Style Note: The Isabella Oliver Cape

Posted by London Darling

Yesterday was one of those cold and breezy days in London when you really need something warm and snug to wrap up in. And what better way to wrap up than in a cape. It's the perfect alternative to a winter coat. I received this beautiful one as a Christmas Gift from one of my favourite labels Isabella Oliver.

Isabella Oliver Cape

London Fashion Week Diary: BODYAMR

Posted by London Darling

The BODYAMR show was one that I was particularly looking forward to, and it was well worth the wait. The signature draping that I love still played a huge role in the collection as an abundance of luxe fabrics and beaded embellishment.

BODYAMR show

Giveaway: Win Tickets to the 2010 Vitality Show!

Posted by London Darling

The lovely team at Vitality are treating three lucky readers to a pair of free tickets! Running from 18th-21st March in London’s Earls Court 2, Vitality is the UK’s largest health, beauty, fitness and wellbeing event for women.

WIN Vitality tickets

Beauty Buzz: Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare

Posted by London Darling

I recently changed my beauty regime to include the Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, the Instant Boost Skin Tonic and Skin Repair Moisturiser. It's been just six days, and already I've seen a noticeable difference in the clarity of my complexion and the texture of my skin.

Liz Earle Skincare

My latest food crush is dim sum, I absolutely love it. I've always been big on Chinese cuisine, but never really bothered with the little steamed parcels. That's until I tried them during the Summer, and I've been hooked ever since. Mmm, give me a spicy chicken or black prawn filled dim sum and I'm quite content. My passion for the dumplings is so much that when I was invited to try the new menu at Ping Pong Dim Sum, I couldn't refuse!

The restaurant chain takes its inspiration from an ancient Chinese tradition. Here's the story: Hundreds of years ago, merchants on the Silk Road would stop at tea houses en route to rest their weary feet, relax and drink tea with their fellow travellers and share Dim Sum – baskets and dishes of little sweet and savoury snacks, usually steamed, baked or fried.

Ping Pong restaurants have kept all the best bits of that ancient tradition, providing a relaxed communal place to meet and relax, whilst offering a delicious range of Dim Sum, and fragrant tea. (Only now Cocktails are also on the menu to bring the tradition into the 21st Century).

Griddled Basil Dim Sum

Friday night, I took my mum out for a girlie catch-up and to convert her from the standard special fried rice (which she always orders) and convince her to try some steamed goodness. We visited the south bank branch sitting opposite the Royal Festival Hall and we sipped delicious Cosmopolitan cocktails whilst sampling a yummy range of dishes.

The new menu features some great additions to traditional dim sum, including a rather tasty Crispy hoi sin duck spring roll. I was also impressed with the Crab spring roll; a mixture of crab meat and prawns, doused in chili and served with Thai fish sauce. Mum was pretty smitten with her starer of Seafood puff; mini puff pastries filled with scallop, prawn and ginger.

The moment came to convince mum that steamed parcels of meat and vegetables are not only healthy but so good to eat. She looked apprehensive but once she tasted Ping Pong's Spicy chicken dumplings, she gave her approval. And so the the Dim Sum marathon commenced; Pork Shu Mal, Har gau prawns, Coriander dumplings and finally the Crunchy golden; A turmeric dumpling filled with stir friend vegetable, shallots and garlic.

The atmosphere at the restaurant, was chilled yet lively; families were out for celebrations and friends were enjoying after work bites. The interior was distinctly modern with hints of Chinese calligraphy, achieving harmony between the old and the new.

There are 12 Ping Pong restaurants in London and each dish costs on average between £3.39 - 3.99. Visit the website for the restaurant most local to you.

Black Prawn Dim Sum

Black Sesame Dim Sum

Ping Pong Dim Sum
South Bank
Festival Terrace,
Southbank Centre,
Belvedere Road,
London
SE1 8XX

Tel: 020 7960 4160
Web: www.pingpongdimsum.com

10 Response to "Eating Out: Ping Pong Dim Sum"

  1. katy wilko Said,

    wow they look amazing, will have to check this resturant out next time im in London :)

    Recent blog:=- Halloween and dressing up :)

     

  2. London Darling Said,

    They are SOO good, I've got a Ping Pong giveaway coming up so I'll keep you posted Katy!

     

  3. Philippa Said,

    I loooove Ping Pong, just went there a couple of nights ago (near Oxford St). I was really happy with the food and service EXCEPT they asked me to put my umbrella outside (as in OUTSIDE where any old passerby coulda nicked it) as it was dripping water on the floor next to my chair (Like three drops and honestly your coat also drops water on the floor and they don't ask you to put that anywhere special). So conclusion: Good food but umbrella phobes.

     

  4. London Darling Said,

    Hey! Glad to know you share my love for Ping Pong. But how bizarre was the request to leave your umbrella outside? That was a bit OTT to say the least. Umbrella phobes indeed. What if you didn't have an umbrella and you were just dripping wet, would they have asked you to step outside and dry off? LOL. Sounds like an overzealous member of staff to me.

     

  5. Anonymous Said,

    I had a friend take me to lunch at Ping Pong when I was there on business. This place is great. We need one state side!!!

     

  6. Katie - Coco Målé Said,

    I also love Ping Pong, the food is really great and not too expensive. I don't really like the atmosphere at the Bond Street branch, but my local one in Westbourne Grove is great...

    Recent blog:=- All things Oriental

     

  7. London Darling Said,

    Hi Katie, I haven't been to the Bond Street branch myself, but I can imagine it being a tad hectic. The South Bank branch was far more relaxed and I suspect that the Westbourne Grove would be similar.

     

  8. TheAL Said,

    It all looks absolutely delicious!

    Recent blog:=- And a Happy Equinox to you!

     

  9. London Darling Said,

    Oh it was. Are you big on dim sum? x

     

  10. Unknown Said,

    jnscott78,

    I saw your comment and i just had to say that they did recently open one up in Washington DC, and I bartend there, so if you're ever in the area come check it out!

     

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