If you ever feel the need to escape the city for a while, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore’s newest watering hole, Origin Bar & Grill, is the place to be. Located in the lobby of hotel’s newly rejuvenated Tower Wing, the bar and grill takes you on a compelling culinary journey back in time.
Bask in the sophisticated ambience of Origin Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Singapore.
Inspired by thrilling travel adventures and Singapore’s illustrious history of colonial charm and tropical splendour, the elegantly decked out restaurant-cum bar-evokes an overwhelming sense of nostalgia for steam train travel. The romantic design pays homage to the hotel’s heritage as the origin of the global hotel brand, and is designed by A Work of Substance, headed by the avid traveller – Max Dautresme.
The restaurant’s design is inspired by travel adventures and Singapore’s illustrious colonial history.
Your glorious gastronomic journey begins at the bustling bar that is luxuriously framed with silk velvet curtains, giving the space a grand yet intimate ambience. Innovatively shaped like a train ticketing box, the bar is where special cocktails are carefully concocted by bar manager Adam Bursik. The visually-stunning vaulted ceilings impart a certain romantic charm, complementing the delicious concoctions. Sip on Origin ($22), a spicy gin-based cocktail, Leaf the Curry ($23), a tart sweet rum cocktail or The Pearl ($26), a smooth floral concoction as you chat with your loved ones. Coffee lovers are sure to enjoy Buona Vista ($23), made with coffee, fig, distilled hazelnut, chocolate and Campari. Inspired by the five key districts of Singapore, namely Orchard, Chinatown, Little India, Boat Quay and Marina Bay, these unique and thoughtfully crafted cocktails reflect the colours, flavours and historical anecdotes of the colonial era – much like the opulent interior of the restaurant.
Even cocktails prepared at the bar are inspired by Singapore’s heritage and history, like the sherry and vodka-infused Miss Joachim.
The lavish decor extends to the dining area, where the enchanting arched ceilings and pristine white walls are adorned with statement lights. The space boasts glazed table tops which are crafted like classic chess boards and complemented with hand-stitched teal and cream leather Tripolina chairs, as well as curved leather benches made of a combination of wood and beautiful burgundy leather. These are all framed by pillars encased in black marble, amplifying the palatial ambience of the restaurant and transporting you away from reality.
Look out for vintage elements like brass finishes and curved leather banquettes that are sure to take you back in time.
A wide range of seafood mains like the delectable Miso Butter Glazed Black Cod ($38) and the Octopus Charred with Smoked Paprika ($188 for a 2 person serving) are sure to whet your appetite. Origin also raises the “steaks” with a prized range of beef that includes the 35-day dry-aged grass-fed John Stone beef from Ireland and the 500-day Japanese Shiro Wagyu. To top it all off, this dining destination also has a versatile wine list featuring over 45 grape varietals from some of the world’s best wine-producing regions. So sit back, relax and find the perfect bottle of wine to enhance the aromatic flavours of your meal.
Expect to find fresh and heary mains at Origin, like this sumptuous Hokkaido Scallops with Fragrant Chilli Jam.
This was adapted from an article originally published in the March 2018 issue of SquareRooms.
