New Delhi: I have no idea why its called Ping. What this smart-casual restaurant — which also offers the option of al fresco seating — specialises in is a huge variety of dim sum. That’s the mainstay, but you can also order Oriental stir-fries, rice and noodles.

Don’t for a moment think that it’s all bland, steamed mouthfuls. There are three dozen types of dim sum on the menu; steamed, pan-fried, deep-fried and grilled. Each different, with its unique filling, seasoning, flavour and texture. If you feel overwhelmed by the variety, simply order an assorted platter.

My vegetarian platter had Shanghai veg dim sum in a paper-thin wrapping, tofu & spinach gau, grilled button mushrooms, corn and cheese wonton and a very hot spicy soya & basil dim sum which I loved. The lotus leaf with shitake and corn — which is a mound of seasoned rice folded in a lotus leaf — was delicious, too.
The non-vegetarian combo comprised Shanghai chicken dim sum which was the least impressive of the lot, prawn tail dim sum, superlative fish & shitake dumplings, crispy threaded crab dumpling, chicken on bamboo skewers with a curry flavour and pan-fried chicken & chive dim sum.

One of these platters could be a meal in itself. But I was on a tasting spree and ordered also from the stir-fries and rice and noodles menu. The shitake chicken (yes, there is rather a lot of shitake on the menu, but it’s so good), was a perfect stir-fry of tender meat, pok choy and a sauce with the kick of rice wine. The black bean vegetables we ordered had been forgotten for a while; however, when it arrived later, it was most satisfying, lots of crunchy vegetables in a robust sauce. The pan-fried noodles I had were also faultless and so was the Thai basil fried rice.

Ping also houses a dessert bay and specialises in a host of sinful concoctions. I tried the tiramisu and it was scrumptious, uplifted by a kahlua splurge. The chocolate eclairs, filled with molten chocolate, will please chocaholics, too.

Meal for two will cost about Rs 700. There’s also an eat-all-you-want offer of five dim sum, soup and dessert priced at Rs 350, through the week. Service could do with some smartening up.

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