It’s the time of pop ups! I always wondered what’s next for these street food vendors? Not everyone would end up opening their own place. And that’s okay! Why bother paying extortionate amounts of money trying to open a restaurant or cafe when you can do short residencies to test out the market? It’s a fantastic idea that lets you test your market and at the same time create a clientele who gets the word out. Combine that with the world of social media and you’re on your way!

Obviously, it’s not as simple as that. There’s a lot of hard work, money, patience, love, perseverence and a whole lot of emotions that go into making your passion into your dream job! And if it’s food then what better way to live your life? 😀 (obviously I live for food!!)

So here’s the latest in the pop up scene. Origins of is taking over the kitchens at Blessing’s Bar on Commercial Road (just off Spitalfields) from April 7th.

Abdulla Amin and Hugo Toland’s Middle Eastern-inspired take on traditional recipes will bring a new flavour to the plates of Londoners.

Friends for over 20 years, Abdulla Amin and Hugo Toland are out to introduce new ideas and flavours to the palettes of forward-thinking Londoners via Origins Of. The concept takes classic Middle Eastern ingredients, remixing them for a new audience.

Abdulla, who left a professional career to pursue his lifelong passion for food, along with Hugo, a consultant whos projects have included dining powerhouse Street Feast, embarked on an adventure to create a fresh take on classic dishes.

The three main offerings of spice infused fried chicken, buttermilk soaked cauliflower florets and a vibrant twist on the classic falafel are served dressed on three mini charred flat breads, as a basket or sharing platters with a selection of sauces including; Tahini Hype, Scotch Bonnet Mayo, Fresh Sweet Chilli, Honey Mustard BBQ and Sumac Yoghurt.

The photos look mouthwatering! Can’t wait to visit these guys and try out their menu. I’d be interested to see how it differs from other Middle Eastern eateries. One thing London isn’t short of, is middle eastern cuisine!

Menu:
Flatbreads
Chicken x 3 – £9

Charred flatbread topped with breaded spiced infused buttermilk herb fed free range chicken served with fresh herb and pickle garnish, scotch bonnet mayo and glaze
Falafel x 3 – £7

Charred flatbread topped with fresh and healthy falafel served with fresh herb and pickle garnish, tahini hype and hummus – vegan
Cauliflower x 3 – £7

Charred flatbread topped with breaded buttermilk soaked cauliflower florets served with fresh herb and pickle garnish and sumac yoghurt – vegetarian
Baskets
8 piece chicken basket – £12

Basket of breaded spices infused herb fed free range chicken, served with fresh herb and pickle garnish. Comes with a choice of two sauces
10 piece falafel basket – £9

Basket of fresh homemade falafel, served with fresh herb and pickle garnish, hummus, Tahini Hype sauce & charred flatbread – vegan
10 piece cauliflower basket – £9

Charred flatbread topped with breaded buttermilk soaked cauliflower florets served with fresh herb and pickle garnish and sumac yogurt – vegetarian

Sides
Handcut double cooked fries – £4

Home spiced with coriander
Fresh homemade hummus- £5

With flatbreads and pickles
Charred flatbread – £1.50

Sauces – all £1.50
Scotch Bonnet Mayo:

A creamy and fiery mayo mixed with the chef’s favourite scotch bonnet hot sauce
Honey Mustard BBQ:

Spicy BBQ sauce sweetened with a honey mustard
Tahini Hype:

A twist on a family recipe with fresh herbs to compliment the falafels

Fresh Sweet Chilly Sauce:

Sweet chilly sauce with fresh herb infusion

Sumac Yogurt:

A smooth citrusy yoghurt, created especially for the cauli florets but tastes great with everything!
Hot Sauce:

A straight up chilli sauce for the headstrong

Cocktails – £8.50 

Origins Of Sour

Vodka, Egg White, Lemon, Ginger Cardamon infused syrup
Origins Of Margarita

Tequila, Lime, Cointreau, Ginger Cardamon infused syrup

Platters 

Mixed Basket Platter – £38

1 x 8 piece Chicken Basket

1 x 10 piece Falafel Basket

1 x 10 piece Cauliflower Floret Basket

2 x Chips

1 x Hummus with Flatbread

6 x Sauces

Mix Flatbread Platter – £38

1 x 3 piece Chicken Flatbread

1 x 3 piece Falafel Flatbread

1 x 3 piece Cauliflower floret flatbread

2 x Chips

1 x Hummus w/ Flatbread

6 x Sauces
Party Platter – £60

1 x 8 piece Chicken Basket
1 x 10 piece Falafel Basket

1 x 10 piece Cauli Floret Basket

1 x 3 piece Chicken Flatbread

1 x 3 piece Falafel Flatbread

1 x 3 piece Cauliflower Flatbread

4 x Chips

2 x Hummus w/ Flatbread

6 x Sauces

Definitely visit! Here are their quick details:

Blessing’s, 76 Commercial Street, E1 6LY

Public opening: Thursday 7th April

Opening hours: Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Kitchen open 5PM – 11PM

#OriginsOf