Our first factory! This family-run business makes (we were assured) the very best soybean paste in all of Myanmar.

First, we must have access to the needed raw ingredients. In this case, primarily soybeans and water.

And tools! Of course there must be tools.

The men pour the soybeans into a chute that empties into a vat, where they add water (and maybe other stuff?), boil it over a hot fire, and stir until the mix is thickened. The mix is then poured into the next vat and the next; more water is added; and eventually a thick paste is obtained. I am assured that this is truly delicious stuff.

Now that we have brewed up a vat-full of delicious soybean paste, it goes to the next area of the factory for packaging. This is women’s work.

At the edge of this work area is the home of the factory owner. We ask if we may look inside, and permission is granted.