'I went to the new Latino dance night in Stratford perfect to spice up winter'

Ines Santos
·2-min read

Bamboo Mat, a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant in Stratford East, has introduced Latino Thursdays - an event to turn up the heat this winter. Since October 31, Cada y Perico, a six-piece Colombian-Honduran band, have taken the stage from 7 pm to bring South American warmth to London.

With the winter chill setting in, I couldn’t resist checking it out. I arrived early to enjoy a couple of drinks and soak in the ambiance before the music began.

The lively band’s performance is loud enough to dominate the space, but their regular breaks allow for conversation in between. As the music set the tone, I tried Bamboo Mat’s exquisite ‘Nikkei cuisine.’

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Their ceviche deluxe is incredibly unique, with a mango sauce and crispy corn that stand out
Their ceviche deluxe is incredibly unique, with a mango sauce and crispy corn that stand out -Credit:MyLondon

For a starter, I had the Deluxe Ceviche, with seabass, scallops, prawns, and sweet potato. The sweet potato was a great surprise because it added a needed sweetness to the zingy ceviche.

For my main course, I opted for the Chicken Teriyaki, which was incredibly tender and full of flavour. The generous Teriyaki sauce added richness without being overwhelming, while the sprinkle of spring onion brought a fresh touch.

On the side, I got their broccoli, coated in a sweet soy sauce and topped with crispy onions. The combination of textures made it an irresistible complement to the main dish.

Their Teriyaki Chicken is my favourite dish at Bamboo Mat, as the meat melts in your mouth
Their Teriyaki Chicken is my favourite dish at Bamboo Mat, as the meat melts in your mouth -Credit:MyLondon

The sushi rolls were definitely the highlight of the meal. I had their Crispy Philadelphia Maki, with a beautifully crumbly prawn blended with cream cheese, and the Canada Maki, with eel and a rich unagi sauce on top.

Latino Thursdays are free to attend - just book a table or drop in at the bar, and dance the night away like you are in sunny Peru. While you’re at it, sip on iconic Peruvian drinks like the boozy Pisco Sour, often called South America’s take on a Martini.

Even though a Latino night calls for cocktails, my favourite drink at Bamboo Mat is non-alcoholic
Even though a Latino night calls for cocktails, my favourite drink at Bamboo Mat is non-alcoholic -Credit:MyLondon

For a non-alcoholic option, my top pick is the Chicha Morada, made from blue corn. Its winter-perfect blend of cinnamon, vanilla, apple, pineapple, and lime juice delivers a comforting flavour with a distinctly Peruvian twist.

This event is an affordable way to enjoy high-quality food and vibrant entertainment. For a date night or a midweek escape, Bamboo Mat’s Latino Thursdays deliver a slice of South America in the heart of Stratford.

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