Rasa - South Indian, Burlingame

209 Park Rd, Burlingame CA 94010
(650) 340-7272
Parking: street parking and pay parking lot
http://rasaindian.com/

Last Visited: February 15, 2018

Food: 4 to 5 stars
Atmosphere: 4 stars
Service: 4 stars
Price: $$ to $$$$

Ben suggested Rasa because of its Michelin rating.  I didn't realize there was a Michelin rated South Indian restaurant in the area and after the experience, I can understand why.  This is probably the best service I've experienced at an Indian restaurant - from waiters explaining the details of the menu and specials to their courteous nature, Rasa is a great place for a business dinner, date night, or those unfamiliar with South Indian cuisine. 

From the lighting to the decor, Rasa has a very modern design with red-orange accent walls, gray tile, and classic dark brown finishes.  The bar in the rear of the restaurant is also a nice focal point.  From its logo, I initially mistook it for a dance club or bar, but behind the glass windows are the table settings.

- Bombay Sliders - This is a good starter for someone who is interested in a fusion experience.  The bamboo skewered sliders are comprised of a spiced potato patty fritter and served on toasted pav bread with a tangy tamarind chutney, and cilantro chutney.  A side salad that is lightly dressed, ghee (at least I think it was ghee), and a spice powder mixture they called gunpowder dust accompanies the sliders.  The sliders are a flavorful bite and well balanced, but I still miss the meat from a texture standpoint.  The salad was very fresh and I like how they are thoughtful in using colorful vegetables to make the plate beautiful. Okay to try, but not a dish I would likely get again. $13


- White Elephant Butter Paper thin Dosa - Dosa is a crepe made of fermented rice and lentil batter. The size of Rasa's white elephant dosa is impressive, spanning the width of a two person table (about 2 feet). The crepe is touted for being brushed with house churned butter and sprinkled with gun powder dust, but what I enjoyed was its crispy and light texture.  It's also fun to eat because of the sides: a well seasoned and colorful potato mash, coconut chutney, sambar (a lentil stew), and another chutney.  The heat of the sambar, both temperature and flavor, makes it a delicious dipping sauce.  Definitely worth a try and excellent for sharing.  Also good for Instagram photos.  $18

- Butter Chicken - This dish comes with an option of rice or parantha and the waiter talked us into the kerala parantha which is a layered dough that is pan fried.  Given the choice, after having the dosa, I would opt for rice for a less oily and lighter texture/flavor.  Dark meat is marinated in yogurt, ginger, and garlic and then cooked in a tomato and fenugreek curry making this a very rich sauce that would be excellent for topping rice.  For me, the parantha, though tasty, is heavy.   Very good.  $28

It was a delight for the eyes to see the various dosas go to each table as each one appeared so distinct in shape and filling.

Service throughout the meal was attentive and water glasses were frequently filled.  The staff was ready to remove any empty plates and check in on our table.  I also saw that neighboring large parties received the same level of attentiveness and with a bar featuring unique cocktails, Rasa would be good for a business meal.  Great food, beautiful presentation, and nice ambiance makes this a good fine dining experience which is also reflected by the prices.