Some restaurants are like exes—you think about them often, you make vague plans to visit, and yet, somehow, you never quite end up there. Pings Bia Hoi in Sangolda was my restaurant equivalent of that. Always on the list, but never quite the final destination.
But this time, it was my birthday. A day for indulgence, for treating oneself, for finally acting on all those “we should go there” conversations instead of letting them collect dust. So off we went, in search of good food, good vibes, and—hopefully—a good reason to come back.
First Impressions: Quirk, Neon, and a Fake Barbershop
Now, the entrance is the kind that makes you pause for a second, wonder if you’re about to get a haircut, and then quickly realize that no, this is all part of the “cool” aesthetic. There’s a faux barbershop setup on the right, a bunch of t-shirts hanging overhead (because, why not?), and the unmissable “Love You Long Time” sign winking at you suggestively. It’s the kind of decor that says, we want you to Instagram this before you even sit down.
Inside, it’s spacious, lantern-lit, and comfortably buzzy—busy enough to feel like a spot that’s “happening” but not so packed that you’re left hovering awkwardly by a table of strangers, willing them to hurry up and finish their dumplings. There’s a good mix of people—young groups, middle-aged diners, even a few seniors.
The Food: Somewhere Between “Ooh” and “Meh”
We started off optimistically. Salmon sushi and veg sushi—because one should always begin with something that requires skill, precision, and a respect for ingredients. And? They were fine. Not offensive, not outstanding. Just…sushi that existed in the world.
Next came the dim sums, which were good and edible but not particularly memorable. If you had told me these were steamed and then left near a warm lamp for a bit, I would have believed you.
Finally, we had the drunken chicken noodles, which sounded like the kind of dish that should bring you pure, umami-filled joy—that perfect balance of slippery, spicy, slightly boozy goodness. In reality, they tasted like a sober Tuesday night in a household.
Drinks? No Idea. Service? Quite Lovely.
Now, I can’t say much about the drinks because, shockingly, we didn’t have any. Maybe a few cocktails would have tipped the food into the “actually quite good” category, but I’ll never know.
The service, however, was warm and welcoming. The staff were friendly and efficient. There’s something genuinely lovely about good service—it makes even an average meal feel better.
Final Thoughts: Good for a Visit, But Not an Affair to Remember
So, the big question: Would I go back?
Look, if someone insisted on going, I wouldn’t protest. If I found myself accidentally in Sangolda with a mild hunger and no strong opinions, I might even wander in. But would I actively plan another evening around it? Probably not.
Pings Bia Hoi is one of those places that looks great, feels fun, but doesn’t quite leave a lasting impression. It’s the kind of restaurant where you go, enjoy the evening, and then promptly forget what you ate by the next morning.
So, love you long time? Well, Pings, maybe just the one night.
Honest Reviews 