I tried Rasa Ria for the first time today. Overall, I was pretty pleased with my experience. However, it's clear that this restaurant relies on the food (not the service) to keep customers coming back, which is fine with me. My food was ready in a timely manner, but the staff just wasn't particularly friendly. I ordered the Sup Asam Pedas and the Chicken Nasi Goreng to-go. I'm not well-versed in Indonesian food, but I enjoyed both of the items I ordered, especially the Sup. It was a fantastic combination of sweet and spicy, unlike anything I've had before. The Nasi Goreng was good, but it wasn't much different from any fried rice I've had before. Food: 8/10 Service: 4/10 Atmosphere: 5/10 Value: 9/10 The bottom line: Unique, tasty food for cheap. You won't easily find anything else like this in West Michigan.
(4)
Meraki G.
Good food with a menu that's unique to the area. Some dishes are better than others and service can be inconsistent. Beef rendang and roti with chicken gravy are fantastic.
(4)
D K.
Kalamazoo seems to be a place where they might only have one restaurant representing a certain type of cuisine, but that one place is excellent. Rasa Ria is a great example of this. Sitting quietly on West Main St. beneath a fading sign that conceded long ago to the passage of time, this place has been serving up delicious Indonesian and Malaysian food for a good many years. It's a tiny place, with only a few tables. Many people get their food to take out. It's run by a husband and wife, and you'll often see one of their boys sitting behind the cash register. Although some of the food have been slightly varied to appease the local palate, most of the dishes have kept enough of its original character to be called authentic without a wink. Examples of this would include one of their fried rice dishes that has coconut milk and anchovies in it (Nasi Lemak) and their spicy house-made chili paste (Sambal) which are both fantastic. Some of their many dishes that I feel are worth pointing out: Roti Canai: A thick pancake accompanied by a curry sauce, this is a great appetizer. There's often curry leftover so I always order an additional pancake to soak up all the delicious sauce. Kerupuk: Not on the menu, these are thick-cut, sort of like chips, crisps really. Light and airy with a great crunch, they can be a variety of flavors (shrimp, garlic, etc.). Different ones are available each day. They are deep fried to order and are great to dip in their house-made Sambal. Rendang: This Indonesian dish is a real treat and very popular. People have their favorites, whether it's beef, chicken or tofu. It takes hours to prepare but the end product is amazing: the Rendang has a very complex flavor which is soaked up by the protein and potatoes. One great thing about this dish: any leftovers taste even better later! Nasi Lemak: This fried rice dish, which I mentioned earlier, is very unique with a rich, savory & sweet flavor and myriad textures made from coconut milk, hard-boiled eggs, cucumber, peanuts and anchovies. Nasi Goreng Corned-Beef: Another great fried rice dish. I always ask for it to be topped with a (optional) fried egg. It can be prepared with either savory or sweet soy sauce. (I like the sweet!) Ayan Goreng Mentega: AKA Butter-Fried Chicken. An astounding dish made with skinless chicken chunks that's fried crispy in butter and sweet soy sauce. This is one of those lick-the-plate clean kind of dishes. They offer this dish at local festivals (like A Taste of Kalamazoo), but I would suggest trying it here first where the crispiness of the chicken is not lost as it is brought straight from the kitchen to the table. A note about festivals: because Rasa Ria is entirely family-run, they close when they participate in festivals, especially during the fall and summer months. If you're making a special trip, be sure to call ahead to ensure that they are open.
(5)
Linda K.
I would give it 5 stars but the kid/son at the front is rude! We drove from Grand Rapids an hour to get there we got there a little before 7 and he looked at his watch as if to say it's too late to seat you. (it closes at 8) When he took our order he was short and as much as we tried to make it pleasant he was just rude. While we waited for our food 2 parties of 2 were turned away because he said it was too late. (7:15) then another guy came in with his daughter and wanted to place an order to go, the kid tried that on him and the guy asked to speak to his mother. I assume she is the owner/cook. She had no problem with it. The food was fantastic the service was not. They probably would do a booming business if the kid wasn't there.
(4)
Peter Z.
Rasa Ria really doesn't need yet another five-star review, but that's all I can give them. Kalamazoo is lucky to have a restaurant this interesting in town. I'm not ashamed to say that almost all exposure I've had to Malaysian and Indonesian cuisines has been through Rasa Ria, but if their food is any example, those cuisines can claim me as a fan. Yes, it's a bit of a dive, and that suits me just fine. On weekdays at lunch the dining room is full of local professionals. During dinner it's full of college students. The Beef Rendang here is, for my money, the best beef dish in down. Full of spices (you'll find whole cloves, cardamom pods, star anise, and chunks of stick cinnamon) and packing a moderately peppery punch, this dish is magnificent. I've only had their fish curry (only available as a special) once, but I keep hoping I'll find it again. Their Chicken Curry and Curry Puffs are great. And the Fried Kway Teow. And the Tofu Rendang. Oh, and the Chili Chicken Thursday special! Hot as blazes, and outrageously good. If you've never eaten here or never had Malaysian food, start today. Start now.
(5)
Jake G.
It is a hole in the wall, just a few tables but comfortable enough. Many people (who are possibly more qualified to comment on food quality) say it's bland, over sweet, etc. As a young, uncultured American, I love the food. Chicken, beef, noodles, whatever your Asian preference is, they can probably cover it. Service is cold, quiet, and somewhat inattentive. I don't go there for service, rather I go there for inexpensive, warm meals. (Besides, it's my girlfriend's FAVORITE)
(5)
Joe L.
Used to love coming here but the Rendang isn't as good as it used to be. Plus, you used to get more of it and it had more coconut milk and sauce. It was kind of dry this time. The Satay was very good though.
(3)
Stefanie N.
I love supporting family owned restaurants. Great little hole in the wall mom and pop Malaysian food joint. You don't go to this place for their 'ambiance' so really, the star is the food here. Cheap prices, too. Order the beef mee goreng (ask for the fried egg on top, too).
(4)
Chris L.
This restaurant has a pretty authentic Malaysian and Indonesian fare. Although quite small (seats at most 15 people) it caters to the many Malaysians and Singaporeans in the area. Portions are large and tasty. I recommend the Nasi Kampung, Ayam Masak Merah and Nasi Lemak, and any desert that they may still have when you call.
(5)
Juliette J.
Having grown up in Singapore, I was excited to have some of the hometown flavors. The roti canai did not disappoint, although I have to wonder if they are homemade or of the frozen variety. The dipping sauce choices were chicken curry and dal, of which I tried both. The chicken curry was delicious (I've got to figure out how to make this stuff someday). The dal was okay, not much flavor. We had the satay plate, 6 skewers of chicken and beef. Cut a bit thicker than I'm used to, the flavor was great, especially on the chicken ones. The peanut sauce was a real disappointment, however. Runny and without much flavor, I ended up not using it at all. We also had a plate of the mee goreng. I don't often order this, and I was surprised that it was so loaded with soy sauce. I was expecting something a bit more light and yummy, but I can't be a real judge of it's authenticity as I think it's the first time I've ordered it anywhere. The place is small, but I love that. The service was good and the prices were fair. I would go back if I lived in the area, if only to try the tofu rendang that everyone else is raving about.
(3)
Theresa O.
Ugh how I long for food from the motherland. There are only a handful of actual Malaysian restaurants in Michigan, this is one of them. A tiny, bare bones restaurant run by a surly yet efficient family, the food hits the spot. I wish they had some of my favorites like Assam laksa and Kari mee, but this will have to do. The frothy Tea tastes like home with a little milo in it, and the Assam pedas noodle soup was quite tasty. The curry for the roti canai was delicious but I suspect they don't make their own roti. Can't blame them though.. have you ever youtubed that?! It looks impossible.
(5)
Zach G.
Authentic Malaysian food! Tasted very much like a lot of the food I had in Malaysia and Singapore. The food was pretty good, but best of all, they had Teh-Terik! I suggest going there just to try that at least! The food was good but the service was iffy.
(3)
Mubi K.
It's been more than a couple of years since we've been coming to Rasa Ria and the food has always been great. It's a small family owned business and the husband and wife are very nice. The food is always tasty, some days more than others. I always order the Rasa Ria special fried rice and make sure it's spicy :) the only thing that kinda disappoints me is the shrimps aren't deveined. .. Small thing but still disappointing. Other than that it's yummy food, that's why we keep going back :)
(4)
Andrea J.
I love this tiny little place! their hours are terrible (close at 8:30 at night??) the only thing smaller than the parking lot is their dining room, the interior of the place is super cheap looking, the service is so-so, but the food is seriously the best ethnic food I have ever had in my life. it is worth an early dinner, it is worth being very intimate with the rest of the people dining there, it is worth risking iffy service. Their curry puffs? addictive. their Gado Gado (cooked salad with peanut sauce and fried egg) to die for! everything I've had there has been better than the last dish I ordered. this is quite literally a classic mom & pop place, with their kids occasionally acting as waiters (and usually playing WoW, skateboarding, or studying), and Mom hollering at Dad who is back in the kitchen balancing a half dozen woks. the dynamic itself makes Rasa Ria worth going to. servings are large and prices are very reasonable. even if the doubled the prices, it would still be a very good value. really, if you are anywhere near Kalamazoo, you need to go to Rasa Ria.
(5)
J K.
Total hole-in-the-wall, great food. Don't let the sketchy exterior and sticky tables dissuade you, the Malaysian food here is worth a visit. Several visits. In particular, the curries, mee goreng, and beef rendang were flavorful and satisfying. The curry puffs are fantastic appetizers. Portions are decent and prices are reasonable. Definitely a Mom & Pop operation, I think our server was a son of the family and was doing homework when not taking our order or working the register. Service was friendly and prompt. Who would've thought there'd be a place for great Malaysian food in Kalamazoo?
(5)
Jeff B.
This is hands down the most flavorful food I have found in the area. Whenever I visit my family Kalamazoo, I make a point of ordering food from here. The portions are large. The dishes fresh. And the prices low. The quality is consistent with the better Malaysian restaurants in Chinatown back home in New York, which is better than I can say for the handful of Chinese restaurants I have tried in K-town. Notes: The tofu rendang is outstanding, and the curries all have a healthy bite of spice. The seating options are limited and the interior of Rasa has the aesthetic of a DMV.
(5)
Matthew W.
Hole-in-the-wall but exceptionally friendly atmosphere. Cheap and great food!
(5)
Natalie C.
Rasa Ria is, hands down, my favorite restaurant in all of Kalamazoo. Every time I come home, I make sure to eat here at least twice. It's a wonderful little mom and pop hole in the wall--the family that runs it is really nice. If you're visiting around a major holiday be sure to double check to make sure they'll be open, because they do close for most holidays. Otherwise, you might end up heartbroken and Tofu Rendang-less. The Tofu Rendang is my favorite dish. It's just delicious. But, honestly, everything I've tried here has been delicious. The rice and noodle dishes are decadent, as are the desserts. I've been to plenty of Malay places in NYC, but Rasa Ria is still my favorite. Try something new, eat here, you won't regret it!
(5)
Jim T.
Showed up here to eat during business hours. Sign on door says "closed gone to K-Central Graduation"? Ate you a Professional business. Or what?
(1)
Harry B.
What makes a restaurant one star. For some... its the food. For others the dining experience. For Rasa Ria, its the blatant disregard for the customer. My wife, son (who are Malaysian citizens) and I traveled from the Detroit area to Kalamazoo with the EXPRESS PURPOSE of dining on authentic Malaysian food. We had the misfortune (the first visit) of arriving during a downtown festival. After paying an exorbitant entry fee, we found the Rasa Ria booth, and got might be the equivalent of Malaysian "junk food". Thinking that no booth is going to properly showcase a restaurant's food, we returned to their establishment the following day. I guess they decided they had worked too hard the day before and took an unscheduled day off. We tried it again the next year. They were open this time, but with a truncated menu in support of the "Malaysian Games" (a college sporting event). The Beef Rendang was overly sweet, the Chicken Curry bland. Nasi Lamak was good, but the Roti Canai was just frozen rounds that you can but at any Indian grocer and have at home. The Nasi Goreng Kampung was ok but the anchovies were not properly cleaned (think of gritty shrimp intestines to know what we mean). All in all the food was 'good ennough" for us to give it another go, and the staff told us they would be open the next day (Sunday) with the same menu for the "Malaysian Games". When we returned for lunch, a crudely lettered sign said "Closed for catering". There's a 40 minute round trip (from our hotel) for absolutely nothing ! What is the value of a restaurant that is closed 50% of the times they say they will be open ??? The one star is because I cannot give them less, and to counter those reviews who said they gave five because they could not give them more. Caveat Empteur !
(1)
Justin O.
Rasa Ria recieves four stars for being a small family owned food haven for foodies inspired to eat malaysian-indoneasian food. RAH(SAH) is foreign cuisine touched by a honest couple who enjoys introducing Kalamazoo to new flavors and great food at a super reasonable price. The place is small- and in the off times .....seems more like your friends moms' living room rather than a place you should trust to cook you safe spicy calamari and tip on top of it! They are more nice than professional, and more cooks than they are great hostess and waiters. I'm new to the area, but it reminds me of the staple go to place, you feel proud the people know your name. You feel like your in the "in". If there is more than 20 people interested in Rasa Ria at the same time, then... you are not in the in, your are outside...the place is small! It's close to Tiffany's wine shop. I reccomend you order a few courses (TOGO) sample everything (why not) and grab a bottle of wine from T's and enjoy a great evening of takeout!
(4)
Cullen S.
Delicious food, charming hole in the wall. The place only seats like 10 people though so be prepared.
(4)
Jared S.
I found out about this place about 4 years ago, through a friend, and I am still amazed at the number of people in Kalamazoo who never had any idea this restaurant even existed. Every time I introduce a new person to Rasa Ria, they leave the restaurant quite pleased. My favorites tend to be on the Indonesian menu (Bakmi Goreng Java, Ayam Goreng Mantega, Tofu Rendang, Stuffed Tofu), but there's plenty of other good stuff (Mi Sup Asam Pedas, Tofu Curry are a couple). Every time I go, I have an incredibly hard time figuring out what I want to get. The atmosphere is quite relaxed, and the owners even recognize me when I come in. Maybe not so great for groups, but if it's empty, it's not too bad. Last time I was there was with a group of 6, and we had no problems. If you live in Kalamazoo, or maybe you're just visiting, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE check this place out! You won't be disappointed!!
(5)
Kent T.
The food was really good but the service disappointed us. We ordered a mild beef curry and a hot tofu curry but they mixed that up, giving us hot beef curry and mild tofu curry. I mean how could you miss that, we explicitly told them what we wanted and still they messed it up. The cashier guy had this unfriendly attitude and was very terse, i thought he did not want us at his restaurant. Also, there were four of us and there were two four-people tables but there were couples occupying them. I thought they would ask one of the couples to move to another table, since they had just sit down and had not ordered. But still, the waiter did make any attempt to find a table for us, he just said "we are packed" and carried on, not even a "sorry" was said. We feel dissappointed because Rasa ria is one of the highest-rated restaurants in town yet we did not feel like it. Nevertheless, the food tasted great but the service could have been better.
(2)
Joe V.
This is da bomb. Run by a lovely family who serve basic indonesian food. In a strip mall in Kalamazoo! The spice level is perfect, and can go hotter if you ask. Your waiter takes a break to go skateboarding around the parking lot in good weather. The food is served on styrofoam or plastic plates, I think. The furnishings are spare: Picture of royal family? Yes. Standard issue Chinese restaurant chairs? Got em. Help yourself to a coke from the see-through fridge. the place is so small, from two tables you can just reach over and get one. But don't bother. they have other odd beverages you should try. Can't remember the name of the hot tea drink, but it's yummy. Here are the caveats. Presentation is nil. No refills on drinks. Skateboarding. Here's why you should go. the food is prepared with love, and if you're feeling REALLY casual, this place is like a slice of LA in Kalamazoo. Thank you for being here! The Main Street Strip in Kalamazoo Township is so loopy.
(4)
Jackie N.
You have to try the Butter Fried Chicken. I had never tried Indonesian/Malaysian food before and this has become my favorite dish EVER. (and I come from Houston where Asian restaurants are plentiful) It's made with white chunks of chicken breast and fried until the edges are crisp ( I believe there caramelized onions too) and it's all drowned in the most delicious brown sauce which I think is made w/ sweet Indonesian soy sauce. I get this dish every time I go there, it is amazingly good!! 8/09 Edit: I'm sad to say that there definitely have been changes in the quality of the food. First it was the shrimp curry we loved and used to order weekly. We kept faithfully ordering it for take out hoping they would change the recipe back, but no luck. At least I still had my old favorite Butter Fried Chicken to fall back on. But the last time I went, they've also changed that. It was also so incredibly dry. I just don't know what happened to their quality & why they changed their recipes... Reducing my rating from 5 stars to 3. I'd say it's just an average Asian restaurant now. Nothing I would drive out of my way for anymore.
(3)
ivy l.
Love, love this place. A diamond hidden away in this tiny little place. Looks like kind of a dive, but the Indonesian is authentic and delicious, the people are pretty nice, not overly friendly, the the desserts will shock your eyes then please your tongue. The hours stink, but it's worth it to find out when they are open!
(4)
Leah B.
So so soooooo good! Big portions, AMAZING food. Not too salty, tastes authentic. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Matt G.
Rasa Ria is, so far, the only Indonesian/Malaysian restaurant I've found in western or central Michigan. That being said, I absolutely love the food at Rasa Ria. I've tried a number of their dishes and have yet to be disappointed. The teh tarik is delicious, and the appetizers are good and cheap. In fact, the prices are quite low considering the quality and tastiness of the food. The ayam goreng mentega is my favorite, followed by the nasi lemak and nasi goreng. Their desserts are also very good, and my favorites are based on sticky rice and coconut. I highly recommend this restaurant, but not for groups. They have very few tables, and ordering take-out is perhaps the best option. Nevertheless, the family that runs the place is very friendly. Amazingly, they remembered me after not having gone there for over a year! Another thing to note is that their hours are not always to be trusted; sometimes they're closed when their hours say they should be open. Still, if you're in Kalamazoo and you want to try something different, please try Rasa Ria.
(5)
Elwood S.
If you're looking for authentic Malaysian/Indonesian food without the flair--this is it. Everytime we visit Kalamazoo we make it a point to visit this cozy family run restaurant, and sometimes we make the trip here just for the food. So far everything we've tried has been a hit. I would strongly recommend this to family and friends who know what good authentic Malaysian/Indonesian food tastes like.
(5)
Michael J.
GO ON THURSDAY! The Chili Chicken Thursday special is amazing..chucks of white meat chicken in this chili paste/oil sauce, it's pretty hot, but the heat level can be a little inconsistent...something between very hot and OMFG hot...but it's always good. As far as the rest of the menu...not sure...no real personal experience to speak of. I have been with other people (always on Thursdays). They order things other than Chili Chicken, which in my opinion is silly, but they seem to like it. I have called for carry out (on a Thursday) only to find out that they were completely sold out of Chili Chicken...I faked a bad connection and hung up. I called back earlier the next week (on Thursday) and was able to score a double order to make up for the missing week. Seriously, go on Thursday...or maybe don't...not too sure what I would do if I went there to eat in and they were out...maybe fake an emergency...or...order Daging Masak Kicap...it looks pretty awesome. By the way...remember you are going here for the food...not the atmosphere.
(5)
J R.
This place is nestled in on West Main, it's totally easy to pass by. While the customer service isn't five stars, they were helpful. This was my first time ordering Malaysian Cuisine, so they helped me with the menu and offered their opinion. I ordered the Beef Curry, which was a perfect mix of delicious with a little kick of spivey. The Bakmi Goreng Java was also delicious, and something my kids would totally eat. Overall this place is a little hidden gem! I look forward to going back!
(4)
Joanna F.
I wrote this review with a heavy heart because I had heard of this place for so long and FINALLY had the chance to come for dinner. So let's start with customer service, I wasn't expecting red carpet treatment but just a greeting or something, instead there was this guy just sitting down with an earphone on the counter. When he saw us coming, he had this annoyed look and said, "For here or to go?" Ordered the curry puff, roti canai w curry, fried shrimp, nasi lemak and butter chicken. Roti was a bit thick, but everything was pretty much good and definitely tasted like home. BUT...nasi lemak = coconut rice with accompaniments. I tasted ZERO coconut and I should know because I grew up eating coconut rice. When I told the waiter that they had served me regular rice, he said, "Oh no that's coconut rice, coconut milk is white..." with this Duh looking face...I didn't want to make a scene so I just let it go. Apparently he's the owner's son. I feel bad for this guy because I know how it is to have a job that you absolutely hate...he looked it and he acted it. Hopefully he'll find something else soon or he would grow up... Bottom line for me...good food and it was definitely good to have eaten food that I grew up with, but I wouldn't make a special trip to this place. Sad but true...
(3)
Kelsey H.
I moved away from Kalamazoo a few years ago to a city with a MUCH wider array of cuisines... and I still miss Rasa Ria constantly. It's such a unique find in a town like Kzoo, which is frankly not high on the list for cities with good food diversity. If you're expecting eat-in luxury it's NOT the place to go, but for takeout or for amazing food while being "waited" on by the owner's surly teenage sons, it's fantastic. The food is delicious, with deft spicing and great flavor. My favorites were the Bakmi Goreng Java and the chicken rendang. And make sure you get some curry puffs. If you haven't been here you are missing out on some of the best and most unique cuisine that Kalamazoo - or, hell, any Midwest college town -- has to offer.
(5)
Kellee K.
We tried this place for lunch, based on reviews off Yelp. Reviewers are correct: the tofu rendang is delicious, especially the sauce which has coconut milk and shreds, and several spices we couldn't identify. Indonesian food is interesting, because they use a lot of potatoes. We also sampled an Indo noodle dish, bakmi goreng, that came with a fried egg on top. The Malaysian dish, a type of curry, was also delicious. It tasted very hearty, almost like a European dish (cabbage, carrot, potatoes, broccoli) but with coconut milk. And sadly, they were out of curry puffs. All three dishes nicely complemented each other: hearty, salty, and savory flavors. We actually mixed the sauces of all three together, which tasted wonderful. All that was missing was some light acidity which would have balanced them nicely. Bottom line: Gem of a place in Kalamazoo, Asian fusion is definitely our favorite cuisine. Always remember: Mind over matter, food over mind. UPDATE 6/18/13: We went back for the second time last week around 5 PM. I wasn't too hungry, so figured I'd get a few appetizers. However, service was awful. I wanted a curry puff. Guy says, We're out. / Okay, can I have a spring roll? Guy says, Nope, we don't make them in the summer. / Oh, how come? Guy says, Well, because we don't get a lot of business in the summer. What........ was it sarcasm? I couldn't tell. So I change my review from 4 to 3 stars, simply because WHY WOULDN'T YOU SERVE YOUR MOST POPULAR APPETIZER AT DINNER TIME? SIGH.
(3)
Tom M.
Rare, the best chicken curry available. By far my favorite restaurant in Kalamazoo...
(5)
Michael M.
Thursdays! Chili Chicken!
(5)
George O.
Horrible customer service....have been there many times but my last visit was the last. One star for customer service...Food mediocre. .Curry never hot enough. .Owners very rude....there sure is no love put into that food...
(1)
Rodger W.
Probably the only authentic Malaysian or Indonesian restaurant within 500 miles, including Chicago. An Indonesian colleague dined here and declared it the real deal. Family run Asian restaurant ambiance, but really a great value.
(4)
T H.
If I could leave no star or minus I would. This is the worst food I have ever tasted. All the food tasted the same. I think they only cook with sweet soy sauce. That's about it. The noodle was under cook to the point where you bite and it feels like you are hitting into a chop stick. The chicken in the curry was really dry. Never ever coming back. The servers are rude. The son was rude and the mom just don't care about her food.
(1)
Danielle M.
This is a little hidden GEM. I often go to get take away and have been pleased each and every time. They are amazing! Try it!
(5)
On The Road A.
Having been to Malaysia and tasted the local food, I can truly say that Rasa Ria recreates the true taste of malaysian cuisine. The shrimp curry and the nasi lemak were both delicious! The restaurant is very casual with not a lot of seating space.
(5)
Joshua K.
Amazing food, but not what you'd expect. Very small family restaurant, probably a few teenagers on computers or phones when you walk in. A total of 4 tables, with one big enough to seat around 4-5 people. However, the food is great. The fried rice is drizzled in a sweet soy sauce with an egg on top. The main common dishes are yummy with new flavors if you are experienced with mayalasian food, but not gross or weird, just a fun new flavor. The pulled te Tarik (tea) is some of the best chai I've ever seen. You might want to call ahead because they sometimes have weird hours (the ones on yelp seem accurate)
(5)
Colin S.
From weekend brunches at Crow's Nest to weekday stops at Shawarma King, Kalamazoo is home to many cuisines, but its Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine is tucked in West Main Street's corner. Nestled in an unassuming location beneath a weathered sign, Rasa Ria may not be a fancy sit down establishment. In fact, during dinner hours a patron is lucky to dine in. Nonetheless, Rasa Ria compensates by serving hot and tasty Malaysian cuisine. Rasa Ria isn't always about eating out with your friends, often not about its relaxed atmosphere, and never about being greeted at the door. It's about enjoying the culture through coconut-soaked rice and spicy curry. The service, while not engaging, can be overlooked as the menu options and captivating aromas lure in customers for more. With traditional menu offerings available in either dine-in or carry-out, from Rendang and Nasi Lemak to Butter Fried Chicken and Curry Puffs, there is no shortage of experiences for your tastebuds. Exciting and not-too-spicy, Rasa Ria will be any food fan's new favorite restaurant.
(4)
Heather T.
The one time we ordered from Rasa Ria, which was probably about a year ago now, I enjoyed the food. From what I recall, we ordered a combination of Indonesian and Malaysian dishes. They were tasty and much more flavorful and interesting than food at most Asian restaurants in Kalamazoo, which I tend to find terribly disappointing as someone from the West Coast. But what's the deal with having no menus for patrons to take away? It's a tiny place without much atmosphere, and we prefer to eat at home most of the time anyway, since my partner has a disability and finds it more comfortable to rest in the comfort of our home than try to sit at tables that are geared toward differently abled folks. The failure to cater to different customers makes me significantly less enthusiastic about this business. I stopped by there today to ask for a menu to take away, and the young man at the counter told me they had none. No apologies and no attempt at explanation.I had gone in there with the same request many months before, and got the same response, but I figured at the time that they were all out of their supply. No, I guess not. I asked if they had a menu online, and he said no. I said that it was unfortunate, because I had wanted to look at a menu at home and come back later to pick up. They lost my business tonight and they'll continue to do so until they can accommodate takeaway and treat would-be customers with more care and courtesy. It's a shame, because I'd like to eat their food sometimes.
(3)
Yi Liang S.
While the food isn't really authentic at all (apart from the oil content), it's alright, cheap, and the curry they make is ok. The Indonesian stuff on the menu is by far more authentic/less made from-frozen-stuff than the Malaysian items, so usually I end up going for those. The fact that they're practically the only choice for food from the SEA region also helps.
(4)
Tony H.
Small place and not super ornate, but you come for the food. It's always good. Very consistent. A hidden gem in Kalamazoo. Try the beef rendang or the Indonesian fried rice.
(5)
N W.
Small hole in the wall type of place that serves authentic Malaysian and Indonesian food. I ordered the spicy & sour soup, which was very authentic but too spicy for me to handle. The chicken curry was a little plain but the green vegetable curry was excellent. Price is very reasonable too. Glad to have come.
(4)
Bernadette M.
My sis and bro in law's fav place so I had to try this while I was in town visiting. I've never had Malaysian food before so I was looking forward to trying their eats. Since there were 7 of us, it was best to grab take out since I guess there's only 3 or 4 tiny tables here? One of them always occupied by their family... I don't remember the names of what my sis ordered but I do remember the butter chicken and house noodles because I kept getting seconds and thirds of it. Amazing. There was a chicken curry dish and a marinated beef dish up in there, which were deelish too. My brother loved the curry samosa looking things but they were a bit too curryish for me. I def. recommend trying this place and if you have a party bigger than say 3, you'll probably just want to get take out.
(5)
Louise W.
Fabulous family run restaurant with fresh food. Catering for large events is great too.
(5)
The D.
Fun place. Curry puffs are amazing there. If you go there you are likely to think, "this place? Are you sure?" It's actually pretty tasty. Heads up in the bathroom. It appears to be one way to the kitchen so make sure that door is locked! Had a close call at first. Don't get the pop. Both times we went the soda had expired months ago. Tofu is just average but the main dishes are perfect. I heard somewhere that this was the best Malaysian restaurant in Michigan. To be fair, I know of no other but it's worth a trip
(4)
Fe T.
For Kalamazoo (very low) standard, Rasa Ria is definitely a 5-star. We had chicken and beef curry. It was really good, not as spicy as I've expected. The restaurant is really small tho, so no ambiance here.
(4)
Lindsey D.
I have only visited Rasa Ria one time thus far, but I am so glad that it was recommended to me by a friend - I will definitely be back! First of all, I drove by this place so many times and didn't notice it. It's located on W. Main Street and the sign is quite faded. There is a private parking lot. Rasa Ria offers authentic Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine. It's a little family owned and operated hole-in-the-wall kind of place. It is tiny, though - there are only a few tables inside. We were lucky that a table for 4 opened up just as my friends and I arrived, so we had a place to sit and enjoy our dinner. They have low prices for a good amount of food. The employees were definitely efficient - not overly friendly, though. I ordered the Tofu Rendang and OMIGOODNESS - AMAZING! So, so, so, SO good! I recommend giving it a try. It's one of my new favorites! :-D
(4)
Bullwinkle J.
Ambiance/Decor: 3/5 It's a small restaurant with maybe six tables inside. Decor is simple. Not much more than what you need. Kitchen: 4/5 The food is tasty and the portions decent. We had the butter chicken which was sweet but not too sweet, fried perfectly, and overall a very nice but simple dish. We also had a vegetable curry. The veggies were cooked well and the sauce was tasty and not over-salted which was very pleasant. Service: 1/5 The young man who works here quite clearly could care less about his job. He spent the majority of the time on the computer or his phone, often neglecting very simple things like bringing us our drinks, clearing tables, bringing checks - anything really other than taking an order. And even that seemed like a great pain to him. All in all, this place is: Inexpensive Tasty Simple Just what I want in a restaurant, so I'm not going to average out my scores and give it a 2-3. It gets 4 stars for being solid but don't expect any service beyond having a fork and a plate brought to you.
(4)
Don C.
This is a hidden gem in Kalamazoo! The food is absolutely phenomenal. A group of us went on a Saturday and we decided to dine in. The place is really small and could probably fit about 20 people max, but don't quote me on that. I got the chicken and beef satay, which was absolutely delicious. The peanut sauce was absolutely to die for. We also got the roti kana and the beef rendang which were both outstanding. I would have given this place a 5 star, but the service was not very great.
(4)
Nathan T.
Another favorite in my new town. They have so many things I like, but I can't remember their names. I usually get a recommendation and the owners never steer me wrong. They have fish specials every now and again so be sure to ask when you go.
(4)
Karen B.
Some of the best Malay food I've ever tasted here in America. I drive about 2 hours just to eat here
(5)
Sabine L.
Great good authentic food. Low price and simple. No ambiance to speak of, little more than a take out place with a few tables, but the food is great.
(4)
Kelly C.
This place is the epitome of hole in the wall but the food does not disappoint. I took a star off due to the condition of the restaurant and also because staff was not all that friendly. Absolutely a must try.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey, Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
AJ B.
I tried Rasa Ria for the first time today. Overall, I was pretty pleased with my experience. However, it's clear that this restaurant relies on the food (not the service) to keep customers coming back, which is fine with me. My food was ready in a timely manner, but the staff just wasn't particularly friendly. I ordered the Sup Asam Pedas and the Chicken Nasi Goreng to-go. I'm not well-versed in Indonesian food, but I enjoyed both of the items I ordered, especially the Sup. It was a fantastic combination of sweet and spicy, unlike anything I've had before. The Nasi Goreng was good, but it wasn't much different from any fried rice I've had before. Food: 8/10 Service: 4/10 Atmosphere: 5/10 Value: 9/10 The bottom line: Unique, tasty food for cheap. You won't easily find anything else like this in West Michigan.
(4)Meraki G.
Good food with a menu that's unique to the area. Some dishes are better than others and service can be inconsistent. Beef rendang and roti with chicken gravy are fantastic.
(4)D K.
Kalamazoo seems to be a place where they might only have one restaurant representing a certain type of cuisine, but that one place is excellent. Rasa Ria is a great example of this. Sitting quietly on West Main St. beneath a fading sign that conceded long ago to the passage of time, this place has been serving up delicious Indonesian and Malaysian food for a good many years. It's a tiny place, with only a few tables. Many people get their food to take out. It's run by a husband and wife, and you'll often see one of their boys sitting behind the cash register. Although some of the food have been slightly varied to appease the local palate, most of the dishes have kept enough of its original character to be called authentic without a wink. Examples of this would include one of their fried rice dishes that has coconut milk and anchovies in it (Nasi Lemak) and their spicy house-made chili paste (Sambal) which are both fantastic. Some of their many dishes that I feel are worth pointing out: Roti Canai: A thick pancake accompanied by a curry sauce, this is a great appetizer. There's often curry leftover so I always order an additional pancake to soak up all the delicious sauce. Kerupuk: Not on the menu, these are thick-cut, sort of like chips, crisps really. Light and airy with a great crunch, they can be a variety of flavors (shrimp, garlic, etc.). Different ones are available each day. They are deep fried to order and are great to dip in their house-made Sambal. Rendang: This Indonesian dish is a real treat and very popular. People have their favorites, whether it's beef, chicken or tofu. It takes hours to prepare but the end product is amazing: the Rendang has a very complex flavor which is soaked up by the protein and potatoes. One great thing about this dish: any leftovers taste even better later! Nasi Lemak: This fried rice dish, which I mentioned earlier, is very unique with a rich, savory & sweet flavor and myriad textures made from coconut milk, hard-boiled eggs, cucumber, peanuts and anchovies. Nasi Goreng Corned-Beef: Another great fried rice dish. I always ask for it to be topped with a (optional) fried egg. It can be prepared with either savory or sweet soy sauce. (I like the sweet!) Ayan Goreng Mentega: AKA Butter-Fried Chicken. An astounding dish made with skinless chicken chunks that's fried crispy in butter and sweet soy sauce. This is one of those lick-the-plate clean kind of dishes. They offer this dish at local festivals (like A Taste of Kalamazoo), but I would suggest trying it here first where the crispiness of the chicken is not lost as it is brought straight from the kitchen to the table. A note about festivals: because Rasa Ria is entirely family-run, they close when they participate in festivals, especially during the fall and summer months. If you're making a special trip, be sure to call ahead to ensure that they are open.
(5)Linda K.
I would give it 5 stars but the kid/son at the front is rude! We drove from Grand Rapids an hour to get there we got there a little before 7 and he looked at his watch as if to say it's too late to seat you. (it closes at 8) When he took our order he was short and as much as we tried to make it pleasant he was just rude. While we waited for our food 2 parties of 2 were turned away because he said it was too late. (7:15) then another guy came in with his daughter and wanted to place an order to go, the kid tried that on him and the guy asked to speak to his mother. I assume she is the owner/cook. She had no problem with it. The food was fantastic the service was not. They probably would do a booming business if the kid wasn't there.
(4)Peter Z.
Rasa Ria really doesn't need yet another five-star review, but that's all I can give them. Kalamazoo is lucky to have a restaurant this interesting in town. I'm not ashamed to say that almost all exposure I've had to Malaysian and Indonesian cuisines has been through Rasa Ria, but if their food is any example, those cuisines can claim me as a fan. Yes, it's a bit of a dive, and that suits me just fine. On weekdays at lunch the dining room is full of local professionals. During dinner it's full of college students. The Beef Rendang here is, for my money, the best beef dish in down. Full of spices (you'll find whole cloves, cardamom pods, star anise, and chunks of stick cinnamon) and packing a moderately peppery punch, this dish is magnificent. I've only had their fish curry (only available as a special) once, but I keep hoping I'll find it again. Their Chicken Curry and Curry Puffs are great. And the Fried Kway Teow. And the Tofu Rendang. Oh, and the Chili Chicken Thursday special! Hot as blazes, and outrageously good. If you've never eaten here or never had Malaysian food, start today. Start now.
(5)Jake G.
It is a hole in the wall, just a few tables but comfortable enough. Many people (who are possibly more qualified to comment on food quality) say it's bland, over sweet, etc. As a young, uncultured American, I love the food. Chicken, beef, noodles, whatever your Asian preference is, they can probably cover it. Service is cold, quiet, and somewhat inattentive. I don't go there for service, rather I go there for inexpensive, warm meals. (Besides, it's my girlfriend's FAVORITE)
(5)Joe L.
Used to love coming here but the Rendang isn't as good as it used to be. Plus, you used to get more of it and it had more coconut milk and sauce. It was kind of dry this time. The Satay was very good though.
(3)Stefanie N.
I love supporting family owned restaurants. Great little hole in the wall mom and pop Malaysian food joint. You don't go to this place for their 'ambiance' so really, the star is the food here. Cheap prices, too. Order the beef mee goreng (ask for the fried egg on top, too).
(4)Chris L.
This restaurant has a pretty authentic Malaysian and Indonesian fare. Although quite small (seats at most 15 people) it caters to the many Malaysians and Singaporeans in the area. Portions are large and tasty. I recommend the Nasi Kampung, Ayam Masak Merah and Nasi Lemak, and any desert that they may still have when you call.
(5)Juliette J.
Having grown up in Singapore, I was excited to have some of the hometown flavors. The roti canai did not disappoint, although I have to wonder if they are homemade or of the frozen variety. The dipping sauce choices were chicken curry and dal, of which I tried both. The chicken curry was delicious (I've got to figure out how to make this stuff someday). The dal was okay, not much flavor. We had the satay plate, 6 skewers of chicken and beef. Cut a bit thicker than I'm used to, the flavor was great, especially on the chicken ones. The peanut sauce was a real disappointment, however. Runny and without much flavor, I ended up not using it at all. We also had a plate of the mee goreng. I don't often order this, and I was surprised that it was so loaded with soy sauce. I was expecting something a bit more light and yummy, but I can't be a real judge of it's authenticity as I think it's the first time I've ordered it anywhere. The place is small, but I love that. The service was good and the prices were fair. I would go back if I lived in the area, if only to try the tofu rendang that everyone else is raving about.
(3)Theresa O.
Ugh how I long for food from the motherland. There are only a handful of actual Malaysian restaurants in Michigan, this is one of them. A tiny, bare bones restaurant run by a surly yet efficient family, the food hits the spot. I wish they had some of my favorites like Assam laksa and Kari mee, but this will have to do. The frothy Tea tastes like home with a little milo in it, and the Assam pedas noodle soup was quite tasty. The curry for the roti canai was delicious but I suspect they don't make their own roti. Can't blame them though.. have you ever youtubed that?! It looks impossible.
(5)Zach G.
Authentic Malaysian food! Tasted very much like a lot of the food I had in Malaysia and Singapore. The food was pretty good, but best of all, they had Teh-Terik! I suggest going there just to try that at least! The food was good but the service was iffy.
(3)Mubi K.
It's been more than a couple of years since we've been coming to Rasa Ria and the food has always been great. It's a small family owned business and the husband and wife are very nice. The food is always tasty, some days more than others. I always order the Rasa Ria special fried rice and make sure it's spicy :) the only thing that kinda disappoints me is the shrimps aren't deveined. .. Small thing but still disappointing. Other than that it's yummy food, that's why we keep going back :)
(4)Andrea J.
I love this tiny little place! their hours are terrible (close at 8:30 at night??) the only thing smaller than the parking lot is their dining room, the interior of the place is super cheap looking, the service is so-so, but the food is seriously the best ethnic food I have ever had in my life. it is worth an early dinner, it is worth being very intimate with the rest of the people dining there, it is worth risking iffy service. Their curry puffs? addictive. their Gado Gado (cooked salad with peanut sauce and fried egg) to die for! everything I've had there has been better than the last dish I ordered. this is quite literally a classic mom & pop place, with their kids occasionally acting as waiters (and usually playing WoW, skateboarding, or studying), and Mom hollering at Dad who is back in the kitchen balancing a half dozen woks. the dynamic itself makes Rasa Ria worth going to. servings are large and prices are very reasonable. even if the doubled the prices, it would still be a very good value. really, if you are anywhere near Kalamazoo, you need to go to Rasa Ria.
(5)J K.
Total hole-in-the-wall, great food. Don't let the sketchy exterior and sticky tables dissuade you, the Malaysian food here is worth a visit. Several visits. In particular, the curries, mee goreng, and beef rendang were flavorful and satisfying. The curry puffs are fantastic appetizers. Portions are decent and prices are reasonable. Definitely a Mom & Pop operation, I think our server was a son of the family and was doing homework when not taking our order or working the register. Service was friendly and prompt. Who would've thought there'd be a place for great Malaysian food in Kalamazoo?
(5)Jeff B.
This is hands down the most flavorful food I have found in the area. Whenever I visit my family Kalamazoo, I make a point of ordering food from here. The portions are large. The dishes fresh. And the prices low. The quality is consistent with the better Malaysian restaurants in Chinatown back home in New York, which is better than I can say for the handful of Chinese restaurants I have tried in K-town. Notes: The tofu rendang is outstanding, and the curries all have a healthy bite of spice. The seating options are limited and the interior of Rasa has the aesthetic of a DMV.
(5)Matthew W.
Hole-in-the-wall but exceptionally friendly atmosphere. Cheap and great food!
(5)Natalie C.
Rasa Ria is, hands down, my favorite restaurant in all of Kalamazoo. Every time I come home, I make sure to eat here at least twice. It's a wonderful little mom and pop hole in the wall--the family that runs it is really nice. If you're visiting around a major holiday be sure to double check to make sure they'll be open, because they do close for most holidays. Otherwise, you might end up heartbroken and Tofu Rendang-less. The Tofu Rendang is my favorite dish. It's just delicious. But, honestly, everything I've tried here has been delicious. The rice and noodle dishes are decadent, as are the desserts. I've been to plenty of Malay places in NYC, but Rasa Ria is still my favorite. Try something new, eat here, you won't regret it!
(5)Jim T.
Showed up here to eat during business hours. Sign on door says "closed gone to K-Central Graduation"? Ate you a Professional business. Or what?
(1)Harry B.
What makes a restaurant one star. For some... its the food. For others the dining experience. For Rasa Ria, its the blatant disregard for the customer. My wife, son (who are Malaysian citizens) and I traveled from the Detroit area to Kalamazoo with the EXPRESS PURPOSE of dining on authentic Malaysian food. We had the misfortune (the first visit) of arriving during a downtown festival. After paying an exorbitant entry fee, we found the Rasa Ria booth, and got might be the equivalent of Malaysian "junk food". Thinking that no booth is going to properly showcase a restaurant's food, we returned to their establishment the following day. I guess they decided they had worked too hard the day before and took an unscheduled day off. We tried it again the next year. They were open this time, but with a truncated menu in support of the "Malaysian Games" (a college sporting event). The Beef Rendang was overly sweet, the Chicken Curry bland. Nasi Lamak was good, but the Roti Canai was just frozen rounds that you can but at any Indian grocer and have at home. The Nasi Goreng Kampung was ok but the anchovies were not properly cleaned (think of gritty shrimp intestines to know what we mean). All in all the food was 'good ennough" for us to give it another go, and the staff told us they would be open the next day (Sunday) with the same menu for the "Malaysian Games". When we returned for lunch, a crudely lettered sign said "Closed for catering". There's a 40 minute round trip (from our hotel) for absolutely nothing ! What is the value of a restaurant that is closed 50% of the times they say they will be open ??? The one star is because I cannot give them less, and to counter those reviews who said they gave five because they could not give them more. Caveat Empteur !
(1)Justin O.
Rasa Ria recieves four stars for being a small family owned food haven for foodies inspired to eat malaysian-indoneasian food. RAH(SAH) is foreign cuisine touched by a honest couple who enjoys introducing Kalamazoo to new flavors and great food at a super reasonable price. The place is small- and in the off times .....seems more like your friends moms' living room rather than a place you should trust to cook you safe spicy calamari and tip on top of it! They are more nice than professional, and more cooks than they are great hostess and waiters. I'm new to the area, but it reminds me of the staple go to place, you feel proud the people know your name. You feel like your in the "in". If there is more than 20 people interested in Rasa Ria at the same time, then... you are not in the in, your are outside...the place is small! It's close to Tiffany's wine shop. I reccomend you order a few courses (TOGO) sample everything (why not) and grab a bottle of wine from T's and enjoy a great evening of takeout!
(4)Cullen S.
Delicious food, charming hole in the wall. The place only seats like 10 people though so be prepared.
(4)Jared S.
I found out about this place about 4 years ago, through a friend, and I am still amazed at the number of people in Kalamazoo who never had any idea this restaurant even existed. Every time I introduce a new person to Rasa Ria, they leave the restaurant quite pleased. My favorites tend to be on the Indonesian menu (Bakmi Goreng Java, Ayam Goreng Mantega, Tofu Rendang, Stuffed Tofu), but there's plenty of other good stuff (Mi Sup Asam Pedas, Tofu Curry are a couple). Every time I go, I have an incredibly hard time figuring out what I want to get. The atmosphere is quite relaxed, and the owners even recognize me when I come in. Maybe not so great for groups, but if it's empty, it's not too bad. Last time I was there was with a group of 6, and we had no problems. If you live in Kalamazoo, or maybe you're just visiting, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE check this place out! You won't be disappointed!!
(5)Kent T.
The food was really good but the service disappointed us. We ordered a mild beef curry and a hot tofu curry but they mixed that up, giving us hot beef curry and mild tofu curry. I mean how could you miss that, we explicitly told them what we wanted and still they messed it up. The cashier guy had this unfriendly attitude and was very terse, i thought he did not want us at his restaurant. Also, there were four of us and there were two four-people tables but there were couples occupying them. I thought they would ask one of the couples to move to another table, since they had just sit down and had not ordered. But still, the waiter did make any attempt to find a table for us, he just said "we are packed" and carried on, not even a "sorry" was said. We feel dissappointed because Rasa ria is one of the highest-rated restaurants in town yet we did not feel like it. Nevertheless, the food tasted great but the service could have been better.
(2)Joe V.
This is da bomb. Run by a lovely family who serve basic indonesian food. In a strip mall in Kalamazoo! The spice level is perfect, and can go hotter if you ask. Your waiter takes a break to go skateboarding around the parking lot in good weather. The food is served on styrofoam or plastic plates, I think. The furnishings are spare: Picture of royal family? Yes. Standard issue Chinese restaurant chairs? Got em. Help yourself to a coke from the see-through fridge. the place is so small, from two tables you can just reach over and get one. But don't bother. they have other odd beverages you should try. Can't remember the name of the hot tea drink, but it's yummy. Here are the caveats. Presentation is nil. No refills on drinks. Skateboarding. Here's why you should go. the food is prepared with love, and if you're feeling REALLY casual, this place is like a slice of LA in Kalamazoo. Thank you for being here! The Main Street Strip in Kalamazoo Township is so loopy.
(4)Jackie N.
You have to try the Butter Fried Chicken. I had never tried Indonesian/Malaysian food before and this has become my favorite dish EVER. (and I come from Houston where Asian restaurants are plentiful) It's made with white chunks of chicken breast and fried until the edges are crisp ( I believe there caramelized onions too) and it's all drowned in the most delicious brown sauce which I think is made w/ sweet Indonesian soy sauce. I get this dish every time I go there, it is amazingly good!! 8/09 Edit: I'm sad to say that there definitely have been changes in the quality of the food. First it was the shrimp curry we loved and used to order weekly. We kept faithfully ordering it for take out hoping they would change the recipe back, but no luck. At least I still had my old favorite Butter Fried Chicken to fall back on. But the last time I went, they've also changed that. It was also so incredibly dry. I just don't know what happened to their quality & why they changed their recipes... Reducing my rating from 5 stars to 3. I'd say it's just an average Asian restaurant now. Nothing I would drive out of my way for anymore.
(3)ivy l.
Love, love this place. A diamond hidden away in this tiny little place. Looks like kind of a dive, but the Indonesian is authentic and delicious, the people are pretty nice, not overly friendly, the the desserts will shock your eyes then please your tongue. The hours stink, but it's worth it to find out when they are open!
(4)Leah B.
So so soooooo good! Big portions, AMAZING food. Not too salty, tastes authentic. I will definitely be back!
(5)Matt G.
Rasa Ria is, so far, the only Indonesian/Malaysian restaurant I've found in western or central Michigan. That being said, I absolutely love the food at Rasa Ria. I've tried a number of their dishes and have yet to be disappointed. The teh tarik is delicious, and the appetizers are good and cheap. In fact, the prices are quite low considering the quality and tastiness of the food. The ayam goreng mentega is my favorite, followed by the nasi lemak and nasi goreng. Their desserts are also very good, and my favorites are based on sticky rice and coconut. I highly recommend this restaurant, but not for groups. They have very few tables, and ordering take-out is perhaps the best option. Nevertheless, the family that runs the place is very friendly. Amazingly, they remembered me after not having gone there for over a year! Another thing to note is that their hours are not always to be trusted; sometimes they're closed when their hours say they should be open. Still, if you're in Kalamazoo and you want to try something different, please try Rasa Ria.
(5)Elwood S.
If you're looking for authentic Malaysian/Indonesian food without the flair--this is it. Everytime we visit Kalamazoo we make it a point to visit this cozy family run restaurant, and sometimes we make the trip here just for the food. So far everything we've tried has been a hit. I would strongly recommend this to family and friends who know what good authentic Malaysian/Indonesian food tastes like.
(5)Michael J.
GO ON THURSDAY! The Chili Chicken Thursday special is amazing..chucks of white meat chicken in this chili paste/oil sauce, it's pretty hot, but the heat level can be a little inconsistent...something between very hot and OMFG hot...but it's always good. As far as the rest of the menu...not sure...no real personal experience to speak of. I have been with other people (always on Thursdays). They order things other than Chili Chicken, which in my opinion is silly, but they seem to like it. I have called for carry out (on a Thursday) only to find out that they were completely sold out of Chili Chicken...I faked a bad connection and hung up. I called back earlier the next week (on Thursday) and was able to score a double order to make up for the missing week. Seriously, go on Thursday...or maybe don't...not too sure what I would do if I went there to eat in and they were out...maybe fake an emergency...or...order Daging Masak Kicap...it looks pretty awesome. By the way...remember you are going here for the food...not the atmosphere.
(5)J R.
This place is nestled in on West Main, it's totally easy to pass by. While the customer service isn't five stars, they were helpful. This was my first time ordering Malaysian Cuisine, so they helped me with the menu and offered their opinion. I ordered the Beef Curry, which was a perfect mix of delicious with a little kick of spivey. The Bakmi Goreng Java was also delicious, and something my kids would totally eat. Overall this place is a little hidden gem! I look forward to going back!
(4)Joanna F.
I wrote this review with a heavy heart because I had heard of this place for so long and FINALLY had the chance to come for dinner. So let's start with customer service, I wasn't expecting red carpet treatment but just a greeting or something, instead there was this guy just sitting down with an earphone on the counter. When he saw us coming, he had this annoyed look and said, "For here or to go?" Ordered the curry puff, roti canai w curry, fried shrimp, nasi lemak and butter chicken. Roti was a bit thick, but everything was pretty much good and definitely tasted like home. BUT...nasi lemak = coconut rice with accompaniments. I tasted ZERO coconut and I should know because I grew up eating coconut rice. When I told the waiter that they had served me regular rice, he said, "Oh no that's coconut rice, coconut milk is white..." with this Duh looking face...I didn't want to make a scene so I just let it go. Apparently he's the owner's son. I feel bad for this guy because I know how it is to have a job that you absolutely hate...he looked it and he acted it. Hopefully he'll find something else soon or he would grow up... Bottom line for me...good food and it was definitely good to have eaten food that I grew up with, but I wouldn't make a special trip to this place. Sad but true...
(3)Kelsey H.
I moved away from Kalamazoo a few years ago to a city with a MUCH wider array of cuisines... and I still miss Rasa Ria constantly. It's such a unique find in a town like Kzoo, which is frankly not high on the list for cities with good food diversity. If you're expecting eat-in luxury it's NOT the place to go, but for takeout or for amazing food while being "waited" on by the owner's surly teenage sons, it's fantastic. The food is delicious, with deft spicing and great flavor. My favorites were the Bakmi Goreng Java and the chicken rendang. And make sure you get some curry puffs. If you haven't been here you are missing out on some of the best and most unique cuisine that Kalamazoo - or, hell, any Midwest college town -- has to offer.
(5)Kellee K.
We tried this place for lunch, based on reviews off Yelp. Reviewers are correct: the tofu rendang is delicious, especially the sauce which has coconut milk and shreds, and several spices we couldn't identify. Indonesian food is interesting, because they use a lot of potatoes. We also sampled an Indo noodle dish, bakmi goreng, that came with a fried egg on top. The Malaysian dish, a type of curry, was also delicious. It tasted very hearty, almost like a European dish (cabbage, carrot, potatoes, broccoli) but with coconut milk. And sadly, they were out of curry puffs. All three dishes nicely complemented each other: hearty, salty, and savory flavors. We actually mixed the sauces of all three together, which tasted wonderful. All that was missing was some light acidity which would have balanced them nicely. Bottom line: Gem of a place in Kalamazoo, Asian fusion is definitely our favorite cuisine. Always remember: Mind over matter, food over mind. UPDATE 6/18/13: We went back for the second time last week around 5 PM. I wasn't too hungry, so figured I'd get a few appetizers. However, service was awful. I wanted a curry puff. Guy says, We're out. / Okay, can I have a spring roll? Guy says, Nope, we don't make them in the summer. / Oh, how come? Guy says, Well, because we don't get a lot of business in the summer. What........ was it sarcasm? I couldn't tell. So I change my review from 4 to 3 stars, simply because WHY WOULDN'T YOU SERVE YOUR MOST POPULAR APPETIZER AT DINNER TIME? SIGH.
(3)Tom M.
Rare, the best chicken curry available. By far my favorite restaurant in Kalamazoo...
(5)Michael M.
Thursdays! Chili Chicken!
(5)George O.
Horrible customer service....have been there many times but my last visit was the last. One star for customer service...Food mediocre. .Curry never hot enough. .Owners very rude....there sure is no love put into that food...
(1)Rodger W.
Probably the only authentic Malaysian or Indonesian restaurant within 500 miles, including Chicago. An Indonesian colleague dined here and declared it the real deal. Family run Asian restaurant ambiance, but really a great value.
(4)T H.
If I could leave no star or minus I would. This is the worst food I have ever tasted. All the food tasted the same. I think they only cook with sweet soy sauce. That's about it. The noodle was under cook to the point where you bite and it feels like you are hitting into a chop stick. The chicken in the curry was really dry. Never ever coming back. The servers are rude. The son was rude and the mom just don't care about her food.
(1)Danielle M.
This is a little hidden GEM. I often go to get take away and have been pleased each and every time. They are amazing! Try it!
(5)On The Road A.
Having been to Malaysia and tasted the local food, I can truly say that Rasa Ria recreates the true taste of malaysian cuisine. The shrimp curry and the nasi lemak were both delicious! The restaurant is very casual with not a lot of seating space.
(5)Joshua K.
Amazing food, but not what you'd expect. Very small family restaurant, probably a few teenagers on computers or phones when you walk in. A total of 4 tables, with one big enough to seat around 4-5 people. However, the food is great. The fried rice is drizzled in a sweet soy sauce with an egg on top. The main common dishes are yummy with new flavors if you are experienced with mayalasian food, but not gross or weird, just a fun new flavor. The pulled te Tarik (tea) is some of the best chai I've ever seen. You might want to call ahead because they sometimes have weird hours (the ones on yelp seem accurate)
(5)Colin S.
From weekend brunches at Crow's Nest to weekday stops at Shawarma King, Kalamazoo is home to many cuisines, but its Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine is tucked in West Main Street's corner. Nestled in an unassuming location beneath a weathered sign, Rasa Ria may not be a fancy sit down establishment. In fact, during dinner hours a patron is lucky to dine in. Nonetheless, Rasa Ria compensates by serving hot and tasty Malaysian cuisine. Rasa Ria isn't always about eating out with your friends, often not about its relaxed atmosphere, and never about being greeted at the door. It's about enjoying the culture through coconut-soaked rice and spicy curry. The service, while not engaging, can be overlooked as the menu options and captivating aromas lure in customers for more. With traditional menu offerings available in either dine-in or carry-out, from Rendang and Nasi Lemak to Butter Fried Chicken and Curry Puffs, there is no shortage of experiences for your tastebuds. Exciting and not-too-spicy, Rasa Ria will be any food fan's new favorite restaurant.
(4)Heather T.
The one time we ordered from Rasa Ria, which was probably about a year ago now, I enjoyed the food. From what I recall, we ordered a combination of Indonesian and Malaysian dishes. They were tasty and much more flavorful and interesting than food at most Asian restaurants in Kalamazoo, which I tend to find terribly disappointing as someone from the West Coast. But what's the deal with having no menus for patrons to take away? It's a tiny place without much atmosphere, and we prefer to eat at home most of the time anyway, since my partner has a disability and finds it more comfortable to rest in the comfort of our home than try to sit at tables that are geared toward differently abled folks. The failure to cater to different customers makes me significantly less enthusiastic about this business. I stopped by there today to ask for a menu to take away, and the young man at the counter told me they had none. No apologies and no attempt at explanation.I had gone in there with the same request many months before, and got the same response, but I figured at the time that they were all out of their supply. No, I guess not. I asked if they had a menu online, and he said no. I said that it was unfortunate, because I had wanted to look at a menu at home and come back later to pick up. They lost my business tonight and they'll continue to do so until they can accommodate takeaway and treat would-be customers with more care and courtesy. It's a shame, because I'd like to eat their food sometimes.
(3)Yi Liang S.
While the food isn't really authentic at all (apart from the oil content), it's alright, cheap, and the curry they make is ok. The Indonesian stuff on the menu is by far more authentic/less made from-frozen-stuff than the Malaysian items, so usually I end up going for those. The fact that they're practically the only choice for food from the SEA region also helps.
(4)Tony H.
Small place and not super ornate, but you come for the food. It's always good. Very consistent. A hidden gem in Kalamazoo. Try the beef rendang or the Indonesian fried rice.
(5)N W.
Small hole in the wall type of place that serves authentic Malaysian and Indonesian food. I ordered the spicy & sour soup, which was very authentic but too spicy for me to handle. The chicken curry was a little plain but the green vegetable curry was excellent. Price is very reasonable too. Glad to have come.
(4)Bernadette M.
My sis and bro in law's fav place so I had to try this while I was in town visiting. I've never had Malaysian food before so I was looking forward to trying their eats. Since there were 7 of us, it was best to grab take out since I guess there's only 3 or 4 tiny tables here? One of them always occupied by their family... I don't remember the names of what my sis ordered but I do remember the butter chicken and house noodles because I kept getting seconds and thirds of it. Amazing. There was a chicken curry dish and a marinated beef dish up in there, which were deelish too. My brother loved the curry samosa looking things but they were a bit too curryish for me. I def. recommend trying this place and if you have a party bigger than say 3, you'll probably just want to get take out.
(5)Louise W.
Fabulous family run restaurant with fresh food. Catering for large events is great too.
(5)The D.
Fun place. Curry puffs are amazing there. If you go there you are likely to think, "this place? Are you sure?" It's actually pretty tasty. Heads up in the bathroom. It appears to be one way to the kitchen so make sure that door is locked! Had a close call at first. Don't get the pop. Both times we went the soda had expired months ago. Tofu is just average but the main dishes are perfect. I heard somewhere that this was the best Malaysian restaurant in Michigan. To be fair, I know of no other but it's worth a trip
(4)Fe T.
For Kalamazoo (very low) standard, Rasa Ria is definitely a 5-star. We had chicken and beef curry. It was really good, not as spicy as I've expected. The restaurant is really small tho, so no ambiance here.
(4)Lindsey D.
I have only visited Rasa Ria one time thus far, but I am so glad that it was recommended to me by a friend - I will definitely be back! First of all, I drove by this place so many times and didn't notice it. It's located on W. Main Street and the sign is quite faded. There is a private parking lot. Rasa Ria offers authentic Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine. It's a little family owned and operated hole-in-the-wall kind of place. It is tiny, though - there are only a few tables inside. We were lucky that a table for 4 opened up just as my friends and I arrived, so we had a place to sit and enjoy our dinner. They have low prices for a good amount of food. The employees were definitely efficient - not overly friendly, though. I ordered the Tofu Rendang and OMIGOODNESS - AMAZING! So, so, so, SO good! I recommend giving it a try. It's one of my new favorites! :-D
(4)Bullwinkle J.
Ambiance/Decor: 3/5 It's a small restaurant with maybe six tables inside. Decor is simple. Not much more than what you need. Kitchen: 4/5 The food is tasty and the portions decent. We had the butter chicken which was sweet but not too sweet, fried perfectly, and overall a very nice but simple dish. We also had a vegetable curry. The veggies were cooked well and the sauce was tasty and not over-salted which was very pleasant. Service: 1/5 The young man who works here quite clearly could care less about his job. He spent the majority of the time on the computer or his phone, often neglecting very simple things like bringing us our drinks, clearing tables, bringing checks - anything really other than taking an order. And even that seemed like a great pain to him. All in all, this place is: Inexpensive Tasty Simple Just what I want in a restaurant, so I'm not going to average out my scores and give it a 2-3. It gets 4 stars for being solid but don't expect any service beyond having a fork and a plate brought to you.
(4)Don C.
This is a hidden gem in Kalamazoo! The food is absolutely phenomenal. A group of us went on a Saturday and we decided to dine in. The place is really small and could probably fit about 20 people max, but don't quote me on that. I got the chicken and beef satay, which was absolutely delicious. The peanut sauce was absolutely to die for. We also got the roti kana and the beef rendang which were both outstanding. I would have given this place a 5 star, but the service was not very great.
(4)Nathan T.
Another favorite in my new town. They have so many things I like, but I can't remember their names. I usually get a recommendation and the owners never steer me wrong. They have fish specials every now and again so be sure to ask when you go.
(4)Karen B.
Some of the best Malay food I've ever tasted here in America. I drive about 2 hours just to eat here
(5)Sabine L.
Great good authentic food. Low price and simple. No ambiance to speak of, little more than a take out place with a few tables, but the food is great.
(4)Kelly C.
This place is the epitome of hole in the wall but the food does not disappoint. I took a star off due to the condition of the restaurant and also because staff was not all that friendly. Absolutely a must try.
(4)