Not all cool fusion concepts have to be in Mayfair. Bamboo Mat turned one this May, bringing a fresh perspective on Nikkei cuisine. Through Peruvian-Japanese fusion, chef-owner Denis Gobjila and business partner Victor Rosca joined forces and have stamped their own mark on London’s ever changing Nikkei cuisine scene.
Bamboo Mat’s popularity has been building in foodie circles and the team have quietly opened a second larger site in Stratford, East London.
Plates of Joy
Bamboo Mat is a feast waiting to be unfolded. The team have worked together to showcase fresh, vibrant, and unique dishes that are both visual and complex, incorporating a balance of flavours and textures.
Begin with Bamboo Mat’s signature Seabass Ceviche – this fresh and vibrant plate consists of seabass sashimi, Aji Amarillo, Tiger’s Milk, sweet potato, red onion and cancha corn. Sushi starters include the lovely 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. One of the most unique dishes was an unreal Crispy Mozzarella Maki with salmon, mozzarella cheese, unagi sauce, spice egg sauce, crispy onion and a light tempura coating. Crispy and utterly brilliant.
Main Dishes
Main courses feature a fantastic fusion of flavours including Chicken Anticucho and Ox Cheek with yuzu potato puree and teriyaki sauce. Other meaty mains include a melt in the mouth A4 grade wagyu beef with Japanese BBQ sauce and pickled wasabi. With meat this good, you don’t need anything else.
Sushi at Bamboo Mat has all been masterfully designed and is spectacularly presented so works well as a main course too. The Mango Maki is another highlight with avocado, cucumber, Romano pepper with mango puree and sriracha sauce. The Vulcano Maki consists of salmon, seabass, cucumber, asparagus and avocado; and in true Nikkei style, the Bamboo Mat’s signature Ceviche Hot Maki is created with seabass, prawn, Aji Amarillo Tiger’s Milk and salsa.
Cocktails
Bamboo Mat’s drinks menu offers a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours to pair with the food. A range of unique cocktails and mocktails is offered such as Tokyo Mule made of Japanese vodka, ginger beer, lime, mint, and cucumber; Tokyo to Lima with pisco, Roku gin, vermouth, ginger, orange; and a Pisco Sour with pisco, lime, gome syrup, egg white, angostura. Non-drinkers will love Bamboo Mat’s Mocktail Mojito with tonic, soda, ginger, lime, yuzu, and mint.
Sake on offer includes 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.
Interior Inspiration
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. The space is bright and filled with colour, creating a modern atmosphere. The psychedelic loos are a must-visit!
Bamboo Mat brings a fresh perspective on Peruvian cuisine and adds another food dimension to the vibrant culture that is emerging in this part of London.
To Discover More, Visit bamboo-mat.co.uk
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All Imagery Courtesy of Bamboo Mat.