Tipo Strada Review: New Cafe With Handmade Pasta Under $20++ In Bendemeer

Tipo Strada is a new cafe in Bendemeer with affordable pasta

Bendemeer seems to be a hotspot for new cafe launches, what with the opening of La Levain, Wild Coco, and most recently, Tipo Strada. Fun fact: they’re all along the same stretch at Hamilton Road!

This new cafe marks the group’s third Tipo Strada outlet, where you’ll find their popular handmade pasta dishes, alongside fresh bakes, coffee and more.

Food at Tipo Strada

Those who have dined at sister concept Tipo Pasta Bar, or any of Tipo Strada’s other outlets, can expect the brand’s signature handmade pastas here. There are 15 mains to choose from, grouped into four categories—Red, White, Pink, and Favourites—and affordably priced under $20++. These dishes feature three types of pasta that are made in-house, on-site.

We started with their Rosé Duck ($15.50++), served with Gemelli Pasta: short spiral pasta flavoured with curry.

I could not discern any curry notes as the creamy tomato sauce and sharp feta cheese overpowered the pasta. Also, I found the pasta a tad overcooked—I preferred my noodles to be on the al dente side.

Nonetheless, I appreciated the generous chunks of smoked duck, which added a lovely umami tone to the overall flavour profile of the dish.

The Creamy Crab ($19.90++), paired with our choice of Malfade, fared better. Interestingly, this pasta here was perfectly cooked to al dente.

We spotted a lot of crab chunks on our plate, which was a pleasant surprise. The crab meat was cooked well, boasting a tender bite and sweet flesh within.

I loved how the spicy garlic cream sauce clung onto the longer pasta strands here, so there wasn’t much sauce left on the plate by the end of our meal. As sriracha was infused into this pasta flavour, we got a double dose of spice here. While I enjoy spicy food, those with a bad tolerance for spice may find it too much.

The Black Prawn ($19.90++) is another seafood-forward dish worth trying. This umami-packed dish came with our pasta of choice, nori-infused Campanelle, drenched in a jet-black squid ink sauce, and topped with fresh basil.

Crowning the dish were three tiger prawns and charred cherry tomatoes, which added a lovely sweetness that stood up against the rich sauce.

Again, the nori flavour of the pasta was lost here, as it was overshadowed by the creamy squid ink sauce. Nonetheless, the petal-like edges and hollow middle of this pasta shape meant that each noodle could capture the thick, savoury sauce. Just don’t have this on a first date, as it’s a rather messy eat!

End things on a sweet note with their house-made Tiramisu ($13.90++): ladyfinger biscuits soaked in espresso, layered between mascarpone and cream cheese.

As the cafe is Muslim-owned, no alcohol is used in this version. Naturally, I felt that something important was lacking in the dessert, so I’d say avoid it unless you’re fine with a non-traditional tiramisu.

If you’re visiting for brunch or tea time, the cafe serves up a nice selection of cakes and breads that are freshly baked in-house. Options include Earl Grey Loaf ($5.50++), Pink Grapefruit Loaf ($5.50++), and Cinnamon Roll ($5.50++).

You can also get your caffeine fix here, with barista-brewed coffee options such as White ($6++) and Mocha ($6++). Alternatively, try their Orange Coffee Spritz ($7++), a refreshing mix of orange juice, espresso, and sparkling water. Or if you want something non-caffeinated, they have coolers such as Three Berry and Lime Soda ($6), equally delicious on a hot afternoon.

Ambience at Tipo Strada

Tipo Strada Hamilton is small and cosy with around 20 plus seats. The bright and airy space sports the same look as its previous concept, Tipo Osteria: think classic Italian trattoria with tiled floors and light wood, and navy blue accents for a pop of colour.

There’s also a counter where the day’s bakes are displayed, so you can pick and choose depending on your mood!

The cafe is a seven-minute walk from Bendemeer MRT Station.

The verdict

Tipo Strada is by no means an authentic Italian restaurant, so you’d be sorely disappointed if you were hoping for that. Set aside your expectations and visit the cafe for its well-priced pasta dishes, chic interiors, and convenient location.

For more food options near Bendemeer MRT Station, check out our guide to the best Bendemeer food places. Alternatively, read our full guide to the best cafes in Singapore, sorted according to neighbourhood!

Address: 16 Hamilton Road, #01-05, Singapore 209186
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 8721 0868
Website
Tipo Strada is a Muslim-owned eatery.

Photos taken by Casandra Nicholas.
This was a media tasting at Tipo Strada.