- Location: 58 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6JW
- Website: Visit Website
- Price: £££ – Pricey
- Booking: Booking highly recommended, especially weekends. Book here
A Taste of Myanmar: Laphet Shines in East London
Beyond the familiar comfort of Pad Thai or the fragrant allure of Pho, lies a culinary landscape less charted by the average Londoner: the vibrant, complex flavours of Myanmar. Nestled prominently on Bethnal Green Road, Laphet has firmly established itself as Shoreditch’s celebrated gateway to modern Burmese cuisine. More than just a restaurant, it’s an invitation to explore a unique gastronomic heritage, centred around the country’s national treasure – fermented tea leaves, or ‘lahpet’. Since opening, it has become a fixture in the area’s dynamic food scene, offering a dining experience that feels both excitingly novel and warmly familiar. It promises an energetic atmosphere and a menu bursting with intriguing textures and tastes, making it a must-visit for the culinarily curious exploring East London’s vibrant streets.
Setting the Scene: Laphet’s Atmosphere and Hospitality
Stepping into Laphet Shoreditch, you’re immediately enveloped by a palpable buzz. The space often hums with conversation and the clatter of shared plates, reflecting its popularity. The decor strikes a balance between Shoreditch cool – think exposed brickwork, industrial-chic lighting, and perhaps some minimalist wooden furniture – and subtle Southeast Asian touches, creating an environment that feels contemporary yet grounded. It’s typically bustling, especially during peak hours, so don’t expect a library-quiet dinner; instead, embrace the energetic, communal vibe. Service generally matches the pace: efficient, friendly, and knowledgeable. Staff often navigate the busy floor adeptly and are usually well-versed in the menu’s unique ingredients, ready to guide newcomers through the delights of Burmese dishes like the eponymous tea leaf salad or the array of flavourful curries.
Flavour Expeditions: Laphet’s Must-Try Burmese Dishes
Laphet’s menu is a captivating exploration of Burmese food, showcasing regional specialties and elevating traditional flavours with a modern sensibility. The focus is often on shared plates, encouraging a communal dining experience built around signature ingredients like fermented tea leaves, tamarind, fish sauce, and turmeric. While curries and noodle dishes form the backbone, the real magic lies in the intricate salads and unique flavour combinations that define Burmese cuisine.
Lahpet Thoke (Tea Leaf Salad)
This is the dish that defines Laphet, and for good reason. Far from a simple leafy green affair, the Lahpet Thoke is a textural and flavour symphony. The slightly tangy, umami-rich fermented tea leaves form the base, intricately mixed with a dazzling array of crunchy elements – typically fried beans, peas, nuts, and toasted sesame seeds – alongside fresh tomato, garlic, and a hint of chilli. Each mouthful offers a delightful contrast of soft and crisp, savoury and sharp. It’s presented beautifully, inviting you to mix the components together, creating a unique and utterly addictive start to the meal.
Shan Noodles (Shan Khout Swe)
A beloved classic from Myanmar’s Shan State, this dish offers comforting satisfaction with layers of flavour. Typically featuring slippery rice noodles bathed in a light, savoury sauce (often tomato and/or chicken based, infused with turmeric and garlic), it’s a dish that warms from the inside out. At Laphet, expect a well-executed rendition, perhaps topped with tender pieces of chicken or pork, crushed peanuts for texture, pickled mustard greens for tang, and fresh herbs like spring onions or coriander. It’s less overtly punchy than the Lahpet Thoke but equally compelling in its comforting complexity.
Pork & Mustard Green Curry (Wet Tha Hsi Htouk)
Venturing into the curries, the Pork & Mustard Green offers a robust and deeply flavourful experience. Slow-cooked pork, often belly or shoulder, becomes incredibly tender, absorbing the rich, aromatic curry base. The key counterpoint comes from pickled mustard greens (Monnyin), which impart a distinctive tangy, slightly bitter edge that cuts through the richness of the pork and the savoury sauce. It’s typically less fiery than Thai curries, focusing instead on a complex interplay of savoury, sour, and spice, often served with perfectly steamed jasmine rice to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
The drinks list thoughtfully complements the food. Expect creative cocktails incorporating Southeast Asian ingredients like tamarind, ginger, lime, and chilli, alongside a curated selection of wines and beers. Non-alcoholic options often include refreshing house-made iced teas or coolers that provide a welcome counterpoint to the vibrant dishes.
The Final Bite: Why Laphet Remains a Shoreditch Favourite
Laphet Shoreditch delivers a consistently vibrant and flavour-packed dining experience that successfully transports diners to the heart of Myanmar, albeit via East London. The energetic, buzzy atmosphere pairs well with the exciting and often surprising flavours found across the menu, spearheaded by the unmissable Lahpet Thoke. While the service is geared towards efficiency in the often-packed space, it remains friendly and informative. Laphet excels in offering something genuinely different in London’s saturated food scene, making it a rewarding destination for adventurous eaters, groups looking to share diverse plates, or even a lively date night for those who enjoy a bustling backdrop. It’s a testament to its unique appeal and consistent quality that it remains a sought-after Shoreditch hotspot.
