New Flavors, Local Heart In Battle Creek: A First Look at Shine Burmese Cuisine

A Must-Try Battle Creek Hidden Gem: Shine Burmese Cuisine 873 W Columbia Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49015

 

If you’re like me and haven’t experienced Burmese cuisine yet, you are missing out on one of Battle Creek’s best-kept secrets.

 

We stopped in around 10:30 AM for an early lunch, and from the moment we walked into the cozy dining room, which holds about 8 to 10 tables, we felt right at home.

 

The Service

We were greeted immediately by a very patient and kind young lady at the front counter. Since it was our first time, we had plenty of questions, and she was incredibly helpful while we navigated the menu. The pace was perfect, appetizers arrived quickly, followed shortly by our main entrees.

 

The Starters

We shared the Puri, Samusa, and Kaw Pyan Kyaw. They were a delicious departure from other Asian cuisines:

• Puri: A delightful flat fried bread made of white flour.

• Samusa: These golden pastries are filled with a savory mix of chicken, potato, garlic, and onion.

• Kaw Pyan Kyaw: These were the ones that looked like egg rolls, but with a twist! They are filled with chicken, potato, glass noodles, cabbage, and carrot. All of these were fantastic when paired with the chef’s special sauce.

 

The Main Event

• Kat Kyi Kite (My Dish): This was amazing. It features flat rice sticks with chicken, egg, yellow pea sprouts, and green onion in a tamarind sauce. The flavor is rich and soul-warming, especially with the egg on top. I added a sprinkle of hot pepper flakes for a little kick, and it was perfection.

• Hmee Shae (My Daughter's Dish): My daughter loved this one. It features thin rice noodles with chicken, fried soybean, and peanut. The noodles were excellent, and the chicken had a subtle, delicious flavor that she really enjoyed alongside the vegetables.

• A Bonus: Our entrees came with a side of chicken soup that was light, savory, and a great way to round out the meal.

 

Final Verdict

Shine Burmese Cuisine is a true local treasure. Whether you're looking for breakfast or a hearty lunch, the food is fresh, the prices are great (most entrees are around $7.99–$8.99),the portions are large, and the hospitality is top-notch. I will absolutely be back. Do yourself a favor and give them a try!