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1. Who are you?
My name is Soe Hlaing Thein. Yes, it is a long first name, and no, there is no short form. I grew up in a noisy seaport city in Myanmar, known as Yangon. I moved to the United States for college eight years ago. Now I am in more school. When will it ever end?
2. What is your site, Lime & Cilantro, about?
My blog Lime and Cilantro is a congregation of things I want to eat, my thoughts, and my vents. It is born out of my cravings for Burmese food, but sustained by my addiction to vent online. It is a tad bit different from a regular food blog in that I attempt to explain where I am in my life through food. In a way, it is more of a diary conversed through food. You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
3. What is one food tip you would give about Westminster, CA and Yangon, Myanmar?
I currently live in Westminster in Southern California. It is the biggest Vietnamese community in the United States, and teeming with literally hundreds of authentic Vietnamese eateries and markets. My suggestion is go try out vegetarian Vietnamese restaurants. They are pretty much life-changing. I am a big meat eater, and now I go vegetarian on purpose. My favorite is Bo De Tinh Tam Chay on Beach Blvd.
My hometown, though, is Yangon in Myanmar. If you, somehow, happen to be there, try to explore bazaars. They really are full of life, colors, and amazing street food vendors. My favorite is Lay Har Pyin Zay in Kyee Myin Dai township.
4. What is one travel tip you would give about Westminster and Yangon?
Westminster is pretty much vanilla. I doubt you need any tips for traveling. If you need any, ask Uber or Google. However, if you happen to be in Yangon, beware that the weather is extremely hot in summer. Even locals don’t go outside most of the daytime. So, come during winter (from December to February) instead.
5. What is the best thing to eat in Westminster and Yangon?
In Yangon, you must have a Mohinga from Tin Tin Aye. It is a fish and noodle soup, an essential of Burmese cuisine.
In Westminster, head to Brodard for a taste of their Vietnamese duck salad.
Christine is a life enthusiast, attracted to happiness, creativity and beauty in everything. It is not because she is French that she loves Fashion but she does. Photographing her food is becoming a habit of hers!