China XO

China XO intends well. But at this price point at a 5-star hotel, you have to do better. Let's get over with the good stuff - great atmosphere, great service, and fantastic ambience. The food however is where we start to see the cracks. We ordered the prix fixe menu, as there are so many choices to make in the menu and we couldn't make decisions. It started off well, a fantastic wanton soup and some good dim sums. At this point, everything is heading well towards a fabulous night. Then comes the fish and chicken and lamb, all deep fried with batter and coated with various sauces and spices, but quite underwhelming. The lamb was so thin that it felt like chewing cardboard strips. The fish was just completely soaked in sweet & sour sauce where it lost its texture and identity. And the chicken was heavily dusted with some unique spices unknown of origin. I wasn't sure whether this was a sauce competition with some protein or whether the sauce complemented the meat. The fried rice made with basmati rice is a quintessential Indo-Chinese entry but completely bland and without character. The flat noodles were decent though. Finally the biggest disappointment was a random mango pudding, so dry that it was dusty. And whatever fruit or artifact they put in the middle was better passed as a piece of rubber. I cannot recommend China XO for locals nor foreigners visiting. Perhaps if you need the atmosphere during a date night, it might be okay. Other than that, it's largely overpriced and delivers sub-par food.

Immaculate Service and amazing food quality...by far it's THE BEST you can experience in Chennai and it's my strongest recommendation. Comes with utmost dedication and personal touch when you done here .

Granted the Leela Palace is an awesome hotel and is way above par, BUT the China XO inside it is mind blowing. The subtle whiff of jasmine and frangipani as you enter the Leela and find your way into the heart of China XO walking on cool immaculate floors is in itself an experience. Then you get seated and the food makes it's exotic appearence and presence. From the soup to the dim sums, okra fritters to soba noodles and the burnt garlic fried rice, finally topped with the mango pudding with basil seeds...bliss. I believe XO stands for Extra Ordinary. And XO it was.

First, if you avoid gluten, do not go here. Few (very few) items on the extensive menu are gluten free. We were told some of the items were mislabeled and were, in fact, gluten free. This did not inspire confidence. Even many of the rice dishes have gluten. How is this?? Food quality is good, and portions are large. Service is good, though not great. This is a very serviceable Chinese food, but overpriced form what you get.