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Pasta Inc – A Taste of Italy

Rating:

By Veron Ang

I’m going to try not to use words like “whoopee!” and “yowza!” to describe how I feel after a sumptuous meal of gourmet food at Pasta Inc. Let’s just say that if you’re ever having a craving for gourmet pasta, this is one Italian restaurant that is definitely worth checking out.

Squid ink pasta

The restaurant takes up a spot along Keong Saik Road. It is run by chef-owner Keith, a boyish-looking entrepreneur who worked at other restaurants for many years before striking out on his own.

The vast experience has certainly provided him with a firm grasp of the cuisine. Our meal here comprises of well-executed Italian gourmet food, including the exquisite squid ink pasta, that do not disappoint.

Portobello mushroom gourmet food

Portobello mushroom
S$12.90++
Rating:

We start with Portobello Al Forno, a large-sized baked mushroom that is topped with mixed cheese and a dash of tomato sauce. It is very fresh, oozing juices and flavour with every bite. Oh, they also serve bread with olive oil before each meal.

Crayfish pasta in tomato based sauce, Cartoccio style gourmet food

Crayfish pasta in tomato based sauce (Cartoccio style)
S$21.90++
Rating:

As a huge fan of crayfish, or seafood in general, I must give a thumbs-up to the crayfish pasta. It is done al cartoccio, a technique of cooking gourmet pasta that involves wrapping it in paper and baking it. Not only does the end product look mighty impressive, there is also that sense of anticipation as you watch the waiter carefully unwrap it before your eyes.

The tomato based sauce is dreamy, with none of the tartness you get from inferior sauces that come in a jar. The baking also helps lock in the moisture and flavours, resulting in a pasta that is succulent and delicious. I am most delighted at the generous serving of crayfish. There is not one, not even two, but altogether three crayfish halves! Magnifico!

Squid ink pasta gourmet food

Fresh assorted seafood pasta in squid ink based sauce
S$18.90++
Rating:

Your experience here is not complete until you have tasted the house speciality — squid ink pasta. This dark and mysterious dish is served chock-full with clams and prawns, and topped with a mussel, all of which help lend extra seafood flavour. That said, the most appealing (or perhaps unappealing to some) quality of this pasta has to be its dramatic appearance.

Black as sin itself, the squid ink sauce is surprisingly pleasant and mild, with none of the pungency that I had prepared myself for. It is cooked al dente with a hint of tomato flavouring. A must-try for squid ink fans, as well as the people who are curious about squid ink but have yet to muster enough courage to taste it.

Tiramisù gourmet food

Tiramisù
S$8.90++

I always feel that the mark of a good Italian restaurant can be measured not only by the pastas, but the tiramisù as well. Perhaps the most famous Italian cake, a trip to an Italian restaurant or café should always end with this dessert. Here, new batches of tiramisù are freshly made in-house everyday.

My verdict? It is one of the lightest versions I have ever had. The intersecting layers of creamy mascarpone cheese and airy sponge cake are so light and smooth, the cake seemingly melts in the mouth. This is a stellar example of the Italian dessert.

Creme brulee dish gourmet food

Creme brulee
S$9.90++

There is also the creme brulee that is off the menu for now, but I reckon it wouldn’t stay that way for long. The crack of the hard, burnt caramel top layer releases the wonderful aromas of the rich custard base. It is silky and creamy without being too heavy and sweet. I love it!

Pasta Inc in Jalan Besar, Singapore

Aside from the food, one thing that I must commend about Pasta Inc is the excellent service. Our waiter is dedicated and furnishes useful information about the dishes. He also offers to split our pastas into smaller portions for sharing. I find such attentiveness and product knowledge a rarity in Singapore restaurants.

A promotion for Sparklette readers!

I have worked out an agreement with Pasta Inc for all Sparklette readers. If you are visiting the restaurant, look for Keith and let him know that Veron recommended you. This way, you get your second pasta at half the price! I am not benefiting from this, but I know a promotion like this definitely sweetens the deal for many of us that would like to try out good gourmet pasta at friendly prices.

Pasta Inc
35 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089142
Tel: +65 6297 7515 | Website
Service:

Opening hours: 12-2pm, 6-10pm

Tags: Chinatown, dessert, dinner, Italian, Keong Saik Road, lunch, pasta, promotion, restaurant, tiramisu

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About the Editor

Veron Ang is the Founder and Chief Editor of Sparklette, a Singapore restaurants guide, lifestyle and travel blog. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in computer science from the National University of Singapore and runs a web design firm at Sparklette Studio. To get in touch, head on over to the contact page or follow @Sparklette and @VeronSG on Twitter.

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Sparklette
195 tweets

Sparklette Digest! Pasta Inc – A Taste of Italy http://sparklette.net/food/pasta-inc/
Reply
Tweeted October 27, 2009 at 8:05 am
sensiblecharity
2 tweets

@sparklette Is it any good?
Reply
Tweeted October 27, 2009 at 8:10 am
- Sparklette
  195 tweets
  
  @sensiblecharity Yeah, check out my review. It’s a restaurant in Singapore.
  Reply
  Tweeted October 27, 2009 at 8:11 am
  - sensiblecharity
    6539 tweets
    
    @sparklette Singapore! so r u living there it must b a mad city with lots of excitement
    Reply
    Tweeted October 27, 2009 at 8:15 am
    - Sparklette
      195 tweets
      
      @sensiblecharity Not compared to London, I suppose! We’re crazy about English soccer over here :)
      Reply
      Tweeted October 27, 2009 at 8:46 am
      - sensiblecharity
        6539 tweets
        
        @sparklette We here liv 4 footie .Which team u support? I am a Manchester Utd masive fan. always want 2 com in Singapore 2 chec on business
        Reply
        Tweeted October 27, 2009 at 8:51 am
      - sensiblecharity
        6539 tweets
        
        @sparklette Hey why you don’t foll me. May b we can get som business going. Feel freee do DM me
        Reply
        Tweeted October 27, 2009 at 8:53 am
Nicholas
51 comments

good stuff! new pasta place to try. muahhahahahaha!
eh, if i say you my gf, got 1-for-1 not?
better still i say u my sister get free meal?
the portobello looks gooddddddd……
Reply
Posted October 27, 2009 at 9:21 pm
- Veron
  3438 comments
  
  Haha I don’t think they care!
  Reply
  Posted October 28, 2009 at 1:49 am
Melissa
133 comments

Yeah! I never had squid ink pasta before. With the promotion it would be a good opportunity to try this out. Haha if I somehow don’t like it in the end, at least there’s still the 50% off the second pasta.
Veron, can you do more of such tie-ups with restaurants in future? Many of us will visit the restaurants after reading your blog. So the more promotions and discounts for us, the better! I know you say you are not benefiting from this. But you can work out a deal with the restaurants to pay you a certain commission for referring customers. Just a thought.
Reply
Posted October 27, 2009 at 9:34 pm
- Veron
  3438 comments
  
  You’re absolutely right. Make good use of the promotion to try out different pastas :) That’s the whole point really.
  I’ll try to do more tie-ups with restaurants. It’s kind of fun :) Previously I collaborated with one to come up with a Sparklette set menu. That was pretty popular. As for commission and referral fees, that is definitely worth looking into. Thanks for your suggestion.
  Reply
  Posted October 28, 2009 at 1:52 am
Pearlyn
1 comment

Glad that you like the food. =)
Reply
Posted October 27, 2009 at 11:58 pm
- Veron
  3438 comments
  
  Absolutely. Thanks for the kind invitation!
  Reply
  Posted October 28, 2009 at 1:54 am
bOOts
4 comments

hi veron, may i know when is the promotion till?
Reply
Posted October 28, 2009 at 9:23 am
- Veron
  3438 comments
  
  For now the promotion is perpetually ongoing. We haven’t fixed an end date.
  Reply
  Posted October 28, 2009 at 5:52 pm
J2Kfm
13 comments

i’ve had squid ink pasta in Bali before, that strangely tasted very bland.
without any clams or such, to boot.
this one looks mighty promising, and a second pasta at half the price?
i hope this offer lasts for a very long time. :)
Reply
Posted October 28, 2009 at 12:41 pm
- Veron
  3438 comments
  
  I can’t see myself having squid ink pasta without any other seafood in it. I can imagine the chef must be really daring and skillful to pull off something like that. Oh yes, do check this squid ink pasta when you visit Singapore. It isn’t bland at all :)
  Reply
  Posted October 28, 2009 at 5:55 pm
  - J2Kfm
    13 comments
    
    yeah thanks for the heads up. I’ll be sure to write them all down. so i dun have to go to food courts in shopping centres, or fast food outlets.
    Reply
    Posted October 28, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Ashley
1 comment

Hi Veron, jus wondering.. Is the promotion with pasta inc still on? :)
Reply
Posted September 15, 2010 at 11:04 pm