While visiting Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, it is impossible to overlook Rasa Deli at the Garden Wing. What used to be a mahjong gazebo has been repurposed as a kiosk for quick bites like sandwiches, muffins and cookies. In addition, Rasa Deli also offers pastries such as cakes and bread loaves.
Rasa Deli’s latest specialty, Durian Puff, is the brainchild of Executive Pastry Chef Dino Wan. Sandwiched between two halves of choux pastry is durian cream that contains equal proportion of genuine durian flesh and non-dairy cream. On the top is craquelin sweet crust made from brown sugar.
The choice of durian is Musang King (猫山王) cultivar from Balik Pulau, one of the most prized durian varieties that money can buy. In order to maintain the taste of durian, Durian Puff is prepared in a controlled temperature environment.
The icy cream presents immeasurable gratification as soon as it makes contact with my tongue. The cream is surprisingly light on the mouth as it has been whisked thoroughly. In terms of taste, the Durian Puff is not too sweet to the point of surfeit. I also notice that durian aroma is more subtle than I had expected. This is probably because the Durian Puff is served chilled.
Rasa Deli’s Durian Puff is priced at RM8.00 net per piece. 3 pieces go for RM20.00 net only. Considering the particularly large size of each puff and the use of premium ingredients, the Durian Puff is good value for money. Since its debut in early August 2017, the Durian Puff has been well-received by in-house guests and non-staying visitors alike.
Directly facing Rasa Deli is FIP Lounge. “FIP” stands for “Fun, Interactive, Play”. As the name implies, there are plenty of ways for customers to pass time here: pool billiards, electronic darts, board games and trick artworks.
FIP Lounge is also a great place for customers to mingle around and enjoy drinks. Comfortable sofa chairs and low coffee tables present a cozy ambience for casual gatherings.
The bar is where drinks like coffee, beer and cocktails are prepared. Rasa Deli’s drinks counter is unusually divided into indoor and outdoor sections. Bar stools line up neatly along both sides of the bar.
Afternoon Tea is presented on a 3-tier stand. The assortment of food includes croissants, sandwiches, cronuts, tartlets, muffins and scones. A pot of Earl Grey tea is included. Afternoon Tea is usually served at Spice Market Café.
Cappuccino (RM13.00) is a coffee drink made from equal proportions of espresso and steamed milk, plus a layer of milk foam on top. Coffee beans at Rasa Deli are roasted by illy.
Meanwhile, Arabic Coffee (قهوة عربية, RM19.00) is prepared from coffee mix with neither milk nor sugar. Made from dark roast coffee beans, Arabic Coffee carries reasonably bold taste with earthy notes. Also notable is the coffee’s strong aroma of cinnamon.
Macarons (RM73.00 per dozen) come in assorted flavors like pistachio, hazelnut and orange. I am particularly attracted by the blue-colored macaron that is flavored with Blue Curaçao.
Name: Rasa Deli
Address: Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-888-8788
Business hours: 11:00am-6:30pm
Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/penang/rasasayangresort
Coordinates: 5.47951 N, 100.25487 E
Directions: From Tanjung Bungah, travel west towards Batu Ferringhi. Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa is approximately 4.2 kilometers from Tanjung Bungah’s floating mosque, located on the right. Rasa Deli is an outdoors kiosk just outside FIP Lounge.