What is "lahpet"

Lahpet, also spelled laphet, lephet, letpet, or leppet in English (, ), is Burmese for fermented or pickled tea. Burma is one of very few countries where tea is eaten as well as drunk. Its pickled tea is unique in the region, and is not only regarded as the national delicacy but plays a significant role in Burmese society. Its place in the cuisine of Myanmar is reflected by the following popular expression: "Of all the fruit, the mango's the best; of all the meat, the pork's the best; and of all the leaves, lahpet's the best". In the West, laphet is most commonly encountered in tea leaf salad .