicken... A great case study of when a great product is overpriced and the service doesn't make up for it...
(2)
michelle m.

I guess I had great expectations for the place (a friend had recommended it as well), but I was disappointed. The food was bland and overcooked. I probably won't go back there, even to try it again. Oh, and a post-script: if you are there at their closing time, they will turn off the lights on you and lock the door EXACTLY on-the-dot. So be warned if you sit too long at the table, even if others are in the restaurant....
(1)
Idris M.

This is a rare spot for good, authentic, original food in Silver Spring. Just tried this place out with a friend of mine, and we were pleasantly surprised. For an appetizer, we got the fried shrimp. No complaints at all about the fried shrimp. Very crispy, and none of that fried-batter-instead-of-shrimp that you may find at other places. The sauce that the shrimp came with was an incredible orange medley of sweet, sour and spicy. We kept the sauce around and put it on the noodles later! For my main dish, I got the MoHingar (Rice noodles in fish soup with lemon grass (served with a sliced lime and fresh cilantro). It was good, but not quite what I was looking for. Although I've never had fish soup before so I'm not sure what I was expecting. The cilantro and lime added a nice freshness to it. My friend got the NanJeeGyaw Noodles with shimp. I had some, and I'm pretty certain Mandalay has the best noodles in Silver Spring. All the flavors and textures were pretty much perfect, and they went well with the hot sauce, and even some cilantro sprinkled on top. Bottom Line: If you're in Silver Spring, you need to try Mandalay.
(4)
Kate G.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. It is the dining establishment I miss most since leaving Discovery. And came for lunch to meet an old co-worker today to discover they finally have a lunch menu... Yay! Just wish they had one in the three years I worked nearby because it was too expensive to have lunch off a dinner menu everyday. Need the recipe for "burmese-spicy" beef #4 so I can try to replicate my Mandalay experience at home. I live WAY too far for regular visits anymore. Joe - help me out? ;-)
(5)
Alicia C.

I had been wanting to try Mandalay for a while and was curious to see what Burmese food actually way. Convinced a friend to come along for the adventure of trying this place out. We were both very impressed with the dishes we ordered. I'm a big fan of Southeast-Asian flavors in general, and the curry I got here was some of the best I've ever had. The samosas we ordered for appetizers were pretty amazing, too. I can't wait to get back here to try out a couple more of their dishes!
(4)

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Address : 930 Bonifant St
Silver Spring, MD, 20910
Phone (301) 585-0500
Website https://www.mandalayrestaurantcafe.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Mandalay Restaurant & Cafe

930 Bonifant St, Silver Spring, MD, 20910

Mandalay Restaurant & Cafe Menu

Appetizers

Soups

Salads

Poultry Entrees

Seafood Entrees

Pork Entrees

Beef Entrees

Noodle Entrees

Fried Rice Entrees

Vegetarian Entrees

Specialties

Side Entrees

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Mandalay Restaurant & Cafe

Appetizers

Soups

Salads

Poultry Entrees

Seafood Entrees

Pork Entrees

Beef Entrees

Noodle Entrees

Fried Rice Entrees

Vegetarian Entrees

Specialties

Side Entrees

Desserts

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Dahna S.

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Alicia C.

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Andrew M.

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Nicole R.

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Justin S.

Stephanie B.

Anpan W.

Lisa B.

Duy N.

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