XO

Who we are

We are excited to introduce XO, the latest culinary venture by celebrated chef Larkin Cen at Swansea’s Albert Hall. A finalist on MasterChef in 2013 and featured on the Great British Menu, Larkin brings his innovative street food concept to Swansea Albert Hall.

Background

Larkin Cen, a proud Welsh chef who blends traditional Chinese flavours with a western edge, earning acclaim for his restaurants in Bristol and Newport. In Bristol, he operates Daily Noodles at Wapping Wharf, while in Newport, he offers an exquisite a la carte menu at the prestigious Celtic Manor under the name Monkey King.

Larkin’s journey began in Cardiff, where he grew up in his parents’ Chinese takeaway. Initially training as a lawyer, he chose to follow his true passion for cooking after reaching the finals of MasterChef. His dedication led him to gain valuable experience at The Celtic Manor before establishing his fast-casual noodle bar brand, Daily Noodles, in Bristol.

What we do

Now, Larkin is set to showcase a variety of exciting dishes at XO, including Katsu dishes, small plates, noodles, and his latest creation – the Bao Burger. The Bao Burger is a unique twist on the traditional Bao bun, featuring handmade and carefully curated flavours with delicious fillings. This innovative concept is poised to revolutionize Swansea’s street food scene, providing a fresh and exciting experience for food enthusiasts.

Offerings

• Katsu Dishes
• Small Plates
• Noodles
• Bao Burger