New Delhi, October 3rd: The 12th edition of The Big F Awards, hosted by food critic Pawan Soni and presented by Indian Food Freak, lit up Le Meridien New Delhi last evening as the city’s most celebrated chefs, restaurateurs, and food personalities came together to honour excellence in the dining industry.

From stalwarts like Rohit Khattar, AD Singh, Rocky Mohan, Zorawar Kalra, RJ Khurafati Nitin, Rocky Singh and Mayur Sharma, to culinary leaders such as Chef Manisha Bhasin, Chef Manish Mehrotra, Chef Kunal Kapur, Chef Ajay Chopra,  Chef Saby Gorai amongst others, the gathering reflected the depth and diversity of Delhi NCR’s food culture.

A Fair and Transparent Process
What sets The Big F Awards apart is its uncompromising commitment to fairness. The honours are not influenced by sponsorships or lobbying. Each year, an independent jury visits nominated restaurants, experiences their food, and casts a single, non-revisable vote. Winners are revealed only on the night of the awards, ensuring transparency and keeping the suspense intact till the very end.

The 2025 jury featured some of the most respected names in the culinary and hospitality world: Chef Kunal Kapur, Chef Sabyasachi Gorai, Sameer Bawa, RJ Khurafati Nitin, Chef Nita Mehta, Rocky Singh, Chef Ashish Bhasin, Diwan Gautam Anand, and host Pawan Soni himself.

Celebrating Food Stories that Matter
“The Big F Awards have always stood for honest recognition,” said Pawan Soni during his address. “This gathering reflects the incredible depth of talent, passion, and creativity that defines Delhi NCR’s dining culture. We celebrated chefs who preserve heritage with pride, visionaries who are redefining how we experience food, and restaurants that have earned trust through years of consistency. Awards matter only when they are deserved, not when they are bought, and last night was about applauding the people who bring joy, comfort, and inspiration to our lives through food.”

Highlights of the Winners
The evening recognised some of the most inspiring names in the industry. Rohit Khattar was honoured with the Culinary Icon Award. Varun Tuli was named Best Restaurateur and Sahil Sambhi received the award for Best Nightlife Entrepreneur. The legendary Bukhara at ITC Maurya joined the Hall of Fame, where it will be recognised each year but will no longer compete in the awards.

Other notable winners included:

• Comorin as Best Modern Indian
• Lair as Best Cocktail Bar
• Fort City as Best Microbrewery
• Varun Sharma as Best Mixologist
• Megu at Leela Palace as Best Japanese Restaurant
• Orient Express at Taj Palace as Best European Restaurant

For the complete list of winners, visit the official Instagram page www.instagram.com/thebigfawards

An Evening of Camaraderie and Inspiration
The ceremony wasn’t only about competition. It was also a night of meaningful conversations, reunions, and collaborations. Guests enjoyed a specially curated menu by the Le Meridien team that added to the flavour of the celebration. The winners represented every facet of the dining landscape, from boutique spaces to landmark establishments, showing how Delhi NCR continues to evolve as a culinary powerhouse.

Since its inception in 2014, The Big F Awards has grown into one of the capital’s most authentic platforms for recognition, dialogue, and exchange. The 2025 edition carried this legacy forward, with conversations spilling beyond the stage and sparking collaborations that promise to shape the future of dining in the region.

For the many who gathered, the night was more than an awards ceremony. It was a celebration of food, community, and the people who make dining in Delhi NCR unforgettable.

The post Twelve Years Strong: The Big F Awards 2025 Showcases the Best of Delhi NCR’s Dining Scene appeared first on Indian Food Freak.

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

The post XO and Mi at Le Meridien Delhi: Asian Fine Dining with Stunning Views of Lutyens appeared first on Indian Food Freak.