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cityweekend

Philosophy of Freshness

Nestled in a pocket on Taikang Lu is Origin, a new café offering seasonal fresh cuisine, with fresh squeezed juices (YY24-29), a range of cocktails (YY40) and a tranquil atmosphere. We enjoyed the spinach salad (YY38) a well-balanced mixture of walnuts, strawberries, radishes, arugula and baby spinach topped with a delicate vinaigrette. The menu caters both to the lone, stroll-by eater and the slow, course by course diners, and offers a variety of vegan, vegetarian and health-conscious choices. Our roast pork sandwich with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese and balsamic sauce (YY38) was complemented nicely by a tall, cool glass of fresh squeezed pear juice (YY29) and refreshing minted water. Our hearty white bean and vegetable soup (YY28) and the sinful Nutella banana crêpe (YY22) were delectable. All in all we found this a welcome (fresh) addition to the Taikang Lu café beat. --Renee Reynolds

 

Most Recent Reviews

pjmouse

Went to Origin this past weekend for brunch and was really underwhelmed. The prices have increased, the food portion decreased ( never a consumer winning combo). The food was mama hu hu and the service so so. This venue had so much potential when it opened three years ago. At the time the management seemed really on the ball and very focused on delivering a good food experience. Now, not so much. The energy is gone and the experience is average. There are other options with better value for money.

 

3 months, 1 week ago

acjshanghai

Went to Origin to enjoy a Sunday brunch with friends in a good atmosphere which origin did have. I had the eggs benedict (98rmb) which would have been great except for the fact that there was no hollandaise suace, and the server had no idea what that was anyway. Other dishes ordered by my friends were just as disappointing if not more which were also 98rmb. Inflation? I think not. Overpriced atmosphere with bad service.

 

1 year ago

lucipher

The servings here are nice and packed with yummy ingredients.

We enjoyed the ahi tuna sandwich with avocado very very much. The salads here are one of the best looking i've seen. I was immediately attracted to them, and they tasted just as good.

The outdoor seating area on the second floor was comfy and nice. The restaurant is quite and great to spend an hour or two in the afternoon.

 

1 year, 10 months ago

jendan22

Have gone to Origin at least 4 or 5 times. The food is great and has stayed that way over time. We just went today for brunch and while looking over the regular menu I was pleased to see the addition of a couple of children's meal sets. The menu selection has something for everyone (vegetarians/vegans too)! The decor is well done and relaxing - the outdoor patio is fab (if you are lucky enough to get a seat). It's one of my go to places in Taikang Lu that always delivers!

 

2 years, 1 month ago

foodlover69

Not a bad place to spend a relaxing lunch during work hours. Very well located too

2 years, 4 months ago

caericksonsino

It is an all out balanced, stylish, and unique restaurant.

The menu is an impressive attribute in Origin's success. The menu has a wide range of different dishes, and they are all healthy, organic and fresh. Vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters alike will readily find something to eat. From the lush salad with arugula, feta, sun dried tomatoes, and champagne vinaigrette to the ahi tuna sandwich with avocado, wasabi ginger and salad filling. Every course type is covered, delicious deserts, salads, sandwiches, steaks, fish... they really have it all. Their apple crisp is the best I have had in Shanghai, and one of the best desserts of the city. And if you are a connoisseur of wine, their wine list has the newer neo-organic wines.

Futhermore, the atomosphere is just lovely. The exposed support beams and eco-minimalistic design scream "Moby", and the overall mood is one of relaxed happiness.

I can't wait to go back.

Full revue and pictures: http://blog.chrissy-and-joachim.com/2010/01/12/origin.aspx

 

2 years, 4 months ago

tristamarie

Where You Eat

Name: Calvin Wang Profession: Interior Designer

As an interior designer, when I go out to eat I'm looking not only for great food but also for a nice space. I like to eat alone sometimes, totally enjoying the food and the atmosphere. One of the restaurants I go to nowadays is called Origin. I like the solid wooden wall, long sofas and warm lighting. Of course they have good food, too. In the same area, thaifoodstation is awesome. The place is small but they have a cute balcony and you can hear and see people shopping when you are eating, pretty relaxing. For Burmese food, Lost Heaven is one of the best. Actually they have Thai, Yunnan and Burmese food--rare in Shanghai. Some of the Yunnan and Burmese-style food is really traditional. The interior is warm, cozy and a little bit mysterious. It's a little noisy, but still good.

3 years, 8 months ago

shanghai_cw

Where You Eat

NAME: June Weng

PROFESSION: General Manager of Souldancing Studio

Having a lot of dancing on my schedule, there is nothing better to recharge my batteries after a work out of salsa, bellydance or poledancing than with some tasty "energizers." One of my favorite places to relax and unwind is Origin. It's a new place on Taikang Lu and not far from the studio, so I can go there for lunch. It has a very peaceful atmosphere with the woody decor and little lights. Try the ice cream, and the crepe with Nutella. I also like Charmant. They have great Taiwanese style food. I recommend the chicken soup, it's simmered for a very long time and just bursts with flavor. Element Fresh is a bit pricey, but healthy and consistent. Go for the chicken salad or the spicy fish and the great juices.

3 years, 9 months ago

epeter03

Hmm wasn't that impressed with the food. I had a steak (mama huhu) with grilled cherry tomatoes (very good) and potato gratin (ok) It is a good alternative to most taikang lu eateries. I visited due to the enjoycard discount but I wouldn't go out of my way to return. I do however like the decoration, look and feel of the place. Exposed wooden supports, brick accent walls and clean white walls.

3 years, 9 months ago