Ping Pong has been one of my ‘go to’ places for quick and easy dim sum since living in London, particularly for its decadent Lazy Sumday with unlimited dim sum. Luckily there’s now an outpost on my doorstep at Westfield Stratford.
It’s one of the ‘new look’ Ping Pong branches with colourful Asian-inspired design, a calm yet buzzing atmopshere and an open kitchen at the back of the restaurant. Located on the top floor, it’s a welcome escape from the crowds of shoppers.
We visited on a quiet weekday and had a great table by the large open window looking out to the mall. Ping Pong has an overwhelming menu of tempting dim sum and to make it easy to order, you simply tick off your chosen dishes on the list provided.
We started with Crispy prawn ball (£4.35) – three pieces of juicy king prawn covered in ribbons of crispy shredded pastry and served with fish sauce. They were delicious, fun and slightly messy, as they’re not easy to eat with chopsticks.
Ping Pong offers a tempting selection of Asian-inspired cocktails, mocktails and iced teas to wash down the dim sum. I tried the refreshing, fragrant Lemon and Lychee (£3.25) – a blend of lemon wedges and vanilla sugar muddled with lychee juice.
Steven went for a heavenly, sweet Pear and Elderflower (£3.25) made with nashi pear, lime, elderflower cordial, fresh apple juice and soda. Served tall with just the right amount of ice, they were the perfect accompaniments to our meal, particularly on a hot summer’s day.
We followed with Beef Gyoza Dumpling (£4.15) – griddled wheat flour pastry, shiitake mushroom and beef with chinkiang vinegar. The three gyoza were nicely golden on one side and the minced beef was succulent and well-seasoned.
We loved the Potato and edamame cake (£3.05) – two comforting, tasty croquettes filled with fluffy potato and steamed soya beans, in a crispy panko coating, served with a spicy chili bean sauce.
Another must-order dish is the Char Sui Bun (£3.45). Two cloud-like steamed white buns were filled with sweet, well-marinated honey barbecued pork. They were so addictive that I could have easily devoured both myself.
Chicken and cashew nut dumpling (£3.75) were filled with shredded chicken seasoned with a hint of chili and subtle hoi sin sauce.
Spicy Pork Dumplings (£3.85) were perfect little parcels packed full of slow-cooked pork, mushrooms and chilli. The dumplings were actually surprisingly spicy with a hot chilli kick and strong flavours.
Take a break from the steady stream of dumplings with King prawn and scallop sticky rice (£4.55). Wrapped and steamed in banana leaf, the petite parcels of gooey, slightly sweet glutinous rice were filled with pieces of juicy prawn and scallop alongside fresh carrot and bamboo shoot.
We ended the dim sum on a high note with some delicious Har Gau (£3.95). Delicate transluscent pastry was packed full of plump, succulent king prawn, complimented only the tiniest amount of bamboo shoot filler.
For dessert, I couldn’t resist Yuzu Mochi (£1.95) from the special seasonal menu. The soft rice pastry ball was filled with with yuzu ice cream and was so refreshing and citrusy. It’s the perfect mini dessert to order if you’re feeling full but want to end on a sweet note. Of course you could always order a second mochi in mango or coconut flavours.
Steven tried a classic Macanese Custard Tart (£3.15). The flaky pastry tart with caramelised custard filling was light, creamy and just sweet enough, served warm with indulgent vanilla ice cream.
After travelling in China last year, I’ve become accustomed to pairing dim sum with Chinese tea. My exquisite Flowering jasmine and lily (£3) was delicate and fragrant, served in a tall glass so I could see the colourful flower unfurling as it brewed.
Ping Pong at Westfield Stratford is a great spot for a decadent Chinese banquet with friend or simply a refuel from shopping with a few dim sum baskets and a pot of tea.
It’s essential to try Ping Pong’s legendary Lazy Sumday, but I’m keen to try the Ping Pong Afternoon Tea with dumplings and rice paper rolls replacing finger sandwiches – definitely my kind of afternoon treat.
For more information and booking, visit: www.pingpongdimsum.com
Chérie City was a guest of Ping Pong
Photos by Chérie City (interiors by Ping Pong)
