Tipo Strada is a pasta-focused concept, building its brand on serving plates of fresh pastas from its store in Novena at Royal Square.
There are actually a few “Tipo” concepts around, including Tipo Pasta Bar (28 Aliwal Street), Tipo Pizzeria E Trattoria (155 Waterloo Street), and Tipo Gnocchi (785 North Bridge Road).
The name Tipo came about from “Tipo 00”, a type of smooth wheat flour also known as “doppio zero” or “granero tero” which originates from Italy.
As to the difference between “Strada” and the other concepts, Tipo Strada includes artisanal drinks and a pocketful of snack options.
In the event, you are a first time customer, it may get slightly confusing as you would be presented with a tray with three types of pasta.
At the very top of the menu is an option to build your own pasta.
It can be customised according to your preferences, beginning with the type of pasta you like, starting at 120g ($9.90) or 170g ($12.90).
The server would pass a tray for customers to choose the pasta type, from Creste De Gallo (tomato and chilli), Radiatori (lemon and pepper), and Gemelli (mustard and paprika).
Pair it with a range of sauces, including pomodoro, alfredo, pink sauce, pesto (+$2) or Bolognese (+$3.50).
Top it with mushroom, chicken, duck or prawn (+$2.50 – $4.50). You can even have add-ons such as sundried tomatoes or a truffle pate.
Or, you can skip the trouble and get the ready-made house specials. The specials are amped up pasta classics, each of them with a special twist.
The Royal Ragu ($14.40) is done with a smoked beef bolognese for an additional oomph. Or get yourself with the Mushroom Madness ($15.40), which incorporates Black Truffle Pate into the pasta. It is not quite the real thing, but has enough of the truffle flavour for you to be satisfied.
The Creamy Chicken & Mushroom ($15.40) I previously had tasted somewhat muted, as if the kitchen team wanted to go on the safe side and added less seasoning.
The Aglio Olio ($16.90) wasn’t the usual conventional style, which came with sauteed prawns and sous vide egg.
Therefore, I did wonder about the strong garlic and olive oil aroma and bits of chilli pepper flakes kick that was missing. So perhaps if you come expecting the typical “Aglio Olio”, you may be disappointed.
I appreciated that the pasta was fresh and had a good bite.
Perhaps you would be drawn to the snacks menu, with little bites for sharing.
Like the Crikey Calamari ($8.90) Beef Bacon Fries ($8.90), Stuffed Beef Ball ($12.90) which is swimming in a mix of spinach and garlic cream cheese, tomato arabiatta and mint sour cream.
There is also a Basil Burrata ($14.90) that you will receive with a toasted brioche. Remember to take a video when you cut into the burrata.
Drinks offered include Housemade Cold Brew Tea ($5.90) and Housemade Soda ($6.90) with choices of Apple & Rose, Three Berry & Lime, Golden Kiwi & Mint, and Watermelon.
While this is not the conventional pasta restaurant, Tipo Strada has a small and simple menu that allows you to customise with fresh pasta type that differs every time you come. That is its strength.
Tipo Strada
103 Irrawaddy Rd, #01-09 Royal Square at Novena, Singapore 329566
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Tipo Pasta Bar
28 Aliwal Street, #01-07, Singapore 199918
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
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* Written by Daniel Ang @DanielFoodDiary and Dean Ang. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
