PastaGo Review: New Takeaway Kiosk In Singapore Offers Affordable Freshly Made Pasta From $3.90
Westies may argue that their side of the island is the superior living spot, and they've just scored another reason to justify this - a new takeaway kiosk at that offers affordable freshly made pasta with authentic flavours.
The kiosk in question is PastaGo, the new kid on the block at JCube with a catchy brand, an eye-catching colour scheme and raw pasta made and cooked in front of an audience.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
PastaGo's conception came about to fill the gap between quality & fresh yet pricey pasta at restaurants, and affordable fast food joints that offer less-than-stellar pasta. This new takeaway kiosk aims to ticks all the boxes from quality and efficiency to price, and as a result, establish pasta as yet another staple food in Singapore like ban mian and chicken rice. Judging from the prices at an average of $7.90, this could very well become the case!
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Developed by a fresh graduate of Food Science and Technology at NUS, the menu focuses on authentic flavours that cater to the Singaporean palate. The four types of pasta - Fettuccine, Pappardelle, Mafalde, and Campanelle - are made fresh on site for the day, ensuring a more tender and silky texture than dried pasta.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
The efficient system is reminiscent of WOK HEY's, where the chefs seamlessly take orders, prepare the pasta and pack them in takeaway boxes. And like at the fried rice kiosk, there will likely be a long queue during meal times as the pasta is cooked to order in small, individual batches.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Customers can build their own pasta with their choice of pasta shape, sauce and protein, plus optional add-ons. The menu also highlights the recommended pasta shapes that best suit each dish.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Prices start from just $3.90 for a plain Aglio e Olio, and a reasonable $5.90 with added grilled chicken or seared prawns.
The Aglio e Olio shines in its simplicity, made with the golden trio of garlic, chilli and olive oil. As promised, the freshly made pasta was a delight - smooth and soft, with a satisfying QQ mouthfeel.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
As much as I loved the aglio e olio, what's still lingering on my mind is the Carbonara with Smoked Duck ($9.40) paired with Mafalde, a ribbon-shaped pasta.
Mention the word 'carbonara' in front of any Italian and they will probably cry out in exasperation, "no cream! carbonara has no cream". Well, this carbonara at PastaGo is the real deal, made without cream, as it should be, and with just egg and cheese. This authentic take on the classic dish is stunning, with a rich salty flavour and thick, silky sauce. It's also wonderfully light and has none of the cloying, heavy taste of cream versions. Complete it with tender smoked duck and add on a Sous Vide Egg ($1) for an extra decadent meal.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Another favourite was the Marinara with Grilled Chicken ($6.90). The house-made tomato sauce had a comforting homemade taste with a refreshing tang, while the chicken was well-seasoned and fairly moist.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Next, I tried the Al Limone with Smoked Salmon ($10.90), another uncomplicated dish and easily a go-to on a regular basis. The light sauce is made with butter, cheese and lemon, then topped with tobiko for some subtle saltiness.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Another comfort dish done right, the Chicken Bolognese ($6.90) has a full-bodied flavour that's picked up by the flat and broad Pappardelle. If the dish looks a little empty, you can add on ingredients like Spinach ($1) and Shimeji Mushroom ($1). Carb-eaters can also opt for extra pasta ($1), while meat lovers can add on more chicken, prawn, salmon or duck ($2 - $3).
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Lastly is Beef Bolognese ($7.90 - $8.90) which has a traditional ragu sauce prepared through hours of simmering.
PastaGo already has two other outlets confirmed to be opened this year, at Tiong Bahru Plaza and Wisteria Mall, and is expected to expand even further in 2023 with a focus on heartland areas. It's also pending Halal certification.
Check out some other new eateries in Singapore:
- Uncle Fong Hot Pot Review: Authentic Chongqing-Style Restaurant Opens Its First Overseas Outlet In Singapore
- Revival: Swanky New Loft Cocktail Bar With Plush Interiors & Creative Art-Inspired Drinks
- Forma: New Italian Restaurant Has An Ever-Changing Menu With Unusual Pasta Shapes Freshly Made Daily
Photos by: Karmen
