Mont di are Burmese beef noodles: spiced, paprika-rich beef slow-cooked until tender, then tossed through noodles with light and dark soy, tamarind, chilli oil, roasted sesame, peanuts, leek, spring onions, fried onions, coriander and lime.

Aamna’s recipe makes a big bowl for about 15 people, served with crackers for crunch. The beef simmers for 90 minutes, or 30 minutes in a pressure cooker.
Why this recipe works
- A paprika and vinegar marinade. It gives the beef a deep red colour and a gentle tang.
- Soy and tamarind. Salty and sour, they season every strand of noodle.
- Lots of toppings. Roasted gram flour, peanuts, sesame and fried onions give crunch and nuttiness.
- Homemade chilli oil. Hot oil poured over chilli flakes and chilli powder brings the heat.
Tips for the best mont di
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes. Longer is even better.
- Short on time? Pressure cook the beef for 30 minutes instead of simmering for 90.
- Toast the gram flour gently. Stir over medium heat until golden and fragrant.
- Mix thoroughly. Toss everything well so the sauce and toppings coat all the noodles.
What to serve with mont di
Serve in bowls with extra peanuts, fried onions, coriander and crackers. For more Burmese noodles, try mohinga or ohn no khau swe.
Mont Di FAQs
What is mont di?
A Burmese noodle dish. This version tosses noodles with a spiced beef curry, soy, tamarind, chilli oil and crunchy toppings.
Is mont di served hot or cold?
It’s usually served warm or at room temperature, with the toppings mixed through.
Can I use a pressure cooker for the beef?
Yes. Pressure cook it for about 30 minutes instead of simmering for 90.
How many does it serve?
About 15, so it’s good for gatherings.
You’ll find the full ingredients, the method and our step-by-step video in the recipe card below.
Burmese Beef Noodles (Mont Di)
Burmese Beef Noodles, known as Mont Di, is a traditional Burmese dish that features tender beef marinated and cooked to perfection, served with noodles and a variety of toppings. The combination of rich meat, fresh herbs, and crunchy elements makes this dish a culinary delight.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
For the Noodles:
Chilli Oil:
Roasted Gram Flour:
Toppings:
Instructions
Marinate the Meat:
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Season 1 kg cubed meat with salt, pepper, turmeric, and chilli powder to taste.
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Add 4 tbsp paprika, 3 tbsp minced ginger, 3 tbsp minced garlic, and 4 tbsp vinegar. Mix thoroughly.
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Add 1/2 cup oil and mix well. Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Beef:
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In a large pot, fry the marinated meat for 5 minutes until it begins to brown.
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Add 6 tbsp tomato paste, mix well, and bring to a boil.
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Add 1.5 cups water, mix, and bring to a boil again.
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Lower the heat and simmer for 90 minutes, or pressure cook for 30 minutes until the meat is tender.
Cook the Noodles:
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In a large pot, boil 1 kg noodles with 2 tsp salt until soft. Drain and set aside.
Make Chilli Oil:
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Mix 6 tsp chilli flakes and 6 tsp red chilli powder.
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Heat 1 cup oil until hot and pour over the chilli mixture. Stir well and set aside.
Roast the Gram Flour:
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In a dry pan, roast 6 tbsp gram flour over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. Set aside.
Prepare the Dish:
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In a large bowl, mix the cooked noodles with 5 tbsp light soy sauce, 6 tbsp dark soy sauce, and 6 tbsp tamarind sauce.
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Add the cooked beef curry and mix thoroughly.
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Add 4 tbsp roasted sesame seeds, 1 cup thinly sliced leek, 1 cup chopped roasted peanuts, 1 cup chopped spring onions, 5 tbsp fried onions, 6 tbsp chilli oil, and 1 cup chopped coriander.
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Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and add 2 tsp MSG.
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Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Plate Up:
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Place a generous portion of the mixed noodles on each plate.
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Add extra accompaniments like roasted peanuts, fried onions, and fresh coriander for enhanced flavour.
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Serve with crackers on the side for a delightful crunch.
Note
Marination: Allow the beef to marinate thoroughly to absorb all the flavours.
Cooking: Slow cooking the beef ensures it becomes tender and flavourful.
Mixing: Ensure all ingredients are well mixed to distribute the flavours evenly.
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