Basic Theory in Kuala Lumpur
Italian classics have always been the backbone of local cafe offerings – you’re guaranteed to find some sort of pasta or Italian loaf on the menu. But the Italian-food-obsessed will tell you about secret hideouts with pared-down menus focusing on made-from-scratch pasta dishes.
That’s Basic Theory for those in the Old Klang Road area. The cafe has reasonably priced handmade ravioli as the centrepiece of its menu – diners can mix and match ravioli fillings and sauce bases, and order Italian fusion sides and wines to pair the pasta with.
A cosy hideout in Old Klang Road
While the web often looks down on being basic, embracing the basics can mean nailing the fundamentals without the frills. The self-professed Basic Theory does this well.
Image credit: @vnic__ via Instagram
The cafe’s dining area is homey, with minimal decor for intimate brunches.
There are just over 10 tables to accommodate diners in its cosy space, including arrangements for groups of 4-6 that may require pulling up a chair and making it work. But that’s part of the charm of this laidback spot, which feels like stepping into a friend’s well-decorated home for a catch-up over a meal.
Image adapted from: @yvonnesoo via Instagram
Handmade ravioli with different pairings
The basic ethos extends to Basic Theory’s food, with a menu comprising handmade ravioli as a main and just a handful of sharing plates and drinks as sides.
Ravioli
Your ravioli order will begin with picking a filling: Beef, Tuna Cheese and Leek, Spinach Ricotta, or Mushroom Sea Prawn. Then comes your choice of base, which will determine your bill.
There are seven base options, from Italian classics such as Yolk Carbonara (RM23), Aglio e olio (RM25), and Basil Pesto Genovese (RM25), to more unique ones like Seaweed Sichuan Mala (RM24) and Chimichurri & Roasted Bell Pepper (RM26).
Beef with Yolk Carbonara and Mushroom Sea Prawn with Aglio e olio are combinations that are hard to go wrong with. Each plate comes with 10 well-salted ravioli encasing a teaspoon-sized filling, which packs the flavours promised in their no-fuss menu names.
Sides, drinks, and desserts
Beyond sauce pairings, you can pair the ravioli dishes with coffee, wine by the glass or bottle, ferments, or curated drinks. The curated menu comprises housemade combinations like matcha cultured milk with green apple and honey water with fruits and herbs.
Image adapted from: @fanny_ho3021 via Instagram
As for sides and sharing plates, some Italian-focused ones include the perfectly crisp Focaccia with Smoked Salmon (RM21) and mushroom-rich Basic Mushroom Soup (RM16). Leave room for some desserts, as the Sea Salt Brownie (RM13) or Basic Tiramisu (RM13) are flavour-forward and worth every calorie.
Image adapted from: Janet, @vnic__ via Instagram
How to get to Basic Theory
Most patrons would call the cafe a hidden gem. Find a parking lot beyond the reserved ones in Millerz Square, walk past the quiet boutiques in a labyrinth-like hallway in its retail area, and you’ll find Basic Theory near a dead-end corridor.
The drive and walk will be worth it. The cafe’s pared-down menu items may sound simple on paper, but the flavours are spot-on.
Address: 01-13 Millerz Square, Old Klang Road, 58000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 8am-9pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: Basic Theory Instagram
For more food recommendations, read:
- New cafes and restaurants in Klang Valley
- La Spiga Doro, authentic Italian sandwiches
- GIOIA, freshly churned gelato shop in Petaling Street
Cover image adapted from: @vnic__ via Instagram, Janet