As my dining companion and I entered the modern-chic Bamboo Mat restaurant in Stratford, it was clear that this place was something special. Denis Gobjila and Victor Rosca, the visionaries behind this Peruvian-Japanese fusion venture, have certainly breathed a much needed new life into the Nikkei cuisine scene.

A chorus of approval arose from our table as the first dish, Padron Peppers served with Mango Miso, arrived. The peppers were masterfully cooked, and the sweet and tangy mango miso provided a delightful contrast. This was followed by a flavoursome Salmon Teriyaki Spinach Salad adorned with sesame seeds and spring onion.

The next dish – lamb chops marinated in Anticucho sauce and adorned with coriander, offered a symphony of textures and flavours, as did the incredibly flavoursome yellowtail sashimi. The star, however, was the Grilled Sweet Potato. This vegetarian take on the Peruvian street food dish anticucho, garnished with yogurt, pickled shallots, feta cheese, pomegranate and coriander, was a revelation.

The Veg Maki, a testament to the harmonious blend of Peruvian and Japanese flavours, arrived beautifully presented. Each roll brimming with asparagus, avocado, cucumber, and sesame seeds, all delicately laced with yuzu soy.

To quench our thirst, the Bamboo Mat offered an extensive range of Japanese-Peruvian fusion drinks. The Tokyo Mule, a concoction of Japanese vodka, ginger beer, lime, mint, and cucumber, proved to be an invigorating choice. The non-alcoholic Mojito mocktail, featuring an innovative blend of tonic, soda, ginger, lime, yuzu, and mint, was equally refreshing.

As we indulged in their new ice cream flavours – salted caramel for me and coconut for my guest – we reflected on Bamboo Mat’s commitment to accommodating the needs of their diverse clientele, evident in their expanded vegetarian offerings.

Bamboo Mat is an authentic slice of Peru in the heart of London, with a Japanese twist. The place buzzes with the energy of chef-owners Gobjila and Rosca, who continue to impress with their innovative dishes and unrivaled passion for Nikkei cuisine. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s an immersive culinary experience that will transport you from Tokyo to Lima in a single bite. The Bamboo Mat comes highly recommended, whether you’re a seasoned foodie or someone looking for a delightful vegetarian adventure.