Acclaimed Crown Heights Burmese Restaurant Rangoon Is Headed to Chelsea

Crown Heights Burmese favorite Rangoon heads to Manhattan

Critically acclaimed Crown Heights Burmese restaurant Rangoon, from chef Myo Moe and co-owner Daniel Bendjy is expanding into Manhattan. After a successful crowdfunding start, the pair signed a lease on a new location in Chelsea, at 158 Eighth Avenue, at the corner of West 18th street. They are aiming to open up another Burmese restaurant — not called Rangoon — either late this year or in early 2022. “This is a big step for us on our mission to spread Burmese food in New York City,” Bendjy tells Eater.

Moe is keeping much of the menu details under wraps for now, but the food will likely be a departure from the subtle curries and noodles that first put Rangoon on the map. “Burmese cuisine is really vast,” Moe says. “I want to do more.” She plans to expand into different regional fare fueled by a much larger kitchen in Chelsea. Early design plans include dividing the restaurant into five distinct dining areas, including three indoor areas and two in the outdoor backyard.

Aside from the Chelsea expansion, the duo is also opening up another location in Sunnyside in a CloudKitchens ghost kitchen later this summer. The takeout and delivery restaurant, called Mandalay Club, will focus on less-expensive fare, including some noodle dishes, that also explores different facets of Burmese food with punchier flavors, Moe says. It is tentatively slated to open in early August.

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— Good question: