Photo: Lahpet Larder’s signature dishes combine vivid colours, layered textures, and bold Burmese flavours in beautifully composed plates.
A Feast for the Senses at Lahpet Larder
Lahpet Larder delivers vibrant Burmese-inspired dishes bursting with texture and spice, balancing sophisticated ambiance with inventive flavours, though uneven service and premium pricing slightly temper an otherwise memorable dining experience.
I ndustrial meets earthy chic at the tucked-away Lahpet Larder on Bermondsey Street. Natural wood and finished concrete intertwine with dusty pinks and muted greens studded with metal accents and light greenery for a modern feel. The aromas emanating from the kitchen will draw you in, enticing you to peruse their intricate Burmese-inspired menus.
The ginger salad will take you on a journey through a spectrum of flavours, textures, and colours, ranging from spicy and crispy to sweet and crunchy. Packed with pickled ginger, a double-fried bean and peanut mixture, tomatoes, coriander, chilli, and a lime and shallot dressing, this dish was irresistible on a 30º day.
Highlights From the Review
- Vibrant Burmese-inspired menu layered with spice, crunch, acidity, and sweetness
- Ginger salad delivers exceptional texture and freshness
- Spiced fried chicken balances crispness with sweet tamarind heat
- Signature coconut noodle bowl transforms after mixing tableside
- House-made mango peach iced tea stands out as a refreshing highlight
- Sophisticated industrial-chic interiors create an elevated atmosphere
- Creative flavour combinations make the restaurant unforgettable despite service shortcomings
A perfect complement to the light and refreshing ginger salad is the spiced fried chicken with its sweet-and-sour chilli tamarind glaze and its crisp, airy breading. I was pleasantly surprised to find chicken breast inside; though it’s a favourite of mine, many people opt for the dark meat instead, claiming it has more flavour. However, these chicken bites at Lahpet could make anyone a believer in the breast. Tender and juicy with a light crunch, the only thing missing from this plate was a nice cooling sauce to offset the chilli. Though they were flavourful on their own even without a heavy glaze, let’s call it what it is—a chicken nugget. And a chicken nugget demands a dipping sauce.
Lahpet Larder captivates with daring Burmese flavours, stylish interiors, and layered dishes that linger long after the final bite.
Between the spicy chicken and the spicy salad, I had to order a house-made mango peach iced tea to cleanse my palate. Given that ‘lahpet’ means fermented tea leaves, my expectations were high—and they were met. It was delicately sweet and cooling; though it is £6, I would come back just for a takeaway cup.
Lahpet’s signature dish is a chicken and coconut egg noodle bowl accompanied by a soft-boiled egg, crispy wonton strips, and paprika oil. Upon my first mouthful of noodles, I was startled to find it quite bland. I soon realised that my desire to maintain the dish’s pristine presentation was ruining my experience. This bowl needs a serious stir, akin to tossing a salad—just make sure to cover your lap in napkins first. Once I melded all the flavours together and added the lime and coriander provided on the side, everything clicked. The chicken is coated in a spiced coconut marinade that seeps into the broth, mingling with the paprika oil and egg yolk, and suddenly you’re eating a new meal. Though it was still lacking in salt, the broth was creamy and unctuous, and the noodles upheld their bite.
I did unfortunately find myself sitting and staring at the wall more than I’d care to admit while waiting for service. Between the hospitality (or lack thereof) and the fact that each small appetiser will set you back £10-12.50, this restaurant may not exactly be a weekly haunt. However, their unique flavours and sophisticated ambiance just might make you forget all that.
