The Place Located at Icon Village in the heart of Tanjong Pagar is a newly opened pasta joint, Saikyo Pasta which takes on a hole-in-the-wall unit space. As a former home-based takeaway setup that officially transitioned into a physical storefront, the space of Saikyo Pasta is an intimate 12-seater counter-style pasta bar. The vibes are minimalist and homely, reminiscent of an unassuming “mom-and-pop” neighborhood shop you would randomly stumble upon in the streets of Tokyo. 

The Food The concept here revolves around a straightforward 3-course set menu priced competitively at S$39.90, which includes an appetizer, a main, and a dessert. The a la carte features Japanese-Italian pastas with just three pasta options, with nothing priced over S$23. 

For appetiser, the Creamy Burrata with House-made Edamame Puree (S$15.90) is a pleasing starter. The subtle sweetness of the edamame puree pairs well with the creamy cheese. 

The other appetiser on the menu is the Signature Cold Kombu Pasta with Ikura (S$15.90), which is served chilled where the strands of al dente pasta are steeped in kombu dashi. It is topped generously with ikura. 

Moving on to mains, the Tiger Prawn Mentaiko Pasta (S$22.90) is a crowd-favorite amongst locals according to owner Arya and I can see why. The mentaiko here is not overly creamy and cloying but is well-balanced along with the sweet tiger prawns. The texture of the pasta leans towards the al dente front. 

I also tried the Napolitan Pasta (S$22.90), a tomato-based pasta which uses Japanese ketchup and cooked in olive oil and butter. The pasta is layered with onion, smoky bacon and Arabiki sausage. I actually find the overall flavours very hearty.   

For dessert, I had their Sea Salt Gelato with Monaka Wafers (S$6.90). A simple and no-fuss sweet finish that lends a nice crisp texture alongside the savory-sweet ice cream. 

Rants With only 12 seats available around the counter, reservations are highly competitive. It is also an open concept space where there is little privacy. 

Will I Return Again? A casual and no-frills spot to enjoy good quality pasta in Tanjong Pagar. I like that Saikyo Pasta focuses on just serving a few pastas on their menu and execute them well. While the space is not huge, there are not many restaurants in Singapore which serve pasta this way, and I think it is worth a try.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 3.5/5
Hole in the pocket: 3.5/5
Ambience: 3/5
Overall Experience: 3.5/5  

Saikyo Pasta 
12 Gopeng Street 
#01-86/87 Icon Village 
Singapore 078877 

Opening Hours 
Monday to Saturday: 11.30am to 2.30pm; 6pm to 8.30pm 
Closed on Sunday 

Ranted by The Ranter