Original Sin @ Chip Bee Gardens (Holland Village)

Original Sin the first vegetarian Mediterranean restaurant in Singapore has been around for 14 years since 1997. Chef Michael Hadley from Michelangelo together with co-owner Chef Marisa Bertocchi created the concept of Original Sin and since then never look back. This is really quite an achievement for a vegetarian restaurant in the current F&B scene where restaurants opened and closed in a couple of years.

Principessa 3.5/5

The colorful salad garden, Principessa ($18) has an eclectic mix of roasted pumpkin, avocado, asparagus, tomato, french beans and boccocini, all mingled in a bed of mixed lettuces and dressed in a light balsamic vinaigrette that was subtle and unassuming.

Basilico 3.5/5

The Basilico ($13) is homemade herb bread with creamy goat cheese, char grilled eggplant and roasted   capsicum and rocket leaves. The bruschetta has a nice balanced of flavours that will whet your appetite.

Fritters 3/5

The Eggplant and Parsnip Fritters ($16) drizzled with zesty house mayo was rather simple with a light batter but was surprisingly quite delectable with a nice exterior crisp. This is my first time having parsnip and I thought the texture is quite similar to potato, very enjoyable.

Haloumi 3/5

The Haloumi ($18) which is usually made from a mixture of goat's milk and sheep's milk was nicely pan fried and served on a bed of salad greens, roasted capsicum, lentil, cucumber and mint salad. Due to its high melting point, the haloumi is ideal to be served pan fried or grilled giving it a nice texture and alternate way to enjoy cheese.

Mezze Platter 4.2/5

The Mezze Platter ($22/$30) reminds me of a similar dish I had at Blu Kouzina. The Middle Eastern platter served with Falafal balls and Pita Bread comes with Hummus Chick Pea, Aromatic Pumpkin and Carrot, Eggplant Baba Ganoush and Yogurt Tzatziki dips. My favourite is the pumpkin and carrot dip.

Magic Mushroom 4.8/5

The Magic Mushroom ($18) which is baked portobello mushroom with ricotta cheese, spinach, pesto, topped with a tomato basil sauce and mozzarella was simply magical. The medley of rich flavours with the earthy mushroom magically sent the mouth blooming with wonderful flavours. I will definitely go back for this.

Bosco Misto 4.5/5

This is another must try dish at Original Sin. The Bosco Misto ($26) is like 2 beef patties stacked on top of each other but this is the vegetarian version made of spinach, feta and tofu coated with crushed almonds and sesame seeds, asparagus and a button mushroom plum sauce. Being a meat lover, I was actually very satisfied and content. I didn't feel I missed out any meat.

Vegetable Tandoori 3/5

Out of all the dishes, the Vegetable Tandoori ($26) is probably too vegetarian for me. The skewer has char grilled button mushroom, brinjal, capsicum, onion and tofu marinated in tandoori spices. It is served with rice, youghurt and mangjo chutney dip.

Lasangna 4.2/5

The Lasanga ($26) comes with baked layers of pasta sheets filled with button mushroom, spinach, onion, zucchini, capsicum, tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil topped with shaved parmesan. I couldn't help digging into the melange of beautiful flavours.

Porcini 4.8/5

By now I am already very impressed with the creativity of Chef Marisa Bertocchi. She definitely has bring vegetarian food to a new level. Cooked to perfection, the Porcini ($26) was exquisitely executed. The creamy white wine sauce also married the pasta beautifully, bringing the whole dish together.

Risotto 4.5/5

Do allow the restaurant 20 minutes to cook your Risotto ($26). It is definitely worth every minutes of the wait. This is probably one of the best of risotto I have ever tried.

Chocolate Brownie 3.5/5

Apple Crumble 3/5

Tiramisu 4/5

Hazelnut Chocolate Cake 4/5

Original Sin not only serves delish starters and mains, they also have a decent selection of desserts. I tried the Chocolate Brownie, Apple Crumble, Tiramisu and Hazelnut Chocolate Cake. All desserts are priced at $10 and were pretty good. My favourite was the tiramisu and hazelnut chocolate cake.

Being able to stand tall for the past 14 years, Original Sin has tapped on a niche segment of the market and brings vegetarian to a whole new level with its creativity. Vegetarian food is no more boring and even better than many non vegetarian food. Price can be on the high side but you are paying for the quality.


Original Sin
Chip Bee Gardens (Holland Village)
Blk 43 Jalan Merah Saga
#01-62
Singapore 278115
Tel: +65 64755605
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OriginalSinRestaurant
Website: http://www.originalsin.com.sg/
Nearest MRT; Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and cut through the carpark. Walk towards the shophouses. Journey time 3 minutes.

Blu Kouzina @ Bukit Timah Road

One will not miss the blue and white theme decor of Blu Kouzina located along Bukit Timah Road. The Greek Restaurant opened by couple Effie and Dennis Tsakiris created a warm mediterranean sea setting in a fourth storey building, born out of the founder's love of sharing a hearty with friends.

Serving Greek cuisine, the food at the restaurant is cooked using their own family brand of extra virgin olive oil called Green Gold which can also be purchased at the restaurant. I also understand that Blu Kouzina serves authentic Greek food that has not been adjusted to suit the local palates.

Pita Bread and Dips 4/5

The lunch started off with Pita Bread ($3) with sea salt and paprika. The grilled pita bred is crisp on the exterior and fluffy inside. Pair with delectable dips that is available in the menu, it was a good starter tantalising the appetite. For the dips we tried the Fava ($11.80), Taramosalata ($13.80) and Melitzanosalata ($13.80).

The Fava is yellow lentils with fresh onion, oregano and extra virgin olive oil. Taramosalata is cod roe dip and Melitzanosalata is smoked eggplant mixed with herbs. I could not make up my mind which is my favourite as all of them were as good having their own distinct flavour.

Grilled Feta 3/5

This is the first time I was served with the whole slice of Grilled Feta Cheese ($12.80). I am not an expert in cheese appreciation but the feta cheese is usually a bit moist, salty and milky. After being grilled, it lost its saltiness but not the milky flavour with a firmer and more enjoyable texture to it.

Spanakopita 4.2/5

Love the Spanakopita ($12.30) which is phylo pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese and herbs. I am a big fan of spinach and cheesy stuff hence the filling was a winning combination to me. The paper thin pastry was also fried to a nice golden brown that was both crispy and flaky.

Kreatika Anamikta 3/5

I also get to try the Kreatika Anamikta ($83.80 for 2pax, $166.80 for 4pax, $248.80 for 6pax) which is a Meat Platter which comes with meat balls, kalamaki, bifteki (beef patty) and lamb chops. Except for the lamb chops which was really flavoursome and succulent, the rest of the platter was rather tough or dry.

Psari Stin Sxara 4.2/5

From the grill again, the Psari Stin Sxara or Greek Grilled Fish (Sea Bream 400g $39.80, Sea Bass 1kg $88.80) was excellent. Nicely grilled to a smokey flavour, the fish was fresh and moist.

Mousaka 4.2/5

Our group was already done with our lunch but we can't help ordering the Mousaka ($24.80) because it smelled so good from the table beside us. The traditional Greek dish of oven baked eggplant with potatoes, minced meat and bechamel sauce was really hearty and comforting.

I really like the decor of Blu Kouzina. The relax and casual ambience of the restaurant made one felt like being transported to Greek or the Mediterranean Sea. For those who drives, not to worry as the restaurant offers complimentary valet service.


Blu Kouzina
893 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 589619
Tel: +65 68750872
Website: http://www.blukouzina.com
Nearest MRT: Sixth Avenue (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 230pm
Dinner:
Daily: 6pm - 10pm
First Seating: 6pm - 8pm
Second Seating: 815pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Sixth Avenue MRT station (Stop ID 41081). Take bus number 66, 67, 151, 154, 170 or 171. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]