At first glance, Dr. Lim Zhi Han seems like the quintessential academic. With wire-rimmed glasses and a PhD in physics, he spent nearly two decades teaching students at the National University of Singapore. His courses ranged from astronomy to mathematics, and by all accounts, he was deeply invested in academia. Yet in late 2024, Lim shocked his colleagues and students by walking away from the lecture halls to pursue something entirely different: opening an Italian pasta restaurant.
His restaurant, aptly named 42 Pasta Is The Answer, is tucked away in Thomson Plaza. The 20-seat eatery is already drawing crowds for its unusual concept – serving just one handmade pasta dish each day, crafted entirely by Lim himself.
One Dish, Endless Possibilities
Unlike traditional Italian restaurants that offer extensive menus, Lim’s concept is radically simple. Each morning, he decides on a single pasta dish to serve that day. It could be delicate ravioli, silky tagliatelle, or lesser-known pastas like foglie d’ulivo. The sauces rotate too, ranging from creamy mushroom to pork ragu, and even fusion flavours such as miso butter.
This “one pasta a day” idea ensures that diners never quite know what to expect. Many return multiple times, curious about the next creation. Supporting dishes like bruschetta, roasted pork, and Basque cheesecake round out the menu, but pasta remains the star.
The Inspiration Behind the Leap
For Lim, the transition to cooking wasn’t entirely out of the blue. He had long been a passionate home cook, experimenting in the kitchen during his free time. What sparked his pasta obsession was stumbling upon Pasta Grannies, a YouTube channel that showcases traditional Italian nonnas rolling and shaping dough.
“I began making pasta at home about two years ago,” Lim shared. “Freshly made pasta is so varied – once you start, it feels like an entirely new world.”
With encouragement from his wife, Hwee Yee, he decided to take the plunge. She admits she was initially surprised by his decision, but fully supported his dream, on one condition: wait until their daughter had completed her PSLE exams. In November 2024, after investing around S$60,000, Lim officially opened the doors to his pasta restaurant.
Why “42 Pasta Is The Answer”?
The restaurant’s quirky name is a nod to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, where the number 42 is revealed as the answer to life, the universe, and everything. Lim, a fan of the book’s playful wit, found the reference fitting for his new venture.
“It’s fun, it’s geeky, and it captures the spirit of curiosity that I’ve always had,” he explained.
The Daily Rhythm of a One-Man Kitchen
Running the restaurant is no small feat. Lim wakes at dawn to visit the wet market for fresh ingredients before heading to Thomson Plaza to prepare the day’s pasta dough. His open kitchen allows diners to watch him roll out wide sheets of dough, cut shapes with Italian pasta tools, and plate each dish with care.
Some pastas are straightforward, but others, like Sardinian spizzulus, are so intricate that he has since retired them from the rotation. The physical demands of kneading and shaping dough daily have also taken a toll, prompting him to close two days a week instead of one, just to recover.
Despite the challenges, the restaurant has been profitable since its first month. While his current income is about half of what he earned as a lecturer, Lim says the trade-off is worth it.
Customers and Community Support
Former colleagues and even some of his students have visited the restaurant, curious about his bold career switch. Some have become regulars, appreciating the intimate dining experience and ever-changing menu.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. With just 20 seats, the restaurant often turns walk-in customers away, proof of its growing popularity.
Looking Ahead
Lim is pragmatic about the future. While the restaurant’s small size caps revenue potential, he believes the concept is sustainable. Each visit offers a different pasta experience, keeping diners engaged. His eventual goal is to hire additional staff so he can spend more time experimenting with new dishes and, perhaps, reclaiming a bit more family time.
Still, he has no regrets about leaving academia. “I miss the intellectual discussions sometimes,” he admitted, “but this is also a form of creativity. Each pasta shape and dish feels like an exploration.”
A Taste Worth Trying
For diners in Singapore, 42 Pasta Is The Answer offers more than just fresh pasta – it tells the story of passion, reinvention, and the courage to pursue a new path. Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast or simply curious about the concept, it’s worth making a reservation to see what Lim has on the menu that day.
42 Pasta Is The Answer
301 Upper Thomson Road, #01-43 Thomson Plaza, Singapore 574408
Open daily except Thursday and Sunday: 12pm–2pm, 6pm–8pm
