REVIEW: Chi Ni, The Roseate

Address: The Roseate, New Delhi, D Block, Samalka, New Delhi, Delhi 110037

Set within rose-hued interiors and warm lighting, Chi Ni at Delhi’s Roseate House feels like an intimate retreat from the bustling city. The ambiance is inspiring but becomes claustrophobic at night when you can't see outside, and the massive cloth tent above your head makes it look like a wedding hall, especially with the tablecloth. However, they do have a stunning kitchen that you can admire while eating.

Dim Sum & Start

The siu mai was a highlight, with a juicy, mild warmth that set the tone for a comforting meal. The Veg Thai dim sum was creamy, mildly spicy, and melted in the mouth, with a balanced crispy texture from the vegetables. The prawn dim sum, while a bit slimy in texture, was subtle and warm. A standout among the starters was the mock chicken three-spice—a clever balance between plant-based and traditional flavors, carrying hints of sweet, spicy, sour, salty, and umami, creating a dish that felt authentically oriental.

On the other hand, the soft-shell crab was a bit of a letdown. It arrived overly oily, and the crab flavor didn’t come through as prominently. The crispy wasabi prawns, had just the right hint of sweetness and mild heat but became soggy and an off-putting after taste.

Mains

The Hong Kong noodles were an invitation to the streets of Indochina, filled with fresh, lightly crisp veggies that paired well with the soft and sticky fried rice. The lamb was tender and cooked to perfection, with a lingering sweet-chili flavor and a notable black pepper kick, though it left a slight trace of oil. The asparagus was well-cooked and tender, adding a pleasant sweetness to round out the meal.

Dessert

For dessert, Chi Ni’s apple crumble brought us right to an October evening in New York City, with cinnamon ice cream perfectly complementing the warm, juicy apples. The combination of hot and cold, with the cinnamon pairing beautifully with the apple, felt like a cozy fall dessert. A sprinkle of coarse sea salt would have given it a final, salted caramel-like depth, but it was still beautifully executed.

Service

Service was polished and seamless, with our server, Kunal, guiding us through the extensive menu with grace and patience. Attentive and brisk, the staff ensured a flawless dining experience.

Overall, Chi Ni manages to create an indulgent meal with immaculate service and the hotel is beautiful; however, it is expensive and there is just something about feeling innate satisfaction after paying for a meal which it lacks, like many places. The quality of the food is great but they could use oil more scarcely which often overpowers their dishes instead of complementing them, and their ambiance is lackluster. The most memorable thing wasn't the food but the overbearing feeling of sitting in a tent.

Tiramisini Rating: 3.5/5