Pan-Asian Plates with a Presidential View
Reimagined to match modern tastes and capitalise on its unparalleled location, XO & Mì at Le Meridien is a case study of how thoughtful design, market-driven menus, and storytelling through space can reposition a legacy restaurant for contemporary relevance and standout appeal in a crowded market.
By Suman Tarafdar
Which restaurant offers an unparalleled view of Lutyens’ Delhi? One that stretches from India Gate to the old and new Parliament buildings, the National Museum, National Archives, and iconic institutions that shaped modern India—Krishi Bhavan, Udyog Bhavan, Nirman Bhavan, Vayu Sena Bhavan—and, of course, the North and South Blocks, flanking the majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan, often rising through a veil of mist or, well, the city's now charateristic smog that only enhances its ethereal presence.
Turn another way and the distinctive skyline of the city’s CBD towers comes into view. Shift your gaze again, and the outlines of old Delhi’s historic monuments appear in the distance. Beyond India Gate, you might spot the National Stadium, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Humayun’s Tomb, and the landmark high-rises of south-central Delhi. Remarkably, all of this seems to emerge from a planned ‘forest’—a green cover envisioned nearly a century ago, now offering a sweeping, leafy canvas.
Think vast tree canopies interspersed with structures that embody the historical, administrative, and cultural heart of contemporary India.
XO & Mì @ Le Belvédère at Delhi’s Le Meridien undoubtedly offers excellent dining, but the views are in themselves just as big an attraction. While Le Belvédère has been a longstanding much-favoured culinary destination, it has just been renovated. In its new avatar, the restaurant embodies a far more casual vibe, embracing a look where minimalism meets richness, soothing pastel tones complimenting the spectacular views.
Muted earthy tones, soft neutrals, deep charcoals, and touches of gold convey understated opulence.
XO & Mì
XO & Mì, named after the Chinese seafood sauce and Vietnamese noodles, serves pan-Asian cuisine. Think of the usual suspects—Japanese, Thai, Korean, Singaporean, Chinese and Vietnamese. In a significant departure from its earlier avatar, the focus is on Asian street food and the lightness and playfulness of the food. Note the muted earthy tones, soft neutrals, deep charcoals, and touches of gold that convey understated opulence. The interiors feature a neutral palette where hand-finished wood, textured ceramics, and subtle stone surfaces complement each other for a stunning first impression. Modern Asian artworks celebrate the region’s heritage through a contemporary gaze.
“This is one of the most spectacular locations for a restaurant in the city if not the country,” points out Meena Bhatia, Vice President & General Manager, Le Meridien New Delhi. “We wanted to reimagine the restaurant to today's palette and time. Even though there are many Pan Asian restaurants in the city, we opted for it as the cuisine is very close to the Indian palate,” says Bhatia. “We wanted to make it a little bit more playful. It offers classic dishes that you would not want to miss when you visit these countries.”
The 80-cover restaurant is located on the southern side of the hotel, itself an early trendsetter by its use of chocolate and dark shades for its glass façade. Which, for those in the know, means direct views of the sites of federal ministry buildings, including the new ones.
The hotel, established nearly four decades ago, brought on Secret Ingredient, a food and kitchen consulting firm. Beginning with in-depth internal research and a feasibility study, the team conducted a deep dive into the target audience, local demographics, and market trends. This strategic groundwork shaped a distinctive restaurant identity—one that captures the vibrant spirit of Asia’s street food culture, refined with a modern, sophisticated edge.
“At Secret Ingredient, our mission is to help brands tell their stories through exceptional dining experiences—and XO & Mi reflects that,” says Sid Mathur, founder of Secret Ingredient. “Every detail, from concept to execution, was thoughtfully crafted to deliver a memorable culinary journey. We collaborated closely with designers to shape everything from interior mood boards to brand touchpoints, ensuring each element contributed to the immersive experience.”
The views from XO & Mì @ Le Belvédère make a fitting companion to excellent food.
We wanted to reimagine the restaurant to today's palette and time. Even though there are many Pan Asian restaurants in the city, we opted for it as the cuisine is very close to the Indian palate.
Meena Bhatia
Vice President & General Manager, Le Meridien New Delhi
Menu choices galore
The menu captures the essence of the featured cuisines by offering their highlights—think Yuzu Tom Kha, Laksa Prawn Wonton, Greens Gomae, Tamarind Prawn & Glass Noodles, and Sichuan Pulled Chicken. While the number of vegetarian dishes exceeds what you'd typically find on actual street corners in those countries, it thoughtfully caters to Indian preferences.
Cold Plates offer inventive picks like Watermelon & Mint Crudo and Thai Chilli Guacamole, alongside familiar favourites like Tuna Tataki. In hot plates, Tom Yum Edamame and Gochujang Cauliflower with green apple salsa stand out, as does the Okonomi Prawn Toast.
Japan’s best-known export—sushi—features a vibrant range: from the creamy Avocado Dragon Roll with shichimi to the fiery Torched Tuna Hot Hot with charred jalapeños. Also notable are the Hurricane Salmon Roll and Rock Shrimp Tempura. At the heart of XO & Mì’s theatre is the Robata grill, delivering flame-kissed skewers like Charred Chicken Satay, Panang Grilled Prawns, Bulgogi Grilled NZ Lamb Chops, and Lemon Miso Broccoli.
Adding a touch of street-style flair is the live dim sum trolley, serving favourites such as Shiitake & Water Chestnut, Asparagus & Cream Cheese, Chicken Shanghai Soup Dumplings, and Roasted Garlic Pork Shrimp Sui Mai. Meanwhile, the katsu and tempura section delivers Japanese comfort with dishes like Tonkatsu Pork Cutlet with Japanese BBQ sauce and the Tempura Basket, a light, crunchy mix of prawn, calamari, and vegetables—each bite layered with crunch, creamy sauces, and balanced seasoning.
Celebrating the Cantonese philosophy of ‘breath of the wok,’ the Wok Hei section delivers bold, smoky, umami-rich stir-fries. Standouts include the fiery Firecracker Kung Pao, Pad Kra Pao with minced chicken and holy basil, Five Spice Duck, and Hong Kong Chilli Lamb. The curry section features Red and Green Thai Curries, Lamb Massaman Curry, and Claypot Adobo.
While indulgence is inevitable, don’t skip the range of Asian-style desserts. Highlights include the Miso Caramel Chocolate Fondant with roasted almond ice cream, Coconut Panna Cotta with a lemongrass soak, and the Hot Honey Shibuya Toast. For a decadent finish, the Vietnamese Coffee Tres Leches layers coffee jelly with Kahlua milk syrup.
The beverage section is equally ambitious. The ‘Legends of the Orient’ cocktail collection offers signature mixes inspired by Asian folklore and flavours—each crafted with house infusions, exotic botanicals, and regional ingredients. The Sake Bar showcases a premium selection of Japan’s finest, from delicate junmai to bold daiginjo, alongside Korean soju and Japanese whiskies. Tucked to the side is The Permit Room—a cosy nook with more breathtaking views, this time toward the east and northeast.
A tip. While every table offers spectacular views, to catch the best contours of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, opt for the PDR. The superb flavours at XO & Mì are of course on offer wherever you opt to seat yourself.
Coconut Panna Cotta.
Spinach & Tofu Rolls.