Myanmar people are not only highly inventive with food but also skilled at creating dishes that are flavourful and satisfying. This week, we highlight a seasonal del­icacy perfect for the monsoon: “Rainy Season Laphet Thoke” — Myanmar’s Monsoon Superfood.

What is Rainy Season Laphet? It is a salad made from tender Dantkywe leaves (a type of wild tea leaf) that sprout naturally at the start of the rainy season. Traditionally, it has been a beloved monsoon treat. In the past, vendors would walk through neighbourhoods carrying baskets, calling out, “Here’s Rainy Season Laphet Thoke; Come and try!” The tangy, salty, and spicy mix paired with hot water is especially comforting on cool, rainy days.

Ingredients

1. Fermented tea leaves (Laphet)

2. Cabbage or lettuce

3. Peanuts

4. Fried garlic

5. Fried chickpeas

6. Sesame seeds

7. Tomato

8. Chilli

9. Fish sauce

10. Chicken seasoning powder

11. Lime juice

Preparation

• Soak dried Dantkywe leaves in hot water for 10 minutes, then in cool water for about an hour.

• Drain and mix with garlic, ginger, and lime juice.

• Arrange cabbage or lettuce on a plate, place the prepared tea leaves in the centre, and surround with peanuts, fried garlic, fried chickpeas, tomato, and chilli.

• Drizzle with fish sauce, lime juice, and fried garlic oil.

• Mix gently by hand, then top with fried beans, garlic, and sesame seeds. Serve as a re­freshing seasonal salad.

Health Benefits: Eating Rainy Season Laphet Thoke two to three times a week can be beneficial. Young Dantkywe (wild tea) leaves are rich in natural antioxidants, and combined with other ingredients, they offer multiple health advantages:

• Relieves indigestion and stimulates ap­petite during the rainy season.

• Antioxidants protect cells and strengthen immu­nity.

• Garlic and lime aid digestion and reduce bloating.

• Mild caffeine in tea leaves helps fight drowsiness and refreshes the mind.

• Peanuts, sesame, and garlic help lower cholesterol, supporting heart health.

Additional Benefits: Rainy Season Laphet is believed to:

Fight parasites and remove toxins.

• Prevent infections and support liver, stomach, and skin health.

• Ease ailments like fever, cough, headache, hyper­tension, diarrhoea, and indigestion.

• Promote restful sleep and overall vitality.

(Note: Because of its bitterness and high tan­nin content, those with stomach problems or insomnia should avoid excessive consumption, especially at night.) — MOON