Raised in the bustling markets and seaside charm of Veracruz in Mexico, Executive Chef Alejandro Urbina Andrade (previously Michelin star Maison Couturier in Veracruz) learned the art of cooking from his family, inheriting generations-old recipes and techniques. Working closely with local Balinese producers, growers and fishermen, has created a menu full of authentic Mexican cuisine. You’ll find the best Street Food, slow cooked nostalgic recipes from Grandma’s Kitchen, and simple yet classic Tacos.
Guests are greeted with Salsa Fresca and home-made corn chips on arrival. Mole Madre, an ancient recipe that’s known as the national dish of Mexico, combines tender chicken marinated in a blend of spices for a rich, savoury and slightly sweet sauce; Pescado Veracruz, one of the most famous seafood dishes from Veracruz, features pan-seared locally caught barramundi layered with an aromatic sauce and salsa ranchera; Ceviche Mexicano uses cured local line-caught fish of the day with traditional pico de gallo; Cochinita Pibil, a traditional Yucatec Mayan slow-roasted sweet and sour pork dish, is served with arroz de rancho and salsa pibil; Tacos Pastor, a classic Mexican street food taco, consists of thinly sliced marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, topped with cilantro and pineapple; Tacos Lechon are filled with rich and juicy slow-cooked and shredded pork legs; Tampiquena, Casandra’s favourite family dish, features grilled marinated beef, sautéed vegetables, guacamole, and enchiladas; and Papa Asada, a Mexican twist on the classic baked potato, is topped with pork, beef or vegetables.
The cocktail program includes a mini Margarita menu with varied versions of the OG, and a dedicated Spicy Margarita menu inspired by the popular Pica Pica with habanero and jalapeno. Other favourite tipples are Paloma with tequila Cazadores, hibiscus and grapefruit soda; Oaxaca Linda with mezcal Montelobos, vanilla liqueur, lime and grape; and Michelada with Worcester sauce, tabasco, pepper and lime juice. The largest range of Mezcal varieties found in Bali is also available, showcasing 10 different agave species. Guests are invited to work their way through the offering from sweet to savoury, while delving into the rich history of mezcal and learning about the traditional way it was enjoyed by our ancestors – green grapes for palate cleaners and mezcal kisses (not shots).
Alvaro and Cassandra chose Bali to open their Mexican restaurant due to all the similarities connecting the cultures, ocean and land. Bali is unique in its accessibility to fresh seafood direct from the source by the producer (as you find in Mexico) and ORIGEN would like to draw a connection to this. In Bali, Chef Alejandro also has access to locally grown traditional Mexican produce such as beans, pumpkin, vanilla, the first batch of Mexican chillies in Bali (jalapeno and habanero), and Mexican corn that ORIGEN turn into flour and blend with secret ingredients for gluten-free hand-made tacos, tostadas and corn chips.
Stepping inside ORIGEN is like being transported to the heart of colonial Mexico. From the serene Jardin, watch the world of Pererenan pass by or ascend to the Patio, and bask in the tropical breeze. Inside the Sala, the heart of ORIGEN, guests are greeted with the aroma of freshly made corn tortillas. Warm interiors, complete with exposed brick walls and traditional furnishings add romance to the venue, while an open kitchen with grand archway invites diners to witness the magic firsthand. The counter is lined with large terracotta bowls brimming with vibrant coloured corn for cooking (a symbol of sustenance, fertility, and heritage in Mexico), and food is served on decorated Mexican clay plates. Meanwhile, bright orange marigolds adorn the room, serving as offerings in both Mexican and Balinese traditions. The staff don traditional Mexican attire and are equipped with essential Spanish phrases to warmly greet guests at their tables. ORIGEN serves as a sanctuary reminiscent of colonial Mexico, where flavours, and hospitality intertwine, embracing the cultures of both Mexican and Balinese.
Upstairs, the Mezcal Bar (seating 60), set to open in June, promises an exciting nightlife scene with a dance floor featuring a mosaic of dragons and Mexican gods, offering mezcal and dancing until late
The Heart of ORIGEN
Alvaro and Alejandro met 20 years ago and have worked together at various restaurants across the world. Their shared love for authentic flavours and cultural heritage led them to embark on a pilgrimage to Mexico. They witnessed the time-honoured art of tortilla-making on clay comales, sampled every variety of mezcal under the sun, and indulged in the culinary delights of Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Guadalajara. ORIGEN’s logo pays homage to Quetzalcóatl in the form of the Ouroboros, symbolising the eternal cycle of learning and growth, a reminder of their deep connection to the land and its bounty. Rai Sutama, the owner of Bali’s popular Japanese-inspired Yuki restaurant, is also actively involved in the project.
Alvaro Rosales Machado (Co-Owner), hailing from Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, epitomises entrepreneurship and hospitality expertise with over 25 years of experience. His journey began in Celaya, Guanajuato, and led him to pursue a degree in Tourism in Guadalajara, igniting a career destined to span continents. From humble beginnings in Mexico’s southern regions, Alvaro honed his skills in the food and beverage industry, eventually managing a prestigious Beach Clubs and restaurants in Playa del Carmen for 15 years. Seeking new horizons, he spent 8 years in Bali, managing the renowned Mexicola restaurant, before fulfilling his lifelong dream of establishing his own restaurant, ORIGEN.
Casandra Escamilla Frutos (Co-Owner), a culinary prodigy from Monterrey, Nuevo León, is deeply rooted in a heritage of hospitality, shaped by her family’s esteemed restaurant legacy. Growing up surrounded by the aromas and traditions of Mexican cuisine at her mother’s restaurant in Dallas, she developed a profound passion for cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. From Monterrey to Veracruz and beyond, Casandra honed her skills and inherited treasured family recipes. Fate led her to Bali, where she met Alvaro Rosales Machado, her partner in both life and business. United by their heritage, and love for Mexican cuisine, they founded ORIGEN Mexican Restaurant.
Alejandro Urbina Andrade (Executive Chef), is the kind of guy who wants you to eat with your hands, preferring live fire to shiny grill tops. Raised in the bustling markets and seaside charm of Veracruz, Mexico, Alejandro learned the art of cooking from his family, inheriting generations-old recipes and techniques. Guided by his deep connection to his roots, he considers the time spent with grassroots cooks and kitchens to be what made him the chef he is today. His cuisine is rustic and wholesome, a passion for food made slowly, with love and integrity, emphasising that it’s not just about the food you eat, but also the culture and history behind the cuisine. The importance of locality and community to Mexican cooks resounded with him at a young age, and his ethos reflects this today. Alejandro works closely with local producers and growers, fascinated by Mexico’s birthplace to some of the oldest forms of agriculture and farming. He loves the crossing of cultures and the deep, timeless cooking style of Mexican cuisine.
Alejandro’s culinary journey has led him through a rich tapestry of experiences, from the intimate settings of boutique hotels to the vibrant stages of renowned festivals. In Mexico, he honed his craft at establishments like Hotel Deseo and Hotel Básico in Playa Del Carmen, as well as the prestigious Michelin-starred Maison Couturier in Veracruz. Across the seas in Australia, he showcased his talents at diverse locales including Rojo Rocket Central Coast, Playa Taqueria in Sydney, Luna Bonita in Port Macquarie, and even the iconic Big Day Out music festival.
ORIGEN Mexican Restaurant
Jl. Pantai Pererenan No.123, Pererenan, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351
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