Ping Pong Southbank

A Letdown Behind the Hype Having heard a lot about Ping Pong Southbank’s reputation for stylish dim sum and vibrant cocktails, I was looking forward to finally experiencing it for myself. Unfortunately, the reality didn’t quite live up to the hype. From the outset, the service was strangely inefficient. Despite the restaurant not being particularly busy, it took three staff members to confirm our reservation—something that should have been a quick and seamless process. Once seated, there was no greeting or orientation from the waiter. No “Have you dined with us before?” or explanation of how the menu works, which is something you’d expect, especially at a restaurant where the ordering system isn’t immediately intuitive. Speaking of ordering, the paper menu with a tick-box system is practical, but impersonal. While it speeds things up in theory, in practice we still had to flag someone down to take our order, which further highlighted the disjointed service. A bit more attentiveness would have gone a long way in making the experience feel more welcoming. On the food front, it was a bit of a mixed bag. The prawn crackers came with an excellent variety of dips—bold, well-balanced, and flavourful. The cocktails were another highlight: well-mixed, creative, and full of flavour, definitely living up to expectations. However, the mains fell a little flat. The chicken and tofu katsu were both passable, but underwhelming. The portion of katsu sauce was surprisingly stingy, which left both dishes feeling a bit dry and lacking the rich umami punch you expect from a good katsu. In terms of atmosphere, the decor is modern and inviting, but the overall dining experience didn’t match the energy or the premium that the brand seems to promise. We left feeling underwhelmed rather than impressed. Verdict: Ping Pong Southbank might be decent for a quick bite or a couple of drinks, especially if you’re in the area for a show or a stroll along the river. But for all the hype it gets, the service, food consistency, and overall experience fall short. Perhaps the buffet option is a better value if you arrive with a big appetite, but if you’re going expecting a standout dim sum experience, you may be left disappointed.