Myanmar tea leaf salad : Lahpet Thoke (Fermented Tea Leaf Salad)

In a typical lahpet thoke (or fermented tea leaf salad), fried legumes such as butter beans or yellow split peas, as well as toasted sesame seeds, fried garlic, roasted peanuts, dried shrimp, chili, sliced tomatoes, shredded cabbage, and oil, are added to the pickled tea leaves. You can then add fresh lime juice or fish sauce to the season.
The original taste of tea leaf is very bitter and its bitterness is therefore reduced after the rinsing and fermentation processes. The traditional process calls for a full fermentation of 3 to 4 months.


Myanmar Tea Leaf Salad, also known as "Lahpet Thoke," is a traditional and popular dish in Burmese cuisine. It's a unique and flavorful salad made with fermented tea leaves, various crunchy and savory ingredients, and a variety of seasonings. Here's an overview of this iconic Burmese dish:


Ingredients:Fermented Tea Leaves: The star ingredient, fermented tea leaves, are usually slightly bitter and tangy. They are a key component that gives the salad its distinct flavor.
Crunchy Components: Common additions include roasted peanuts, fried garlic, fried lentils, and sesame seeds. These ingredients add texture and flavor contrast to the salad.
Tomatoes: Sliced or diced tomatoes add freshness and juiciness to the salad.
Shredded Cabbage: Provides a crisp and mild base for the salad.
Green Chili Peppers: These add a touch of heat and spiciness.
Other Vegetables: Some variations might include sliced green beans, julienned carrots, or jicama for extra crunch.
Dressing: The dressing typically consists of ingredients like fish sauce, lime juice, garlic oil, and sometimes a bit of chili paste for extra flavor.


Myanmar Tea Leaf Salad, also known as "Lahpet Thoke," is a traditional and popular dish in Burmese cuisine. It's a unique and flavorful salad made with fermented tea leaves, various crunchy and savory ingredients, and a variety of seasonings. Here's an overview of this iconic Burmese dish:




Ingredients:Fermented Tea Leaves: The star ingredient, fermented tea leaves, are usually slightly bitter and tangy. They are a key component that gives the salad its distinct flavor.
Crunchy Components: Common additions include roasted peanuts, fried garlic, fried lentils, and sesame seeds. These ingredients add texture and flavor contrast to the salad.
Tomatoes: Sliced or diced tomatoes add freshness and juiciness to the salad.
Shredded Cabbage: Provides a crisp and mild base for the salad.
Green Chili Peppers: These add a touch of heat and spiciness.
Other Vegetables: Some variations might include sliced green beans, julienned carrots, or jicama for extra crunch.
Dressing: The dressing typically consists of ingredients like fish sauce, lime juice, garlic oil, and sometimes a bit of chili paste for extra flavor.


Preparation:The fermented tea leaves are soaked in water to soften them.
The various crunchy components are prepared by roasting or frying them until they're crispy and aromatic.
The ingredients are then combined in a mixing bowl with the softened tea leaves, shredded cabbage, tomatoes, and other vegetables.
The dressing ingredients are mixed separately and then poured over the salad.
Everything is mixed together thoroughly, ensuring that the dressing is evenly distributed and coats all the ingredients.


Serving: Myanmar Tea Leaf Salad is often served as a communal dish, where everyone at the table can help themselves. It's usually eaten with the fingers or using utensils. The combination of textures, flavors, and the unique tang of the fermented tea leaves creates a memorable culinary experience.


Myanmar Tea Leaf Salad is not only delicious but also carries cultural significance. It's a dish that reflects the diversity and depth of Burmese cuisine, and it's enjoyed as a shared meal among friends and family. It's also a wonderful example of how ingredients unique to a particular region can come together to create a harmonious and flavorful dish.