(pingpongdimsum.us) – Chinatown, Washington, DC

How I heard of this place: We had just checked in to our hotel in Federal Center SW, where there is little to do, and even less to eat. Having made plans to meet up with a friend for dinner, we left the location up to her! And this is where we found ourselves.

Type of cuisine: “Steam is the key element at the very heart of Ping Pong. It’s the chief means by which dim sum is prepared, but it also represents the fluid calm that is central to everything we do. We’ve kept all the best bits of the ancient tradition of Chinese tea houses, like meeting to relax and share.

We just thought that after a thousand years or so, it would be OK to add cocktails to the mix. Everything on our menu is handcrafted using the freshest ingredients by our fantastically dexterous chefs. We may have put a man on the moon, but there remains no better way to make dim sum.”

Ambiance: An elegant entryway, a dim-lit interior, amber glow,

elevated lounge and chef’s Dim Sum bar “lets you be as liberal or conservative as you like – let freedom (and good times) ring.”

What I ordered: The three of us started with a selection off of the family style á lá carte menu, adding items as we went, according to taste and levels of hunger.

To start, we enjoyed a couple of the Customer’s Top Picks including the baked Honey Roasted Chicken Puff ($6.75), and the Fried Chicken and Black Pepper Spring Roll ($6.50).

The griddled Crisp Dumpling with Fish and Black Pepper ($6.50) followed.

We added the Braised Pork Belly in Five Spice Sauce ($14.50) from among the Signature Dishes, and then ordered it a second time at the exuberant delight of my dining companions,

and completed our first round with an order of the steamed Scallop and Shiitake Dumpling ($6.50).

Upon devouring every finger-licking-good bite, we added the steamed Spicy Vegetable Dumpling ($6.50)

and the steamed Char Sui Bun, also known as hum bao ($6.50) to our order.

We ended the evening with two desserts: the seasonal customer favorite, Ginger Cake with Cinnamon Ice Cream ($6)

and the Chinese Chocolate and Sesame Donuts (5 pieces for $9).

What I loved: My favorite parcel of the night was the Char Bun Sui, while my dining companions loved the Pork Belly most. The fried Chicken and Black Pepper Spring Roll provided a nice kick, the Chicken Puff slightly sweet and soft as I bit into the honey roasted pocket. It was the Chocolate and Sesame Donuts, however that offered a surprising, yet enjoyable experience for our taste buds.

Why I loved it: Everyone has to share in this family-style dining experience, as dim sum arrives as it is prepared, each plate and bamboo holder hosting three, perfectly bite-sized puffs of enjoyment.

Cost: Average to high ($2.75 – $14.50 per selection)

Tags: Featured