A Young Myanmar Impression Of Pastamania
Zara Thwin
What it is
Wondering where to bring the kids and family or a place where you can get a soul soothing meal? Look no further than the casual and spacious Pastamania restaurant on Inya Road. With over 50 restaurants across nine countries, the Singaporean franchise restaurant has finally opened its doors to Yangonites looking for Italian inspired cuisine.
Atmosphere
Set in an alluring four storied Italianate building, Pastamania looks over the bustle before Golden Valley. The interior adorns decor reminiscent of an Italian bistro. As soon as we entered, we heard children laughter and knew this was a children-friendly environment. On the second story, there are two private rooms. Eight people can dine in each room with the rate of 10,000ks per hour. The attentive and friendly staff of Pastamania will, no doubt, help you run your pasta party smoothly.
Recommendations
The Pastamania menu caters to different diets and preferences. There is pizza, classic pasta dishes and a variety of fruit-infused Italian sodas served in fancy glass jars. The pasta and pizza dishes range from 7000ks to 12,000ks. You get to pick which pasta you want and can essentially design your own dishes or pizza pies. The desert and beverage prices start from 3000ks to 6000ks. The restaurant also serves beer (3500ks) and wine (20,000ks per bottle). The menu offers low-calorie, vegetarian, meat, and seafood options.
The staff recommended some of their popular dishes and drinks. We started off with a healthy Frutti Greenie smoothie and a thirst quenching glass of Passion fruit flavored Italian soda to cool down ourselves. As for dinner we had two salmon dishes: Ravioli di Salmone, a classic Italian ravioli dish with salmon filling drenched in a luscious cream of rich and tangy flavors. Then we had the Grilled Salmon with Fusilli, the juicy grilled salmon was served with a dash of granola and raisins alongside the fusilli in a delicate cream sauce and vegetables dressed in vinaigrette.
Final Thoughts
This is a classic chain restaurant that is well-above the fast food category. The food is fresh tasting and accessible to anyone, a haven for expat picky eaters. The upper floor can provide more of a peaceful ambiance than the lower floor, in which some kitchen noise can be heard.
