Out and About

Ping Pong Dim Sum has launched a new Specials Menu to celebrate the Chinese New Year (Year of the Rat), so we went along to the Soho branch in London to try it out.

The journey Take the 11.08 fast train to Charing Cross from Orpington Station. When you arrive it’s a 20-minute walk to the restaurant at 45 Great Marlborough Street, W1F 7JL (or take the Underground to Oxford Circus) and be seated by midday.

What’s special? The new dishes that have been launched, available until 10th March, include Duck hoisin bun, Spicy seitan and vegetables dumpling (vegan) and Chicken and orange dumpling. There is also a new cocktail, Wish Upon a Cherry, with a percentage of the proceeds going to Make A Wish Foundation.

What we thought: Nicky: The restaurant offered a relaxed, calming atmosphere with subtle music and low level lighting away from the busy streets of London. The handmade dim sum dishes were delicious and I felt almost virtous dining out as food was presented in manageable bitesized portions that felt light to eat. Service was attentive and you didn’t feel hurried which was great. I enjoyed all of the dishes, but the icing on the cake for me was the prawn toast, long stem broccoli and edamame nibbles.

Lauretta: Ping Pong Dim Sum felt like an alternative Chinese restaurant. We ordered a mix of specials and some regular dishes, but even the regular dishes were presented in a unique or unusual way. The new specials were bursting with flavour and some, such as the spcieal Chicken and Orange dumplings, offered an interesting texture. My favourite food had to be the prawn toast – it was the best I’ve tasted hands down. I also enjoyed the spicy seaweed salad and vegetable sticky rice. To top it off, the chocolate pancake with raspberry coulis from the Specials menu, put a different spin on desserts, all watered down happily with Jasmine tea.

How much? Two meat and two vegetarian special set menus for Chinese New Year cost £14.95 and £24.95 and offer a selection of steamed and fried dim sum, rice dishes and desserts.

Anything else? Ping Pong has seven locations across London including Soho, Covent Garden, Southbank, The City, St. Christopher’s Place, St. Katharine Docks and Westfield Shepherd’s Bush. See pingpongdimsum.com

SELLING OR LETTING AROUND ORPINGTON?

Email: orpington@your-move.co.uk or pop in: 282 High Street, Orpington BR6 0ND Call Philip O’Neil 01689 872926