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Origin FrenchThai Inc
Categories: Restaurants Thai Restaurants French Thai, French [Edit]
25 Division StSomerville, NJ 08876
(908) 685-1344
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 11:30 am - 3 pm
Tue-Thu 5 pm - 9:30 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 10:30 pm
Sat 12 pm - 3 pm
Sun 3 pm - 9 pm
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
55 reviews for Origin FrenchThai Inc
Review Highlights
"My green papaya salad was incredible."
(in 6 reviews)
"...entrees, we had the Royal Massaman Curry with Beef and the..."
(in 3 reviews)
"It's BYOB and there is a great wine shop on Main St."
(in 19 reviews)
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55 reviews in English
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Review from J T.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
10/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great atmosphere, great food.
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Review from Michelle B.
Hillsborough, NJ
12/29/2011
I can't say I've ever had a BAD meal here, but I'm not exactly sure why there are so many 5-star glowing reviews, because there is much better Thai food to be had in the neighborhood, and the French fusion aspect is just not that special...
I've had several of the currys, some duck dishes, and the pad thai. Again, nothing was bad, but neither was it spectacular.
The papaya salad is quite nice, and something I look forward to when visiting this restaurant, and the desserts are delicious. I have never had anything but good service, and the decor is lovely. It's a very nice atmosphere for an intimate date night. But don't get your hopes up about having some extraordinary meal. It will likely be jst fine, and expensive, but not 5-star worthy in my opinion. -
Review from Sally M.
12/6/2011
We gathered here for a team dinner with colleagues. Since Thai food is one of my favorites, and since I just relocated back East from San Francisco, I was thrilled by the suggestion.
Venue: Beautiful upscale decor, but not overdone. Authenticity mixed with modern touches. A gorgeous fish tank at the entrance, perpendicular to a fountain wall.
Menu Options: Not the traditional Thai - some staples (Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Pad Kee Mao, Red Curry, etc.,) but many dishes inspired by French cooking.
I opted for the Royal Massaman Curry (with chicken): prepared with coconut milk, tamarind, peanuts and avocados. I really liked the dish, inspired with tastes of Indian cuisine mixed with the Thai-style curry. A bit similar to Burmese.
Service: Good.
Dessert: I quite liked the chocolate soufflé with coffee ice cream, paired with chamomile tea.
I was most impressed, and the Main Street area surrounding this restaurant was quite cute! -
Review from Michelle M.
Clifton, NJ
11/6/2011
Grilled squid salad!!! I was never into fruit in my salad but the flavor combo works unbelievably well. Best thing ever!
Very nice place. I chose the Thai style foods however the French fusion food looked really good as well.
Lovely atmosphere and a plus in my book its BYO. -
Review from Christine R.
Princeton, NJ
10/10/2011
SO and I celebrate our anniversary pretty much the same every year- getting Thai food (it was our dinner our first date). My favorite Thai place in Somerville has closed down recently, but we decided to check out Origin Thai.
We were absolutely starving for our late dinner (9:00). No wait on a Saturday. We got the seared tuna for an appetizer. The tuna was good, the salad they serve aside it was really good- very sesame tasting. We ate it all.
For our entrees, I had the Pad Kee Maow, because I wanted both chicken and shrimp, AND it had squid. It was a really generous portion, and I couldn't finish it. It had a nice amount of spice as well. SO got the Pad Khing with beef. It came with a side of rice and he finished it all.
We decided to get dessert, and we decided on the chocolate souffle. It was not nearly as good as the late Splash of Thai's, but good enough.
The service was so-so. Our food came out pretty quickly, but we got no water, and they seemed confused when we asked them what non-alcholic beverages they had. It's BYOB (we were too much in a rush to pick up anything/lazy)- btw.
Our bill was super reasonable- $54.00. The ambiance is quite nice, and it's perfect for a date. -
Review from J. T.
Watchung, NJ
7/9/2011
Origin is a French/Thai fusion on Division Street in Somerville. The service may not be the best, but it's for good reason, its always packed! I would sacrifice service over a good meal any day.
The menu from top to bottom is impeccable. The Peking Duck Salad is my favorite appetizer. For entrees, the Pad Thai, Gra Prow, Bangkok Duck, Wild Boar, Ostrich, Roast Rack of Lamb, and the Chilean Sea Bass special are all game time decisions.
Oh and it's BYOB. 5 stars all around, book it. -
Review from Armin W.
Long Valley, NJ
1/9/2012
I am surprised by female guests posting only three stars ?! Then proceed in posting a good review. What gives ? This place is a solid 4-Star if not better. Everybody goes there, it's an "In-Place". Décor is pleasant !
It is, as posted by all, a nice place. It is cozy and romantic....at least that's what my wife says and I do agree.
Since the prices range from average to higher, there is something for all. If one never had a bad meal there, but thinks the service could be better, because of the place being full, well, then go a bit later in the evening and you'll find it pretty intimate. In fact, you want to hang around and enjoy the place....
Should you go there on the spur of the moment at peak time, they will try to find you a table !!!
The dishes are good and well prepared. All ingredients are fresh. This place leaves nothing to be desired. Once one has gone through the reviews, one will know as an experienced visitor of eateries, that popular places will have families there and it can get a bit hectic. Having said this, make sure you'll call, ask about it and make a reservation........... you will find exactly what you expected : good food, good service; have fun in conversation - don't forget to bring your favorite wine...........Good Appetite !!! -
Review from Ben T.
Belle Mead, NJ
3/27/2011
My family and I parked on a quiet street on a Sunday night in March in downtown Somerville. We didn't think the restaurant was open at first so I started making my way back to the car. I was shuffling through my phone to figure out a back up restaurant to go to... but my Dad shouted across the street with the door open.
Upon entering Origin, a sense of relaxation and peacefulness swept over me. A big fish tank and water trickling down some stone on the wall soothed my soul, but unfortunately soaked my Mom's coat. The restaurant has two rooms (I think) and is dimly but intimately lit.
Our waitress that night did not seem to really care to be friendly or maybe she did not know how to be. I wasn't even convinced that she had a good grasp on conversational English... Needless to say...front of the house service was lacking.
I was hoping the food would be much better because a few menu items really excited me. Seeing Boar Belly, Foie, Monkfish, or Ostrich (wayyy out there) had me looking forward to dinner.
Our table of 4 ordered the Appetizer Tasting, Curry Puffs, Spring roll//Ravioli, and Escargot. Followed by 2 French onion soups and a Coconut soup. Entrees - Duck with orange jus, Monkfish with Porcini "broth", Steak Au Poivre, and Pad Thai. (Didn't feel like Foie/Boar/Ostrich)
Where do I begin...
First, the good...
Curry Puffs were actually pretty tasty, the puff pastry was buttery and light and the seasoning inside (Potato/Oniony/Curry stuff) was lacking, but tasty.
and... That's about it.
Everything else:
App Tasting had Filet Mignon "skewers"... ( pretty much two overcooked little toothpicks of scrap tenderloin left over from portioning steak for entrees) tossed in a sticky sweet sauce and coated with some crushed peanuts - worthless
Duck Salad - End cuts of duck breast and thigh meat tossed with some papaya/julienne carrots/peanut dressing... overly sweet and sloppily prepared.
Tuna Tartare - Underseasoned and oxidized tuna meat (it was gray with a touch of pink).
It wasn't even worth complaining about because the server was far across the dining room... just kept it in the back of my head for a comment card or something.
Soups:
Coconut soup - not bad... tasty broth with a few scallions and sliced portabella (rubbery and not really well prepared)
French Onion - Don't really know why my Mom and younger brother wanted it, but it was disappointing. Very underseasoned, no spice, no heat, onions tasted dead and over-carmelized... the melted cheese was good I guess.
Entrees:
Pad Thai - cheap little dish that I hoped would be good... however, the rice pasta was undercooked (wayyy too crunchy... not looking for that "AL DENTE") and poorly seasoned. Had a bunch of small shrimp that were worth 10 dollars I guess.
All the other 3 dishes had their proteins DOUSED in sauce... Terrible.
Also had a bunch of sauteed vegetables that were terribly prepared.
Monkfish - Overcooked and old monkfish with no texture of "monkfish"... the nice, almost meaty, crunch of the monkfish muscle fibers was completely lost in this mush. It was smothered in a "mushroom" sauce and served with two sad attempts at quenelles of mashed potatoes. But these two crap piles tasted like undercooked potatoes or even instant potatoes. Terrible.
Steak Au Poivre - The meat was not bad, cooked to a proper mid-rare but smothered in a very starchy sauce that lacked flavor or body. Sad. 2 Piles of garbage again - Haricot verts that were undercooked and bathed in canola oil (my dad actually spit these out because he didn't think it could be that bad) and a pile of carrot Batonets (a few were burned a bit at the ends).
Duck - The protein itself was very tasty and cooked to temp. Medium. However it was smothered in an overly sweet orange sauce. The duck fat was rendered well and skin still retained some crispness which I was thankful for. Had two piles again of random vegetables. Sauteed Snap Peas and something else that was sad.
All in all, I was very disappointed and would probably never return. My father said he had a good meal here on business a year ago and wanted me to taste it because it had an interesting cuisine concept ("French Thai"... which isn't really that interesting).
Poor service, poor vegetable cookery, definitely not worth any money... -
Review from Amit B.
New York, NY
2/28/2011
I have better service in the not so pricey places. Food is ok. Its not a Thai place for dinner for sure, We order most of the Thai dishes and Chicken satay was bad. Papaya salad and pad thai were good but rest everything we had was bad.
Comparing the price and service never going there again for sure... It was BYOB so some cost saving over there. -
Review from Sandra M.
Jersey City, NJ
1/1/2011
I love this place. The soups are wonderful, and their specials are excellent. some of my coworkers are faithful to the pad se ew...I mix it up... FYI - it's BYO for you dinner seekers.
Also, if you want embarrass a friend during their birthday, make sure you tell staff that you want to surprise the person with a dessert/cake and they will put that silly had with the candles on top on said birthday girl/boy's head while they play some entertaining happy birthday music for the whole restaurant to hear. make sure you have your camera ready by that point - you can ALSO find more tips on how to lose lunch buddies from my new book coming out next year... -
Review from Ronald B.
Princeton, NJ
7/29/2011
It's the middle of Somerville, NJ. How about a fusion French / Thai place? Okay, it's more of a Thai place with a few French fusions, but let's not split hairs.
I had, on a whim, the butternut squash soup. I love when a restaurant takes a very simple dish like this and makes it yummy. The curry puffs that we split as appetizer were really good, as well.
Our curries were very tasty. I thought the prices were reasonable and portions fine. I've been back recently since my first outing there, and it was still very good.
RE: The 2-star reviews - too expensive? Small portions? complaining about Thai food being doused in sauce? Seriously? It's Thai food. Of course it's smothered in sauce, unless you're ordering Crispy Basil or something similar. -
Review from Drew P.
Bridgewater, NJ
11/16/2011
Just returned to the area, and to Origin Thai, after a 5 year absence. It is nice to see the restaurant thrive, despite the shaky nature of the economy, and the general state of constant renewal in Somerville. The restaurant politely declined our 8pm reservation, but we accepted an 8:30 reservation. The host attempted to sit us in front of a noisy kitchen in the side room, but agreed to move us, when we demurred. The service was brief and polite, but as is becoming common in some Thai restaurants, we were w/o a single server, but rather were dealt with by the staff as a whole. The staff accommodated us with a chilled wine sleeve for our BYOB. The menu does have a few elements of French inspired cusine, but this is really a Thai restaurant. The Papaya salad was lovely and crisp with exciting flavors. The Curry puffs were ok. The Pad Thai was pleasantly average, and the Shrimp in Coconut sauce was above average. For desert we ordered a Creme Brulee, and it was served right from the fridge- could have used some TLC. In all, this is a good restaurant, easy to recommend. The service was slightly better than Thai Kitchen, but the prices were higher, and I'm not sure the food was any better. If someone in your party refuses to eat Thai, while everyone else demands Paw Grow, this is your place.
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Review from Patricia P.
Bridgewater Township, NJ
8/10/2011
Always a treat to come here and enjoy some of the best Thai food around. We love the curry puffs, Pad Thai, the grilled shrimp entrees and the sea bass. Also love their house salad dressing. Prices are OK, considering it is BYOB.
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Review from Rich A.
Bedminster, NJ
7/6/2009
The original Origin French Thai location located on Division Street in Somerville is a moderately-upscale Thai BYOB restaurant that offers exceptionally good food at a reasonable price. After two negative experiences at Bank 34 in Somerville, which is owned and operated by the same parties, I was somewhat skeptical of Origin.. but after dinner this past Saturday night, I have definitely become a fan.
Although Origin bills itself as French-Thai fusion, other than the escargot and french onion soup appetizers, I didn't notice a significant French influence on the menu, but there are plenty of common curry options and uncommon delicacies like wild boar.
Green Papaya salad was a terrific appetizer -- fresh, crispy, and garlic-infused; Pad See Ew entree with chicken and Asian broccoli was similar in style to a chow fun noodle dish -- greasy comfort food, but tasty.
Our server was attentive and friendly. Street parking is plentiful in Somerville on Main Street and Division Street. Due to its inventive menu, consistently good food, and relatively affordable prices, Origin is quite popular -- reservations are a must, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. -
Review from Priti K.
Piscataway, NJ
2/8/2010
Origin French Thai is a little slice of heaven. It easily became one of my favorites. It's funny that my previous review was for Thai Kitchen, which I said stood out among Thai places, but Origin is way beyond that. My friends took me here for my birthday and I absolutely loved it. Where else can you get some excellent Pad Thai and escargot on the same menu?
We started off with escargot baked in the shell. It wasn't too salty and right on with the rich garlic butter flavor. I've had escargot before but not in the shell. We had a little difficulty. One of my friend's shells ended up flying across the table! Once we figured how to maneuver that part, it was smooth and tasty sailing from there.
My friend and I shared two dishes a traditional but very flavorful and well portioned Pad Thai and the Royal Massaman Curry. It's made with coconut milk, tamarind, peanuts, and avocados (which I accidentally referred to as guacamole and got blank stares from my friends. lol) We chose shrimp to go along with it. I couldn't believe how great it was! The avocado joined so well with the Thai flavors. The presentation was lovely. Perfection over white rice. Just another note - I usually crave spice and that's one of the things I love about Thai food. You can always get your hot fix, but the dishes were so good that I honestly didn't realize that it wasn't spicy until I finished my meal.
I have nothing less to say about the service. They are attentive and pleasant, but not overbearing. The exposed brick, Thai decor, and dim lighting is beautiful. Even the bathroom is gorgeous.
Bring your own bottle of white wine like we did and really, thoroughly, ENJOY. -
Review from Hugo E.
Elizabeth, NJ
8/5/2009
OMG.
On WTR!!!
Menu:
This BYOB boasts an assortment of "French Thai Cuisine" fine dishes that takes Thai food and infuses it with French precision. There are typical stables (Pad Thai), some great noodles dishes, curry-coconut stuff and some complex rare items (Ostrich, Boar, Escargo). I had the Golden curry puff, the wild boar and the fiji apple tart.. If you don't mind being mildly bold on your choices - you will be rocked! The boar is perfect - order it as it is meant to be - medium with a low key-heat factor that builds. Please keep in mind that you can really screw it up and they did not. (I grew up in boar country back in Europe)
In a nutshell and to quote Full Metal Jacket: Out-f$&@ing-standing!
Quality:
Top of the Richter scale. Fresh, savory, mouth-watering quality. The scent, the taste, the presentation are all fantastic. Ample portions too. I'm still salivating
Service:
Everyone was friendly, attentive and helpful. They made sure you were welcome and were their guest. No one and I mean NO ONE had a puss face on. It was on point and fast.
Decor:
Nicely and subtly decorated with Thai decorations throughout a brick-walled interior. Wooden tables, comfy chairs and cool things to look at here and there. Nothing overly ornate but lightyears from diner-style.
Ambiance:
Busy but comfortable. You get to see the open air kitchen in the back, with fire blazing and frantic chefs doing their magic. Everyone looked professional-looking or typical suburban. A lot of 30 somethings. A definite romantic feel can be attained easily.
Price:
Moderately pricey. This is not a quick bite place. Curry puff, boar, dessert, ice tea and dessert tea cost one person $45 + tip. I do exclaim - it was worth every penny and some of your friends' pennies too.
Parking:
You have tons of parking on the street or right across the street in the town parking lot or deck. You'll be fine. Bring quarters if you going during the day (2.00 for the day). It's free after 5pm and on weekends
Location:
Right on Division street stumbling distance from Main St. Easy to find on the left coming from Main street (and oh so conveniently located across from one of my offices!)
Conclusion:
You will have an amazing gastronomical experience here. The food is the type that people seek for: You can't make it at home and you won't leave unhappy. It's different and a homerun hit.
Pros:
FOOD IS AMAZING
Cool menu options
Spacious
Bullet-proof staff
Comfortable atmosphere
Cons:
Can be pricey
H-Cane's Final Spin:
I died last night. I ate and went to Heaven. I resurrected this morning because I was thrown out of Heaven for a myriad of reasons. If I could marry a dish, I'd marry that boar plate. This place is so good, I think it's illegal. Take a date... you will make woopie when you're done... (especially if you grab a bottle of wine from the nearby liquor store to the left on Main St). -
Review from Patty T.
New York, NY
8/12/2008
Good atmosphere and great experience! This place has a soft spot in my heart. It was one of the first restaurants I went to in Somerville. The food is simple fusion French-Thai. The decor is funky yet fun. Lastly it is a BYOB! I can't rave enough about this place.
Must Try: Grilled Chicken with Papaya Salad - It comes a side of coconut sticky rice wrapped in a banana leaf. If you are into dessert they have this crazy flaming banana ice cream combination.
Only downfall: The wood floors can make the restaurant see noisy. -
Review from James G.
Somerville, NJ
8/25/2006
After discovering this place years ago it remains one of my favorite restaurants of all times. Blending both the spices of Thai food with the sauces of French cuisine, Origin give a very unique flavor to all of it's dishes. A step above the many other Thai places you'll find just about everywhere now, Origin serves up unique dishes presented in a wonderful fashion. Always packed too, so be sure to make reservations.
This is a great date restaurant when you are looking to take someone someplace special, be sure to try the banana leaf wrapped rice when you go. -
Review from Bill E.
Raritan, NJ
10/12/2011
I thought this place was good for Somerville Thai Fusion. The place was really crowded for a Thursday night but we were able to get a table quickly and I thought that the Curry was done just right. I would definetely go back when looking for something different.
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Review from Shoshie G.
Brooklyn, NY
6/12/2011
Been coming here for years and years for birthdays and graduations...any excuse really, and I'm glad it's still there and waiting. My family would drive over 20 minutes on the high way to get to Somerville for this place. French, but mostly Thai, everything I've tasted on the menu is excellent. Perfect green papaya salad. Love the curry puff.
It's always tough to choose between the Royal Massamam curry and the wild boar.
It's very lovely and intimate inside. I don't mind the byob or the birthday strobe/song going off occasionally. -
Review from Alexandra R.
New York, NY
9/15/2009
This place is always perfect.
I've gone here more times than I can count over the years, it's always an option of where to eat.
It's BYOB and there is a great wine shop on Main St. to get something before you go in.
I really have nothing else to say except just go. -
Review from Justin A.
New Brunswick, NJ
2/21/2009
I've eaten at this BYOB tucked away on a downtown sidestreet nearly ten times over the past five years, and simply stated, it's one of the most consistent restaurants at which I've ever eaten. It's classic French Thai, not the ubiquitous imitation in the Central Jersey area. With the exception of the annoying birthday music that plays (when the servers are told that someone is celebrating their birthday, of course), everything here is done well.
Ambiance: Warm, moderately dark, artistic surroundings. It does tend to get loud at peak times, with close tables and hardwood flooring, which reflects sound sharply.
Service: Exceptional and very friendly.
Food: Ethereal. My favorite dishes include the green papaya salad, duck tamarind, and grilled shrimp. My girlfriend says that the grilled salmon dish is the best salmon that she's ever had; although, much to my chagrin, my only complain is that the salmon is quite garlicky. The dessert menu is decidedly French, and good, with dishes like crème brûlée and chocolate souffle.
Price: For an all around outstanding experience, very reasonable. I do not think there is an entree beyond $25.
With such a great reputation comes the common downside: reservation difficulty. If you're calling on a Saturday afternoon for a table that evening, expect to be told that the only available tables are at five and nine. I recommend calling at least a day before you plan on dining here, especially if it's a Friday or Saturday night. We ate at nine this evening, and the joint was packed. -
Review from Jim B.
Updated - 12/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
I can still say 4 stars but the food on a recent lunch visit had some problems. My wife had the chicken sate, it was prepared with dark meat instead of white meat chicken and showed signs of being prepared ahead and reheated. Not happy. I had the "Golden Puffs" which are a type of samosa. Last time they were great, this time they were disappointing. On a brighter note, the salmon which my wife ordered was excellent - nicely cooked with an interesting sauce. I had the steamed mussels as my main and was very happy with my choice. Side salads was OK; soup was very nice. Now that 34 Bank is closed; this may be our go-to place for Thai.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/24/2009
We stopped by for lunch and were very pleased. The lunch menu is Thai; we need to go in the evening… Read more »
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Review from Jeff W.
3/13/2006 4 photos
French Thai??? this is Thai with several French-inspired dishes. Why would anyone make a trip out to Somerville to eat when there are so many great places in NYC. well this place is jammed-pack every night so there must be a reason. one reason NOT to come here is the corny-fake birthday song they play on the loudspeaker when someone celebrates their birthday here. it sounds like charlie chan on crack (fake AZN accent and all). please don't come here to celebrate your birthday. the food is quite good though from curry dishes to the grilled rack of lamb. another thing slightly weird here is the BYOB policy in most restaurants in NJ. Apparently the alcohol control board Generalissimo in NJ is like the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld, he only dishes out liquor licenses when he feels like it.
If you're ever in Somerville NJ, stop here! -
Review from Sandi D.
Aurora, CO
Updated - 10/9/2009
Origins is still my favorite French Thai Restaurant -- love that BYOB, great food, parking lot around the corner, or off street parking....
BUT....
Origins, you lost a star with our dinner last Saturday Night.
The food was still right on....my GF and I split the escargot, which were so yummy, still in their shells, yet seasoned perfectly.
I had the whole fish, GF had the Sea Bass.
Again, the kitchen did us right.
So, where's the problem?
The Service, The Attitude.
Mishaps on service is no biggie in my book, but don't ignore me, when I don't have a fish fork to eat my yummy escargot, and it takes 5 full minutes to get your attention -- Wrong.
Took enough time for the babies to cool, and start to get rubbery, and I know they came out perfect, cause GF couldn't wait, and stole a bite.
OK, I can get over that...but the surly attitude followed though out the dinner. I started to notice dirty looks just past hour 1 of our dinner, and the looks progressed into the waiter telling us we're taking up his table.
I understand table turning, but this was wrong.
I told the server from the get, we were here to catch up, and we'd be here for the night, and I'd take care of him, and take care we did.
You got what....a 35% tip -- What not good enough, even if we did take up more time than you thought?
Just Wrong Dude -- especially when you proudly carry a Yelp Sign in your window -- are you not reading your own reviews???Listed in: When in Jersey, Da' Cream of Jersey
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/20/2008
French Thai at it's best -- I could stop there, but I won't....I'll gush a bit.
This is the Thai food… Read more »
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Review from Emily T.
Hightstown, NJ
12/30/2010
I went to this restaurant with a friend to check it out. We went for dinner and here is how I see it.
The decor of the place is not bad, it gives off a private ambiance but the place is small and the tables are quite close to each other, which reminded me entirely of being in a NYC restaurant but with bad food. They have a big fish tank near the front door and it is nice to look at. This might be the only positive I can say about this place.
The food itself, which they pride themselves as Thai and French cuisine is very off the mark for me. The food is not as advertised and frankly, very poor excuse for Thai food. If you are looking for Thai cuisine or even Thai fusion, there are other places that are far better.
The wait in the beginning to order the food was a bit long but eventually our waitress got around to our table. The food did not take too long to come out but again, not exactly prompt and quick service.
Overall, the restaurant is very average and the food isn't all that hyped up as people make it out to be. It's not worth the visit and oh one more thing, the parking is a pain since it is street parking. But seeing how no one inhabits the area at night time, street parking shouldn't be a problem to find. At least it wasn't for us. -
Review from Andrew Lee H.
Newark, NJ
4/24/2009
The facial expressions of the waiters gesture at the excitement of Origin French Thai. They know that you are in for a real treat of Thai delicacies and preparations you've never heard of. It is extremely intimate and quiet in here even when its packed.
You should go here if you want to impress your date or your mother.
3-stars because it is over-priced (take a look at the Yelp menu photo), and there is a much cooler, more comfortable Thai restaurant around the corner... -
Review from John C.
Woods Cross, UT
4/22/2011
Excellent food, attentive service.
I had the Curry Puffs to start which were tasty but not overwhelming. For my entree I had Royal Massaman Curry which was top notch, the flavors were in balance but it wasn't too spicy (hot). I really enjoyed my meal (one of the best meals I have had on this trip) and will likely be back. -
Review from Eric C.
Morristown, NJ
5/18/2009
Delicious food, reasonable price, great atmosphere, friendly service. I would definitely recommend this place!
Definitely call ahead for reservations. It is packed all the way until 9p on Saturdays. -
Review from David H.
New York, NY
2/6/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Quite simply the best french thai cuisine in the area. Excellent food, service and atmosphere. BYOB for your convenience.
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Review from Stefanie M.
Bridgewater, NJ
9/17/2010
More like 3 1/2 stars. Would have been 4 if it didn't take AGES for them to take our order, but we was also deep in conversation, so I don't know if the delay was their not wanting to interrupt us or quasi-ignorance to the fact that we'd been sitting there for 1/2 hour and closed our menus, the signal (in my mind) for We're Ready To Order. I do really like the decorations and general setting in Origin.
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Review from Moose S.
Warren, NJ
6/21/2011
Great Decor, small portions, VERY PRICEY food
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Review from C A.
Warren, NJ
7/13/2011
The atmosphere is very nice in here, so is the wait staff. The tuna is excellent and so is the duck. I would highly recommend Origin Thai to anyone. The service is better and much friendlier than at the one in Basking Ridge.
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Review from Proteus D.
Skillman, NJ
9/17/2010
Mmmm. Yum ,yum. Came here with some clients and definitely enjoyed the food. Started with Shrimp Satay....which was more like shrimp cakes on a stick. Very tasty and the dips were fabulous. Then I had the snapper, grilled veggies and rice. Very simple, flavorful and nice sized portions. For desert I had the mango sticky rice. Was surprised at the amount of fresh mango that came with the dish. Again, not too stodgy or rice. I didn't have any of the more traditional Thai stuff, or the French dishes. But what I did have was great and I'll be back for sure with my wife next time. Nice chilled ambiance and the place had a modern / rustic feel. Service was quick despite us being a pretty large group ... about 12.
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Review from Crystal T.
New York, NY
1/20/2009
I love this place so much, I get jealous when I hear about other people going there without me. They take reservations and it's great for groups, dates or even a casual dinner. It's BYO and there's a liquor store right around the corner, which is convenient. Both the Thai and French dishes are equally as delicious, which is sometimes a struggle for restaurants that try to serve more than 1 cuisine.
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Review from Joe W.
Belle Mead, NJ
8/4/2008
What an anomaly! First of all the idea of a French/Thai fusion seems bizarre and you never quite know how they will meld those cuisines until you see the menu then it all makes sense.
I feel quite blessed that this place exists anywhere near me, which is at least 15 miles. The food is nothing short of exceptional. It will RUIN you for any other Thai food so if you go there expect to be stuck going there for the rest of your natural life.
I have had dishes there I didn't like but the quality was exceptional. The Thai Ravioli for example wasn't my favorite because I didn't care of the texture but I am sure others find it lovely, it's been on the menu for long enough. -
Review from Nancy L.
11/25/2009
We went there for dinner last night and had the Steamed Mussels for appetizer; the mussels were okay, but the soup was pretty good. As for entrees, we had the Royal Massaman Curry with Beef and the Sauteed Monkfish. The beef was alright (could've been a bit more tender), but the curry sauce made up for it. The Monkfish was pretty good as well and we liked the porcini mushroom sauce. Overall, it was definitely an interesting mixture of French and Thai. The atmosphere can be romantic and service was friendly. We recommend at least a try if in the area.
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Review from Scott F.
Mountain View, CA
1/18/2009
I had Pad Thai, Tom Ka Kai (coconut soup), and shrimp/crab meat spring rolls. The Pad Thai and Tom Ka Kai were great! But the spring rolls were mushy and pretty bad.
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Review from Wil F.
Los Olivos, CA
6/24/2008
Nestled away on a little side street in the quaint town of Somerville this BYOB gem is one of the best spots in New Jersey, in my opinion. With a fusion of traditional Thai patterns, modern vibrant colors and exposed brick, the 2 rooms have a wonderful ambiance. My favorite dish is the Wild Boar, prepared with Bok Choy and Chili Peppers. I've suggested it to dozens of people and never had a complaint. Try the creme brulee for dessert. Origin is becoming more of a hot spot since I lived nearby, so definitely make reservation...and don't forget a bottle of wine!
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Review from John K.
Summit, NJ
Updated - 2/27/2010
Went back for lunch recently.It was very good .Disregard my earlier rather negative review.Seems like a comeback!
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11/4/2009
I think this place is overrated.It can be very good .However it also tends to be rather… Read more »
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