Royal China at The Chanakya, New Delhi, has long been a favourite for those who take their Chinese food seriously. On a recent afternoon, I revisited this elegant 100-seater to catch up with an old friend over lunch—and left reminded of why this restaurant continues to hold its place among the city’s most reliable Asian dining addresses.

This wasn’t a tasting of their newly launched menu; instead, it was a deliberate dive into some of their classics. We ordered what we felt like eating, chose on instinct, and let the table fill slowly—no pressure, no pretension, just good food and conversation.

A Dim Sum Prelude

We began with dumplings, of course. The Lobster and Caviar Dumpling was a showstopper—luxurious and perfectly steamed, with just the right brininess from the caviar. The Prawns and Black Pepper Dumpling brought in a pleasant hit of spice, wrapped in a delicate casing. While one of the dumpling wrappers arrived a little torn, it didn’t take away from the overall finesse of the offering.

From the cheung fun section, we picked the Asparagus and Shitake Cheung Fun, a silky rice noodle roll layered with texture and flavour. What caught my eye was the extensive cheung fun selection—I counted at least ten varieties on the menu, which is rare and commendable.

The standout among the small plates, though, was the Turnip Cake with Burnt Garlic. Soft inside, crisp outside, and served with Royal China’s excellent chilli oil, it was easily one of the best dishes of the meal. Humble ingredients, elevated through perfect execution.

Main Course Harmony

For the main course, we shared the Chilean Sea Bass with Ginger and Spring Onion, paired with pokchoy. The fish was cooked with a light soy and a hint of chilli garlic, letting the natural flavours shine through. It was delicate, comforting, and deeply satisfying.

To go with it, we ordered the Truffle and Scallop Fried Rice—a dish that surprised us with its generous use of scallops. At ₹625, it’s a remarkably well-portioned dish, easily serving three people. The truffle aroma wasn’t overpowering, and the rice was light enough to pair well with the fish.

The Finish Line

We wrapped up the meal with Ho Fun Noodles, broad rice noodles cooked in a chilli sauce on the recommendation of my friend who swears by Royal China’s consistency. He wasn’t wrong—the noodles had just the right bite and heat, and rounded off the savoury courses beautifully.

Then came an unexpected delight: Caramel Custard. It’s a dessert I personally love but rarely find on menus anymore. Here, it was firm, well-set, and lightly sweetened—the perfect end to a leisurely lunch.

A Return Visit is Already on My Mind

While I didn’t try their new dishes this time, what stood out was the consistency and quality of what I did eat. Royal China doesn’t chase trends—it perfects what it knows best, and the result is a meal that lingers in memory long after the table has been cleared.

What I’m looking forward to next, though, is their Unlimited Dimsum Lunch, a weekday special that’s been creating buzz for all the right reasons.

Unlimited Dimsum Lunch – The Details

Available: Monday to Thursday

Time: 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Price: ₹2,150++ per person

Group Size: Minimum 2, maximum 8 diners

What You Get:

Soup of your choice, Unlimited selection of dimsum (steamed, fried, bao, cheung fun), main course, Choice of rice or noodles and Dessert

For someone who enjoys long, indulgent lunches (and clearly, I do), this sounds like a worthy excuse to return. The dimsum menu alone has enough variety to keep me going back a few times over.

Address: Royal China, The Chanakya Mall, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
Reservations: +91-8448870872

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There are restaurants that serve good food, and then there are restaurants that craft experiences. The newly opened XO and Mi at Le Meridien New Delhi confidently falls in the latter category. Nestled on a higher floor of the iconic hotel, this Asian dining destination offers not just a menu of well-executed dishes, but an enviable view that sweeps across Lutyens’ Delhi and frames the striking silhouette of the new Parliament building.

The restaurant itself is thoughtfully laid out—a long, elegant space with a contemporary lounge section to one side and a private dining room (PDR) that shares the same stunning views on the other, making it well-suited for everything from date nights to discreet business lunches. The ambiance is urban and polished, with floor-to-ceiling glass that turns the cityscape into a moving mural by day and a glimmering tapestry by night.

The menu is a contemporary take on familiar Asian staples—with nods to Thailand, Japan, and China—presented with finesse and balance. The meal commenced on a comforting note with their Chicken Tom Kha Soup. Silky, aromatic, and enriched with coconut milk, the soup was a masterclass in restraint—fragrant with lemongrass and kaffir lime but never overpowering, with small chicken chunks that soaked up every nuanced note.

From the sushi bar, the Crunchy Asparagus Roll was a textural delight—crisp on the outside with a warm, clean bite inside, making it a fine vegetarian offering. In contrast, the Salmon and Avocado Roll leaned into richness, with buttery slices of fish wrapped around perfectly seasoned rice, punctuated by creamy avocado and a whisper of quality wasabi.

Dim sum lovers will appreciate the craftsmanship on display. The Prawns and Chives Dumplings arrived in delicate, translucent wrappers, their interiors juicy and flavourful. The Asparagus and Cheese Dumplings, meanwhile, showcased a playful East-meets-West pairing, the creamy cheese adding a lushness that offset the vegetal crunch of asparagus.

Among the mains, the Thai Ginger Chicken was the clear standout—tender chicken strips sautéed in a light soy-ginger glaze, accentuated with fresh julienned ginger that added brightness and warmth to every bite. It paired exceptionally well with the Miso Wok Greens, a vibrant medley of seasonal vegetables tossed with just enough miso to lend umami depth without masking their natural freshness.

Service at XO and Mi reflects the high standards one expects from a property like Le Meridien—attentive, informed, and courteous without being intrusive. The staff is well-versed with the menu and happy to guide diners based on dietary preferences or curiosity.

In a city teeming with Asian eateries, XO and Mi distinguishes itself through its panoramic setting, polished menu, and consistently well-executed dishes. Whether you’re entertaining guests, celebrating an occasion, or simply indulging in a quiet dinner with a view, this is one table you’ll want to reserve ahead of time.

Must-tries: Chicken Tom Kha soup, Crunchy Asparagus Sushi, Prawns and Chives Dim Sum, Thai Ginger Chicken.
View Worth Dining For: Lutyens Delhi and the new Parliament at dusk

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