Ping Pong is an exceptional dim sum restaurant located next to St Paul’s Cathedral in the heart of Central London, providing an ideal setting for quality lunchtime or evening dining. Whether it’s a hearty meal or a simple bite with cocktails, this tea house-themed chain offers something for everyone, with an intriguing selection of fresh seafood, game and vegetarian dishes cooked to perfection.

The Venue
On entering Ping Pong you are struck by the size of the place as it is deceptively larger than it appears from outside. However, the venue manages to remain intimate, with simple wooden tables by the windows offering romantic views of London by candlelight, while the larger seating areas, with soft wooden stalls and benches, provide a space for groups to relax.

The Atmosphere
The low lighting, space and laid back approach of staff create a calm and relaxing mood within a busy restaurant. Ping Pong is certainly a place in which you can escape the busy streets nearby and unwind. The staff here are very attentive and ensure guests are comfortable with choosing dishes and are happy to inform diners about flavours, ingredients and house specialities. You can only book a table if you're part of a group of eight people or more due to the restaurant's booking policy.

The Food
There is plenty to choose from at Ping Pong and the small portion sizes allow diners to select an array of different dishes (priced between £2 - £4) from a menu bursting with flavours. Special offers for lunchtime and evening dining provide opportunities to sample new dishes. Staff recommend five dishes for guests having a main meal, which provides an opportunity to experience dishes cooked with a range of Chinese flavours. To order, diners are presented with a long list of all dishes to simply tick off. The plates are bought out when ready, allowing diners time to enjoy their selections. Food is presented simply.

Shellfish is a speciality here, with large, tender, green-lipped mussels, served in a subtle black bean sauce with a hint of citrus, a perfect option to start. Staff also recommend the Har Gau, a simply presented dish containing fresh king prawns surrounding a soft centre of shredded bamboo shoots and basil, covered by a soft see-through pastry coating. Another mouth-watering dish is the Thai chicken and prawn spring rolls, light prawns and lemon chicken mixed with soft rice and finely chopped red chillies, wrapped in seaweed and served with a light oyster dip that balances the hot ingredients perfectly. Other dishes perfect for sharing include the seaweed and duck wrap. These wraps are larger than other options on the menu and are stuffed with thicker textured, yet un-stodgy rice. The duck is sliced into thin strips and mixed with crispy onions and garlic wrapped in a dark green leaf. The smaller crispy vegetable spring rolls are a lighter option that provide a chance to try the chilli, thick sweet and sour and fish dips.

House specialties include succulent honey glazed ribs, two firm ribs brushed with a thin sweet honey coating and served on a simple oblong dish. There are a small number of desserts to choose from including soft scoops of fruit sorbets and a ginger and pineapple puff, a dish created with fresh fruit carrying a strong ginger flavour, cleanly presented on a white serving dish.

The Drink
Ping Pong offers an extensive drinks menu, with a wide range of cocktails (priced around £5 and created with premium spirits) including a refreshing fizzy vanilla and vodka option bursting with citrus flavour served over crushed ice. Another house speciality is the lemongrass and lime vodka cocktail, equally refreshing with a crisp aftertaste and a hint of mixed fruits.

Fresh flowering teas, such as the fragrant jasmine and lily option, are presented in simple large glasses with a hand tied, wrapped tea parcel inside which opens into a colourful flower in the heat, providing a subtle spectacle after enjoying food here. Chinese beer options such as Sun Lik and Tsingtao are also available as well as a good selection of wines and spirits and martinis.

The Last Word
Ping Pong is the perfect place to relax and unwind with friends or for an intimate meal, where guests can enjoy outstanding dishes served by knowledgeable and endearing staff.

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