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It pains me to write something negative, but boy oh boy, were we disappointed!

The fella and I turned up early evening with high hopes and a rumble in the belly – eager to share in the delights of this “hidden gem of Ealing”.

Perhaps if my grasp of the Polish language extended further than “tak” or “kielbasa” (as taught to me by my Polish friends) could I have salvaged the evening, as it seemed our waitress unfortunately had a comparable grasp of the English language.

Ordering our meal was tricky to say the least, but with patience, good humour and the benefit of a descriptive menu, we got there in the end. Then came the wait for food – not unexpectedly though, as some rather complimentary online reviews warned that this would be the case, and we ordered a couple of cocktails to while away the time.

My Long Island Ice Tea was free poured into a tumbler with only a hint of cola to soften the blow. Now, back in my student years, this would have been a plus point – nowadays I prefer my cocktails a little easier on the liver.

Then our meal arrived. Eager to sample some proper Polish fare, my fella and I decided to share. The mixed Pierogis with salad and sauerkraut were nice, but certainly not of the proportions alluded to in the reviews…and then the saddest moment…Our cheese fondue for two was positively Cheese of GLUE. Heaven knows what went into it – all I could taste was a horribly acrid alcohol flavour (some form of vodka?) in a blobby mess clinging resolutely to the sides of a cold bowl…Fondue’s generally work better when kept warm over a flame – ours died a slow death some time before making it to the table…and never quite made it into our bellies.

The upshot was that we paid for a meal that left us feeling hungry and cheated. The service was uninspired and the atmosphere lacklustre. No amount of artwork on the walls could salvage the experience. Go here if you speak the lingo and miss mom’s home-cooking.

It’s cheap, but then so is my local Polski Sklep.

Note to oneself…must do another Ping Pong Lazy Sumday!

Went here on the recommendation of a friend. I’d never experienced dim sum before, and subsequently now find myself drooling at the prospect of another of Ping Pong’s fine char sui buns…Oh dear it seems I’m hooked!
Baked chicken puffs, seafood or chive dumplings, Jasmine chicken spring rolls and crispy prawn balls headline the growing list of favourites. Not to mention the beautiful flowering Jasmine teas.

Portions are served in pieces of 3 - perfect if you visit with a couple of friends and take a culinary tour of the “unlimited” Sunday menu. Arrive in a small party, and you may find yourself sharing a table downstairs - as is the norm, but here is where the similarities to some of China-Town’s old-school haunts end.

The decor is all chocolate modernism with a minimalist kick. Even a visit to the loo is all theatre here!

My one gripe then - and this has yet to spoil the day - is that the friendly staff are only somewhat attentive, being as at some point during service we felt “forgotten” - on both visits.

That said, we will be returning for what feels like a lot of luxury for only a little bit of dosh in a truly lovely setting.

“Little steamed parcels of deliciousness” indeed!

As kebab shops go…..this is the only one we ever order from. Don’t be fooled by the typical look and feel - the proof here really is in the pudding!

The lamb shish is simply delicious - juicy, generous chunks grilled to perfection while you wait. The same can be said for the chicken and lamb kofta, or if you really can’t decide - sample all three. The salad’s always fresh, and the chips crispy, light and cooked to order.

Now I can’t comment on their donner, but then it has been years since my last drunken encounter with one of these. To be honest, you’re missing the point if you settle for a donner from Brothers when the alternatives are this good.

This is an unpretentious little gem and if the wait’s too much, just order by phone and pop round to collect.

PS. Watch out for the rum baba during the summer months!

Tough one this as my partner and I love coming here for the delectable melt-in-the-mouth sashimi. We had to knock off a star for value though as you do pay for what you get, and at Okawari, fresh does cost you.

Great service though, and the sunken tables are a winner.

If you’re on a budget, try the Hare and Tortoise or even Coco’s round the corner for noodles, and save Okawari for a special treat.

Well worth it!

Top marks. Every time. Every mouthful. Exquisite food; fantastic, attentive yet relaxed service, and a joy, every time. GO. Then go again.