Chin Brothers Restaurant

The only Burmese restuarant that I know of in Indy. The decor is virtually non-existant and I haven't seen many people actually there, but the staff are very kind and the portions are quite generous. The soup I had was great, but the noodle dishes were just ok. I hope to return sometime for the prata-like breakfast offerings!

I stumbled upon this little place after finishing my shopping at the Southside Saraga.  It is a family owned restaurant with a base of Burmese dishes and a sprinkling of Thai and Vietnamese dishes.  The decor is very basic, but it has a decent sized dining area and had quite a few customers on the Saturday afternoon I visited.  The prices are very reasonable, though they were out of some of the sides on the day I visited.  

Upon the advice of the waiter/cashier, I ordered a traditional Burmese fish soup.  It was fantastic! I generally avoid fish soups, because I generally find them to taste fishy (as opposed to the taste of fresh fish, which I love).  But this soup didn't have that stale fishy taste at all.  It had a creamy peanuty flavor, and had some crunchy things in it to make the texture more interesting.  Each table has a bowl with dried red chilis , and I used a bit to add some spice.   I was really amazed at the flavor. And it was less than $5.

I can't speak to the taste of the rest of the dishes, but I plan to return to find out!

This overlooked spot in the heart of Little Rangoon on the south side was an Indian restaurant until about 18 months ago--it changed hands pretty much overnight, and the new Burmese owners decided to do away with all that frou-frou we call "paint" and "basic decor".  The walls dwarf the tiny bathroom cameos on the walls, and the one TV plays a mix of American and SE Asian programs.  In short, it has become your average "natives-only" little dive.

Just because Kimu in Greenwood has a higher profile and more appeal to the gringos doesn't mean Chin Brothers should go ignored.  The cuisine, most of it a close cousin of Thai, is accessible enough to westerners and adaptable to the level of preferred spiciness.  The server I had spoke perfectly good English--not something you can always depend on in these sort of places.  Portions are generous and the people there compensate for the spartan atmosphere with hospitality.

NOTE: It has a Burmese grocery store in the area, though if you want pan-Asian, you're probably best off going to Saraga just 40 feet to the west.