The best places to find fresh, handmade pasta

If you’re an avid follower of pasta maestro Lee Yum Hwa (better known as @benfatto_95 on Instagram), then you’ll be happy to learn you can now sample some of his pasta creations at Forma. Opened earlier this year in collaboration with the Cicheti Group, Forma serves up authentic Italian fare.

Roll up to the restaurant and you’ll be instantly greeted by a front-facing pasta kitchen, where pasta artisans faithfully roll each and every strand of pasta by hand. Portions are generally smaller, mirroring the portion sizes in Italy given that pasta forms only half of most dinner main courses.

The Rigatoni Lisci con Sugo alla Norma ($28) is a must-try, which combines eggplant and basil in a luxuriously smooth ricotta salata emulsion. The Tortellini in Brodo ($34) is another crowd-favourite – expect to see it appearing on tables all throughout the restaurant – and it feels intimate and warming. Meat-stuffed tortellini is served in a clean, clear chicken broth that will remind some of the familiar flavours of homemade chicken noodle soup.

128 Tembeling Road, Singapore 423638

https://formasg.com/

Set against a laidback and chic interior, Publico has been feeding diners with their extensive range of handmade pasta dishes. The cuisine is clearly aligned with Italian fare, albeit given a more contemporary update.

Stars from the pasta menu include the Truffle Cacio e Pepe ($32), which takes the classic pasta dish and elevates it with freshly-grated black truffle. It’s indulgently good, and we recommend splitting it with a friend so you have plenty of space to sample other offerings. The Clam & Bottarga Linguine ($32) will appeal to all who are looking for an umami hit. Briny, salty, and moreish, the addition of lemon helps cut through the oceanic flavours and adds a jolt of brightness that balances out the dish.

Beyond that, peruse Publico’s other yummy options, including the Barramundi ($38) and their signature Publico Tiramisu ($16).

1 Nanson Rd, Singapore 238909

https://publico.sg/

One reason why we dig Bar Cicheti? It’s one of the few places where you can opt for a full plate, or ask for a half ‘tasting’ portion of your pasta and leave some precious tummy space for other delicious finds.

Known for being one of the most trustworthy places in Singapore to get delicious fresh pasta, Bar Cicheti goes all in a succinct but no less delectable menu of pastas. Most visitors would immediately hone in on the Pici ($19/ $30) – Bar Cicheti’s gorgeous take on the Cacio e Pepe – but there’s gold to be found in the rest of the menu.

The Cappalletti ($23/ $35) is an insanely good dish, with little pasta dumplings filled with smokey grilled sunchoke puree, and finished with shio kombu and veal jus. This writer also loves the Casarecce ($20/ $30), which takes humble ingredients like basil and bread crumbs and transforms it into something entirely unique and flavoursome.

10 Jiak Chuan Rd, Singapore 089264

https://www.barcicheti.com/

In case you didn’t know, the flour used in making pasta can severely affect the final dish. While pasta made from regular flour is delicious, pasta aficionados will insist on seeking out places using double zero flour. Where normal flour comes from milling grains like wheat, double zero flour comes from durum. The latter end result often yields pasta that has more bite and a mouthfeel that's far more satisfying.One place that uses double zero flour is Pasta Bar. Located in the hip streets of Duxton, you’ll be spoiled for choice here thanks to a menu that offers plenty of pasta options. Segmented into vegetable, meat or seafood-based sections, it promises something for everyone.

Tuck into the Ciriole Carbonara, done the authentic way with sliced guanciale, egg yolk, pecorino, and finished with black pepper. Indulgent – a little guilty, even – and completely satisfying. The Sea Urchin Tagliolini is also a great dish to try, as tangly strands of pasta are coated in a sensually rich sea urchin cream, and served with uni for that added umami kick.

55 Keong Saik Road, #01-05, Singapore 089158

https://pastabar.sg/

As one of the OGs in Singapore’s pasta scene, we’d be remiss if we didn’t include them in this list. The menu leans towards the more traditional side of Italian fare, but it’s no less delicious.

Take the Gnocchi di Patate ($24.50), which spotlights pillowy pieces of potato gnocchi in a classic tomato and ricotta sauce. The Spaghetti Al Cartoccio ($28.50) is also another yummy hit, thanks to the combination of crayfish and Italian herbs that infuse the tomato sauce with a flavourful punch.

Adjacent to the pastas on the menu is the Risotto Verde ($27.50), which combines arborio rice grains in a puree of spinach and asparagus. Think of it as an elevated way of having your daily veggies.

33 Erskine Rd, #01-13 Scarlet Hotel, Singapore 069333

http://www.pastabrava.com.sg/

Where most pasta places offering handmade noods feel a little bit more upscale, TIPO Pasta Bar offers a more laidback and fun atmosphere where you can kick back with friends over hearty servings of handmade pastas.

One thing we love is the Build Your Own Pasta menu, which lets you peruse a large selection of ingredients that include caviar, chili padi and fennel slices to include with your pasta. However, if you’re overwhelmed by all the customisable ingredients there’s also a menu of pre-selected options that you can consider. The Great Gorgonzola ($22.50) is a sure hit for those who enjoy the richness (and slight pungency) of the cheese, while the Mushroom Madness ($24.50) will appeal to shroom-lovers out there.

28 Aliwal Street, #01-07 Aliwal Arts Centre, Singapore 199918

https://www.tipo.sg/

One of LINO’s star draws is that you get plenty of value for your money. With a three-course set ($42) meal, it allows you a little midweek treat without having to sweat when the bill comes.

Get a seat in the relaxed interior of LINO, and tuck into the no-frills and delightful menu. Meat lovers will enjoy the Lamb Ragu Garganelli ($29), which combines Australian lamb shoulder with aromatic rosemary and tomato. The game flavour isn’t overwhelming, allowing for the freshness of the ingredients to shine through. There’s also the Seafood Spaghettini ($36), which serves up aglio olio style pasta with Hokkaido scallops and king prawns for a filling plate of noods.

7 Binjai Park, Singapore 589821

#01-01/04 Forum the Shopping Mall, S238884

https://www.linorestaurant.com/

Though not exclusively a pasta restaurant, Italian fine dining establishment No Menu makes a seriously good plate of pasta.

Unlike the name would suggest, there is a menu that diners can refer to. However, if you want to be surprised, allow the maître d' to pull out some off-the-menu specials and recommendations. Aside from classic Italian dishes such as burrata drizzled with aromatic olive oil or braised meats, the pastas at No Menu are a crowd fave. One such dish is the Tagliolini served in a buttery sauce with cracked black pepper and covered and freshly grated truffles. It’s so simple, yet mindblowingly rich and tasty. Another pasta hit is the Pappardelle which is coated in savoury Kurobuta pork ragu sauce for a mouth-watering dining experience.

23 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069621

https://www.osvaldo.sg/nomenu/