Tucked away in the heart of East Village, Stratford, Bamboo Mat is a hidden gem for foodies. Don’t let its simple storefront fool you; once you step inside, you’re in for a treat with some of the tastiest food I’ve had in ages.

Bamboo Mat brings together the exciting flavours of Japan and Peru (known as Nikkei cuisine). Their aim is to bring a taste of luxury typically reserved for Central London’s upscale restaurants to the streets of East London, at an affordable price.

From the moment you walk in, Bamboo Mat grabs your attention with its commitment to fresh, flavourful dishes. I went for their Taster Menu, but they also do a Bottomless Brunch on weekends and have an affordable lunch deal from Tuesday to Friday.

READ MORE: ‘I tried the best Italian flatbreads from a tiny London shop and felt like I was back in Florence’

The warmth of the staff enhances the dining experience. The manager provided insightful explanations of each dish’s tastes and preparation methods, which was really helpful as I had never tried some of the combinations before.

For starters, I tried three Peruvian dishes: their renowned ceviche, featuring seabass, prawns, and scallops; a Hamachi Tiradito, basically a Yellowtail Kingfish carpaccio; and an Artichoke Tostada. The Tiradito blew me away with its zesty kick and a spice I had never tasted: Aji Amarillo!

Moving on to the main event, the Chicken Teriyaki stole my heart with its juicy texture and smoky flavour – a real crowd-pleaser. And I couldn’t resist trying their heavenly sea bass, which was exceptionally fresh, and served with creamy mashed potatoes that had a hint of mint.

Their sushi selection was also a highlight, and the Volcano Maki stood out with its delightful mix of salmon, seabass, cucumber, asparagus, and avocado. What’s more, the finishing touch happens right before your eyes as the waiter skillfully blow-torches it at your table.

Equally impressive was their Crispy Mozzarella Maki, boasting a crispy crust that was just superb. All the sushi is perfectly paired with their special homemade soy sauce!

Their drinks list is also a fusion of South American and Japanese flavours, offering exciting cocktails like a Pisco Sour with a twist and a Yuzu blossom gin-based drink. I went for the Chicha Morada – a traditional Peruvian delight infused with cinnamon, vanilla, apple, pineapple, lime juice, and the unexpected sweetness of black corn, boasting a vibrant purple colour!

Bamboo Mat’s unexpected excellence in East London is a testament to its dedication to quality and innovation. So, venture into the East Village and uncover the culinary treasure that is this restaurant for a truly transformative dining experience.

Stay up to date with London’s most exciting events, newest restaurants and latest deals with our What’s On newsletter, Going Out Out. You can sign up HERE .