The hype: Conceptualised by the same mind behind Taiwanese-style joint The Salted Plum, this 18-month long pop-up restaurant serves hearty handmade pastas with a unique Asian twist, at some of the most affordable price points in Singapore.
The vibe: Sporting a blend of minimalistic and comfortable interiors, the outlet at Suntec City feels fairly spacious thanks to good use of floor-to-ceiling glass panels. It’s mostly rustic, with touches of powder-pink illustrations and Japanese-influenced murals dotted around. Deceptively, it might seem like the place to step in for a light salad.
The food: The fare here is simple but not quite. Despite the restaurant’s name there are only four pasta mains, but every dish on the menu is a beloved classic with its own non-conformist flair. Take the Supremo Porky Marinara ($15): a classic tomato-based marinara pasta with an elevated spin. Here you get a juicy meatball (70:30 pork-to-beef ratio) filled with water chestnut chunks for texture and seasoned with five spice, atop the pasta pile and a generous helping of smoky bacon, crunchy pork croutons and freshly grated 24-months old Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. The long strands of pasta are dyed a natural black using activated charcoal, giving your Instagram feed a treat as well.
The Prawn Olio Olio ($20) is another standout. Dyed a vibrant blue using pea flower extract, the curly pasta is then tossed in Sichuan garlic oil with green peppercorns for a surprising mala flavour. The garlicky tiger prawns glisten like hidden gems within the winding blue ribbons, and bringing it home is a smattering of robust tobiko and lap cheong crumble that adds crackles and pops to every bite. The entire plate is a whimsical canvas of abstract colours that truly captures what Pasta Supremo is doing—putting a twist on Italian classics.
For the picky, Pasta Supremo also offers the opportunity to DIY your own pasta. Choose from three types of fresh pastas of varying shapes and colours, then pick from four tasty sauces—Haus Marinara; Sichuan Peppers, Chilli, Garlic & Duck Fat; 3 Mushroom Creme; and Asian Pesto. You’re free to load it up further with proteins like clam, duck rillette, wagyu and more.
Only got room for light snacks? Try the addictive Spiced Supremo Chicken Skins ($6), also generously seasoned with Sichuan spice. We definitely recommend the aptly named Stuff on Bread, where toasted sourdough comes topped with rich spreads and condiments, in flavours like Mushroom & Black Truffle Cream ($4), Avocado & Feta ($4.50), Cheesy Cheese AF ($5), and Bak Kwa Jam ($5); the last a housemade special made from bak kwa and bacon.
Desserts are recommended, so save space. The smooth, butter-like spread of the Pistachio Creme ($6) across your tastebuds is as satisfying as comfort food gets. Fair warning that one jar of the creamy pistachio mousse topped with crumbly pistachio praline will likely not suffice.
The drinks: Inspired by the fragrance of Thai milk tea, their Thai Black Cha ($3) is made using the famous Cha Tra Mue Original Classic Thai Tea—but without the cloying milk. For a sweetened alternative, there’s You Thirst-Tea ($4). If you’re more of a coffee person, consider ordering the Socked Americano ($3) that mixes kopi with coffee beans from Sarnies in an East-meets-West union; or the White Kopi ($4), brewed with whipping cream, full cream and condensed milk for a creamy latte-like texture.
For something boozier, take your pick from their selection of white, red and rose wines (from $10 a glass/$60 per bottle) or craft beers ($10 per bottle). Other options include Honey Lime ($2.50) and their sister outlet’s signature Salted Plum Juice ($2.50).
Why you’ll be back: Handmade pastas rarely come by from $8 a bowl, and Pasta Supremo’s Asian spin on traditional dishes (that doesn’t include salted egg yolk or chilli crab) is refreshing. For hearty comfort food that’s as imaginative as it is tasty, Pasta Supremo hits the spot.
