First Pics: Bing Bing Dim Sum opening soon on E. Passyunk Ave.

Bing Bing Dim Sum is set to open on Feb. 16 in the old El Zarape spot at 1648 E. Passyunk Ave.

The restaurant is an affordable take on Asian cuisine from the owners of the super popular Cheu Noodle Bar.

The vibe of Bing Bing is very similar to the fun, casual vibe of Cheu Noodle Bar. According to owner Shawn Darragh, the intention was to provide an “affordable, fun and casual atmosphere.”

Most of the details of the space were created by local artists.

Andrew Jevremovic made the tables and chairs for the establishment. He is also responsible for acquiring and utilizing the emperor beds from china for booths at Bing Bing. 

The hanging lights above the bar were created by Chef Ben Puchowitz’s brother, Zach.

The food menu is split into four sections: doughy things, kitchen specialities, vegetables and sweets. Chef Ben Puchowitz aims to bring affordable, fun versions of traditional Chinese dim sum. According to Darragh, Puchowitz is a “cooking artist.”

The bar manager, Matt Sherman, aims to bring Asian spins on classic drinks. You can get beer, wine, sake, tea–pretty much everything. The large pitcher drinks in the “Happy Family” option provide mixed drinks for larger groups. Pictured below is the Saigon pitcher with rhums, batavia arrack, roasted coconut juice, falernum, blood orange and lime.

 Bing Bing Dim Sum is open 7 days a week from 5 p.m. through 12 a.m. The bar is open until 1 a.m. The restaurant is considering expanding to include lunch on weekends. For more information, visit Bing Bing’s website.

Now that Bing Bing Dim Sum is open, maybe the rest of the changes set for 12th and Passyunk might start progressing. Most recently A Man’s Image announced that they’re planning on relocating to a smaller spot, construction is beginning soon on the former Scarduzio project and pedestrian improvements are slated for the area.

–Taylor Farnsworth, @tfarnsworth3