Rasa Sayang Restaurant — Restaurant in London

Dropped in after Les Miserables, before ducking off to Leicester Square for a comedy gig.

We waited about 20 minutes outside, which wasn’t too bad considering the queue moves at a steady pace. The front of house team check in on the line, and for us it was a good chance to talk about the show we had just seen, which was phenomenal by the way.

Inside, it’s quick service and no wasted time - while you can’t help but empathise with the people who are out in the line, because you were them once too, the staff don’t make you feel rushed.

Once you order, the food starts hitting the table very quickly, true to the hawker street food traditions of Singapore and Malaysia, where many of the dishes we enjoyed originated or were popularised.

The name Rasa Sayang means a lot to me personally as it was the name of my favourite Chinese-Malaysian restaurant in Canberra. It has closed now, but their prawn cracker, duck in plum sauce and deep fried ice-cream live long in my memory.

The name Rasa Sayang translates roughly to “feel the love”, and thankfully, the food in this West End Rasa delivered exactly that. We may have ordered with slightly more ambition than was sensible for three people, but left with zero regrets.

We ordered:

Deep fried prawn crackers – not the styrofoam sort and done well. Crispy deep-fried vegetable spring rolls – disappeared quickly. Hainanese Chicken Rice – silky, tender, beautifully poached; accompanying rice was delicious. Chicken Curry with roti, it was a brilliant curry, a definite highlight, and I’ll order it every time I visit. Char Kway Teow – was excellent. Broccoli with Garlic – simple, fresh, perfectly cooked. Egg Fried Rice – comfort dish done well.

The kitchen here isn’t playing fusion games or reinventing the wheel. This is honest, well-executed Straits cooking: Malaysian, Singaporean, bits of Chinese influence all respectfully handled.

There were some tourists and post-theatre groups, but based on what I observed of the front of house interactions, there were a lot of locals and return/regular customers. They deserve this based on what I ate and experienced.

The vibe stays relaxed but efficient, the customers come and go quickly, leaving happy and well fed. Whatever else the night brings, the memories of the Rasa experience will linger.

In a part of London full of options, Rasa Sayang sits quietly earning its stripes and deserving of your patronage. You’ll walk out full, smiling, and definitely...

The food is not bad but disappointed with the service. My husband and I went in and waited, a waiter came and greeted us, we asked for a seat, he told us to wait and he would check first.

The waiter didn't come back. We waited for a long time, finally we asked another waiter, she said there was no space, it was full, we had to wait, if we wanted we could sit near the window facing outside. We said it was okay, we would wait, but because it took so long, we finally decided to take a seat near the window.

My husband washed his hands in the toilet downstairs and saw that there were still many empty seats downstairs. My husband was disappointed but patient, we have already ordered. My husband already understood that THE WAITERS DIDN'T WANT TO ACCEPT US.

I didn't understand yet, I still enjoyed waiting for the food to be delivered. While eating, every visitor who came and asked for an empty seat, the waiter invited them downstairs, saying there were still seats downstairs.

WHAT 😡

I remained patient and thought positively, I continued eating. New visitors arrived and they were told there were empty seats downstairs. Oh my God, they really went too far.

And what really made me understand that my husband and I were actually rejected was when I realized that there were 2 women wearing hijabs coming in and waiting, the waiter said the same thing that there were no empty seats, all were full. Then they left, not wanting to wait.

But every visitor who entered with them and after them, were all directed downstair.

I thought this restaurant had a HALAL certificate displayed on the wall which meant it was wide open to Muslims. It turned out not to be. Just because I was wearing a niqab and the 2 women were wearing regular hijabs without niqabs, we were rejected.

If I realized from the start that I was being politely rejected, I would never have gone in. NEVER.

I thought a Malaysian Halal restaurant meant the restaurant was good.

What is the purpose of the HALAL certificate if Muslims are not accepted?

I'd rather cook that food at home, it's so easy to make.

I only came here once. When I got home I really cried and until today I am still sad because it turns out we were stupid, we didn't realize we were...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Rasa Sayang Restaurant in London, a delightful Malaysian halal establishment that serves outstanding Malaysian and Singaporean cuisine. From the moment I stepped inside, I knew I was in for a treat.

The menu at Rasa Sayang offers a wide range of mouthwatering dishes, and each one I tried was simply perfect. The roti canai, a traditional Malaysian flatbread, was incredibly light and flaky, accompanied by a delicious curry dipping sauce that added a burst of flavor. The hainanese chicken rice was a standout dish, with tender and succulent chicken served on fragrant rice, complemented by flavorful sauces. The nasi goreng, a beloved Malaysian fried rice dish, was expertly cooked with a harmonious blend of spices, vegetables, and protein, resulting in a satisfying and flavorful combination.

Rasa Sayang truly captures the essence of Malaysian and Singaporean hawker food, making it the best place in London to experience the authentic flavors of these cuisines. Located in the vibrant area of Chinatown, it is advisable to make a reservation if possible, as this popular spot tends to get busy. However, the wait is well worth it, as the friendly and attentive staff ensure a pleasant and welcoming dining experience.

One of the aspects I truly appreciate about Rasa Sayang is its family-friendly atmosphere. Whether I dined there on my own, with family, or with friends, the restaurant consistently delivered exceptional service and delicious food that never disappointed. It's a testament to the consistently high quality and dedication to authentic Malaysian and Singaporean flavors that Rasa Sayang upholds.

In summary, Rasa Sayang Restaurant in London is a true gem for those seeking Malaysian and Singaporean halal cuisine. The outstanding dishes, including the roti canai, hainanese chicken rice, and nasi goreng, showcase the culinary excellence of these regions. With its prime location in Chinatown, I highly recommend making a reservation to enjoy this family-friendly establishment that never fails to impress. Prepare to embark on a delightful culinary journey that will leave you...