In the middle of all the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden and the buzz of theatre goers, we’ve found the perfect place for some pre theatre food, mid shopping snack or post cocktail indulgence – Ping Pong, Covent Garden, where the concept is Dim Sum and other mouth watering small dishes, designed for sharing and share we certainly did.
The restaurant is set over three floors with a lively atmosphere, chic surroundings and an exuberant bar to greet guests on arrival. Shown to a table for two, our waitress preceded to explain the food concept, which is in the form of a shopping list, broken down into categories such as Nibbles & Sides, Crispy & Baked, Dumplings, Noodles, Rice and Soups – You tick off what you want on your list, give it to your waitress and the food comes out freshly cooked as and when it’s ready.
The menu looked a real treat and we began with mixed spring rolls and potato and edamame cake, from the fried section, both were full of flavour with the spring rolls having a slight kick, then came the spicy vegetable dumplings, seafood dumplings and chicken and cashew nut dumplings all were succulent and mouth wateringly delicious.
The honeyed chili chicken rice pot, was a real favourite of mine, tender chicken, honeyed rice and just the right amount of spice to tease the taste buds left me debating whether to order another serving of this.
The Crispy chilly squid coated with chili and Sichuan salt was equally as tasty.
It was very tempting when the waitress asked us if we wanted to order more dishes, but we really didn’t have any room, so we settled on washing the whole food experience down with a refreshing flowering tea – Hand tied flowers and buds, are placed in your cup – the boiling water is poured over them and before your eyes they unfurl to create a show-stopping display –with flavors that are light and full of soft, sweet flavors on a base of green tea– it was like having your very own garden unfold in front of you.
The perfect way to end a scrumptious dining experience that can have you linger as little or as long as you like.
Ping Pong Covent Garden
24 Maiden Lane
London, WC2E
