In my previous post, I did mention about a distinctive feature of Burmese people that is the yellowish-white cosmetic paste worn on the cheeks either in circular or stripey formation. Throughout my days in Myammar, I had seen them wearing all over the places. I did not know what it was called until I got home, had the privilege of high speed internet and googled it – “what Myammar people wear on their faces”. My search hit “Thanaka”. It was then that I knew about Thanaka cream and stop calling it that face thingy.

At first glance, I thought Thanaka cream is a cosmetic cream which can be bought at the supermarket. When I was in Bagan, I had first-hand experience on how to produce Thanaka cream.

Before I explain further, it is suffice to know that Thanaka cream is made from wood of several trees that grow abundantly in central Myammar. Thanaka trees must be at least 35 years old before it is considered mature enough to yield good quality cuttings. Thanaka is sold as small logs individually or in bundles, also available in paste or powder form.

My Thanaka experience slid in when I was accompanied by my biking guide to cover some temples in Bagan. He asked if I wanted to eat breakfast in my guesthouse or a decent restaurant or local restaurant. I told him my food preference ie vegetable and no meat and asked him to take me where he usually eats his breakfast. So I was brought to a stall under a huge tree.

As we parked our bicycles, I spotted a lady in checkered shirt putting the cream on her face before she went on her duties at the stall. I told my guide, Maung Pa, I wanted to wear it like the lady and if he could do me a favour to ask the lady to do it for me after we had our breakfast.

I watched in awe as the lady wore thanaka cream on her face. All this took place at a rise platform under a tree. She had before her a wooden frame mirror, a brush, thanaka wood, and a circular stone slab called kyauk pyin. She first grinded the wood on the stone slab and from time to time sprinkle small amount of water to make the paste. Once gotten the ideal paste, she looked into the mirror and spread a thin layer of the paste all over her face and neck. She then made a circular patch on each cheek. Well, I was not sure if it was the usual circular patch I had seen on others’ faces or was it the stripey style that she adopted. The final step is touching up where she used the brush to swipe off the unwanted paste.

And so my wish was granted. I cycled around Bagan with Thanaka cream on my face. The locals smiled as I passed by. Some even mistook me as a local. It really has cooling effect.

When you are in Myammar, you should try Thanaka cream.