“Pasta Box” might not exactly exude a sense of culinary refinement; but despite its whimsical name, this Sanyuanqiao eatery should by no means be overlooked by Beijing foodies. Located on Xiaoyun Lu (next to Home Plate BBQ), the brightly-lit establishment serves hearty Italian fare behind a glass-paneled open kitchen (a welcomed sight for those who might get sudden qualms with regards to hygiene).
Their award-winning signature dish, the Singapore laksa linguine, ingeniously blends two distinct cuisines, the coconut-based Peranakan (also referred to as Nonya) with an Italian staple, into a fusion dish that is downright delicious. With Southeast Asian fish cakes, Chilean-imported shrimp, and roast chicken, the laksa linguine has won over the hearts and palates of Singaporean foodies, and now aims to do the same here in the capital.
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Aside from the laksa linguine, Italian-fusion is again tactfully crafted with their spicy basil pork spaghetti, a dish that pays homage to Sichuan’s mala (麻辣) flavor, mixing a tinge of spiciness that is sure to fire up the senses, albeit in a slightly numbing way.
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Importantly, however, Pasta Box doesn’t just exclusively serve pasta; their menu offers other delectable options, from freshly served salads and soups to the Singapore mutton satay. The chicory salad with couscous was especially delightful; Pasta Box owner, Garett Chen, aptly described the dish as a “medley of textures, from the softness of the tomatoes, to the slightly brittle feel of the black-eyed beans, to the crunch delivered by the chicory leaf.” Furthermore, their crème brûlée, batches of which are baked early each morning, have drawn a minor cult following amongst the office workers of Sanyuanqiao.
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We concede that Pasta Box might not be Michelin-star level; but with generous portions, and affordable prices, Pasta Box may just give Annie’s a run for their money when it comes to the best value restaurant in Beijing. Moreover, with delivery options through Jinshisong and Meituan, there really is no excuse not to give this eatery a try.
Photos courtesy Pasta Box