Xime Serves Modern Japanese with Traditional Backbone
Xime is an ambitious new project from Sam Norris (formerly of Wishbone) and Kobe-born Chef Jun Nishio. First of all, it is coming into The Center to satisfy the dearth of well-priced Asian lunch sets (RMB 58-98) for all the offices. Then, when the office workers go home and the neighborhood residents return, the menu veers to izakaya type fare with drinks. Finally, they have given over their walls to photo exhibitions in collaboration with Shanghai-based production company, PUSH. Photos currently on the wall are from Alex Greenberg’s Shanghai Observed Project.
While the lighting is a bit bright, it’s perfect for viewing the photo exhibit and Instagram shots
Kitschy curios are scattered around the restaurant
There is definitely something for everyone on Xime’s menu. It is long and has multiple sections. We have been twice and recommend starting with the smoked daikon radish with cream cheese (RMB 38). It is a surprising combination of sweet, salty, sour and rich that perfectly exemplifies the playful personality of Chef Jun. While the menu is a collaborative effort, Jun’s influence is the strongest. You should also do one of the salads. The spinach egg salad (RMB 42) is quite interesting due to the goji berry dressing.
Smoked daikon pickles with cream cheese
Spinach egg salad
This is one of the first times we have seen homemade natto (RMB 15) on the menu and it is worth a try. It is definitely less slimy than premade versions and has a fresher, less fermented flavor. It is likely to convert many a natto naysayer, but those who love slime will be disappointed. The natto is also served in fried tofu with cheese (RMB 38) if you are too nervous to have it on its own.
House made natto
Natto and cheese in fried tofu
Chef Jun Nishio can be seen cooking depending on your seat
We have been twice, so far, and the other must order dishes are the DIY maki (RMB 188) and one of the seasonal hotpots. The miso and fermented sake broth with sliced salmon and roe (RMB 238) is a fun one as the briny roe bursts when fished out early and becomes a totally different texture as the pot goes on. There are more than enough vegetables, tofu and konjac to make it a full meal. And we will be ordering the DIY maki every time we return, because there is so much variety on the plate. It takes an experience that Japanese typically enjoy at home with friends and family and enriches it by adding things like gorgonzola miso, smoked pickles, umeboshi octopus and salmon roe cream cheese to the mix. Every bite has a new combination of flavors and you are part of the creation. In addition, the chef’s choice sashimi sets are good value for the quality of the fish.
DIY maki roll sushi set (roll with your creativity)
Salmon and roe hotpot
3 types of sushi (RMB 138) rotates daily
You could eat at Xime several times a week and not get bored due to the vast menu. Same with the drinks. They are working with two different sake suppliers to provide a nice choice of sakes. We especially like the unfiltered Shirakawago Sasanigori sake (RMB 350/small bottle). Unfortunately, we aren’t the only ones who like this milky sake with a clean finish, it was sold out on our most recent visit. Luckily, they have an insane amount of infused shochu which you can have as is, with ice (RMB 50) or added to a long drink (RMB 55). The selection is constantly changing, but you should order the calamansi with dried hawthorn, if they have it. The calamansi is fresh, while the dried hawthorn lends complexity. The coconut is almost too good, so exercise caution. Just because you can’t taste the booze, doesn’t mean it is not there.
A selection of infused shochu available at Xime
After a couple of visits, we have decided that Xime is a restaurant that we want to eat at often. We like the casual enviroment, the surprising flavors and great prices. On our last visit, three people ate for under RMB 200 a head. We were stuffed, plus we ordered a large bottle of sake! That makes it the kind of place we want to go for low key catch ups with friends. Plus there are so many things we haven’t tried on the menu…
Address: Rm. 1-B, The Center, 989 Changle Lu (near Changshu Lu)
Tel: 021 6422 5996
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am-3pm; 5pm-11pm
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