Authentic Burmese Laphet Thoke (Tea Leaf Salad) Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup of fermented tea leaves (Laphet)
2 cups of shredded cabbage
1 cup of shredded carrots
1 cup of chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup of chopped green chilies
1 cup of finely chopped garlic
3 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 teaspoon of sugar
1/2 cup of dried shrimps
1/2 cup of toasted sesame seeds
1/2 cup of roasted peanuts
1/2 cup of fried garlic
1/2 cup of fried broad beans
1/2 cup of sliced lime
1/2 cup of peanut oil
Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

First, rinse the fermented tea leaves under warm water to reduce bitterness. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped tomatoes, and chopped green chilies.
Add the fermented tea leaves to the bowl, followed by the finely chopped garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and salt.
In a separate bowl, soak the dried shrimps in hot water for about 15 minutes, or until they become soft. Drain the water and chop the shrimps into small pieces.
Add the chopped shrimps, toasted sesame seeds, roasted peanuts, fried garlic, and fried broad beans to the large mixing bowl.
Heat up the peanut oil in a small pan, and once it's hot, pour it over the salad. This will help to bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
Finally, toss everything together until the ingredients are well combined. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the Laphet Thoke with sliced lime on the side. Enjoy!

Tools for making

Large mixing bowl - Used to combine all the ingredients together.
Small pan - Used to heat up the peanut oil before pouring it over the salad.
Knife - Needed to chop the tomatoes, green chilies, garlic, dried shrimps, and broad beans.
Cutting board - Provides a surface for chopping the ingredients.
Colander or strainer - Used to rinse the fermented tea leaves and drain the soaked dried shrimps.
Serving plate or bowl - Used to present and serve the Laphet Thoke.
Measuring cups and spoons - Required for accurate measurement of ingredients like fish sauce, sugar, and oil.

Recipe variations

Add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for a protein-packed version of Laphet Thoke.
Replace the cabbage with lettuce or spinach for a lighter variation.
Include diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, omit the fish sauce and dried shrimps, and substitute with soy sauce or tamari.
Add roasted cashews or almonds instead of peanuts for a different nutty flavor.
Include fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for added freshness.
For a spicy kick, add sliced Thai bird's eye chilies or crushed red pepper flakes.
Try different types of fermented tea leaves, such as pu-erh tea leaves or Japanese tea leaves.
Include some cooked vermicelli noodles or rice noodles to make it more substantial.
Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for extra acidity.

Recipe overview

Laphet Thoke, also known as Burmese Tea Leaf Salad, is a traditional dish from Myanmar that's as flavorful as it is unique. This salad is the perfect blend of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors, where the star ingredient is fermented tea leaves, a delicacy in Burmese cuisine. The salad also features an array of textures, mixing the crunchiness of fresh vegetables, the chewiness of dried shrimps, and the nuttiness of toasted sesame seeds and roasted peanuts. The process of making Laphet Thoke involves several steps, including rinsing the fermented tea leaves, mixing the vegetables and seasonings, and tossing everything together with hot peanut oil. The result is a vibrant and hearty salad that can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side. This recipe will guide you through the steps of making your own Laphet Thoke at home. Enjoy the journey of discovering this unique Burmese dish!

Common questions

Can I use regular tea leaves instead of fermented tea leaves? No, fermented tea leaves (Laphet) are essential for the authentic flavor of Laphet Thoke. Regular tea leaves will not provide the same taste and texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Yes, you can omit the dried shrimps and fish sauce to make a vegetarian version of Laphet Thoke. You can also add some tofu or tempeh for added protein.
Can I adjust the amount of spice in this recipe? Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the amount of green chilies according to your preference for spiciness.
Can I substitute any of the vegetables? Yes, you can customize the vegetables based on your taste. However, cabbage and carrots are commonly used in Laphet Thoke.
How long does this salad stay fresh? Laphet Thoke is best when consumed immediately. However, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I add other ingredients? Feel free to experiment and add your favorite ingredients to make the salad more interesting. Some popular additions include dried shrimp powder, crispy fried onions, or fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.
What can I serve with Laphet Thoke? Laphet Thoke is often served as a side dish or appetizer alongside other Burmese dishes such as Mohinga (fish noodle soup) or Burmese curry. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing salad.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the ingredients.
Small Pan - Used to heat up peanut oil for flavor infusion.
Knife - For chopping vegetables and garlic.
Cutting Board - To provide a stable surface for cutting ingredients.
Strainer - For rinsing the fermented tea leaves and draining the soaked dried shrimps.
Grater - Optional, for shredding the cabbage and carrots.
Serving Bowl - A bowl to present and serve the Laphet Thoke.
Serving Spoon - For portioning and serving the salad.

Origin stories

Laphet Thoke, affectionately known as Burmese tea leaf salad, is a beloved national dish in Myanmar. The main component, laphet, refers to fermented or pickled tea leaves, which are a unique food item in Burmese cuisine. Laphet Thoke is steeped in tradition, carrying with it a practice that dates back to the days of ancient kings. The Burmese people once offered laphet as a symbol of peace and reconciliation during disputes and conflict resolution. It wasn't just an offering, but also a customary way of making peace. Today, whether it's a festive occasion or an ordinary day, Laphet Thoke is a dish that connects the people of Myanmar to their rich heritage, reminding them of the values of peace, unity, and reconciliation embedded in every mouthful.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.