About Us

Welcome to Rasa

Journey Into Flavor

Perhaps it is the softness of the region’s terroir, or the relaxed attitude that emerges from a landscape reared on sunshine and salty air, but when Indian cuisine began to spread its color and flavor across the world, the dishes of the south got left behind on its sunbathed, balmy beaches in favor for those from the north.

Rasa was born out of a desire to change that. To bring South Indian cuisine into center stage - or, rather, bring the rest of the world into the light, where this cuisine has been flourishing for centuries. Deriving from the Sanskrit term for art which evokes an indescribable feeling in its viewer, Rasa extends this into the best examples of dining, where time dissolves and words melts into emotion. Journey into flavor with Rasa.

Founded in 2014 by Ajay Walia, with the support of his partner, Reena Miglani, Rasa is a regional restaurant focusing on Southern Indian cuisine, reimagined with contemporary character.

The imagination and ambition behind Rasa’s menu earned itself a Michelin star within its first year, and quickly amassed a loyal community around itself. Here at last was a restaurant illuminating the wonders of Southern Indian cooking, and doing so with a thoughtful temperament and faultless level of service, reflective of trademark hospitality associated with the region.

In 2021, following the immense pressure that COVID19 placed on hospitality worldwide, Rasa subsumed into the Saffron Restaurant brand, evolving into Saffron Burlingame. While its offering continued to remain largely the same, the uniqueness of Rasa was missed by both the local clientele as well as the team who remained loyal to the restaurant during its transition. In 2024, following careful thought, the calls to resurrect Rasa have been answered. It returns to its original Burlingame location, bolder and more colorful than ever. A reinvigorated interior design reflective of the bright personality of the beloved menu. Reinspired drinks offering. Transportive melange of spices and sauces. All delivered with the quintessential Rasa attention and care.

This is Rasa, revitalized. Southern Indian cuisine returns to center stage.