Feeling saucy? Fans of Tipo Pasta Bar would be pleased to know that a brand new concept, Tipo Gnocchi, has opened at the cult favourite halal pasta joint’s former digs along North Bridge Road.
As the latest F&B concept by The Black Hole Group (the team behind familiar favourites like Stack, Working Title, and Tipo Pizzeria e Trattoria), Tipo Gnocchi specialises in a lesser-known member of the pasta family — gnocchi.
For the uninitiated, gnocchi are dumplings with Italian origins made out of flour and potatoes. The gnocchi at Tipo Gnocchi is freshly prepared and hand-rolled daily, ensuring that guests enjoy all that is “fresh and the best”.
The artsy orange-hued space is vibrant, with quirky pops of colour and a myriad of textures — very fun and inviting (I too want “GNOCCHI” framed up on the walls of my future home).
Appetisers
If you’ve got room for only one appetiser, head straight for the Crispy Potato (S$8), potato skins fried in spice batter and served with zesty lemon aioli. Addictive, but a tad greasy — they’re best enjoyed piping hot.
A lighter, less cloying option is the the Feta Toast (S$14), airy whipped feta with juicy roasted tomatoes and garlic chips served on toasted sourdough (which could’ve been a little more toasted, in my opinion).
Gnocchi House Specials
Although gnocchi is typically served with a sauce, the Japanese-inspired Seafood Kombu (S$28) switches things up with a soupy broth base that is equal parts clean-tasting and comforting. Soft and pillowy gnocchi in a yuzu kosho clam broth is joined by the likes of kombu, wakame, clams, and a drizzle of tangy lemon oil.
It takes some getting used to, but it’s a plate that slowly grows on you, giving off major “Italian nonna in Japan” vibes.
One of the most underrated dishes on the menu, the vegetarian-friendly Veggie Pesto (S$20), features a sauce of pesto and charred peppers, topped with sundried tomatoes and feta. The addition of feta is spot-on, imparting a tangy and salty funk that balances everything out nicely.
I recommend ordering this if you’re seeking an more unique alternative to the usual pesto pasta.
My favourite of the lot, the Creamy Crab (S$25) — crabmeat in a aglio olio sauce topped with grana padano (a cheese similar to that of parmesan) — is rich and creamy, with a palatable yet surprisingly prominent heat.
The spice isn’t overbearing or in-your-face, but it rounds off the dish with a certain finesse that’s lacking in many other cream-based pasta dishes.
Build Your Own Gnocchi
If you want to DIY and concoct the gnocchi dish of your dreams, a “Build Your Own Gnocchi” (from S$12 for Regular, S$14 for Large) option is available.
Choose between a Basic or Exclusive sauce (think alfredo, pink sauce, and smoky chipotle tomato), followed by a selection of toppings in the following categories: Free, Basic (S$2), Classic (S$3), Premium (S$4), and Extravagant (S$5).
Be it a simple Sous Vide Egg (+S$2) or decadent Salmon Caviar (+S$5), feel free to just mix and match, or seek recommendations from the friendly staff.
Don’t forget to save some room for dessert. The housemade Hazelnut Praline Tiramisu (S$13) is a dreamy, perfectly balanced combination of hazelnut praline mascarpone, espresso-dipped lady fingers, white chocolate feuilletine, and cocoa powder, that gets my seal of approval.
Reservations can be made on the website from 1 September 2022 — there’s no better time to start planning a gnocchi date!
Tipo Gnocchi
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???? 785 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198753
???? 11am–10pm (Daily)
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I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨