Tea Leaf Salad (Lahpet Thoke)

Delight your taste buds with Tea Leaf Salad (Lahpet Thoke), a vibrant and tangy Burmese dish that brings a burst of flavor and texture to your table. This traditional salad features the unique umami richness of sautéed fermented tea leaves, complemented by the crunch of roasted peanuts, fried garlic, and crispy yellow split peas. Fresh shredded cabbage and juicy cherry tomatoes add a refreshing contrast, while a zesty dressing of lemon juice and fish sauce ties it all together with a bright, citrusy kick. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and optional dried shrimp powder for a touch of savory depth, this quick 20-minute recipe is a perfect side dish or light meal. Step into the bold and aromatic world of Burmese cuisine with this unforgettable salad!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup fermented tea leaves
• 1 cup finely shredded cabbage
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.5 cup roasted peanuts
• 0.25 cup fried garlic
• 0.25 cup fried yellow split peas
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon dried shrimp powder (optional)
• 1 thinly sliced green chili
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Directions

Step 1

In a small skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the fermented tea leaves and sauté them for about 3-5 minutes, or until they're fragrant and slightly crisp. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 2

In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, cherry tomatoes, sautéed tea leaves, and green chili.

Step 3

Add the roasted peanuts, fried garlic, fried yellow split peas, toasted sesame seeds, and dried shrimp powder (if using) to the bowl.

Step 4

Drizzle the salad with lemon juice and fish sauce. Toss everything together until well combined.

Step 5

Garnish the salad with additional toasted sesame seeds or fried garlic if desired.

Step 6

Serve the tea leaf salad immediately as a refreshing and tangy side dish or light meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	712.4 grams (712.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1055

Total Fat 73.40g	94%
Saturated Fat 21.10g	106%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.40g
Cholesterol 60mg	20%
Sodium 1598mg	69%
Total Carbohydrate 73.80g	27%
Dietary Fiber 22.90g	82%
Total Sugars 13.20g
Protein 42.80g	86%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 346mg	27%
Iron 7mg	37%
Potassium 1758mg	37%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.6%

Protein: 15.2%

Carbs: 26.2%