Review: Standing Theory at SS2 PJ Petaling Jaya

Standing Theory could be the coffee bar that sets the bar formidably high; this is one of 2013’s most outstanding new cafes, sitting pretty on a relatively less-traversed commercial row in SS2.

What sets Standing Theory apart is the sum of its parts: It’s built by people for whom passion, creativity and craftsmanship represent the beating heart of their business, not mere catchphrases.

They include Perng, a Malaysian who came home after five years in Melbourne and founded the Flightless Mule coffee roasters. His collaborators at Standing Theory comprise two partners, plus at least two of the Klang Valley’s most respected baristas, one recognizable by his penchant for bandanas and the other perhaps known for his scientific perspective on coffee.

V.D. Roll

Standing Theory takes a risk, being the rare coffee specialist that serves pork; it pays off; the current house specialty’s a “V.D. Roll” sandwich evocative of banh mi, with a house-made pork patty tinged with cili padi (the meat hails from a butcher down the road), pork liver pate and fresh, crisp veggies in even-fresher, crunchy bread.

The soft-launch menu is compact; tantalizing prospects for future months include painstakingly cured bacon partnered with Belgian waffles and Fatbaby cornflakes ice cream, or potentially with sweet potato croquettes and feta cheese.

Chili Con Carne with Corn Bread

For now, seekers of soul food can rest easy here and relish hot, hearty bowls of chili con carne with corn bread.

BBC Waffles

March 2014 Update: Popular additions to the menu include the tasty BBC Waffle (made with Standing Theory’s own batter), featuring crispy house-cured bacon, bananas and cornflake ice cream by Fatbaby.

Bovril Noodles with Meatloaf

A lunch special this year: Bovril noodles with meatloaf. Simple but satisfying, in a home-cooked fashion.

Coffee

Next, the coffee: The cafe’s name underscores an ambition to challenge the standing theories on how coffee can be roasted, brewed and served for maximum satisfaction, exploring everything from temperatures to methodologies and more.

It’s a basic setup right now; what’s to come includes nitrogen-imbued cold brew coffee, reputedly smoother and maltier. For more fun facts, try interrogating Standing Theory’s owner or baristas about why the beverage you’re sipping might have been enhanced with a tiny drop of magnesium.

Like an increasing number of coffee bars, Standing Theory is ecologically and ethically conscious, sourcing beans (such as West Javan organic arabica) through channels that benefit indigenous farming communities.

Ristretto

The ristretto? Enjoyably deep yet clean-tasting.

Flat White

Can’t fault the flat white either, creamy and not-too-steamy (won’t scorch our tongues!).

Cold Brew on the Rocks

March 2014 Update: Cold brew on the rocks.

Cakes

And of course, there are cakes, colossally big ones baked by the ironically named Little Tee Cakes, a Shah Alam-based two-sister enterprise.

Peanut butter chocolate is the most popular bet, satisfyingly rich. Carrot walnut and choc hazelnut look insanely tempting too, but try ordering only one first to share.

Final Thoughts

Food prices are kept low, with nothing breaching the RM20 mark.

The friendly vibe at Standing Theory extends to an effort to foster positive ties with various cafes; soon, coffee fans can obtain loyalty cards to use collectively at outlets such as Standing Theory, The Brew Culture, Butter + Beans, Epiphany and Rekindle Cafe.

Location and Operating Hours

Standing Theory

Jalan SS2/103, Petaling Jaya

Tues-Sun, 11am-11pm

View Standing Theory’s directory page here.

What are your thoughts about Standing Theory? Post a thought in the comments below.