Organ, the Japanese café on Xinye Lu, recently closed up shop, changed its name to Trip and relocated to the old Ohana spot on Hongmei Lu. We voyaged out to the new location and were happy to discover that the legendary food and service of Organ still lives on.

The menu is still more or less the same; a Japanese take on modern home-style café fare. Flipping through it, we couldn’t help but think that it’s the kind of food that Haruki Murakami would write about it in one of his novels.

We started with the deep-fried shrimp and cheese spring rolls (RMB38). With a side of vinegar dipping sauce, the rolls come hot, crispy, tightly packed and chock-full of plump shrimps, a mild soft cheese and layers of seaweed. Dairy and seafood can be a tricky combination, but we were pleasantly surprised at how well the flavors complement each other. The Kyushu-style fried chicken with homemade tartar sauce (RMB42) is another winner. The chicken is tender, the batter is crispy and the creamy and tangy homemade tartar sauce is some of the best we’ve had.

The true star of our meal was the dark and seductive black curry (RMB48). Made with hijiki seaweed, a hearty portion of curry is served over a mound of rice and topped with a raw egg. Fatty pieces of pork are scattered throughout, adding to its rich flavor. With just the right amount of spice, its tingly stomach-warming heat makes it a perfect winter dish.

We finished with the super soft and fluffy soy milk chiffon cake (RMB28). Doused in fresh cream and topped with bananas, the airy cake is the perfect way to end the meal. The fare here is solid and the service is supreme, we say it’s definitely worth the trip.

DETAILS

What: Trip

Where: 1/F, Villa 4, 3911 Hongmei Lu 虹梅路3911弄SOHO4号别墅1楼

Tel: 5206-5937