Zing Vaa: We had a lovely date night at this hidden Derby gem that serves next-level chow mein

Spring may be around the corner, and we have seen some milder temperatures this week, but it is still darker than Thanos’ soul and a teeny bit miserable out there.

I have a simple solution for the good people of Derby to lift spirits out the tail-end-of-winter-funk.

Surround yourself with good food at a cute restaurant filled with twinkling bright lights for a few hours and it will make you feel like a brand new person.

Zing Vaa is a family run restaurant 5 minutes away from Derby city centre.

I have dined there numerous times, and because it was Valentine’s Day, we decided to visit.

I say it's a hidden gem, because a few people I have spoken to, don't know how good it is.

The neighbourhood restaurant may appear unassuming, but the interior is an immediate mood-lifter and delight. 

Traditional exposed beams give the dining space a tinge of country home grandeur, whilst artwork from reclaimed wood gives the décor a contemporary twist. 

On the menu are Cantonese and Peking dishes such as Szechuan roast pork, steamed har gao prawn dumplings, sweet potato salt and pepper fries, and more.

I had bean curd in satay sauce, which was fried puffy cubes in a creamy peanut sauce. I especially enjoyed the flavour profile with a light pepper kick in the background.

My dining partner had scallops in black bean chilli sauce. 

He said the "perfectly cooked scallops that were still slightly translucent in the middle were a joy to eat."  

The sauce with a fresh chilli and garlic kick was so good, I also had to snaffle a few tablespoons and sip like a thick soup. 

We shared a noodle dish of Singapore style chow mein which is wheat noodles with vegetables.

I loved every single dish at Zing Vaa, but a standout dish for me was the noodles. 

It is easy to serve a noodle main in its simplest form, but with Zing Vaa, who exceed expectations, this will never be the case.

They have taken the humble chow mein and lavished it with TLC in the form of freshly sliced peppers, crunchy beansprouts and barely caramelised onions to leave a bijou party in your mouth.

The sauce that the dish is sautéed in, which imparted slightly charred notes to the vegetables, was so delicious, I very nearly ordered another helping to take away for a WFH lunch with a twist.

Read more: Food and drink in Derby

Owners John and Beth run a tight ship. 

Service is attentive but never obtrusive, politeness is the order of the day, and a killer soundtrack channelling olde worlde jazz and blues will prolong your stay for hours after you thought you’d leave. 

Zing Vaa is more than just a nice-looking restaurant. 

It has substance, and soul and I cannot imagine being in a better place to brighten my day.

What we ate at Zing Vaa Derby

(Drinks and service charge not included) 

• Bean curd in satay sauce £7.50
• Scallops in black bean chilli sauce £11.50
• Singapore style chow mein £8.90

Address: Zing Vaa, 524-528 Burton Rd, Littleover, Derby DE23 6FN