Former celebrities Ko Nyi Nyi Tar (L) and Ma May Sitt Aye (R) inside their restaurant, Lumbini. Pic: Aye Zaw Myo

THEY once were two of Myanmar’s biggest stars — he was a model and actor, she was a pop singer whose love songs still blare from speakers in bedrooms all over the country. But the sweethearts have turned their backs on fame, instead throwing all of their energy into a restaurant business in Yangon’s Bahan township.

Ko Nyi Nyi Tar and Ma May Sitt Aye opened Lumbini restaurant in November 2006 and have quickly attracted regulars to their lavishly decorated eatery.

Golden umbrellas and an abundance of giant pots adorning the entrance reflect the couple’s creativity and love of traditional wares.

Ma May Sitt Aye said that when they decided to open the restaurant, renovating and decorating the imposing colonial villa near Kaba Aye Pagoda Road that now houses Lumbini was high on their list of priorities. They ended up spending 400 lakh on renovations alone.

“We only had a month to get everything together,” she said. “Because we target tourists we needed to get as many antiques and materials together as quickly as possible.”

The couple has made use of nearly every room, decorating them using a unique assortment of antiques and knickknacks. This is an impressive task considering the size of the building, which they chose it not only for its beauty, but also for its history.

It was built in 1865 for Su Phayar Latt, the wife of King Thibaw from the Khone Baung dynasty. Ma May Sitt Aye said: “It really is beautiful, but unfortunately we couldn’t do everything we wanted to. We wanted to remove the bars on the windows but the owner wouldn’t allow us to.”

That hasn’t stopped them from decorating the interior from top to toe.
Downstairs in the comfortable and spacious Yadanarpon Bar, paintings of Myanmar people and landscapes are displayed for sale along the back wall.

On the other side of the entrance hall is a small souvenir and lacquerware shop featuring many of the items on display in the restaurant.

Two adjoining rooms are set aside for large groups, both of which can hold up to 30 people. Upstairs, four more dining rooms have been decorated with individual themes using antique mirrors and traditional paintings.

“We want our customers to feel as relaxed as possible,” said Ma May Sitt Aye. “The aim is to make them feel as if they are in someone’s lavish home.”

Despite the appeal of the eclectic interior, the garden is the busiest place all year round, she said, mainly because of its excellent view of Shwedagon Pagoda.

“The view is fantastic. Sitting in the garden of an old building taking in the view of Shwedagon is a big attraction for foreigners.”

From all reports, the grub isn’t bad either. The menu offers a selection of Myanmar, Chinese and Thai dishes all made by chefs from Shane state, Myanmar’s most renowned area for cuisine.

“We hired four chefs from Shan state after sampling dishes from other restaurants around Yangon, like Sabai Sabai. Although we only have a small range of Thai dishes we both love it and wanted to find the best chefs we could.”

So what made the couple decide to trade a life in the spotlight for a life in the hospitality field?

Ko Nyi Nyi Tar said it was a shared love of culture, touriusm and Myanmar and Thai food that lured them to the business.

“I felt like I wanted to do more with my life,” he said. “I wanted to do something meaningful – to have a purpose. Now my purpose is to present foreigners and guests with real Myanmar food and culture.”

It was Ko Nyi Nyi Tar’s idea to buy the business and give up on stardom.
The couple met in 2004 on the set of the film Dhu Ta Ya Lu (Second Man). Ma May Sitt Aye was there for a meeting with the director and, to her surprise, she also met her soul mate.

“We met on the set and I was immediately attracted to her,” Ko Nyi Nyi Tar said.
“She was friendly, intelligent and so innocent. And, of course, she’s cute,” he smiled.

They were married in June of last year.

Ko Nyi Nyi Tar was a model and actor for six years. He started modeling in advertisements when he was only 15.

“I love his honesty and open mind,” said Ma May Sitt Aye. “We both have the same opinions and interests. I love everything about him.”

Ma May Sitt Aye released an album in 2004 titled Ma Ma.

“Even though I have only released one album, I’m satisfied with that time in my life. I hadn’t met my soul mate and now that I have I am very happy.”

When asked if it is hard to run a business with your partner, she said, “Yes. We have fights but we always come to a mutual understanding and everything is fine again.”

With their love for the theatrical and fine dining, Lumbini is the perfect outlet for this still starry-eyed couple.

Opening hours: 10am to 10pm
Address: Corner of Kominkochin Road and Wingabar Lane, Bahan Township.
Phone: 552839