A thoke

Burmese salads, often referred to as "athoke" "thohk" or "thouk" are a cornerstone of Burmese cuisine. These salads are a delightful medley of ingredients such as rice, noodles, potatoes, ginger, tomatoes, kaffir lime, long beans, lahpet (fermented tea leaves), and ngapi (fermented fish paste). They are a popular choice for quick meals in Burmese cities, with noodle salads made from either rice or wheat noodles being particularly common. Classic components like fermented tea leaves and pickled ginger frequently feature in these vibrant salads.

Interestingly, in Chennai, India, there is a dish called "atho" or "athoke" that has Burmese origins. This dish combines noodles, shredded cabbage, and onions, all garnished with tamarind, salt, fried onions, chili flakes, garlic, and a touch of ajinomoto seasoning. It was introduced by Burmese refugees who now work as food vendors in Chennai. This dish might be a variation of the Burmese khauk swe thoke and is often described as golden and gooey.

There are many types of "athoke" dishes, each showcasing the rich diversity and flavors of Burmese cuisine. Some popular varieties include:

- Laphet Thoke: Fermented tea leaf salad

- Ngapi Thoke: Ngapi salad

- Thayet Chin Thoke: A type of fruit salad

- Tohpu Thoke: Tofu salad

- Khauk Swe Thoke: Noodle salad

- Gyin Thoke: Ginger salad

- Nan Gyi Thoke: Another noodle-based dish

Each of these dishes offers a unique taste experience, highlighting the rich culinary traditions of Burma.