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Discovering Rasa Ria: A Hidden Gem in Kalamazoo
If you find yourself wandering the streets of Kalamazoo, make sure to carve out time for a visit to Rasa Ria, an inviting establishment nestled at 1921 W Main St. This cozy, family-owned eatery combines the warmth of home-cooked meals with the vibrant flavors of Malaysian and Asian cuisines, serving as an ideal backdrop for a casual dining experience or a quick takeout option.
Rasa Ria is all about accessibility and comfort. The inviting atmosphere features outdoor seating, waiter service, and accommodating amenities like free Wi-Fi and gender-neutral restrooms, making it perfect for groups of friends or families with kids. With options for takeout, delivery, and even catering, Rasa Ria is flexible to meet your dining needs, whether you're settling in for a leisurely lunch or grabbing a delicious dinner to-go.
Menu Highlights
Reviews from patrons, like Kelly H. and Jeremy B., glow with appreciation for Rasa Ria's authentic flavors and friendly service. Many note that the food is generously portioned, often yielding enough for a satisfying second meal. Customers rave about the special chili chicken—a standout dish that melds spices and textures harmoniously, reaffirming Rasa Ria as a valid competitor against culinary offerings in larger cities.
Sarah _.'s experience echoes this sentiment, as she describes the soup and chili chicken as "spectacular," a reminder that great food often emanates from humble surrounds. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that transcends the ordinary. As you engage with the staff, you feel the love and passion that goes into every dish—making it not just about food, but also about connection and community.
Overall, Rasa Ria offers more than a meal; it provides an unforgettable culinary journey, right in the heart of Kalamazoo. The commitment to quality and authenticity shines through in every bite, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking flavorful, comforting fare in a relaxed environment. So, take a break from the everyday hustle, gather a group, and treat your palate to the delightful offerings at this hidden gem. You won’t be disappointed!
“ It's a very small spot to eat, though there's always been enough room as lots of folks get taken out. Love the roti canai with chicken curry, butter chicken, rendang - all good stuff. Service is straightforward, not about the small talk. Friendly enough and the meals are like two portions each. ”
“ This place is the epitome of a hole in the wall. Very small, very friendly family owned establishment. I ordered the Mi Siam, which were clear spicy noodles, shrimp, and an egg on top. The food was delicious and the staff was very friendly. Highly recommended, especially if you want something different. ”
“ Absolutely Amazing. Mouth and tummy still happy after Perfectly seasoned dishes. Special Chili Chicken was incredible. Full of flavor and spiced w heat but still able to taste each element. Soup. Fried rice. On and on. All Perfect. Service is spectacular and so friendly. Don't miss this place! ”
“ The reviews of this place are correct! The soup was spectacular and the chili chicken and fried rice were delicious too. It was so good we ordered seconds to go. It looks like they do mostly a take out business, but there are a few dine in tables. I'm always skeptical of Asian cuisines out of large cities, but as a foodie, this place could compete with anything in Chicago or Detroit. Fantastic people! Fantastic Food! ”
“ This is one of the best places in Kalamazoo. We try to go there at least once a month if not more. So delicious! ”
“ A friend told me about this place and I am so glad he did! The food is delicious and reasonably priced. Their selections are broad and their service--excellent! Tiny area for those who want to eat in, with a real international flavor! ”
“ We tried Rasa Ria for the first time today and it was delicious. We tried Fried Kway Teow, Beef Rendang, and some curry puffs (they were out of the roti). I've never had Malaysian food before but it felt "homemade" in the best way possible. Comforting and full of flavor. I'm already excited to eat there again to try their roti and some other dishes that stood out. Everyone said this place is a hidden gem and they were right! Yum! ”
“ Authentic food served and prepared by people who seem to really care about their cultural food. The menu is fairly small, but each entree appears to be thought out by the creator. I've eaten here a couple of times and have not been disappointed whatsoever. The trouble here is that the place is very small and cheaply done, despite the fact that the food is fantastic. The lack of ambiance is a turn off to those seeking an "experience". ”
“ So many businesses are no longer open for weekday lunch in the post-pandemic landscape, so we were thrilled to find out that Rasa Ris is still serving lunch on weekdays. The prices are very fair-- most lunch entrees run between $6 and $8 and include a substantial portion of rice. You can add a curry puff, which I highly recommend, and a tip and still walk out the door at right around $10. The flavors in all the dishes here are absolutely magical, and the quality of the vegetables and meat is much higher than many of the fast casual Asian food options in the area. I have a feeling I will wind up trying everything on the menu since everything I've had has been exceptional so far. The lemon chicken wasn't as deep fried as I expected, but the sauce was a stand out. ”