SINGAPORE – For those seeking the ultimate comfort food experience, look no further than the flourishing home-based pizzerias popping up across Singapore.

Among them is Mr. Dax Chew, a former visual effects supervisor for blockbuster hits like Avengers: Endgame and Black Panther, who has pivoted from crafting Hollywood landscapes to delicious pizzas.

After being retrenched during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dax teamed up with his brother Arnold Tay to launch Long Weekend Pizza in early 2023. They are now serving nearly 200 artisan pizzas each day from a bespoke pizza oven crafted by Arnold in their Marine Parade backyard. Each pizza, priced between $17 and $23, is a testament to their hard work and passion.

Home-based businesses like theirs are reshaping Singapore’s culinary landscape, as they cater to the surging demand for Italian cuisine. Dax and Arnold focus on takeaway due to limited seating, but they create a unique thriving environment where the community can come together while savoring delicious meals. Dax mentions, “It’s a different kind of excitement and satisfaction. Here, I get to see the happiness on people’s faces when they receive their pizza.”

Pizza Lovers, This is Your Scene!

The pizza scene isn’t just theoretical; married couple David Shen and Sheralyn Tay are also leading the charge from their cozy Yishun flat. On weekends, they host private dinner parties featuring special eight-pizza meals for six, or 12 for a group of ten, charging $100 per person. David ensures that the pizzas are served at peak freshness—ideally two minutes after coming out of the oven—to achieve the perfect crunch.

Notably, the couple emphasizes the need for high-quality ingredients and a custom approach. Each pizza not only echoes their travels but also reflects flavors from friends, making their offerings all the more innovative.

In a similar vein, chef Antonio Miscellaneo of Italian restaurants Casa Vostra and La Bottega Enoteca champions the notion that pizzas must be enjoyed immediately after baking. This philosophy ensures that flavors peak when shared with family and friends. With two established restaurants now, he has transitioned away from the home dining format to create more substantial culinary experiences.

Spotlight on New Names in Pizza

Let’s not forget Wala Pizza, an omakase-style pizza venture by Ms. Jenna Ding, which offers an intriguing culinary journey with elaborate toppings and signature Canotto-style pizzas. This venture, difficult to book and known for its exclusivity, caters to a limited number of guests each month, further proving how Singaporeans are craving a unique dining experience.

What makes these home-based pizzerias so attractive? They tap into the nostalgia of home-cooked meals while elevating pizza to new culinary heights. Each establishment showcases the personal storytelling and creativity that chefs bring from their own kitchens, forming a connection with diners that conventional restaurants may lack.

As these home-based pizzerias continue to thrive, they not only feed an appetite for great food but also cultivate a sense of community, making dining experiences infinitely more personal. If you haven't tried these spots yet, prepare your taste buds for an adventure like no other.

Curious about the home-based culinary trend in Singapore?

Stay tuned for more exciting insights in our upcoming series on home-based cafes!