If you like Japanese and Peruvian food, you’re probably pretty familiar with Nikkei cuisine. This fusion, which uses Japanese cooking techniques and Peruvian ingredients, is said to have first started in the late 1800s, with an increase of Japanese people immigrating to Peru. The cuisine grew in popularity through the 20th century, and is now pretty popular here in London too. If you’re looking for a relaxed, unpretentious spot to feast on Nikkei fare, the newly opened Bamboo Mat is a great option. I went to check it out.
Canary Wharf vs Stratford
This new opening between Canary Wharf and Greenwich is Bamboo Mat’s second site in the capital. This location is pretty similar to their Stratford venue in that it’s set in an unassuming spot, surrounded by residences – plus both have a lovely open space for summer. Inside, though, the decor is very different. Mood lighting, wood details, and eye-catching, carved bar chairs lead the charge at the Canary Wharf site; the vibe felt casual yet elevated. You know those evenings when you want to go out for really good food, but not out out so you have to forgo the trainers and comfies? This is the ultimate in-between spot. Whether a mate date or a date date, it’s special enough without being pretentious.
The food and drinks at Bamboo Mat
The menu at Bamboo Mat spans a variety of dishes, some with ingredients you may typically associate with Peru, others with Japan, and of course, many dishes that fuse both cuisines together. While I thoroughly enjoyed the sweet and spicy contrasts in the seabass ceviche starter, the pork belly starter was the clear winner for me. It had a perfectly crunchy outside, with a melt-in-your-mouth soft middle – and not at all chewy, which can sometimes be the case with this cut of meat. The flavours were divine too.
If sushi is more your bag, I highly recommend the dragon maki. Like a lot of the other dishes at Bamboo Mat, the chefs balance sweet and savoury so well; this was the case here too. Add the texture contrasts of the soft rice and avocado, and crunchy tempura prawn, and you’ve got the perfect bite every time. It was presented beautifully; I loved the attention to detail, especially the little plant fashioned out of a lime and leaves.
As for your main dish, given the temperature outside at the moment (hello, stormy season), you must go for the ox cheek. It was a proper winter warmer dish. The meat was saucy, soft, and melted into the smooth mashed potato – I couldn’t get enough! And, if you round off the meal with a creme brulee? You’ll walk out feeling full, and like your dinner had encased you in a warm hug.
As for drinks, I was seriously impressed by the amount of non-alcoholic options, alongside their cocktails, wine, and beer. The mocktails were beautifully presented, and boasted interesting flavour profiles. Particular highlights included the Wild Rose mocktail – the sweetness of the lychee was well balanced by the other flavours – and the citrusy Dragon’s Nector mocktail went well with our food. If you prefer an alcoholic beverage with your meal, you can’t go wrong with a classic: the Pisco Sour and the Spicy Marg were great, though the latter packed quite a kick!
Overall, the Canary Wharf outpost of Bamboo Mat is ideal for an unassuming meal that still boasts a little flair. While the vibe is uber relaxed, it’s clear that a lot of time is put into the presentation of the dishes and drinks – hey, even the design of the crockery was pretty impressive. This attention to detail is also clear in the food and drink itself, with contrasting flavours and textures brought together to create something harmonious.
You can book a table on Bamboo Mat’s website.
