Dim Sum which translates as the heart's delight was once only the cuisine of choice for the capital's Chinese population, looking for some brunch action. However, Ping Pong attracts a broader audience, looking to chow down day and night.

The Venue
The founder Kurt Zdesar has ensured that Ping Pong is both stylish and sleek and the restaurant delivers both on dEcor and food. Its dark wooden interior, coupled with mirrors, fresh air conditioning (no smoking policy) and candles, give an ambient feel to this bustling, popular, West London dumpling restaurant.

Situated smack bang in the middle of Westbourne Grove, its location is given away by both its black and blue signature awning and the impatient queue snaking its stylish way around the corner. Inside you will find a bar to the right, situated next to the steamy, aroma filled dumpling kitchen; with several large, round, tables for eight, as well as tables for two wedged quite close together. Be prepared to make new friends and eavesdrop. There is also a bench, with a view of the street, at the front of the restaurant for those who enjoy dining solo.

The Atmosphere
Think Manhattan cocktail bar meets bustling Chinatown kitchen with style and mayhem in equal measures. The low lighting, Buddha bar type music and need to share tables ensures there is a constant hum of voices, lowered heads and clicking of chopsticks.

The room is filled with the kind of West London media types you see melting into the pavement on a sticky summer’s day at The Cow and The Westbourne. Necks are craned for two reasons, to see where on earth your food is (at peak times there can be a long wait) and also to see who else is lapping up the dim sum feeding frenzy. Expect to sit next to such local luvvies as Sienna Miller and Jude Law.

The Food
As with its flagship restaurant in Soho, food is ordered DIY style. Once seated, you’ll find a pencil and disposable menu, simply choose your dish and put the quantity alongside it. The mouthwatering little parcels (around £3 each), are small enough to order plenty, without ever threatening to pop your designer jeans. If you are still hungry, then sharpen your pencil and rack up some more.

All fresh dishes come in steaming, woven baskets in batches of three, with tasty and exotic dipping sauces on the side. Choose from steamed rolls or steamed dumplings with fillings such as prawn and bamboo or spicy vegetable, Ping Pong is perfect for vegetarians looking for variety. Sticky rice is also a must, the Traditional is served within a leaf and stuffed full of pork, chicken and prawns. The set menu options offer up to nine different dim sum for you to experiment with, rounded off with three scoops of delicious, bespoke ice cream.

The Drink
An impressive menu, mixed by their resident mixologist ranges from Jasmine Tea which flowers before you to Kumquat Mojitos. Wine lovers are well catered for but for beer lovers the choice is easy, there isn’t one, Ping Pong only offer Sun Lik beer. However, for the authentic dim sum experience there really is only one option, a jug of Ping Pong Sake.

The Last Word
Despite the disorganised service and tiresome Studio 54 type entry queue system, Ping Pong is deservedly popular thanks to the delicious dim sum. Make sure you arrive early, even on a school night.

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