“We are incredibly sad to say goodbye”
Rasa Kita on Gloucester Road(Image: Google Maps)
A restaurant that received rave reviews for its “authentic” food has closed just a few months after opening.
Rasa Kita on Gloucester Road, Bishopston, blamed rising costs for the “impossible” situation that had led to the “incredibly sad” decision to shut so soon.
The Malaysian restaurant opened on February 27 at number 215 Gloucester Road, near the petrol station and just a few doors down from Bishopston Hardware. It announced its closure yesterday (Monday) with immediate effect.
In a statement posted on Instagram, the team running Rasa Kita said: “It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Rasa Kita today on 16th June.
“This wasn’t an easy decision, and we’re incredibly sad to say goodbye to the community we’ve loved serving.
“We gave it a good trial run for 3 months, unfortunately, the rising costs of everything have made it impossible for us to continue operating sustainably, keeping it at a low price for everyone to enjoy our authentic Malaysian cuisine and drinks.
“We want to extend our gratitude to all of you, our customers at the cafe and Bath markets. Thank you for all the wonderful reviews, support and being a part of our journey.
“With much love and immense gratitude, The Team at Rasa Kita.”
Customers expressed their disappointment in the comments section, with one writing: “Such a loss for Bristol!! your lovely food will be missed!”
Others pleaded for them to maintain a presence by utilising pop-up spaces and food markets instead of a physical restaurant.
In the short time it had been open, Rasa Kita had gained a faultless five-star review rating on Google, based on feedback from 28 diners. One of the most recent reviewers described their meal as “absolutely mind-blowingly awesome”, saying it was packed with flavour.
Many reviewers had recommended the nasi lemak dishes in particular as well as the curry puffs, with several agreeing that the prices were reasonable too. One person simply wrote: “Incredible”.
As well as its Bishopston restaurant, Rasa Kita had a regular presence at Green Park Station Market in Bath. It also advertised a takeaway-only branch in Kingswood.