Cugini Trattoria Pizzeria – For Handmade Truffle Raviolo & Wood-Fired Pizza in Joo Chiat

17 November 2020 Gwendolyn

After 11 years at 87 Club Street, Cugini Trattoria Pizzeria has recently moved to 37 Joo Chiat Place, upgraded with a Sardinian and Sicilian touch, an Italian custom-made wood-fired pizza oven and a traditional charcoal grill. Here, Cugini continues to bless diners’ tastebuds with comforting Italian dishes full of homemade authentic flavours.

Menu

The signature Homemade Raviolo Al Tartufo $26 is a must-try. During the afternoon, we observed the making of the raviolo, made with two long pasta laid flat with truffle fillings and cut out. The edges of each pasta pocket are then folded to seal the ingredients in for cooking.

The dish that arrived shortly after was an appetising mess of raviolo drowned in truffle butter sauce and lots of black truffle shavings. Each ravioli skin was so soft it’s like biting into clouds, followed by the aroma of the truffle combined with the taste of the cheesy parmesan and nutty walnut hitting you with glee.

Another favourite of mine is the Solepomodoro $25. The highlight is in the pizza dough, all made in house, and have a light airy texture. The Solepomodoro comprises of stretchy Mozzarella, Italian Semi-Dried Tomatoes, Roasted Potato, Onions and Italian Sausages.

We also tried the Homemade Fetuccina Al Nero $26.00, which features al dente Squid Ink Fetuccine topped with lots of Baby Squid, a dollop of mashed peas and sprinkles of Sardinian Mullet Roe for that sensational pop in the mouth. While the noodles have a nice bite, the taste and creamy texture of the peas are overwhelming when mixed in together.

Meanwhile, the Mixed Platter $96 is great for sharing – a hearty carnivorous portion of Rib-Eye Steak, Italian sausages, Lamb Chop, Secreto Iberico (bouncy with a nice chew) and a side of mustard.

I quite enjoy the add on of the Grilled Vegetables Caponata $10 which balances the hearty meats we had.

For starters, the Antipasto Misto $35 is also good for bigger groups. If Italian Cold Cuts and Cheeses are your thing, this platter can’t go wrong.

Moving on to desserts, we had the Tiramisu $15 (which I wished could have a stronger marsala/coffee taste), Lemon Tartlet $18 (acerbic lemon filling encased in a sweet torched meringue) and Panna Cotta $13.