Mandalay, both due to its history as a former capital of Myanmar, and its position as a major trading centre between Myanmar and it's neighbours in China, India and Bangladesh has a notable array of specialties both from various regions within Myanmar as well as from other countries. Cuisine from the Shan State usually including fermented pastes, vegetables, and meats is popular in Mandalay which has a notable Shan minority. Muslim Chinese noodles, pronounced pan-THEI-kao-sweh flat thin noodles mixed with an array of spices, chili, and chicken, are also famous in Mandalay and the surrounding hills. Regardless of where you eat, try and leave space for Htou mounto-moh, a traditional Burmese dessert sold only in Mandalay. Beware, it contains a lot of oil and is extremely sweet.
Mann Restaurant
A Chinese restaurant, frequented by locals, but not so much by foreigners. Has a number of basic Chinese meals, at around 2000k a plate. Easily recognised from the street by the abundant yellow and black advertising for a local whisky brand. They do sell beer and alcohol here too, Myanmar Beer at 1500k a bottle compared to 2000k in Yangon.
Too Too Myanmar Cuisine
Supposedly has the best Burmese food in whole Mandalay.
Street Pancakes (Indian roti)
In the southwest block of 81st & 26th streets, enter the unmarked alley besides the Myawaddy Bank during the afternoon to find a pleasant indian lady making savoury and sweet street pancakes in a cast iron frying pan in front of her house. Cheap, delicious, and pleasant company.