Lahpet Larder

Lahpet Larder is one of the new unsung heroes on the foodie highway that is Bermondsey Street, just a stone’s throw from London Bridge station, making it very accessible.

Having opened last year, it is the third Lahpet restaurant in London, promoting simple and delicious Burmese cuisine under the Lahpet brand and offers a cosy ambiance with an Asian vibe. The first and original Lahpet is located in fashionable Shoreditch, and Lahpet West End, which is more centrally located and close to Covent Garden and ideal for theatregoers. I have been to all three and love them all. It really all depends on where you are as which one to choose but all three offer the same attentive service and quality of food.

Lahpet is a Burmese ‘tea’ and is one of the base ingredients for its outstanding salad, alongside another ‘sibling’ salad – the Ginger Salad – which once eaten is never forgotten. Friends who have eaten the ginger salad immediately seek out the ingredients to try and replicate it. The Bermondsey branch has its eponymous larder that sells some essentials, and it is definitely worth enquiring with the staff what is needed to create this fresh and tasty culinary wonder at home.

So, what should you order if you have never tried Burmese food before? Well, my advice is to order a good sharing plate of starters especially the Sweet Potato and Shan Tofu Puffs, similar in style to prawn crackers but more flavoursome, and the Sweetcorn and Split Pea Fritters, which must be dunked liberally in the accompanying Tamarind dipping sauce.

Although a number of the dishes can be quite spicy, there are also plenty of milder dishes for you to enjoy if you are less partial to spicy food, which includes the dishes mentioned above. You might also like to try the Heritage Tomato and Beansprout Salad, as well as of course the Ginger Salad, which only has a mild spice to it.

As for a main course, you can’t go wrong with the superb Delta Style Steamed Sea Bass, served on a bed of lemongrass, tomato and Thai parsley. They also do a very nice Rakhine Salmon Ceviche. But if you fancy some meat, then the Kachin Ribeye Beef should do the trick.

Lahpet is also known for its cocktails, and I would certainly recommend trying their rather unique Lahpet Margarita (£13). And if you are looking for a place to go after work with colleagues or friends, then pop in for Happy Hour between 5:00pm and 6:30pm when all cocktails are half price!

Lahpet’s wine list has something for everyone, with a nice small, handpicked selection of reasonably priced white and red wines from France, Italy, Spain, Sardinia, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay.

I tend to choose their excellent Italian Merlot which is available by the glass (from £5.50) as well as in a carafe (£22) which pairs really well with the salads, fish and meat dishes.

Last time I visited Lahpet Larder, we decided to try their excellent value £10 Express Lunch Menu, which is available daily until 5:00pm for up to six people. You have the choice of three side dishes that include Yellow Peas and Fried Dough Stick, a Fried Chicken Roll or their signature Ginger Salad. You can then choose either the excellent Coconut Noodles with Chicken bowl or Aubergine Curry, Rice Noodle Salad Chicken Curry or Oyster Mushrooms and Pea Protein or King Prawn Sipyan Curry. They offer a few add-ons such as the Tofu Puffs, Hispi Cabbage, Balachaung and Shan Pickles as well as a dessert for an extra £4.50 if you are still hungry. On the day we were there it was a Frosted Donut.

I cannot fault any of the dishes and none disappoint. The wonderful team at Lahpet are very conscious of special dietary requirements and most dishes cater for gluten allergies and they have extensive vegan and vegetarian options. Many dishes can be changed if required.

So, if you are exhausted after a foodie tour of Borough Market, take your shopping and a short walk from London Bridge station to the top of Bermondsey Street and indulge in Asia’s fine flavours. Plus, Lahpet is much cheaper than any restaurant in The Shard but with the same quality, if not better.

The Details

Lahpet Larder, 39-45 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XF, England.

Tel: +44 (0)20 4580 1424

Website: www.lahpet.co.uk

Email: reservations@lahpet.co.uk

The closest station is London Bridge mainline and Underground station which is just a minute’s walk from the restaurant. Lahpet is open Monday from 5:30pm to 10:00pm, Tuesday to Saturday from midday to 10:00pm and closed all day Sunday.

Type of Restaurant: Burmese Restaurant

Price Band: Medium

Insider Tip: Do try their Lahpet Margarita and Ginger Salad.

Reviewer’s Rating: 10/10

Author Bio:

Simon Burrell is a UK-based travel and motoring journalist and editor, a former member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and professional photographer.

Photographs courtesy of Lahpet