Nestled in the heart of Stratford’s Olympic Village, Bamboo Mat brings a unique blend of Peruvian and Japanese flavours to an unexpected corner of East London.
Though slightly off the beaten track, it’s only a quick five-minute stroll from Stratford International Station, making it accessible yet tucked away enough to feel like a hidden gem.
Bamboo Mat exudes a modern, minimalist charm that perfectly balances casual and refined. As you step in, you’re greeted by the sight of chefs skillfully preparing dishes right before your eyes, creating an inviting, dynamic atmosphere. The space is dominated by natural wood, from the bar to the tables, complemented by teal chairs that add a pop of colour. The venue is light and airy, with a comfortable medium tone—not too bright, not too dim—making it adaptable for both friendly gatherings and date nights.
The layout feels spacious and intimate, avoiding the crowded feel of larger restaurants. A soft glow from string lights with a subtle neon touch adds to the cosy ambience. It’s a space that welcomes you to relax, whether you’re sharing drinks with friends or enjoying a quiet, unhurried meal.
Bamboo Mat offers a menu that’s as extensive as it is enticing, featuring everything from starters and main courses to an impressive array of nigiri, sashimi, and sushi rolls. The sheer variety of choices can feel a bit overwhelming at first glance, but we recommend easing into it with a bottle of wine—like the Chenin Blanc we enjoyed—to sip as you explore the options. Take your time with friends, selecting a few starters to share, along with a mix of sashimi, nigiri, and sushi rolls, before moving on to a main course. It’s a relaxed, enjoyable way to savour the full spectrum of flavours Bamboo Mat has to offer.
We started with an impressive spread from the starter menu, sharing dishes that showcased both artistry and flavour. The ceviche deluxe, gambas frites, and hamachi tarradito were vibrant and beautifully presented, perfectly embodying the restaurant’s fusion style. Alongside these, we enjoyed a selection of nigiri featuring bluefin tuna and yellowtail, delicate sashimi cuts, and an indulgent aburu nigiri crafted from A4-grade Wagyu beef. Paired with our bottle of Chenin Blanc, each dish hit the mark, leaving my guests absolutely blown away by the starters. It was the ideal way to set the tone for the rest of our meal.
After our starters, we moved on to a selection of sushi rolls, and if we thought we were impressed before, the sushi rolls took it to another level. Each one—from the bamboo maki to the hamashi hot maki, spicy tuna maki, and ceviche hot maki—was nothing short of exquisite. The rolls were served at just the right temperature, avoiding the all-too-common “fridge cold” feel that can sometimes detract from sushi’s delicate flavours. Paired with soy sauce, a touch of pickled ginger, and a bottle of Chablis that complemented the flavours beautifully, every bite was a dream. My guests couldn’t stop raving, and we all agreed that while everything we tried was superb, the sushi rolls and starters were the true standouts of the evening—absolute must-tries.
The main courses were beautifully cooked—the chicken thigh antichuco was succulent, the lamb chops tender, and the grilled octopus grilled to absolute perfection. However, after being so thoroughly impressed by the starters, nigiri, sashimi, and sushi rolls, the mains didn’t quite hit the same high note. In our eagerness—and perhaps influenced by the Chenin Blanc and Chablis we’d been enjoying—we didn’t initially notice that each dish we chose from the mains featured antichuco sauce, which led to a bit of flavour monotony as each plate began to taste somewhat similar. While the sauce itself was delicious, we might have opted for a bit more variety had we realized sooner and chosen a dish like the ox cheek or salmon which featured teriyaki sauce. Our recommendation would be to consider picking just one or two mains or to focus more on the incredible starters, nigiri, sashimi and sushi rolls, which, in our opinion, truly stole the show.
Though we didn’t order dessert, the staff surprised us with a lovely cheesecake adorned with a candle for our friend’s birthday—a thoughtful gesture that capped off a memorable evening. Overall, Bamboo Mat provided an exceptional dining experience, blending vibrant flavours and a unique fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. It’s the kind of spot we’d highly recommend for bringing friends to enjoy a relaxed evening filled with delicious dishes and warm hospitality. Tucked away in Stratford’s Olympic Village, it’s an off-the-beaten-path gem worth discovering for a truly delightful taste journey.
For more information and to book your table go to bamboo-mat.co.uk