High on Asian flavour, XO & Mi style

Nestled on the 20th floor of Le Méridien New Delhi, XO & Mi @ Le Belvedere brings the storied elegance of its predecessor into a bright, contemporary light, promising nothing less than a riot of Asian street‐food energy balanced with refined elegance.

From the moment you step inside XO & Mi, it envelops you in a cocoon of sophisticated comfort. The private dining enclave feels like a secret hideaway for epicurean escapades, while the main lounge buzzes with cosmopolitan energy. Plush teal and cream sofas cluster around warm wood accents, while pendant lamps in brass cages cast an inviting amber hue. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows stretch along the dining room’s length, offering a bird’s-eye view of Lutyens and the new Parliament building. The afternoon sunlight mingling with interior lighting creates an atmosphere that feels both airy and intimate.

The new name is a combination of two words: ’XO’, meaning Asian seafood sauce and ‘Mi’ refers to noodles in Vietnamese. True to its name, the restaurant serves legendary dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Singapore and China; each carefully crafted for the modern palette, under the esteemed guidance of the executive Sous Chef Shekhar Kiroula.

The Culinary Odyssey

My culinary adventure began with a comforting bowl of Yuzu Tom Kha, a steaming broth laced with the silkiness of coconut, aroma of lemongrass and galangal, and a pop of citrusy yuzu. On the side, the Crunchy Pomelo & Peanuts Salad delivered a playful contrast. The juicy pomelo segments burst like citrus fireworks, while shards of roasted peanuts and mint leaves added crunch and cool. A drizzle of palm‐sugar dressing pulled all the elements together into a tangy‐sweet harmony.

The dimsum selection was a testament to the kitchen’s finesse. The Asparagus & Cream Cheese parcels, wrapped in translucent dough, revealed a gentle verdant sweetness and a silky cream‐cheese filling. Meanwhile, the Edamame and Vegetable variant burst with freshness. Flecked with carrot brunoise and shiitake, the pocket was held together by a nearly invisible dumpling skin.

Sushi at XO & Mi is not your typical conveyor‐belt fare. The Asparagus Tempura roll arrived first. Its crispy green fronds peeking from nori and a light smattering of sesame echoed Asian comfort. The Avocado Dragon Roll that followed was a creamy, umami-laden delight that was as beautiful as delicious. Slices of satin-smooth avocado draped over rice and seaweed and a drizzle of tangy tamarind reduction played off the food’s texture. I washed it down with a steaming cup of Jasmine tea.

The kitchen’s mastery of wok hei shined in the Firecracker Kung Pao, offered in both vegetarian and chicken versions in the main course. Mine arrived dancing with fire: vibrant red chillies curled around glistening tofu cubes, peanuts and bell peppers that still held their snap. Each bite delivered a punchy medley of smoky, spicy, and sweet notes that defines great Asian stir-fries.

This was accompanied by two cornerstone dishes: Hong Kong Fried Rice and Chinatown Wok‐Tossed Noodles. The fried rice was joyful; each grain distinct, each spoonful an arrangement of crisp vegetables and new flavours. The noodles, sleek and saucy, came tossed with slivers of bell peppers, button mushrooms, and ribbons of scallion, evoking the bustling lanes of old Shanghai. The dishes felt like home style favourites—simple yet utterly satisfying.

Through the glass windows of XO & Mi’s private dining alcove, the afternoon light poured in, illuminating the surface of Miso Caramel Chocolate Fondant; its molten heart promising a perfect balance of smoky salt and deep chocolate. Paired with a quenelle of yuzu‐tinged crème fraiche, it felt like a finale on a mountaintop. Next arrived the Vietnamese Coffee Tres Leches. With its milk-soaked milk, espresso syrup layering and coconut foam, it was a dreamy, caffeinated cloud with bittersweet notes.

The presentation’s minimalism mirrored the restaurant’s serene yet sophisticated design.

Cocktails to Remember

No journey through XO & Mi is complete without a foray into their inventive cocktail menu. At the centre of the space stood an arched mirror framing a selection of spirits; some of their signature drinks include:

• Wukong: A mischievous mix of Suntori Toki whisky, Campari, and Miso Banana liqueur paying homage to the Monkey King.
• Dragon and the Fairy: Kaffir infused tequila, offset by cilantro air, and yuzu conjuring a mythical fusion of land and sea.
• Yuki-Onna: An ethereal sip of earl grey tea, gin, passion fruit, and elderflower foam, evoking the mysterious allure of the Snow Woman.
• Momotarō: A mix of five spice smoked whisky, peach syrup and red wine, giving ode to the legendary Peach Boy.
• Jade Rabbit: Blueberry and thyme infused gin, topped with tonic, is whimsical and refreshing.

And for purists, the curated sake selection is a rare treat, offering a taste of Japan’s finest rice wines.

Occasionally, I leaned back in my chair, savouring these creations amid the redesigned dining room’s soft glow. For those seeking a sensory adventure that bridges continents and eras, XO & Mi @ Le Belvedere promises an unforgettable journey. Here, every dish tells a story, every cocktail is a conversation starter, and every visit is a memory in the making.