Imagine a restaurant named after a historical event between China and America. How clever is that? Ping Pong Diplomacy could be something you could mistakenly thought of a game place but instead of getting a Ping Pong ball, this will serve you Chinese-American inspired dishes. Led by two amazing chefs, Chef Noel Mauricio and Chef Him Uy de Baron, Ping Pong Diplomacy is a Chinese-American inspired restaurant designed to leave each customer surprised, intrigued, and definitely wanting more.
But before we check and set up the table, lets get to know first the rich history of the place.
Techpreneur turned restaurateur Charles Paw explains that after the Cold War, the first formal communication between the United States and China was the exchange of table tennis players. This was their first act of diplomacy. It was their first attempt to thaw the ice, and the inspiration behind the theme and name of his new restaurant. When brainstorming menu items for Ping Pong Diplomacy, Paw’s vision was to take his customers back in time to the seventies—when Americans didn’t know much about China beyond stereotypes. The restaurant’s interiors are reminiscent of Chinatown in the decade of bellbottoms and disco, and one can expect to enjoy music from the likes of the Beegees, Gloria Gaynor, and Queen as they enjoy their meals. Even the servers sport retro graphic tees with the names of the streets found in the different Chinatowns in the US printed across the front.
I really love the interesting design of the wall, the series of Ping Pong paddles, which I think will be very iconic. I actually wish that they would really put a table tennis table, maybe a space inside or probably outside the restaurant where dinners could actually play. The overall look of the restaurant could be very nostalgic but the food are definitely very current.
On my visit they serve some of their best sellers and also the new dishes they would be adding in their menu. I am so lucky to be one of the first who have tasted it!
Some of my favorites for the small plates includes Cold Shrimp Salad, Simple Fried Eggs and Crunchy Eggplant.
Cold Shrimp Salad costs Php 320 which is literally a cold salad with shrimp in coconut dressing with Crab Fat Ice Cream, and Szechuan Puffed Rice.
The Simple Fried Eggs costs Php 195 per plate and has become my instant favorite. It is a very straight forward dish with scallions, Pork Floss in oriental sauce.
Crunchy Eggplant also costs Php 195 which is a battered Eggplant with fragrant sauce and prickly ash.
They also serve a cup of all time favorite Chopsuey which is grilled vegetables, with chop suey sauce and fresh red raddish.
For the big plates I really love the Sweet and Sour Pork and Steamed Sea bass.
The Sweet and Sour Pork costs Php 445 with Pork Spare Ribs, Pineapple Chunks and Roasted apples.
Steamed Sea Bass costs Php 1400 and is a huge seas bass mixed with savory garlic sauce and ginger soy.
For meat lovers, you can try the Sesame Beef and Broccoli (Php 875) which is a black angus steak, marbled potatoes, grilled broccoli with sesame beef sauce.
or maybe try the Braise beef curry casserole (Php 550) which is a Slow braised beef with cheddar cheese and sweet potato gratin.
Soy Lacquerred Chicken (Php 495) Chinese style lacquer, orange and Cinnamon.
Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php 280) Char Siu, Vegetables, Wok Fried
Lump Crab Scallion Oil Noodles (Php 585) Lump Crab meat, ginger scallion oil with spring onions.
Ping Pong Diplomacy also has a takeout menu for when you’re hungry in a hurry. There are buns, drinks, and other desserts you can grab through the grills. Their oriental burgers come in three variations, 5-spice Chicken, Cumin Pulled Lamb, and Szechuan Pork Belly—each one skillfully layered between toasted baos. As a takeout dessert, you may choose between Ping Pong Diplomacy’s own version of the original egg tarts and ice cream buns, which are comprised of peanut cake, vanilla ice cream, and toasted bao. Ping Pong Diplomacy also boasts of a drinks menu that includes Rose and Plum Iced Teas, a Cucumber Ginger Cooler, and even a Hong Kong Milk Tea.
For a unique experience of progressive Chinese fare, visit the Ping Pong Diplomacy at the 3rd floor of SM Aura. For more information, LIKE Ping Pong Diplomacy on Facebook FOLLOW @pingpongdiplomacyph on Instagram.
#NognogWears Oxygen (Shirt); Penshoppe (Pants); Nike (Shoes)
Lucky Number 8 Takes on a Whole New Meaning at Ping Pong Diplomacy
Auspicious numbers have long been part of Chinese culture, with 8 being considered the luckiest of all. From June 5 to June 9, partake in some of that lucky number 8 good fortune as Ping Pong Diplomacy gives away their Oriental Burgers for only P8!
All you have to do is get in line at 2 PM and select one burger of your choice — 5-Spice Chicken, featuring a 5-spice blend and pulled chicken; Szechuan Pork Belly, with szechuan sauce, assorted chilies, and pork belly slices; or Cumin-Pulled Lamb, with cumin rub, tender lamb, and sweet pickled cucumbers. But be quick! This promo is only good for the first 50 customers per day.
With five days to avail of this lucky number 8 promo, you’ll have more than enough time to try out each variant and choose your favorite!
Ping Pong Diplomacy is at 3/F SM Aura Premier, McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City.
Wearing Bieber shirt from Oxygen
