Provisioning for a Multi-day Voyage: Yangon Shopping Experiences.
As our departure date has been extended (several times), I have had ample time to spend on provisioning for a multi-day voyage from Yangon, Myanmar to Ranong, Thailand. Nevertheless, there is much to consider when planning for an offshore passage.
I began with the help of the Cruising Chef Cookbook
Next, I considered the need of the crew aboard. I had 10 mouths to feed: 2 Canadians, 2 Danish, 2 British, 3 Myanmar and 1 German. There is a great deal of diversity in tastes and preferences to take into account! While I am more comfortable creating more “western style” dishes, the tastes of the Myanmar men could not be disregarded (who’s diet mainly consists of rice and spicy sauces). Consequently, creating a menu with more “Asian style” dishes is advantageous in more ways than one. I have learned that when navigating local markets, provisioning is easier when local dishes are being prepared.
So, armed with menu ideas that should satisfy a diverse array of appetites, I began visiting markets and grocers all over the city. As time was on my side, I began shopping for ingredients to create only a few meals at a time. I could then prepare these dishes to freeze ahead of time – in case we experience tumultuous weather on the crossing and I feel too queasy to cook! Provisioning this way allowed me to become familiar with the content on the grocery store shelves as well as keep an accurate account of the galley’s pantry inventory.
Yangon, has a significant ex-pat community that stock western style ingredients. For example, I was able to find peanut butter (crunchy and smooth!), Italian pastas and sauces as well as familiar condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard. As our departure date drew closer, the use of a car and driver was offered to me. This made shopping for bulk items (juices, water, long life milk, cooking oils, canned goods and rice) much easier than loading the overflowing carts into a taxi.
Visiting the vendors at the local street markets is the best choice for buying fresh produce. I was able to find garlic, tomatoes, fresh cilantro and basil leaves, onions, mangos, bananas, pomelos and watermelons (I could go on!).
This crossing will be the first major voyage after this boat has undergone a total refit. Like any prudent sailor, we are preparing for potential difficulties we may face at sea. This means that I must be sure that the boat is stocked with enough food – beyond the expected arrival time and that there is drinking water in addition to the full fresh water tanks.
I have had fun navigating the shops all over Yangon, in search of the ingredients to complete my meals. Some items were impossible to find and as a result my menu had to undergo a few changes. I am confidant that the crew will NOT STARVE and that the menu is varied enough for everyone to enjoy. Provisioning for a multi-day voyage certainly has its challenges when navigating unfamiliar shops and markets. I am now looking forward to the next challenge – cooking while underway!
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