Rasa Rasa 回味: Authentic Malaysian Flavors in George Town

Nestled in the heart of George Town, Penang, Rasa Rasa 回味 is a charming cafe that delights visitors with authentic Malaysian flavors served in a cozy, nostalgic setting. This quaint spot, located at 59, Gat Lebuh Chulia, invites you to experience the rich culinary heritage of Penang through a menu that bursts with tradition and comfort.

At Rasa Rasa 回味, every dish tells a story of home-cooked passion and vibrant local ingredients. One of the shining stars on the menu is their famed curry chicken, where tender chicken is bathed in a luscious, thick coconut curry—its aromatic spices lingering warmly on the palate long after each bite. Though this popular choice often sells out early, arriving ahead of time guarantees you won’t miss out on this soulful experience.

For those who do miss the curry chicken, the iconic nasi lemak remains a delightful alternative. The fragrant, perfectly steamed rice infused with coconut milk forms the foundation of this dish, elegantly paired with expertly cooked chicken, a sambal that strikes a harmonious balance between sweetness and a tantalizing kick, along with fresh vegetables and crunchy fried shallots. Each element melds seamlessly, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that evoke a true sense of Malaysia.

The fried bihun is another crowd favorite, complemented beautifully by a runny, sunshine-yellow fried egg that adds richness and depth—a dish that transports you straight to Southeast Asia with every bite. To refresh your palate, Rasa Rasa’s unique Bali-inspired drinks offer an unexpectedly vibrant and fragrant burst of flavor, perfect for balancing the bold spice of the cuisine.

The atmosphere here is just as captivating as the food. Surrounded by retro furniture and an ambience reminiscent of cherished childhood memories, the café exudes warmth and familiarity. Friendly, down-to-earth staff and the welcoming owner add a personal touch that turns a meal into a shared cultural experience. Guests repeatedly praise the owner’s kindness, especially the generous gesture of offering curry soup when some dishes run low, showcasing the heartfelt service that defines Rasa Rasa.

Whether you’re craving an authentic taste of Penang’s Nyonya culinary tradition or simply seeking a place to unwind with friends over flavorful food and drinks, Rasa Rasa 回味 stands out as a must-visit gem. Its genuine flavors, nostalgic atmosphere, and attentive hospitality create an unforgettable dining experience that keeps guests reminiscing long after their visit.

To truly savor the best of Penang’s local cuisine in a setting that feels like home, make sure to visit Rasa Rasa—just a phone call away at +60 12-442 2570 to reserve your spot or inquire about the day’s specialties.

On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in

Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining

Wheelchair-accessible car park

Cash only

George Burgess

11/12/2025

Worth every bit of hype, wonderful down to earth staff ready to help. We were gutted they'd run out of the curry chicken, so get here earlier for that, however there was plenty of Nasi Lemak to have anyway. Fragrant rice, chicken was cooked perfectly and the sambal was the perfect pairing, the veg pairing with onions and okra was really good too, it all balanced really well. The bihon was good too, the duo of spicy and sweet sambal was really good as well. It's well worth coming here, even if it's small inside it's worth the wait.

Ffai.Thanatchanok

06/12/2025

Just had the most amazing Malaysian meal and I’m still thinking about it! Every single thing on the plate was packed with flavor the sambal had the perfect kick, the fried egg was cooked to perfection, and the rendang Melt-in-your-mouth good. Even the little sides like the crunchy anchovies and fresh veggies brought the whole dish to life. I swear, I was mentally applauding every bite. If you haven’t tried this yet, you’re seriously missing out!

Kathymar Mateo-Orbeta

25/11/2025

My top 1 favorite spot in Penang! From the very warm welcome of the owner to tasting our first nyonya meals. This Michelin resto is located in a very unassuming yet pretty spot at 35@Jetty. It feels like being served a local homecooked meal. As we got here a bit late, they only had limited curry chicken left. The owner was so kind to give us a bowl of their curry soup (with potatoes). It was so good I wanted to come back again the next day lol

Najida Hasnan

18/11/2025

Small cosy shop with friendly owner. I loved how we felt welcomed from the moment we entered the shop. Owner took the liberty to explain how they are pork free and how how they source chicken from halal certified supplier. I Had the mihun and sambal prawn and their milk coffee. We also had the garlic toast, Nasi lemak and butter cheese toast. Food was great and well presented. They also took time to entertain our toddler eventhough they were busy . Nostalgic ambience with a lot of vintage decorations. Would I come again? Definitely yes.

Chris W

10/11/2025

The environment is very nice. The old furnitures let me think of the time of childhood. The foods and desserts are good. Suitable to have time with friends and family.

Patrick Lee

04/11/2025

Cosy place with nice deco. Boss recommended curry chicken. Very nice indeed. Nutneg drink was good too

Evelyn Khoo

18/09/2025

Fabulous Authentic penang food! Love the nasi lemak with chicken curry! Highly recommended! The signature fried bihun is yummy too! Love it with runny sunshine egg! Warm & friendly owners. The retro feel of the restaurant brings back childhood nostalgia!

Jwu Shin Tan

29/08/2025

I was fortunate enough to taste the curry chicken with bihun , and the flavor was truly amazing! The curry and the thick and mellow coconut milk blend perfectly, and the bihun are chewy and smooth. Every bite is filled with the charm of Southeast Asia. Apart from the main dish, the bali drinks here also left a deep impression on me. It's not just ordinary bali water; it has a unique flavor, refreshing and thirst-quenching, forming a great balance with the rich curry, leaving a lasting aftertaste. If I had to offer a small suggestion, it would be that if the fried egg served as a side could be replaced with a sunny-side-up egg, it would add even more layers of flavor to this bihun. Overall, this was an excellent dining experience. I highly recommend everyone to come and try it!