Pasta de Waraku: A Japanese Casual Pasta and Cafe Restaurant in Singapore

I used to love watching those Japan Home Video shows on RPN9 (now known as Solar Television Network or ETC) during the late 80s to early 90s.  Living in the era when cable TV was but a luxury only a select few could afford, I’d usually while away my holiday, and most of my summer, vacation mornings (the curse of having no playmates during the Christmas break) watching these highly informative and entertaining programs (Yes, I’m weird that way).

Anyway, one of the many episodes that caught my attention was one where they featured Japanese sculptors making these fake dishes that look so real.  These works of art were then used as window displays for restaurants, enticing potential customers with non-edible replicas of their gastronomic offerings. 

Fast forward to 2008.  The ex-BF (now the Husband) and I found ourselves craving for some tasty pasta for dinner one weekday night.  Passing by a well-lit wooden establishment at the ground floor of a popular mall along Victoria Street, we couldn't help but be instantly drawn to the rows of fake pasta and pizza dishes on this restaurant's display.

Tasty!

The place was called Pasta de Waraku. And from the very first bite of their tasty pasty and pizza dishes (the edible ones) during that first night, we knew this restaurant would become one of our favorite dining establishments ever.

Pasta de Waraku

Pasta de Waraku is, as their tagline states, a "Japanese casual pasta and cafe restaurant". Started by a Japanese national who moved to Singapore, the place aims to bring in gourmet pasta dishes with a Japanese twist.

Simply put, it's that type of restaurant that serves really good, tasty meals.  And believe me when I say, no matter what dish we try (and there have been a lot through the visits we’ve had), it just seems like we’ve never been given an unfair deal.  Their meals are totally delicious and perfectly cooked.

Here’s just a few of our favorites.

Fried Rice with Scallops (S$12.80 / Php422.40*)

Fried Rice with Scallops

The Husband loves seafood.  And this tasty dish of fried rice with generous servings of scallops is just the thing to whet his appetite. 

Chicken Curry with Rice (S$15.80 / Php521.40*)

Chicken Curry with Rice (curry sauce on the side)

I love Japanese curry.  Unlike Indian curry, the Japanese type is sweet and not too spicy.  Perfect with pan-grilled fried chicken.  The only thing missing in Pasta de Waraku's version, in my opinion, is a fried egg, done sunny side-up (just like at Bubble Tea's).  They still offer one tasty meal, though.

And they certainly don’t scrimp on the curry sauce.  They provide you with a whole gravy boat-full.  Woohoo!  A restaurant after my own heart.

My gravy boat-full curry

Interesting fact:  Did you ever wonder why Japanese curry has a thicker consistency (almost similar to gravy) than other Asian versions?  It's because thicker curry made it easier to be served to their Naval personnel while on board their ships, making it less likely to spill off the bowl.

Carbonara kid's meal set (S$9.80 / Php323.40*)

Carbonara set

Pasta de Waraku also serves different kinds of kid-sized meals that caters to their picky diners.  Each set includes a choice of main dish, a side serving of some fried delights (fries, shrimp tempura, chicken, etc.) and a small bowl of ice cream.

We, however, overestimated the portion size of this "kid's meal" when we ordered their Carbonara set for the Little One.  But the Husband and I were more than happy to help her finish it off.

So I guess in a way that yes, we entered because of the display; but we stayed (and kept coming back again and again) for the food.  J

*S$1 = Php33

***

Pasta de Waraku

60 Airport Boulevard

Changi Airport T2

Level 3, #036-057

Singapore 819643 
T      (+65) 5439940
E      T2airport@waraku.sg
W     http://www.waraku.sg



Please visit the Pasta de Waraku website (click here for the site) for more information on menu items and branch locations.

Planning to visit?  Drop by my "Getting Around Singapore" post (click here) for more details on how to get around the Lion City.