Dim T Hampstead

A textbook example of style over substance, Dim T boasts stylish interiors, good-looking staff & a funky soundtrack. Where it doesn’t fare so well is in the kitchen, with the culinary bar at the level of a high-street takeaway. In spite of the name, dim sum only forms a small portion of the menu, which is a one-stop shop of South-East Asia’s greatest hits: aside from Chinese steamed dumplings – minced pork & prawn, say – you could have Thai red duck curry, a Malaysian seafood laksa or Japanese chicken katzu. Sadly, rather than mastering any one cuisine, the kitchen usually sends out half-hearted replicas of the originals, with verdicts such as ‘bland’ or ‘overcooked’ cropping up too frequently. Staff are well-meaning but get over-stretched at peak times, & drinks run to a handful of mainstream exotic cocktails, juices & teas.