Overview
Pasta Loft is a hidden gem tucked away in Midtown Residences near Hougang MRT Station, offering affordable Italian fare at nett prices. This cosy neighborhood cafe has carved out a niche for itself by serving quality pasta and pizza without the hefty price tags typically associated with Italian dining in Singapore.
Address: 1187 Upper Serangoon Road, #01-19, Midtown Residences, Singapore 533971
Distance from MRT: 6-minute walk from Hougang MRT Station
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday-Friday: 11:30am to 9pm
- Saturday-Sunday: 11:30am to 3:30pm, 5:30pm to 9pm
- Tuesday: 5:30pm to 9pm (Dinner only)
Important Note: Pasta Loft is not halal-certified.
Ambience & Setting
The Space
Pasta Loft embodies the essence of a neighborhood cafe—intimate, unpretentious, and welcoming. Located on the ground floor of Midtown Residences, this hidden spot offers a respite from the bustling food courts and chain restaurants that dominate the area.
Atmosphere
The cafe exudes a cosy, casual vibe perfect for:
- Casual dates and romantic dinners
- Family gatherings
- Lunch meetings with colleagues
- Solo dining experiences
The intimate setting creates a comfortable environment where you can enjoy your meal without the overwhelming noise of larger establishments. The decor appears simple and functional, focusing attention on what matters most—the food.
Seating
As a small cafe tucked within a residential development, expect limited seating capacity. It’s advisable to visit during off-peak hours or make reservations, especially during weekend dinner slots.
Complete Menu Breakdown
Pasta Selection (17 Options)
Pasta Loft offers an impressive range organized into four categories, with your choice of spaghetti or fusilli for most dishes.
Olive Oil Base (5 Options)
1. Aglio Olio – $7.90
- The most affordable option on the menu
- Classic garlic and olive oil preparation
- Perfect for purists who appreciate simple flavors
2. Vongole – $11.90
- Traditional clams in white wine sauce
- Fresh clams cooked with garlic and olive oil
- A popular choice among regulars
3-5. Additional Olive Oil Options
- Three more variations available
- Prices range from $7.90 to $12.90
Cream Base
1. Carbonara – $10.90
- Hot favorite among patrons
- Classic Roman-style preparation with egg and pancetta
- Rich and creamy without being overwhelming
2. Truffle Al-Funghi – $13.90
- Premium mushroom pasta with truffle essence
- One of the pricier options but highly regarded
- Perfect for truffle lovers
3. Additional Cream Variations
- Several other cream-based options available
- Cater to different taste preferences
Tomato Base
1. Beef Bolognese – $11.90
- Hearty meat sauce with ground beef
- Slow-cooked tomato base
- Comfort food at its finest
2. Chicken Pomodoro – $10.90
- Lighter alternative to Bolognese
- Fresh tomato sauce with chicken
- Bright, tangy flavors
3. Seafood Marinara – $12.90
- Generously topped with fresh prawns and mussels
- Rich tomato-based seafood broth
- Excellent value for seafood lovers
Fusion
Seafood Tom-Yum – $12.90
- Unique East-meets-West creation
- Spicy and sour Thai-inspired broth
- Loaded with seafood
- Perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors
Pizza Selection (4 Flavors)
All pizzas appear to be thin-crust style, typical of Italian preparations.
1. Mentaiko Prawn – $14
- Standout signature dish
- Topped with creamy mentaiko sauce, prawns, edamame, and bonito flakes
- Japanese-Italian fusion at its best
- Unique combination not commonly found elsewhere
2. Truffle Bacon – $14
- Premium option for truffle enthusiasts
- Crispy bacon with aromatic truffle oil
- Rich and indulgent
3. Hawaiian – $12
- Most affordable pizza option
- Classic pineapple and ham combination
- Familiar choice for conservative diners
4. Additional Pizza Option
- One more flavor available
- Likely a classic Italian variety
Sharing Sides
1. Paprika Mid Wings – $9.50
- Flavorful chicken wings with paprika seasoning
- Perfect for sharing or as an appetizer
2. Mentaiko and Cheese Fries – $7
- Japanese-inspired loaded fries
- Creamy mentaiko sauce over crispy fries
- Addictive combination
3. White Wine Mussels – $10
- Fresh mussels steamed in white wine broth
- Aromatic with garlic and herbs
- Comes with bread for dipping (likely)
4. Additional Sides Available
- Various other sharing options to complement your meal
Desserts
Waffle with Ice Cream – $9.50
- Crispy Belgian-style waffle
- Choice of three unique gelato flavors:
- Pulut Hitam: Black glutinous rice flavor, uniquely Singaporean
- Blue Pea Vanilla: Butterfly pea flower-infused vanilla
- Dark Chocolate: Rich and intense cocoa
Detailed Dish Analysis
Standout Dishes
Mentaiko Prawn Pizza ($14)
Why It Works:
- The creamy, umami-rich mentaiko sauce pairs beautifully with the brininess of fresh prawns
- Edamame adds textural contrast and a pop of color
- Bonito flakes provide that authentic Japanese touch with their smoky, savory notes
- At $14 nett, it’s exceptional value for a specialty pizza
Best For: Adventurous eaters, Japanese food lovers, those seeking unique fusion flavors
Truffle Al-Funghi ($13.90)
Why It’s Popular:
- Truffle is a premium ingredient that elevates any dish
- Mushrooms and truffle are a classic pairing
- Cream base provides the perfect canvas for truffle’s earthy notes
- One of the highest-priced items but justified by ingredients
Best For: Date nights, truffle enthusiasts, those willing to splurge slightly
Seafood Marinara ($12.90)
Value Proposition:
- Fresh prawns and mussels are generously portioned
- Tomato-based sauce is lighter than cream alternatives
- Excellent protein-to-price ratio
- Satisfying without being heavy
Best For: Seafood lovers, health-conscious diners, lunch options
Aglio Olio ($7.90)
The Budget Champion:
- At under $8, it’s the most affordable pasta option
- Simple doesn’t mean boring—proper execution makes this shine
- Great test of a kitchen’s fundamentals
- Can be customized with add-ons
Best For: Budget diners, garlic lovers, minimalists, lunch on a tight budget
Portion Considerations
According to the review, pasta servings might be on the smaller side, which is why the cafe offers a range of sharing sides. This is strategic:
- Keeps main dish prices low
- Allows customization of meal size
- Encourages ordering variety
- Social dining experience with shareable items
Recommendation: For hearty appetites, pair your pasta with one or two sharing sides. For example:
- Aglio Olio ($7.90) + Mentaiko Cheese Fries ($7) = $14.90 for a filling meal
- Carbonara ($10.90) + Paprika Wings ($9.50) = $20.40 for a satisfying combo
Recipe Recreation: Mentaiko Prawn Pizza
While we can’t replicate Pasta Loft’s exact recipe, here’s how you can create a similar mentaiko prawn pizza at home.
Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
Pizza Dough:
- 300g bread flour
- 180ml warm water
- 7g instant yeast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Mentaiko Sauce:
- 2 sacs mentaiko (cod roe), about 80-100g
- 3 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Toppings:
- 150g fresh prawns, peeled and deveined
- 100g edamame, shelled (frozen is fine)
- 150g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp bonito flakes
- Spring onions, chopped (optional)
- Nori seaweed strips (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough (2 hours before)
- Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour.
- Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
Step 2: Make Mentaiko Sauce
- Remove the membrane from mentaiko sacs and scrape out the roe.
- In a bowl, mix mentaiko, Japanese mayo, softened butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Taste and adjust—add more mayo if too salty, more mentaiko for stronger flavor.
Step 3: Prepare Toppings
- If using frozen edamame, blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain.
- Season prawns lightly with salt and pepper.
- Quickly sauté prawns for 1-2 minutes until just pink (they’ll finish cooking in the oven).
Step 4: Assemble Pizza
- Preheat oven to 240°C (465°F). If you have a pizza stone, heat it in the oven.
- Punch down the dough and divide in half (for two pizzas).
- Roll out dough into a 10-12 inch circle on a floured surface.
- Transfer to a pizza pan or parchment paper.
- Spread a thin layer of mentaiko sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1cm border.
- Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese.
- Distribute prawns and edamame evenly.
- Top with remaining mozzarella.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- For extra crispy crust, finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes (watch carefully!).
Step 6: Finishing Touches
- Remove from oven and immediately drizzle a little extra mentaiko sauce if desired.
- Sprinkle generously with bonito flakes (they’ll dance from the heat!).
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and nori strips if using.
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes, then slice and serve.
Pro Tips:
- Mentaiko Quality: Use fresh mentaiko from Japanese supermarkets for best results
- Don’t Overload: Too many toppings make the pizza soggy
- High Heat: The hotter your oven, the better the crust
- Pre-cook Prawns: This prevents rubbery prawns and watery pizza
- Serve Immediately: Bonito flakes are best when they’re still “dancing”
Time Investment:
- Prep: 30 minutes
- Dough rising: 1.5 hours
- Cooking: 12 minutes
- Total: ~2 hours 15 minutes
Delivery Options & Ordering
Current Delivery Information
Based on the available information from the article, specific delivery options for Pasta Loft are not mentioned. However, here are the typical ways you might be able to order:
Potential Delivery Platforms:
- GrabFood – Most Singapore cafes and restaurants are on this platform
- Foodpanda – Another major delivery service in Singapore
- Deliveroo – Common for cafes in residential areas
Direct Options:
- Call for Takeaway: Contact the cafe directly (check their website for phone number)
- Self-Collection: Visit during operating hours to place takeaway orders
Important Considerations:
- Small cafes sometimes don’t offer delivery to maintain food quality
- Nett pricing means no additional service charge, making dine-in attractive
- Pizza and pasta travel reasonably well if properly packaged
- Delivery fees might reduce the cost advantage of their affordable menu
Recommendation:
For the best experience, especially for first-time visitors, dine in to enjoy the cosy ambience and ensure food quality. The location is accessible from Hougang MRT, making it convenient for most diners in the northeast region.
Value Analysis
Price Comparison
Compared to typical Italian restaurants in Singapore:
Casual Italian Chains:
- Pasta dishes: $18-$28++
- Pizza: $22-$35++
- With GST and service charge, expect 17% additional cost
Pasta Loft:
- Pasta dishes: $7.90-$13.90 nett
- Pizza: $12-$14 nett
- No hidden costs—what you see is what you pay
Cost Savings
A typical pasta dish at Pasta Loft costs 40-60% less than mainstream Italian restaurants. A meal for two could look like:
- 2 pasta dishes: ~$24
- 1 pizza to share: $14
- 1 side: $9
- Total: ~$47 nett
The same meal at a typical Italian chain could easily exceed $80-$100 after taxes and service charge.
Best Value Picks
- Aglio Olio ($7.90) – Unbeatable price point
- Carbonara ($10.90) – Classic done well
- Mentaiko Prawn Pizza ($14) – Unique offering
- Seafood Marinara ($12.90) – Generous seafood portions
Who Should Visit Pasta Loft?
Perfect For:
- Budget-Conscious Diners: Exceptional value without compromising quality
- Neighborhood Regulars: Convenient location for Hougang residents
- Students & Young Professionals: Affordable yet satisfying meals
- Fusion Food Lovers: Unique items like mentaiko pizza and tom yum pasta
- Families: Reasonable prices allow dining out without breaking the bank
- Casual Dates: Intimate setting at accessible prices
May Not Suit:
- Those seeking fine dining ambience
- Large groups (limited seating capacity)
- Diners requiring halal-certified establishments
- People expecting large portions (servings noted as potentially small)
Tips for Your Visit
- Timing: Visit during off-peak hours (2:30-5pm on weekends, weekday lunches) to avoid crowds
- Parking: Check Midtown Residences parking options; public transport is convenient
- Order Strategy: Share a pizza and get individual pasta dishes for variety
- Must-Try: Don’t skip the mentaiko prawn pizza—it’s their signature for a reason
- Sides: If you have a big appetite, budget for at least one sharing side
- Dessert: The unique gelato flavors (Pulut Hitam!) are worth trying
- Tuesday Note: Only dinner service available on Tuesdays
Final Verdict
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Strengths:
- Exceptional value for money
- Unique fusion options (mentaiko pizza, tom yum pasta)
- Nett pricing transparency
- Convenient location near Hougang MRT
- Wide variety (17 pasta options!)
- Cosy, intimate ambience
Areas for Improvement:
- Portion sizes could be more generous
- Limited seating capacity
- Delivery options unclear/limited
- Not halal-certified (limits customer base)
Bottom Line: Pasta Loft is a hidden gem that punches well above its weight class. For anyone in the northeast region seeking affordable, quality Italian food with interesting fusion twists, this cafe absolutely delivers. The nett pricing model is refreshingly transparent, and signature dishes like the mentaiko prawn pizza showcase creativity and value. While portions might not satisfy the heartiest appetites, strategic ordering with sides can create a complete, satisfying meal at prices that remain competitive even after additions.
This is exactly the type of neighborhood establishment Singapore needs more of—quality food at honest prices, served in a comfortable setting without pretension. Whether you’re a regular or a curious foodie, Pasta Loft deserves a spot on your dining list.
Would I return? Absolutely. Any cafe serving quality pasta from $7.90 nett earns repeat visits in my book.
Quick Reference
Best Dishes: Mentaiko Prawn Pizza, Truffle Al-Funghi, Carbonara, Aglio Olio
Budget Meal: Aglio Olio + soft drink = under $10
Splurge Meal: Truffle Al-Funghi + Mentaiko Pizza + White Wine Mussels = ~$38
Date Night: 2 pastas + 1 pizza + dessert = ~$45-50
Must-Order: Mentaiko Prawn Pizza
Contact & Location:
1187 Upper Serangoon Road, #01-19, Midtown Residences, Singapore 533971
Check their website for phone number and latest updates
6-minute walk from Hougang MRT Station