Food News

Pasta Express Has DIY Pasta Bowls from $5 In SMU, NUS, And NTU

Pasta Express for cheap DIY pasta bowls


Image credit: @yamieats.sg

With inflation on the rise, food prices are also going up. It’s getting increasingly harder to find cheap eats, so I was stoked when I stumbled upon Pasta Express. This humble eatery, which has outlets in Ghim Moh, NTU, NUS, and SMU, is well-loved by university students who swear by their affordable and customisable pasta bowls.


Image credit: @pastaexpress.sg

Ordering is easy peasy. First, select from three bases: Aglio Olio, Tomato Sauce, or Cream Sauce. The base price of each pasta bowl is $3.30. Then, you’ll need to order a minimum of three toppings, priced at $0.60 or $1.20 each.


Image credit: @ggrreedy

The cheapest configuration will set you back at just $5.10, which comes with three toppings. Choose from options such as sous vide egg, tofu, chickpeas, Japanese cucumber, capsicum, and cherry tomatoes. If budget isn’t an issue, you can upgrade with meatier options including oven-baked chicken breast ($1.20) and smoked duck ($1.20). Generally, prices range from $5 to $7 per meal, depending on your choice of ingredients.

According to online reviews, regulars love their cream sauce as it’s rich and creamy, but not too jelak. If you’re a fan of carbonara, the aglio olio is great with sous vide egg, bacon, and a generous dose of parmesan cheese. Pasta Express also offers fixed bowls such as Beef Bolognese ($5.30), available only at selected outlets.

Do note that prices and toppings across the different locations are subject to changes. For example, the base price of a pasta bowl is $3.40 and toppings start at $0.80 at Pasta Express’ Ghim Moh branch.

SMU students can also check out our Obok Dabang review, a Korean cafe on the campus that opens till 1am—great for post-studying nosh.

For more affordable pasta options, read our Nudedles review for lobster linguine and more in Chinatown. Alternatively, head to Mervyn’s Madeleines, a poolside cafe in Clementi with pasta under $15.

Website | Full list of outlets
Pasta Express is not a halal-certified eatery.

Featured image adapted from @pastaexpress.sg and @ggrreedy

Anthia Chng

Living on a well-balanced diet of cake and coffee

Share
Published by
Anthia Chng

Recent Posts

Get The Viral Cheesy Kunafa Dessert At This Hawker Stall In Joo Chiat

Get the viral cheesy and crispy kunafa dessert in six different flavours at Jay And…

3 hours ago

Burnt Cones Has $1 Gelato Scoops And Cones For One Day Only

Run, don't walk, to Burnt Cones for their $1 scoops and cones on 2 December…

3 hours ago

Blanco Court Beef Noodles Opens 24-Hour Outlet In Punggol, Has $2.40 Bowls Till 31 Dec

Blanco Court Beef Noodles, the famous chain that’s been around since 1979, has opened a…

4 hours ago

Shan Cheng Review: Legit Prawn Hor Fun, Nasi Kandar And More By Ipoh-Born Sisters

Shan Cheng serves legit Ipoh food inspired by two Ipoh-born sisters, including Ipoh hor fun,…

3 days ago

Snowsand: Hokkaido’s Popular Winter-Only Chocolate Brand Is Now In SG

Snowsand, a popular Japanese confectionery brand from Hokkaido, is finally in Singapore! Check out their…

3 days ago

Restoran Hua Mui: Legit Hainanese Chicken Chop, Kaya Buns And More In JB

Restoran Hua Mui in Johor Bahru serves up all sorts of local favourites, including a…

3 days ago