Bamboo Mat turns one and opens second site

With fans such as Grace Dent (who raved about it last summer), Bamboo Mat’s popularity has steadily increased among the foodie circles of London. And now, as well as the option of the original site in Leyton, diners can now visit the newly opened second site in Statford’s East Village.

Bringing a fresh perspective on Nikkei cuisine (Peruvian-Japanese fusion), chef-owner Denis Gobjila (formerly at Chotto Matte,) and his business partner, Victor Rosca (formerly at Sushisamba and Lucky Cat), have peeled off from their previous Peruvian and Japanese restaurant establishments to join forces and stamp their own mark on London’s burgeoning Nikkei cuisine scene.

Bamboo Mat is a feast waiting to be unfolded. The team’s worked tirelessly to create unique, fresh and vibrant dishes that are both complex and visually stunning, combining an extraordinary balance of flavours and textures.

Begin with Bamboo Mat’s signature Seabass Ceviche – this dish is fresh, vibrant and looks amazing. Made up of seabass sashimi, Aji Amarillo, Tiger’s Milk, sweet potato, red onion and cancha corn, it’s got depths of flavour and lots of well balanced textures.

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. The former in particular is a personal favourite – it’s got so much depth the flavours continually evolve.

Main courses feature fabulous fusion flavours including the 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.

Another personal menu highlight are the Lamb Chops marinated in Anticucho sauce and coriander.

Sushi at Bamboo Mat has all been masterfully constructed and is amazingly 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); and in true Nekkei style treat yourself to Bamboo Mat’s signature Ceviche Hot Maki (seabass, prawn, Aji Amarillo Tiger’s Milk and salsa).

Bamboo Mat’s drinks menu offers a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours to match the food. Choose from a range of unique cocktails and mocktails such as Tokyo Mule (Japanese vodka, ginger beer, lime, mint, cucumber); Tokyo to Lima (pisco, roku gin, vermouth, ginger, orange); and of course Pisco Sour (pisco, lime, gome syrup, egg white, angostura). Non-drinkers will love Bamboo Mat’s Mocktail Mojito (tonic, soda, ginger, lime, yuzu, mint). There’s also an extraordinarily refreshing soft drink made from blue corn! So definitely worthwhile asking the staff about this one.

Sake here is also a must-try and some of the highlights on offer include Junmai Daiginjo and Kawatsuru, available by glass and bottle. Carefully selected wines, Japanese spirits, and Japanese beers such as Asahi Super Dry and Kiran Ichiban are also available to enjoy.