When San:Qi opened at the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai 16 years ago, the city was curious about its unique concept. Four cuisines in one fine dining restaurant in a five-star hotel were not de rigeuer. And doing all four cuisines so well, well that was something quite exceptional. San:Qi was the OG pan-Asian, which included stellar Indian, Chinese, Thai, and Japanese, setting the trend that every new eatery tries to jump onto today.
All this time, those gleaming copper-encased tandoors, the live kitchens, that sensational staircase lined with scores of green bottles, the pretty Private Dining Room, and the spacious upstairs areas have all whetted Mumbai’s appetite and borne witness to memorable meals and exclusive events. Visiting celebrity chefs, wine suppers, Chinese new year dragon dances, the restaurant has remained relevant and vibrant all these years, serving almost a million guests.
The hotel is undergoing a metamorphosis after the reimagining of Aer, the rooftop bar, the opening of the stylish Modernist, the members only lounge, with several rooms refurbished, a new lounge in operation, and lots more on the anvil. San:Qi too prepares to embark on a transformative journey, with its doors shutting for the last time on April 30, 2024, until they open again on a whole new avatar.
But before we bid it a fond farewell, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai has another surprise up its sleeve. They’re running a ‘Best of San:Qi’ promotion until the end of the month, featuring the signature dishes that have delighted diners down the years. We dropped by to savour our faves one last time. The Doodhia Paneer Tikka (pan-grilled panko-crusted stuffed cottage cheese) as melt in your mouth as always, tender Chicken Satay with the perfect Peanut Sauce, and a sushi platter that any Japanese chef would be proud of. The Chinese dimsum were flawless too — Baked BBQ Pork Puff and the Crystal Prawns Dumplings Then came the Thai Pineapple Fried Rice, with the fruit giving it a pleasing sweetness and juiciness that allows you to enjoy the dish on its own. The Chicken Katsu with Jasmine Rice, is another crowd favourite for a reason.
Each of their desserts on this menu — Thai Mango Sticky Rice, Japanese Matcha Cheese Cake, Chinese Honey Crispy Noodle Salad With Black Sesame Ice Cream, and Indian Paan Ice Cream — were exactly the right choice. Not only did they represent San:Qi’s cuisines and satisfy our sweet cravings, but also left us with a lingering desire for more. And that’s perhaps the best way to part ways until we meet again next year.
