Vegan Tea Leaf Salad (Lahpet Thoke)

Discover the vibrant flavors of Myanmar with this Vegan Tea Leaf Salad (Lahpet Thoke), a tantalizing fusion of textures and bold tastes. This plant-based twist on a classic Burmese dish highlights tangy, umami-rich fermented tea leaves paired with crisp shredded cabbage, juicy cherry tomatoes, and refreshing cucumber. Roasted peanuts, toasted sunflower seeds, and crispy fried garlic add crunch, while a zesty sesame lime dressing ties it all together. Optional vegan-friendly crackers bring a satisfying bite, and green chili offers a touch of heat. Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients and ready in just 25 minutes, this salad is perfect as a light meal or an impressive appetizer. Toss it all together right before serving and garnish with fresh cilantro for a show-stopping, flavor-packed dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons fermented tea leaves (vegan-friendly)
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced or chopped
• 1 cup roasted peanuts (unsalted)
• 2 tablespoons toasted sunflower seeds
• 2 tablespoons crispy fried garlic
• 1 cup chickpea flour crackers or pita chips (optional, vegan-friendly)
• 1 piece green chili, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari)
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the fermented tea leaves by blending or finely chopping them if needed. Ensure they are soft and spreadable in texture.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Set aside.

Step 3

Toast the peanuts and sunflower seeds if they are not pre-roasted. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and let cool.

Step 4

In a small bowl, mix the lime juice, sesame oil, soy sauce, and salt to create the dressing.

Step 5

Assemble the salad by arranging the ingredients on a large platter or in individual bowls. Start with the fresh vegetables as the base, then add small piles of the fermented tea leaves, roasted peanuts, sunflower seeds, crispy fried garlic, crackers or chips (if using), and sliced green chili.

Step 6

Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine just before serving.

Step 7

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1022.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2088.0

Total Fat 138.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2310.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 166.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.8g	0%
Total Sugars 24.9g
Protein 72.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 363.6mg	0%
Iron 13.7mg	0%
Potassium 2941.1mg	0%

*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: 56.5%

Protein: 13.2%

Carbs: 30.3%