Rasa was born out of the childhood memories of its founder, Das Sreedharan, who helped his mother manage the family vegetable plot, and who herself cooked for Das and his family in their village in Kerala with the utmost love and devotion. “My mother was passionate about the ingredients she would give our family; vegetables had to be fresh, perfectly ripe. She grew her own or bought directly from farmers; then she cooked them to bring out their maximum flavour and health, and served them, with love, to her children,” Dr Das Sreedharan
Authentic Keralan vegetarian curries and unusual snacks behind a shocking pink facade.
Leora k
Such a treat!!! We opted for the £27/pp veggie feast and we were so stuffed at the end of the meal AND there was enough for us to each take a box to go! I love when I get to eat delicious food for an affordable price.
The staff was also excellent! Our waters were constantly refilled, service was speedy and friendly, and they helped us pull of a birthday dessert for our friend!
I will definitely be back!
… moreMisha Patel
I recently visited Rasa with a friend and overall had a good time. The food and service were both decent—not bad at all. However, the way the dishes were described on the menu didn’t quite match what we were actually served, which was a bit disappointing. The atmosphere was okay, and the place was quite full, mostly with non-Indian guests, which was interesting to see. While it wasn’t the most authentic experience I’ve had, it was still enjoyable and worth trying once.
… moreAlbert Jordana
Went on a Friday night without reservation and we only had to wait 10min to get a table.
We decided to go for the vegetarian menu, which is £25 per person if I am not mistaken.
Good value for money, we couldn’t finish it although a couple of dishes were not fully out cup of tea, but nothing wrong with them.
Portions are correct and you also get complimentary starter and dessert.
The only negative is that when paying, the complimentary tip on the card reader is 15%,20%,25% which seems a bit excessive so you have to select your own tip, which makes it a bit awkward given that the waiter is looking at it and holding the machine.
Overall, it’s a nice option if you fancy some quality Indian food and you don’t want to go super fancy and break the bank.
… moreFHMC Fabian Hirose – Fabian Hirose Management Consulting Ltd
Rasa functions as part of the neighbourhood rather than as a destination. Its doors open, service begins, and the room fills without ceremony, as if the restaurant has already accounted for those who will come.
The space is close and colourful, carried more by familiarity than design. Tables sit near each other, voices overlap, and the rhythm is that of a place people know well. Nothing tries to slow the evening down or frame it as an occasion. The room feels used, not arranged.
Interaction is straightforward and unforced. Orders are taken without preamble, food arrives steadily, and there is an ease that comes from a menu that requires no explanation. The pace suggests confidence built over time rather than attentiveness performed for effect.
The food holds that confidence. Across the table, everything belongs together. Dosas arrive with the right balance between crispness and softness; batters ferment long enough to give depth without being sharp. Vegetable dishes are generous and grounded, with coconut and curry leaf rounding the spice rather than pushing it forward. Lentils and rice carry warmth and substance, while chutneys and pickles lift the meal without taking over. Nothing asks for attention on its own. The pleasure comes from how the dishes support each other.
The flavour logic belongs to South Indian vegetarian cooking, where balance is practical rather than decorative. These are dishes meant to be eaten often, to satisfy without tiring the palate, and to remain steady rather than evolve for novelty. What is missing matters as much as what is present: no excess richness, no sweetness added for contrast, no adjustment for fashion.
Rasa holds its place in London by being useful in the best sense of the word. It feeds people well, consistently, and without asking to be reinterpreted. That constancy is not nostalgia. It is the result of knowing exactly what deserves to remain unchanged.
… moreJames Smith
Exceptional food, great vibes and brilliant service. I would highly recommend and will definitely visit again.
… moreLorna W
Rasa is one of these little unusual charming restaurants that stands out from the crowd even when you walk past it. Situated in trendy Stoke Newington, the restaurant has a pink facade & an alluring atmosphere inside. Food is not the usual we find in most Indian restaurants, but from Kerala, the Southern tip of the peninsula. For those who have a penchant for something different & exotic, in terms of vegetarian ingredients chosen, the way they are mixed & cooked, this is quite an inviting encounter. But when the dishes were served, it became a bit of an anti-climax for me both in terms of taste & presentation. I also found appam a bit too bland, mindful that it was supposed to be eaten with saucy dishes; curry on the runny side & dosa too much potatoes & not much else. However, I did like the mango lassi & banana boli. Perhaps different dishes next time.
… moreseth bradley
This was my very first visit to this Stoke Newington institution and a fitting choice considering my mum was visiting and is a big fan of South Indian cuisine. The interior is vibrant with their pink theme continuing throughout. The service was swift and the food arrived promptly. The masala dosa had a generous filling and was tasty. I would’ve liked to have had a couple more sauces on offer but that’s a minor quibble. The main currys were pleasant enough, the aubergine curry was very well cooked, soft and melt in the mouth texture. The sauce was creamy with a little bit of acidity towards the finish. The chickpeas in the chana masala were also very soft which I like. I wasn’t such a huge fan of the paneer and spinach but that comes down to personal preference. The atmosphere is bustling with diners coming in and out , certainly a very popular establishment. Whilst it didn’t quite hit the heady heights of culinary excellence the simple well cooked food made up for it . Perfect if you have a few vegetarians in your group. Price wise it feels good value for the area . The dishes are very filling so you won’t leave feeling hungry.
… moredancers4 pal
Have had better T/A orders previously (Deliveroo) – some issues with quality today. The Red chutney that comes with the Masala Dosa was very watery and seemed diluted – for £11 per dosa, I’d expect a richer, flavourful chutney. The Bagar Baigan (£9) had the same quality; it’s usually a rich well-bodied sauce, but this time it was very watery.
It’s a shame as this restaurant has been great previously.
Positive today: Tomato rice was delicious!
… moreCecily Reeves-Jones
Lovely buzzy restaurant !!! The food was delicious and the veg feast was great value for money. I think a bit more description about what you were getting on the feast would’ve been better. Lovely little pudding for my birthday too. It’s busy and quick paced, if you are looking for a quiet relaxing dinner, this might not be the place. The paneer is a must!
… moreLucy
very reasonably priced! felt the menu explained clearly what we were getting – dishes seemed small when delivered but we barely finished it all, so filling. staff were helpful and gave good recommendations on the menu when we asked.
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