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Bringing a fresh perspective on Nikkei cuisine (Peruvian-Japanese fusion), chef-owner Denis Gobjila and his business partner Victor Rosca peeled off from their previous Peruvian and Japanese restaurant establishments to join forces and stamp their own mark on London’s burgeoning Nikkei cuisine scene. They wanted to open a vibrant, delicious restaurant that didn’t require an hour of travel into the centre of London.

Victor and Denis first met at the infamous Chotto Matte in Soho, where they both worked as chefs. Victor had previously worked in Sushi Samba, Roka, and Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay in Mayfair, gaining extensive experience across a wide range of Asian cuisines. Denis started in Sushi Studiya in Chisinau, Moldova, before crossing the pond and spending time at Inamo in Victoria Park Village. At Chotto Matte, the two fell in love with Nikkei cuisine, as it champions fresh products and flavours, something all chefs want to work with. So, in May 2022, they took the leap and Bamboo Mat in Leyton was born.

After a successful year garnering the attention of top tier press as well as rave reviews from the likes of Grace Dent, the two opened a second branch in Stratford just seven months later, cementing their place in the East London restaurant scene. September 2023 has seen the addition of their Nikkei bottomless brunch on offer every weekend at Bamboo Mat Stratford.