Taste of Original

Located in the heart of Sacramento at 4940 Freeport Blvd, Taste of Original brings an authentic slice of Southern Chinese and Cantonese culinary tradition to the local dining scene. With over 20 years of experience crafting genuine Cantonese flavors, this restaurant stands out as a beloved neighborhood gem, offering a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for everything from casual lunches to lively group celebrations.

The menu is an inspiring array of traditional dishes that excite the palate with diverse textures and bold flavors. Start your journey with appetizer favorites like the Vegetable Egg Rolls, perfectly deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior while packing a rich, savory filling. The Pot Stickers deliver a delightful contrast of crunchy skin and tender meat inside, while the Cheese Wontons are a satisfying twist, embracing a creamy, indulgent richness that lingers on the palate.

For main courses, the offerings reveal a masterful balance of richness and subtlety. The famously comforting Preserved Egg Pork Congee is silky and nourishing, blending tender pork with the unique earthy tones of preserved egg for a soul-soothing bowl. Clay pot dishes like the Beef Tendon Brisket Clay Pot Rice provide a deeply flavorful and hearty experience — the tender beef tendon melts delightfully with each bite, accentuated by the fragrant rice cooked to perfection beneath.

Seafood lovers will relish dishes such as the Sweet Sour Pork with Pineapple, where the tangy, sweet sauce beautifully complements the succulent pork, or the sumptuous Salty Egg Yolk Shrimp and Pumpkin, offering a rich umami punch matched with velvety pumpkin. The Fujian Pan Fried Noodles showcase skillful stir-frying, delivering a savory and slightly smoky flavor that is deeply satisfying.

Diners often praise the subtle surprises on the menu — from the unexpectedly refreshing Cucumber Salad to the well-executed folded noodles and rice rolls, such as the Steamed Noodle Roll 斋肠斋肠. These dishes highlight the attention to detail and care put into every plate.

Beyond the irresistible menu, customers continually remark on the efficient, friendly service and comfortable dining setting. With seating for over 80 guests, Taste of Original strikes an excellent balance between accommodating busy times and maintaining thoughtful presentation and warmth. Its convenient location near a mall and local amenities makes it a go-to spot for everyday meals or larger gatherings alike.

Regular patrons like Chris Hu commend the restaurant as their daily dining choice, emphasizing both the authenticity of the Cantonese flavors and the fair pricing. Visitors like Mary delight in the variety and uniqueness of each dish, especially marveling at signature items like the shrimp pumpkin salted egg and vibrant vegetable dishes. While some dishes like the lamb stew can be a bit variable, the overall consensus remains that the restaurant consistently delivers a delicious and memorable experience worth returning for.

For those seeking an authentic and deeply satisfying taste of classic Cantonese cuisine in Sacramento, Taste of Original is a standout destination where every bite tells the story of tradition, flavor craftsmanship, and heartfelt hospitality.