Next time you're round Stratford way, eschew the Westfield Food Court and head to the East Village to get you fill at Bamboo Mat.
It's the Peruvian-Japanese joint's second spot after Leyton, which celebrated its first birthday earlier this summer and received rave review from Grace Dent after it opened. Chef-owner Denis Gobjila (formerly at Chotto Matte,) and his business partner, Victor Rosca (formerly at Sushisamba and Lucky Cat), decided to carve their own niche in London's ever-growing Nikkei scene, and boy are we glad they did.
We tried one of the Tasting Menus to make the most of what it has to offer. The signature Seabass Ceviche is spectacular - seabass sashimi, Aji Amarillo, Tiger's Milk, sweet potato, red onion and cancha corn is a vibrant, vivacious plate full of flavour, while the Hamachi Tiradito – thinly sliced yellowtail Kingfish, yuzu truffle soy and Aji Amarillo with chives has the most beautifully refreshing tang.
Ox Cheek with yuzu potato puree and teriyaki sauce and juicy Chicken Teriyaki skewer provide a meat hit, while the sushi is not to be missed. We loved the Volcano Maki with Salmon, Seabass, Cucumber, Asparagus, Avocado and some rather wonderful tempura prawn sushi as well.
Drinks-wise, there's a cute little cocktail bar at one end of the restaurant that's just begging to be frequented, with the 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 a brilliant Bottomless Brunch offer to make the most of at the weekends - a fiesta of Nikkei delights every Saturday & Sunday between 12pm – 4pm with a selection of favourite dishes with free-flowing wine, Peruvian cocktails, or prosecco minutes. WIth the food £35 per person and the bottomless drinks just £18, it's fantastic value for money.
The food was spectacular - do yourself a favour and book a table before you can't get in!
