MIMI AYE & RANGOON SISTER

The military coup in Burma in 2021 overthrew the country’s democratically elected leaders. Since then, thousands have been imprisoned, tortured and killed, including the execution of pro-democracy activists by the ruling military junta. The events initially made headlines, but as the news cycle dried up, it was only thanks to a few people that eyes were kept on Burma.

Food writer, author and MSG podcast host Mimi Aye has kept a light shining on what has happened in Burma, the country of her parents’ birth, under the banner #Whatshappeninginmyanmar. The Mandalay author has shared the names of victims and highlighted

other human rights abuses. In a powerful video with Amnesty International, Mimi used food as a metaphor for what the people of Myanmar are facing. In it, she cooked a dish describing the use of fire, firearms and violence by the military, interspersed with footage of the horrors.

The Rangoon Sisters, Emily and Amy Chung, have also raised the profile of this cause through cooking and collaborations that raised money for Medical Action Myanmar, a charity that supported the country’s most vulnerable before the coup, and more since.

Both doctors by day, the authors of the Rangoon Sisters Cookbook have collaborated with Tandoor Chop House, Chick ‘n’ Sours and other restaurants to raise money.