Rasa

Chef Tommy Lai and his sister Camie grew up in a small village called Rasa, an hour north of Kuala Lumpur, where the name means both 'taste' and 'feeling' in Malay. Raised in an impoverished but loving home, they learned to cook alongside their mother, absorbing her recipes for Malaysia's legendary street food and the unique 'choo char' comfort-cooking style. At their 52-seat Greenwich Village restaurant, they recreate those dishes with authenticity and care, served in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Diners praise the perfectly spiced, flavorful food—from coconutty curry laksa with fresh prawns to roti canai, BBQ chicken, and Singapore noodles—as well as the generous, accommodating service. The kitchen even offers a free vegetable soup to start and can adjust timing for special needs like iftar, making it a standout for halal diners.