Burma Superstar | Desmond Tan | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Desmond Tan shares how he acquired and transformed Burma Superstar, delving into his Burmese food roots.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] KATE LEAHY: Thank you for such a nice, warm welcome. It's wonderful to be at this campus on such a beautiful day. We're so spoiled in the Bay Area. So again, my name is Kate Leahy, and I'm a San Francisco based cookbook author and food writer. Desmond, I think what's one of the great stories is how you ended up owning a restaurant c... Read More

Key Insights

• 🇲🇲 Desmond Tan's acquisition of Burma Superstar stemmed from a failing Burmese restaurant that he transformed.
• 🍜 The fermentation process for Burmese tea leaves involves steaming, rolling, and burying them in the ground for oxidation.
• 🇨🇳 Burmese cuisine showcases a fusion of flavors from neighboring countries like Thailand, India, and China.
• 😂 The British occupation introduced the concept of tea houses serving milk tea, affecting Burmese culinary culture.
• 📌 Desmond Tan's philosophy emphasizes creating individual identities for each of his restaurant locations.
• 🇺🇸 Expansion of Burmese cuisine in the United States is driven by the growing interest and appreciation for Southeast Asian flavors.
• ❓ The future of Burmese cuisine may involve deeper exploration of regional specialties, such as Shan cuisine.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Desmond Tan come to own Burma Superstar?

Desmond Tan acquired Burma Superstar from a Chinese gentleman who intended to turn it into a Chinese restaurant. Tan negotiated with the owner to purchase it and maintain it as a Burmese restaurant.

Q: What is the process of fermenting tea leaves in Burma?

Tea leaves in Burma are steamed and rolled before being placed in a fiber bag and buried underground for a minimum of two months, up to six months, undergoing oxidation to develop flavor.

Q: What influences have the British and Japanese occupations had on Burmese cuisine?

The British occupation influenced the introduction of tea houses serving milk tea. Although some Japanese influence is evident, Burmese cuisine predominantly reflects Chinese and Indian influences.

Q: How does Desmond Tan distinguish his various restaurant locations?

Desmond Tan ensures each restaurant has its own unique identity, tailored to the local environment and preferences. The staff at each location contributes to creating a familial atmosphere unique to each establishment.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Desmond Tan recounts acquiring a failing Burmese restaurant, Burma Superstar, and ensuring it stayed true to its roots.

• The process of fermentation for tea leaves in Burma involves steaming and burying them for months.

• Burmese cuisine reflects a blend of flavors from neighboring countries like Thailand, India, and China.