TIME FOR A DINNER THAT IS DIFFERENT. LAHPET.
We take an occasional dinner when we are home. But if you are traveling overseas then you might need it every day. This time we were in London for one week. Every night we searched for a new place to eat. We have been to where we always would go, but this night we went to try a new place.
We stopped by Lahpet and it was fairly packed. We read the menu and thought it was a good pick. However, before we went inside we noticed that across the area and around the corner was a restaurant that had been on TV and received a good review. The line outside was down the block. People were waiting for a table to open. It did not take a reservation so you had to wait. When we saw this we decided to go back and be with Lahpet.
This was a wise decision. We went inside and entered a world that we had never been to before. The food of Lahpet is traditional Burmese Cuisine that is a bit more modern with a twist.
SIT AT THE LAHPET BAR IN LONDON AND SEE A NEW WORLD
As most of the tables were taken we were able to take a set at the bar. And there were not many seats. Only 8 there. And you are right next to the bartender who is a young man and woman who are making the drinks and cocktails for the guests. They are fats. They are accurate. And as it turns out they make a great cocktail to have while you are waiting to order and have a meal.
Our waitress was wonderful. We told her we are from New York and this is our first time at Lahpet. She was glad to help us out and gave us inside information as to the food, the meals, and what the taste is like. This is not typical. It is what you might have had in Burma (now Myanmar) when it did exist ages ago.
It was a new combination that gave you the taste of the old style of today. We found that when she was not next to us the two bartenders would be glad to talk to us as we wanted to hear everything. It was like sitting with a friend who could talk.
The Cocktails: Pandan Sling
The first thing to do was to order our cocktails. It was easy with Kirin Beer. Having lived in Tokyo it was a good choice. We also ordered a Pandan Sling. This is a special drink of rum, pineapple shrub, cherry liqueur and lime juice.
It was chilled and fine to try. Perfect with the meal you might have. We even had time for a Kumquat Spritz made of Italicus, prosecco, kumquat, kaffir, and lime orange bitters. Another compliment to the meal to have.
When the cocktails were handed to us across the bar we prepared to order a new meal we wanted to try.
The Appetizers: Fritters and Prawn Skewers
Where can you begin? The first thing is with an appetizer or two. That is a good way to try and see what is being offered. For us, we started with the Fritters Platter. This is a combination of samples to share.
This included Shan Tofu, Split Peas, Sweetcorn, and Shallots. They are served with Tamarind Dip. We each tried a different one first. With that bite we each shared how much it tasted.
It was a great way to start dinner. It was fresh, tasty, with a little spice, but room temperature so that you could even take it in your hand with each bite you took. It was perfect and could have been a meal unto itself. Excellent.
We also had Black Tiger Prawn Skewers. These truly were fresh and warm. They were made directly after we ordered. We could see the kitchen, which is open, and right in front of us behind the bar. You can see them take the prawns and make it there for you. These prawns were served with charred tomato and chili dip. A good compliment to the skewer.
Main Way To Go: More Burma Than You Imagine
Next came our main courses. Once more we can see the chefs putting it together for us as we sat at the bar talking to the bartenders.
Coconut Noodles with Chicken
We had ordered the Coconut Noodles with Chicken. It is in a bowl and is created with egg noodles, shallots, spring onion, oil crispy wonton, lime, coriander and topped with a semi-raw egg that is touched and drips into the mixture. It tastes ideal. You have not had this before.
It is fresh, warm and has some spice that makes it extra tasty for you. I even asked for some more spice that they take from the kitchen and allow you to put on for an extra spice you might want. It was a dish you want to have once more. And the wonton would have made the ideal snack by itself.
Lentil Chow Chow
A new step was the Lentil Chow Chow. This is more typical Burma than what you imagined. This would be the dish you found in every home. It was perfect vegan-style cooking that is healthy and tasty as you try it.
It is made with red lentils, glass noodles, sweet potato and chili jam. Fresh, tasty and some spice to make you enjoy each bit you take. This was new and different.
Naturally, we need to have another order of Black Tiger Prawns. It was that good for us. A great compliment to what we were trying and sharing with each other.
TIME FOR DESSERT
Naturally, you had your meal. You were watching the chefs in front of you. And you were talking with the bartenders learning more about Lahpet and how it started in this new locations at the beginning of the year. It was new.
We were thinking of dessert when we were told to try the fresh new Sorbet. Each day there are two or three versions. They are made in the morning in a limited amount. When they are gone they are gone for the day. We were lucky. We decided to try two Mangos and one Kumquat version. That was a smart choice.
Of course, there was enough left for the one Kumquat. It was the last one. And we saw the chef take it directly from the container that they had made it in. So it was the best part to have. And enjoy.
These sorbets were the ideal way to complete the meal you had. It had some spice and taste. The sorbet offered coolness and a light flavor to enjoy. It allowed you to have a meal that was different and new.
LAHPET IS A PERFECT NEW PLACE IN THE PAST OF BURMA
It was great we had to change where we went to dinner. It turned out it was even better than what was planned. We met a great team of individuals who helped and guided us along. We met and talked to the hostess, the waitress, the bartenders and even to the chefs.
It was like we sat in their kitchen and watched them cook our meal as we chatted with each other. We would also like to thank Sahara who was kind enough to help us and give us some insight into the team, the location and all about Lahpet.
Lahpet is a new place in this location in London. It is not far from Covent Garden. Having been to London for 40 years we knew our way around. There are many new restaurants being created. They are not large places.
Limited in size. And sometimes limited in what they offer. But to find Lahpet was a miracle this time. It was very different. And having worked over in Southeast Asia and that region I did know something about the way items are created. But this was new and different. It reminded me of being back in the region.
Would I go back to Lahpet? Yes, I already have it on my calendar when I return to London for the theatre season next spring. It is a meal to enjoy, with a great team. For those who plan to visit the city for the first time – here’s a short London Guide for First-Timers.
As they say in Burmese: ကျေးဇူးတင်ပါတယ် (kyaayyjuutainpartaal)
Thank you!
LOCATION:
Lahpet – Burmese Cuisine
21 Slingsby Place, London, WC2E 9AB, Phone: 0204 580 1276
