It’s been a few years since our last meal here, so we decided a revisit to this old-timer was in order to find out if things are as good as we remember. We arrived at Original Sin for an early dinner and found the venue empty, surprising considering that it’s usually pretty packed most lunchtimes (its value-for-money $27 three-course sets may have something to do with that). Then again, the rest of the restaurants along the stretch were quiet that evening as well, a testament to the fact that Holland V’s Chip Bee Gardens has lost some of its luster over the last two years or so.
The tai tais who live around the area still love to congregate here for its purely vegetarian menu, and it’s not hard to see why. The starter of pan-fried haloumi salad with roasted capsicum and lentils ($18) provided just the right balance of fresh, savory and sweet, and hearty standards such as the creamy porcini pasta ($26), chock full of mushrooms, really got our appetite going. While the Supremo Pizza ($24) was serviceable, it was a tad too burnt for our liking; we reckon you’re better off at Da Paolo Pizza Bar down the street if you’re after some pie. Give their daily specials a go; our broccoli risotto was excellent ($26). Service is friendly and certainly satisfactory.
Overall, Original Sin is still one of the most reliable restaurants in town for some good meat-free Mediterranean cuisine; plus the intimate yet convivial setting is great if you want to get cozy on a date or are planning a boisterous family get-together with vegetarians present.
