We were delighted to be invited along to sample a taster of the Winter Warmer menu at Ping Pong at one of their 9 locations in London this week.
Never one to say no to a dumpling, my friend and I navigated our way through the fast food outlets at Westfield Stratford and discovered Ping Pong nestled away on the top floor, near the casino.
It had been a long day. To be honest Westfield Stratford after a day at work isn’t my usual ‘go out for dinner’ venue, however the staff at Ping Pong were so attentive and polite and once we were seated it didn’t feel like we were in the middle of a shopping centre.
I was very happy to have a lovely Lychee and Rose Martini whisked over to me within a few minutes of arriving, just what I needed. We weren’t rushed at all so whilst sipping our delicious cocktails we perused the menu.
Ping Pong serves a varied selection of food. Known for their authentic oriental cuisine they serve an amazing selection of Dim Sum and other delicious dishes.
After a long day, and being girls not known for our bird like appetites we decided to go for the sharing selection for 2. Our food arrived promptly enough for us not to be wondering if the chef had got lost, but not so fast that you wondered if it had just been microwaved. In fact, we could see the chefs cooking our food, but chose not to sit at the counter but in the main restaurant area in a quiet corner so we could have a proper catch up.
The sharing selection was a great choice. In fact, so much food kept arriving that the waitress added another table to our little table for 2 so we had more room!
At £32 for 2 people, it is more than enough. We dined on black sesame seed prawn crackers, roast pork puffs, duck spring rolls and potato and edamame cakes. We were served steamed dumplings in a variety of flavours. Prawn and chive,mushroom spinach,seafood (not my particular fave but it depends on your taste buds) and chicken and cashew, which were delicious.
If that wasn’t enough we were then served with sticky rice dishes, one chicken and broccoli, the other a delicious vegetable and black bean combination. We added a side dish of beef gyozas to our order as well, but more out of our eyes being bigger than our bellies than hunger.
Ping Pong also has a great selection of cocktails and other beverages, if a little pricey you are still spoilt for choice. I had a lychee martini and my friend had an amazing lemongrass and vodka combination. We also had a couple of gin and tonics. I think this is where you have to take care that your drinks bill doesn’t end up far more expensive than the food, with a cocktail being almost as expensive as a couple of side dishes of food.
I really liked the way the restaurant was set out. Although the tables are quite close, they are not close enough for you to be able to hear what the people dining next to you are saying.
With its mood lighting, a busy, well stocked bar, great food and happy professional staff I would definitely go there again. It’s a lovely place to meet with a friend for a catch up or to grab some food after a busy day shopping at Westfield. We thoroughly enjoyed our little mid-week taste sensation and with the new winter warmer selection it’s the perfect place after a busy day Christmas shopping, however it is equally suitable as a meeting place for a lovely meal, as long as you can avoid being enticed into the shops on the way there or home again.
My lovely meal at Ping Pong saw me returning home with a dress from Zara, as on the way back to the station I just couldn’t resist the lure of the Westfield shops! However that says less about the evening at Ping Pong and more about me. I must try harder, but Ping Pong really doesn’t have to. It was a great night.
Ping Pong Stratford The Loft Westfield Stratford City London E20 1EJ www.pingpongdimsum.com
