REVIEW
Bite into the rice noodle skin of your pho dumpling, the sweetly spiced ball of minced tenderloin inside flooding with holy basil oil-dotted beef broth, and you'll have the measure of Canberra's XO. It's a punchy pan-Asian party in sunny Scandi-esque surrounds, delivered to a soundtrack of Savage Garden, all landing on the right side of joyful versus gimmicky. The set menu shifts monthly, but expect a procession of Oz-ified dishes inspired by the co-owners' Vietnamese and Malaysian backgrounds, with a few dabs of Japanese colour – like the char siu chicken-spiked Indomie goreng topped with a glistening onsen egg, an umami-bomb that takes the humble packet of instant noodle to saucy new heights. Throw in a few playful cocktails (the Japerol Spritz adds sake to the summer favourite) and a solid wine and sake offering, and you're assured the kind of kiss and hug dining experience the venue's name teases.
ABOUT
Chef Anand Kumar Ramakrishna
Price guide $$
Bookings Recommended
Wheelchair access Yes
Price guide $$
Bookings Recommended
Wheelchair access Yes
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide's reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.