Delhiites have a love affair with Asian food, and it’s not hard to see why. The bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and intricate preparation techniques make Asian cuisine a culinary adventure. However, finding an authentic and high-quality Asian restaurant in Delhi can be a challenge. This is where OKO at The Lalit New Delhi comes in, offering a Pan-Asian dining experience that is sure to delight even the most discerning of palates.
Ambience
Located on the 28th floor of The Lalit New Delhi, OKO is a restaurant that exudes opulence and sophistication. The stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, live music, and chic interiors create an ambience that is both lively and intimate. The use of wood and stone elements, soft lighting, and plush seating adds warmth to the restaurant’s modern and contemporary vibe. As you sit back and take in the stunning views of Delhi, OKO’s menu invites you to embark on a culinary journey through Asia. The restaurant offers an array of dishes from different regions, including Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Korean. The flavours are bold, the ingredients are fresh, and the presentation is exquisite.
Photo Credit: The Lalit New Delhi
Food at OKO
Starting with the soups, we tried the Manchow soup and Tom Yum soup. The Manchow soup was rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of spice. In contrast, the Tom Yum soup was above average, with a slightly weaker flavour profile than we had expected. However, the depth of flavour in the Manchow soup more than made up for it. Moving on to the dim sums, the Basil Chicken Kothe stole the show. The soft, pillowy steamed dumplings were filled with succulent minced chicken, fresh basil, and other aromatic herbs that burst with flavour in every bite. The Chive and Cheddar Cheese Crystal Dumplings were a close second, with the creamy, cheesy filling perfectly complementing the delicate flavours of the wrapper.
Photo Credit: The Lalit New Delhi
Next, we sampled the appetizers, which included Thai Crispy Vegetables with coriander, onion, and sweet chilli sauce, Thai Fresh Pomelo Salad with peanut and tamarind sauce, Chicken Satay with aromatic Thai herbs and peanut sauce, and Crispy Chicken, Scallion, Pepper. The Chicken Satay was the standout dish, with the tender chicken infused with the aromatic flavours of Thai herbs and complemented perfectly by the nutty sweetness of the peanut sauce. The Thai Fresh Pomelo Salad was good, but the taste was not to our liking, leaving a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Photo Credit: The Lalit New Delhi
The sushi rolls at OKO were exceptional, with the fillings perfectly balanced, and the rice cooked to perfection. The Crunchy Prawn Roll, with its crispy panko-fried prawns and creamy mayo, was a standout, as was the Baked Salmon Roll, with its perfect blend of fresh salmon, crab stick, cucumber, and avocado. For the main course, we were particularly drawn to the Chicken in Hot Basil Sauce, and we were not disappointed. The dish arrived at our table, piping hot and exuded a mouth-watering aroma, immediately whetted our appetites. The chicken itself was impeccably cooked, with the tender and juicy meat melting in our mouths. The sauce, infused with fresh basil and a blend of herbs and spices, added an extra layer of depth to the dish.
Photo Credit: The Lalit New Delhi
Accompanying the chicken were two classic Chinese dishes that were executed to perfection – the Stir-Fried Chinese Greens and the Veg Fried Rice. The Stir-Fried Chinese Greens had just the right amount of crunch and a delicate flavour that balanced the richer dishes on the table. The Veg Fried Rice was also a standout, with fluffy grains of rice interspersed with tender pieces of vegetables and a subtle hint of umami.
Finally, we ended our meal with the Kaffir Lime Ice Cream and Lemon Curd Tart. Both desserts were a perfect ending to our meal, with the Kaffir Lime Ice Cream providing a tangy and refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the Lemon Curd Tart.
Service at OKO
The impeccable service at OKO is worth mentioning. The staff is always ready to assist you with a smile and make sure that you have a comfortable dining experience. They provide great recommendations on dishes and drinks, which made the experience all the more enjoyable.
All in all, OKO at The Lalit New Delhi is a restaurant that is sure to delight. With its stunning views, chic interiors, and impeccable service, it is the perfect place to indulge in some of the best Pan Asian cuisine Delhi has to offer.