Burmese Harp — Restaurant in New York

A hole in the wall restaurant that you would pass by not realizing its there. Even looking in you might think well there's only 4 tables (two tables that seat 4 and 2 that seat 2) and decide not for me. That would be a shame, because it is a wonderful place to dine. It isn't super elegant inside, but it is pleasantly decorated. Service is beyond reproach with the owner being very gracious. My wife and I went here as an adventure having never eaten Burmese style cooking. Read an online review in Eater NY and it seemed interesting. It turned out to be more than interesting it was fantastic.

As an appetizer my wife and I both ordered Assorted Vege Fritters. Having never eaten here before we really didn't know what the portion sizes were. We should have just ordered one as it was immense and one order would have been enough to share. Wound up taking one home. There was a total of 5 pairs of different fritters (10 in total) and they were exceptionally good. Had to ask the owner what was the filling in one of the fritters was since I was unfamiliar with the texture and taste. He told me it was Tarrow. Never heard of Tarrow (my wife knew what it was) or eaten it, but will be on the lookout for it again. That Tarrow fritter was delish. Tofu fritter had a pleasing texture and was my second favorite after the Tarrow. Not knocking the other ones because they were really good as well, just that the Tarrow and Tofu hit the spot for me. A small dish of Tamarind Chili sauce was provided to dip into. Never had this type of sauce and it was a nice accompaniment for the fritters. Next up was Nan Gyee Noodle Salad which was a treat. Noodles were so smooth and fresh tasting and there was an assault of flavors from all the other ingredients. My wife had a bit of a surprise. She ordered a Burmese soup ,Coconut Noodle, thinking it just a regular soup. Well, it wasn't really what you would think of as soup...it was a hearty dish of egg noodles, coconut milk chick pea, onion, egg and chicken (wow, a lot of stuff in there!) all contained in a thick sauce. She said she never tasted anything like it and it was astoundingly good. You really have to think of this "soup" as an entrée. Same goes for their salads as they are full sized meals. Portion sizes are generous to say the least.

When we ate there, a Thursday around 6pm, we were the only table. Seemed like they were doing a pretty good take out business though. Don't know if people are looking in and deceived because it is a really small place and having second thoughts. Do yourself a favor and go in. It not the most spectacular décor ever, but is very tasteful and pleasant. The owner is very welcoming and the food is excellent. Our first time having Burmese food and it won't...

I've never had Burmese food before so was excited to find this place randomly as I was running errands in the area. The restaurant is unassuming with only a few small tables. The owner was very nice and answered all my questions and gave me recommendations. Ended up getting the mohinga, vegetable fritters, garlic noodles, and pickled tea leaf salad. Also got a coconut jelly for dessert. The food was decent but overall needed a bit more salt. Portion sizes were big for the price and the flavor was there. The mohinga was interesting and I enjoyed the flavors but needed a hint more salt to bring out the flavors more. Vegetable fritters were a bit on the greasy side but enjoyed the different ingredients they used especially the chickpea tofu which I've never had before. Garlic noodles were tasty and chicken meatballs were juicy and tender. The tea leaf salad was very interesting and nothing like I've had before. I wish I liked the coconut jelly more but it was not a texture I typically enjoy.

Would come back to try other dishes and just make sure to add a dash of salt...

This is hands down the best Burmese food in NYC. I live dangerously close to this restaurant and I felt like I had been starved of real Burmese food until now because I'm not gonna be taking two hour commutes to Queens for something not even as good as this.

The presentation is so understated but that's exactly what Burmese food at home is like. No bs, just straight up FLAVOUR. The place is reminiscent of your favourite neighbourhood teashop or casual dining spot back home in Yangon. I went on one weekday morning and they had the Buddhist sermons playing on the TV, I legitimately thought I was transported back home for a second while I was eating; it was honestly disorienting in a good way. I've had multiple dishes at this point but for some reason the Nangyi thoke made me tear up for real since it's usually my breakfast of choice and it reminded me of Serenity on Inya Road back home. (T_T) I stopped eating meat since moving to America but this is the only place where I would eat meat; so...