Lahpet Thoke
Lahpet thoke may be the most unusual salad in Southeast Asian cuisine, built around fermented tea leaves, a tradition dating back centuries in Myanmar. Legend has it that fermented tea leaves were once offered as a peace gesture between rival kingdoms, and the tradition of serving them to guests survives to this day. The dish is more than just a salad — it is a social ritual. It is not unusual for a compartmented tray of fermented tea and all its accompaniments to be placed in the middle of the table, allowing each person to mix their own portion to taste, a moment that often marks the end of a meal or a business meeting.
Fermented tea leaves
The heart of the salad is fermented tea, slightly bitter and tangy, a recipe unique in the world.
Crunchy chickpea and peanut mix
Fried chickpeas, peanuts and sesame seeds bring a crunchy contrast to the tea's soft texture.
Fresh chopped vegetables
Diced tomatoes, cabbage and fresh chili cut through the intensity of the fermented tea.
Symbol of hospitality
Traditionally served to guests as a welcoming gesture, and often closes out a festive meal.
Ingredients 4 servings
- 150 g fermented tea leaves (lahpet)
- 3 tbsp peanut oil
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 small cabbage, thinly sliced
- 100 g crunchy fried chickpeas
- 50 g roasted peanuts
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green chilies, sliced into rings
- Juice of 2 limes
How to make it
- 1Rinse the fermented tea leaves under cold water to remove excess bitterness, then squeeze them out well and set aside.
- 2Fry the chickpeas in a pan with a little oil until golden and crunchy, then remove them onto a paper towel.
- 3Cut the tomatoes into small cubes and slice the cabbage very thinly, as for a delicate salad.
- 4In a large bowl, combine the fermented tea with the peanut oil, mixing well to coat it evenly.
- 5Add the tomatoes, shredded cabbage and sliced chilies over the tea.
- 6Sprinkle the fried chickpeas, peanuts and sesame seeds on top, then squeeze the lime juice over the whole mixture.
- 7Toss everything with your hands or two large spoons until all the ingredients come together harmoniously, then serve at once to keep the crunch.
Nutritional info
per serving (~350 g)
Estimated nutritional values.
Pairs perfectly with
