Located directly beneath the neon-purple sign of the newly opened Arcade bar, Organic Kitchen is like a small flower of health blooming amongst the boozehouses. As per the name, they state that 90 percent of the ingredients used here are of organic origins (they have yet to find parmesan cheese). Nongfu Spring water, tested as one of the best sources of water in China (according to the restaurant), is used for everything – even the soup. There’s only chicken and beef on the menu, as they couldn’t find pigs that live up to their standards. Needless to say, the mere mention of MSG here is enough to have you shot.
The result is a menu of clean-tasting, health-conscious and rather costly lunch options. A hearty chicken shwarma wrap (RMB56) comes chock-full of heavily spiced (hormone-less) chicken and pickled cucumber. Drizzled with a homemade, nutty tahini sauce and wrapped in a laffa, it’s a delicious ode to an Arab classic. Chicken aioli panini (RMB56) is also a pretty, if petite, sandwich with roast chicken, arugula and a yogurt/pesto sauce mingling together nicely. Pair one with a bowl of soothing, sapid tomato soup (RMB36) and you’ve got a gourmet rainy-day meal on your hands. For non-sandwich options, there’s a variety of pastas and curries, like a reasonable linguine puttanesca (RMB58) or chili beef stir-fry (RMB58). Those just lingering with drinks could choose a light, cleansing iced lemon tea with honey (RMB20/28) or an indulgent glass of organic Sauvignon Blanc (RMB47) to help pass the time.
Set in a slightly drafty, warmly-lit room of blond wood, cushy couches and a communal table centerpiece, this cafe serves straightforward fare that feels good going down; reminiscent of Wagas but quieter and more personal. If you can’t make it to Organic Kitchen but crave a taste of the good stuff, they can come to you via Mealbay and a surcharge.
See listing here.
