Inflation drives street food prices up

August 17

 

Low-income people are relying on roadside shops rather than large restaurants. As the prices of key ingredients such as rice and kitchen crops are skyrocketing, the roadside shops are forced to raise the food prices, said Ma Nwe Win, a customer of roadside shops.

 

Large restaurants normally charge more as the rent is high. Therefore, small shops attract a large number of customers. Food prices of the roadside shops are pretty high as well, said a driver Ko Maung Kyaw.

 

Myanmar’s popular breakfast dish (Motehingar) is priced at K1,000 without fritter. At present, the price has risen to K1,200-1,400 per dish at some restaurants and tea shops, Ko Maung Kyaw said. However, it was priced at only K700 at roadside shops, which rose from K600 recorded last month.

 

Along with the price rise of egg, edible oil and rice, the price of one serving with rice and fried egg was K1,000 at the roadside shops, indicating an increase of K200 against last month’s rate, said Ma Pyone, a store assistant. The curry price has increased from K1,300 to K1,500-1,600 at present. Moreover, the prices of breakfast dishes (noodle salad, coconut noodles, fried rice) are up by K100-200 this month, said Daw Nge, a customer.

 

The price of Myanmar’s traditional delicacy Beinmoat (Myanmar pancake) is up by K150 this month, said Ma Hla Hla, a street food vendor in Lanmadaw Township. Likewise, the prices of Paratha and Youtiao increased by K100-200.

 

Snack prices of roadside shops and tea shops are up by K100-500 as the prices of the coffee mix, condensed milk and ingredients went up. One serving with rice and chicken curry costs K3,500, indicating an increase of K500, said Ko Aye Myint, a worker at Bayintnaung Commodity Wholesale Centre.

 

Skyrocketing commodities prices affected the roadside shops as well. People tend to reduce food and general costs amid low income and inflation. We are struggling with the hikes in bus fares and rising food and rent, said Ma Thida. – TWA/GNLM