Lahpet Thoke
Eating tea leaves symbolising peace
Tea leaves as a dish is something that is not overly uncommon - there are dishes like stir fried oolong tea leaves with prawns that I’ve had before. However, the first time I came across fermented tea leaves put in a fresh, crisp salad was when trying it out at Burmese Super Star in San Francisco.
To me, the fermented tea leaf salad known as lahpet thonk, reminds me of how certain elements of dishes can become into something more unique but familiar at the same time. It’s the first thing that comes to mind when people mention Burmese cuisine!
In London, I’ve tried two places that offer it (with Mandalay Golden doing delivery only now and Lahpet) and hits the spot every time. The combination of peanuts that give it that crunch, the umami hit with the fermented tea leaves plus a little heat with the birds eye chilli makes an appetiser guaranteed to stimulate your tastebuds. I’d love to try the one at Cafe Mandalay when I get a chance - any excuse for that tastebud stimulation is a good one!
With a restaurant name clearly inspired by this dish, Lahpet’s lahpet thoke is a refreshing starter before you dig into the comfortable Mohinga. It’s always a staple to my Burmese experience when I go visit and never disappoints.
This dish comes from generations of consuming tea leaves in Myanmar and exchanged between kingdoms after making peace after a conflict. At least during that time, there will be a moment of peace when everyone is enjoying tea leaf salad. This also follows a famous saying from the region being:
"Of all the fruit, the mango's the best; of all the meat, pork's the best; and of all the leaves, lahpet's the best"
As I’m addicted to this dish, I have found a recipe where you could try making it at home yourself. Here’s a vegetarian variation too but I’m not sure how it could substitute the dried shrimp that gives it that extra oomph!
I hope you give this delicious dish to try soon and you may soon find a new cuisine to discover. Have a great week!
Burma Superstar
309 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
Everyday 11:30am–2:30pm, 5–9pm
Lahpet Shoreditch
58 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6JW
Monday Closed
Tuesday - Friday 5:30–10pm
Saturday 12–10pm
Sunday 12–8pm
