The BAO team launch new Taiwanese restaurant, XU in Chinatown

Refined Taiwanese food, rare teas and luscious cocktail libations – what’s not to love at newly opened, XU?

Taiwanese restaurant BAO is getting a slinkier, more sophisticated big sister in the shape of XU. Opening in June on Chinatown’s Rupert Street, the cool new eatery from the trio of siblings behind BAO are set to serve up a refined take on classic Taiwanese dishes. Spread across two floors, XU (pronounced ‘shu’) presents a swish cocktail bar, a tea bar, private dining rooms as well as a chic 76-cover restaurant.

Book your table for the opening in June!

XU’s food will be a celebration of the rich cultural past of Taiwan, an island whose culinary traditions have been shaped by Japanese and Dutch colonies as well as China’s many different provinces. One highlight includes Mangalitza Rib Rice; diced Mangalitza pork ribs mixed with a blend of rice and spices, steamed on a bed of sweet potato, topped with foie gras. Yes, foie gras – expect a touch of fine dining flourishes at XU, their agenda is to elevate Taiwanese cuisine to the next level. Even street-food inspired dishes like pancakes come generously stuffed with 40-day aged beef shortrib.

Thanks to regular trips to Taiwan, XU’s ingredients have been authentically sourced so you can expect the real deal here. They’ve tapped up local Chinese super markets too along with freshly made noodles from Lo’s Noodle Factory around the corner.

You can expect the real deal here

Tipple-wise you’ll find a taste of Taiwan with Shaoxing wine – it’s not just for cooking after all. XU’s sleek cocktail bar will offer an ‘omakase’ experience – three artfully mixed cocktails made with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Mixology is key to helping heighten a more rarefied vibe.

Mixology is key to helping heighten a more rarefied vibe.

Oh, and if you’re expecting their famous bao buns, you may be disappointed to learn XU will be a bun-free territory.

For daytime visitors and teetotallers alike, XU’s exceptionally curated rare tea collection, selected and prepared by their very own in-house tea master. From hand-picked Assam to Baozhong from Pingling, you’ll discover something new to fall in love with.

Décor-wise, think vintage 1930s Taipei; all dark woods and rich colours. XU is set to be the hottest place on the block so get in early if you’d like an upscale Taiwanese experience. Oh, and if you’re expecting their famous bao buns, you may be disappointed to learn XU will be a bun-free territory.