After a few meals in London, we were starting to crave something Asian so when my boss spotted Ping Pong in Soho, there was no doubt where lunch would be.
The restaurant’s decor is quite chic to be honest, and very much different from usual Chinatown joints with its sleek black accents. But from thereon after, things didn’t quite impress as much anymore. The reception was lukewarm to be honest and our waiter seemed to be quite abrupt and indifferent. I even had problems trying to hail him down to refill my tea’s hot water! But on that note, must commend the supervisor for stepping in to do so.
Our drinks – Lychee & Grape & Flowering Jasmine. Both were very refreshing.
To start, salt & pepper pork crackling. Reminds me of the ones we get in Bali, perfect to go with beer but these were not as crispy as I hoped. Still, an interesting starter.
Shrimp Toast, topped with sesame seeds. Bouncy and crisp.
I can’t really remember what dumpling this is anymore. If i am not mistaken this was probably the spicy hot vegetable dumpling. Still, it looks pretty inviting, hehe.
Soft Shell Crab. Looks good but tasted so-so. The Japs do it better 😛
Translucent chive dumplings with king prawns in them. Beautiful to look at and one of the better tasting ones.
King prawns & scallop sticky rice with carrots and bamboo shoots. Definitely an upgrade from the usual sticky rice parcels we get back home. Quite nice.
Some mixed vegetable spring rolls. A bit smaller than the ones back home but no scrimping on ingredients.
This was something I really wanted to try when I saw it on the menu, a lobster dumpling but it was unavailable so snapped this off the menu instead. Perhaps the lucky ones who tried it can tell me how it was!
Our lunch for 4 came up to about £190 including drinks & VAT. Overall verdict, dim sum was mediocre and overpriced. But if you’re big on presentation and ambience, this is a nice place to be dining at.
Ping Pong (www)
45 Great Marlborough Street
Soho W1F 7JL
London
Open : Mon-Sat 12pm-12am; Sun 12pm-1030pm
another review;
– london-insider
she, the epicuriousgirl. 