Restaurants

Now with half a dozen branches, the Ping Pong chain is sweeping the capital, putting a different face on dim sum a sleeker, more chic, but slightly sanitised face. Its a good choice for a fun night out with creative cocktails and dumpling snacks. During a recent lunch, har gau (prawn and bamboo in translucent pastry) required chilli sauce to coax out any flavour; and jasmine-infused chicken came in a spring roll casing that tasted so strongly of the frying process that any subtle flavour in the chicken was undetectable. On the other hand, Ping Pongs version of shanghai pork buns, while lacking the traditional soup inside, had a pleasing note of ginger. Organic spinach wrapped around prawns with egg white was a very pleasant and light dish, typical of the chains movement towards healthier versions of traditional dim sum. Jasmine tea was served in a tall glass, which perfectly showcased the ball of tea leaves as they unfurled and danced. The Bayswater branch is an elegant joint, where fashionable people can enjoy healthy designer (and remarkably unsalty) dim sum but dont expect typical Chinese earthiness.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008