TingTing’s - Review - Chinatown - Philadelphia - The Infatuation

"There’s a lot to like about TingTing’s in Chinatown. The Hong Kong-style menu is massive, so there’s something for everyone, and dishes like the soy-glazed wings and creamy seafood udon with cod roe have their sweet and salty balance down pat. But the up-and-down service can make a night here about as inconsistent as finding parking in the neighborhood. It’s a casual place with only a handful of seats, so it’s easier to load up on the handmade pasta, BBQ unagi with scrambled egg, and chicken cutlet topped with an au gratin-esque curry and cheddar mix during the week. Don’t forget to BYOB so you have something to sip between the long waits. video credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN video credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN Pause Unmute Food Rundown Soy Glazed Crispy Chicken Wings These are latest entry in Philly's super-crunchy-soy-glazed-wing list. They're tossed evenly so the sweet, oniony sauce doesn't overwhelm. And they keep their crackly integrity, no matter how long they sit. You'll get six in an order and you'll want to keep approximately six to yourself. PlayMute video credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN Fried Calamari Caesar Salad If you need a salad from this 40-plus item menu, this is the one to get. The calamari is golden and crisp and the lettuce—although drenched in caesar dressing—still maintains its crunch. photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN Beef Satay Grilled beef on a stick. Peanut sauce with no kick that's more of a puree. Meh. PlayMute video credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN Beef Stew A La Hong Kong You win some. You lose some. And for others, you get a participation trophy. This mix of beefy cubes and potatoes is the latter. There's nothing remarkable about it. And you'll notice that when everyone at the table talks about anything else, including the weather. photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN BBQ Unagi And Scrambled Egg Over Rice The unagi is painted with soy sauce and comes on a mountain of eggs, sticky rice, and green onions. It's a sweet, meaty mess. Order it. photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN Creamy Cod Roe Seafood Udon Out of all the hand-pulled pastas we've tried here, this is our favorite. The dish solely relies on the cod roe to bring the flavor, and it mostly hits the mark. Sure, you might get a plate with slightly overcooked shrimp or squid, but their slight rigidity won't take away from each comforting, creamy twirl. photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN" - Candis R. McLean