Bamboo Mat restaurants are bringing a fresh perspective to Nikkei cuisine (Peruvian-Japanese fusion) in East London’s Leyton and Stratford, East Village and we got to try a selection of their delicious dishes plus their new Choya Cocktails made especially for Lunar New Year.
Chef-owners Denis Gobjila (formerly at Chotto Matte,) and his business partner, Victor Rosca (formerly at Sushisamba and Lucky Cat), peeled off from their previous Peruvian and Japanese restaurant establishments to join forces and stamp their mark on London’s burgeoning Nikkei cuisine scene and opened Bamboo Mat Leyton in 2022.
Following a rave review from Grace Dent, Bamboo Mat’s popularity has been building in foodie circles and the pair opened a second site at Statford’s East Village at the end of 2022.
‘Gobjila is an incredible chef serving excellent plates of Peruvian joy’
Grace Dent
Bamboo Mat menus are a feast waiting to be unfolded. The team have worked tirelessly to create unique, fresh and vibrant dishes that are both complex and visual, combining a balance of flavours and textures.
We begin with Bamboo Mat’s signature Seabass Ceviche – this fresh and vibrant plate is made up of seabass sashimi, Aji Amarillo, Tiger’s Milk, sweet potato, red onion and cancha corn. Sushi starters include the beautifully presented Hamachi Tiradito – thinly sliced yellowtail Kingfish, yuzu truffle soy and Aji Amarillo with chives; and Chutoro Tiradito –pickled wasabi, harumaki skin, yuzu and sesame ponzu.
We also tried the Gambas Fritas – deep-fried Nobashi Shimp, which went down a treat accompanied by the Choya Negroni.
Main courses feature fabulous fusion flavours including Chicken Anitcucho and Ox Cheek with yuzu potato puree and teriyaki sauce. Further meaty mains include A4 grade wagyu beef with Japanese BBQ sauce and pickled wasabi.
Sushi at Bamboo Mat has all been masterfully constructed and is beautifully presented. Try the Mango Maki (avocado, cucumber, Romano pepper with mango puree and siracha sauce); get your five a day and more with the Vulcano Maki (salmon, seabass, cucumber, asparagus and avocado) flame-grilled at tables; and in true Nekkei style treat yourself to Bamboo Mat’s signature Ceviche Hot Maki (seabass, prawn, Aji Amarillo Tiger’s Milk and salsa).
The food was utter delicious and the the service was helpful, friendly and fun. Next time we are planning to head back at the weekend when they serve a Peruvian and Japanese fusion bottomless brunch for just £35, or £30 for the vegetarian version!
Bamboo Mat Stratford’s interiors have been designed by Sebastian Salas from Sebastian Salas Studio who was inspired by the Peruvian culture and Peruvian arts and crafts he grew up with.
Bamboo Mat brings a fresh perspective on Peruvian cuisine, and right now the future looks bright.
Stratford @_bamboomatstratford
