Nead Pasta started with a friendship that dates back over six years. Marcus, 21, and Mervyn, 31, met as teenagers. Their shared passion for food was a quality that eventually became the seed for their joint venture.
Marcus, fresh out of college and mulling over career options, was caught between the hotel and restaurant industries. In a moment of spontaneity, he asked Mervyn, “Hey, would you be interested in opening a pasta restaurant?”
To an outsider, Marcus’s question might seem impulsive, but it was based on knowing his friend’s strong culinary background and his own part-time stints in F&B restaurants.
Mervyn, a culinary graduate of KDU, had worked in Switzerland and gathered extensive experience in the F&B line, including a family business stint in Damansara and a passion project, Brochachos, that he ran during the pandemic.
For Mervyn, it was a no-brainer to partner with his long-time friend and take this chance on a shared dream.
Aiming to stand out in the heart of Subang Jaya
Situated in SS15, a neighbourhood renowned as a food haven for students, Nead Pasta had a challenge: how could they stand out among the competitive F&B spots that catered to the local crowd?
With competitors like Pasta Ohsem, Lloyd’s Pizza, and Good Friends Cafe, the team knew they had to carve out an identity for Nead Pasta.
Their answer? Authenticity and freshness. As Marcus explained, “What we try to do is serve as fresh as possible. Everything is made from scratch. The sauces, the seasonings for the chicken—all homemade, though we outsource the actual pasta due to cost.”
One of Nead Pasta’s core values is affordability, especially given its location in a student-centric neighbourhood. They aim to keep prices comparable to other spots in SS15 while still offering a quality product, which means customers can get a plate of pasta for under RM20.
Unlike the typical cream-based “carbonaras” or jarred bolognese found at many local eateries, Nead Pasta’s dishes are homemade and prepared with traditional methods, claimed the founders.
“Our mission is to make good pasta accessible to students,” says Marcus. “We don’t believe in cutting corners. We want students to enjoy real, fresh ingredients without breaking the bank.”
Starting up from scratch
Opening a restaurant in Subang is no easy feat, especially under the meticulous licensing process of the local MPSJ authorities.
For Marcus and Mervyn, the months before Nead Pasta’s official opening were gruelling. “The hardest part was starting up in Subang. You’re renting a space, pouring in money, but earning nothing until all the permits and licences are cleared,” Marcus recalled.
Yet Marcus and Mervyn embraced the challenge, treating every setback as an opportunity to learn and grow.
From the get-go, Marcus and Mervyn were committed to making Nead Pasta accessible to everyone, and they consciously sourced all ingredients from halal suppliers.
However, they faced one notable challenge: the popular mentaiko pasta. The fish roe used in the dish is technically halal, but they could only source it from vendors who also sell alcohol, creating a “grey area”.
While not yet certified halal, Nead Pasta maintains a high standard, ensuring that 99% of its ingredients meet halal requirements.
“We’re committed to making our food accessible to everyone, and we’re working towards that certification. It’s part of our journey,” said Marcus.
Big dreams in a small space
The co-founders shared that Nead Pasta’s startup capital, ranging between RM60,000 and RM70,000, came from the duo’s personal savings.
They opened a cosy space with only six seats, resembling more of a pasta bar than a full-fledged restaurant. Despite the compact size of their current space, Nead Pasta is steadily gaining traction, said the founders.
The intimate setup has allowed Marcus and Mervyn to form close relationships with their patrons. “We’ve got big plans,” said Marcus with a smile. “We’re looking at expanding the space and eventually taking over the entire lot by the end of next year.”
Their ambitions don’t stop there. The Nead Pasta team is also eyeing the retail market, with plans to sell their sauces in major retail outlets.
- You can learn more about Nead Pasta here.
- Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.
Featured Image Credit: Nead Pasta