You’ve likely heard friends in DC raving about Rasa. Or perhaps you’ve gone over the bridge yourself for a taste. Now, Rasa co-owners Sahil Rahman and Rahul Vinod are bringing casual Indian cuisine to National Landing, opening their third restaurant on Friday, July 2. Rahman and Vinod’s newest outpost is their first outside of the District and, for fans of South Asian food, a welcome addition to NoVa’s dining scene.
The third location remains true to form, with colorful, modern décor appointments, hanging basket chairs, and pop-inspired wall art. Also on display is work from local artist, Nandita Madan, who happens to be Rahman’s aunt.
Diners can customize their own meals, choosing from different bases, mains, sauces, vegetables and toppings and chutneys, to create exactly what they want. Along with vegetarian options, bowls can be made vegan upon request and all meat-based options are halal. The menu also includes Rasa’s own selection of bowls, including Aloo Need Is Love (sweet potato tikki), Tikka Chance On Me (chicken tikka), and Caul Me Maybe (spiced cauliflower with tofu).
Rasa’s cocktails, including the Coconut and Rum and the Spiked Lassi, are made with rum from District-based distiller, Cotton and Reed. South Asian-inspired favorites like the Masala Gin and Tonic and Cardamom Mint Julep remain on their menu. Beer includes Asian-inspired selections from 3 Stars Brewing, Six Points, and Dogfish Head, while wines are available by the glass or in a can (Babe Rosé). More partnerships with Virginia-based brewers, vineyards, and farmers are in the works, and new additions to the menu will follow the opening.
Following a challenging year for restaurant owners, Vinod says, “building out this restaurant during COVID was an absolute rollercoaster, filled with many ups and downs. We are incredibly grateful to our team at Rasa…and the community for all of the support as we navigated the pandemic, and we can’t wait to finally welcome folks into our new home soon.”
Aside from the pandemic, the life-long friends are both excited to bring Rasa to NoVa. Rahman says, “[National Landing] is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in the country, and we look forward to feeding the community.”
The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with outdoor seating available. Online ordering and delivery will follow the opening. On opening day, the first 50 people through the door will receive an as-yet-to-be-announced prize. 2200 Crystal Dr. Ste. F, Arlington
Feature image by Rey Lopez
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