Ging – Royal Orchid Central, MG Road, Bangalore

Ging – Royal Orchid Central, MG Road, Bangalore: Revisited [27-01-2023]

Returning to Ging after some years, I realized I’d forgotten what a lovely looking restaurant this is. Located on the 10th floor of the Royal Orchid Central, an old downtown hotel, it provides pretty views of Ulsoor lake and the surrounding greenery. Sun-lit by day, it’s cool and breezy by night.

When I went here on a chilly evening, I ate from a tasting menu, grazing my way through an array of dishes. Some were delightful, others were cooked well, but missed the use of ingredients at the peak of their freshness and flavor.

Ging has a good reputation – well deserved – for its dim sum. I tasted the Chicken Coriander Dim Sum in a purple wrapper and the green-hued Chilli Basil one. The latter was exceptional, with the fragrance of basil and hot bite of chilli. Fresh, crisp and light were the Vegetable Lettuce Wraps filled with oyster sauce coated tofu and vegetables.

The Crab Toast was enjoyable for the sheer nostalgia of it. The Three Treasure Mushroom, done Shanghai style, was just right, too. I relished Double Cooked Pork as well, though some fat on the meat would have made it so much better.

The Szechwan Pepper Prawn had a flavorful dusting of Szechwan pepper and garlic and would have been vastly improved with the use of fresh prawns. I’m aware I carp often about this and I do hope it will make at least the more thoughtful chefs and restaurants make the switch.

The Shrimp & Pork Wonton DTF Style came in a broth that seemed like dark soya sauce and not much else. It needed lightening up. For main course, I shared with my companion some Mapo Tofu with minced pork. Alongside, there was Burnt Garlic Fried Rice and Stir Fried Greens, which I requested be left simple, without the corn flour slurry. It was a satisfying course.

• Chocolate mousse or cheesecake is not my favorite dessert after an Asian meal.
• There was Banana Caramel on the menu and that’s what I had.
• The banana was warm and crunchy and utterly delicious.
• The Ging bar serves up some well-made cock&tails; I enjoyed a Negroni. Service is spoton, too.