Rasa Malaysian Cafe

LOCATION
Malvern East

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS
This small, warm and friendly restaurant was created in 1994 with a vision of introducing Melbourne diners to authentic Malaysian cuisine. Like multicultural Australia, Malaysia is a mix of Malay, Chinese, Nonya, Indian and other nationalities, resulting in a melting pot of exotic flavours. Relax in the brightly coloured dining room and allow yourself to be taken on a culinary expedition.

The extensive menu utilises the freshest of ingredients and spices to create traditional Malaysian dishes. Start with the Malaysian chicken soup, or the chicken wings stuffed with chicken meat and water chestnuts then deep-fried until golden brown. Choose a hawker-style noodle dish like the laksa siam (egg noodles and vermicelli served with prawns, fish cakes, shredded chicken and bean curd in a spicy, tangy laksa sauce). Follow with an oyster omelette; the Nonya fish curry; or the sambal goreng daging (tender beef slices stir-fried with sambal and vegetables). Banquet menus are also offered, with many spicy and delicious options available; two to three people at $38 per person and four or more at $32 per person. Finish with the pisang goreng (banana fritter served with ice cream). The concise wine list is reasonably priced with several by the glass or BYO for $2.50 per person.

Veda Wickens