Just Pasta: Hawker stall selling bacon carbonara, prawn aglio olio & roasted wings from $3.90
Just Pasta, a new kid on the block at Hong Lim Market & Food Centre began its journey as a home-based business back in 2022.
I met the owners, Karin Ho, 45, and Adam Hee, 42. They explored various cuisines, including Chinese and Western options through numerous trial runs, before deciding to specialise in pasta.
“I was working in a Western restaurant, so why not, right?” Karin shared.
After a year of working behind closed doors, Adam decided to take their venture a step further, scouting numerous kopitiams and hawker centres before settling on their current location.
Unfortunately, when I arrived at 2.15pm, the customer in front of me had snagged the last order of pork Spaghetti Bolognese (S$7.90)— drats, what a bummer!
I was given a 6-month loyalty card where every main pasta purchase entitles you to a free stamp, and every 5 chops award you a free pasta! To my surprise, Karin rushed to my table and apologised for forgetting to stamp an additional one as I had ordered 2 plates of pasta.
Whether she scouted the entire hawker centre for me or it was pure luck that she found me by instinct, I was touched by her sincerity.
What I tried at Just Pasta
Over at Just Pasta, customers can choose if they would like spaghetti, fusilli or linguine. I started off with the Prawn Aglio Olio (S$9.90) and got linguine for it.
The linguine, flawlessly al dente, delivered a sublime textural experience which was truly satisfying. Each strand was adorned with garlic bits, parsley and a blend of their house-made chilli. It was garlicky without being overpowering, perfectly-seasoned and possessed the perfect spice level.
There were 5 prawns tossed together— neither too small nor overly large; just the perfect size. The flesh, firm and fresh, required only a quick removal of the tiny tail end.
Honestly, in my makan adventures, aglio olio renditions often falter in seasoning. They tend to be either too bland or lack a well-balanced flavour. However, the rendition at Just Pasta stands out, earning a spot in my top 3 list. Well done, Karin and Adam— consistency is key, and I’m eagerly looking forward to eating it again!
We also tried the best-seller, the Bacon Carbonara (S$9.90). The fusilli pasta was served with a velvety pool of creamy sauce and generous pieces of streaky, succulent pork bacon. There were also specks of black pepper sprinkled all over.
The amount of sauce below was sufficient enough to evenly coat every piece of pasta upon tossing. That being said, I wished that the fusilli was a tad more firm as it was slightly softer than what I prefer.
The bacon, despite a commendable meat-to-fat ratio, fell slightly short. I longed for a more pronounced char to elevate its flavour. The meat and pasta, though well-executed individually, seemed disconnected.
Be sure to ask for some chilli flakes from Karin or Adam if you wish to have a little kick to your pasta; it enhances the carbonara a little with its spicy notes.
I had anticipated the bacon’s indulgent, greasy notes to envelop the pasta, but regrettably, it was absent. Sharing my feedback with Karin, I found her receptive. I sincerely hope your experience will be better than mine.
We also tried the 6 Pcs Roasted Wing (S$6.90) that Adam recommended. They were fried to golden-brown perfection and they tasted just as good as they looked.
The meat was moist, and the Cajun marinade was truly delicious. If I hadn’t been so full, I would have easily ordered another plate for myself.
Final thoughts
Considering that it’s Karin and Adam’s first venture into the hawker industry, all they need are little tweaks here and there to be even better.
On my next visit, I’m looking forward to trying the Spaghetti Bolognese and giving them my feedback. It is said that since pasta is comfort food, having it will make you a happier individual (even scientists have proven it).
So why not head down to Hong Lim Market & Food Centre and leave Just Pasta with a smile? I know I did.
Expected damage: S$4 – S$15 per pax
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