There has been a lot of anticipation for Xu, the latest from the team behind Bao. We got a 5pm reservation on a Saturday (which is ok for us as we tend to eat at odd times at the weekend). After battling through the crowds attending Pride, we settled down at our table with some delicious, smoky cocktails.
Somewhat at a loss with respect to the menu, we went for the safe option of the tasting menu. I chose the sea bass for the main and my dining companion chose the iberico pork collar (belying her Spanish roots).
My favourites were the clams and the beef and marrow pancakes, but all of the food was great. I wasn’t expecting my seabass to be so vinegary and spicy, but it balanced well with the soft white rice.
The food had a delicacy that is hard to find in general Asian in restaurants London, and the Taiwanese whiskeys and tea based cocktails were great. If we manage to get another reservation, we’ll go back – and take our Taiwanese friend to check the authenticity!
So the Taiwanese friend went to Xu with her husband on a Saturday at very late hour. The place is so hard to get a reservation! I would agree that the food was very delicate and you wouldn’t be able to find it elsewhere. Great tea selection and Taiwanese drinks. Decoration is very trendy and feels like a dressed up place. Food was tasty and some authentic items. It is not the Taiwanese food I know but the place suppose to represent old Taiwan. Will I go back? Yes probably but need to book two months in advance!
Thank you for the really interesting comments!