Basil Pasta House in Kuchai Lama isn’t difficult to miss – with green fluorescent signage and large font, and décor that doesn’t quite scream Italian. But it’s always a full house, day and night. Friends have said good things about the place, citing “good value” and “hearty portions” as to why they keep going back.
Exterior
One Friday night, rif decided we ought to give this pasta house a try so we did. The place was chaotic with people chattering away over platefuls of pasta, oblivious to their surroundings. We got a table pretty quick since we were in a party of two but I reckon larger groups would have to wait longer for an available table.
Spaghetti Madras Curry & Crispy Pork Chop
Fusion pasta
The menu is extensive, comprising soups, starters, salads, pastas, mains and dessert. rif had the Spaghetti Madras Curry & Crispy Pork Chop (RM19.90), a solid portion of noodles tossed in Japanese curry ragu sauce and mushrooms, and topped with a piece of fried pork loin. Tasty enough, but too fusion for my liking.
Fettuccine & Parma Ham White Wine Truffle Cream Sauce
64°C omega egg
I liked my pasta dish better – fettuccine tossed in truffle cream sauce, mushroom, prosciutto and cheese, with a 64°C omega egg on top. This was rich but not over the top, with a good balance between cream and noodles. Considering the price tag (RM23.90), they were quite generous with the truffle pate.
White Clam & Saffron Shellfish Cream
Good portion
We also shared an appetizer of sauteed Japanese clams (RM17.90), which came with some breadsticks to mop up the saffron cream sauce. This was also pretty good value for money as you get a good amount of clams in the pot.
Pork meatball & tomato
Despite feeling rather satisfied, I got greedy and ordered another pasta to try – pork meatball & tomato (RM19.90). This “Italian-American” dish failed to wow as the flavours were a bit flat tasting and the meatballs although meaty, weren’t particularly memorable either.
A tad flat in taste
Noodles were a tad overdone so if you’re particular about texture, ask for yours to be cooked al dente. With all that said, I still think Basil Pasta House is a good place to try if you’re into hearty portions and unpretentious flavours. I just don’t think it’s a good place for quiet meals as you can’t quite hear what your other half is saying when they are running on full house. ;)
Bangsar Babe on Facebook Bangsar Babe on Instagram
Ambiance: 6/10
Price: 7.5/10
Food: 6.5/10 (non-halal)
Verdict: The pastas are value for money and portions, hearty. Worth checking out if you’re in the area.
Basil Pasta House
No.21, Jalan Kuchai Maju 6
Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park
58200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-7972 8884
(closed Monday)
Facebook Page