KUALA LUMPUR – The announcement of the Rasa Food Arena's closure after more than two decades of being in operation – after struggling with the pandemic – left frequent diners of the food court feeling sentimental and wondering where they would get their go-to meals next.
The Vibes visited the food court earlier today and caught up with the staff who were busy in the middle of their dismantling process.
Rasa Food Arena Suria KLCC assistant manager Nurul Asnia Nasaruddin notes, “We have two other outlets at Nu Sentral and Alamanda. Although not all, some of the vendors here will also be moving their businesses over to the two remaining spaces.
“The permanent closure here definitely impacts us because Suria KLCC is such a prime place, but I believe this was a careful decision made by management after factoring how the pandemic had impacted operations."
According to her, the most popular stalls were Mee Hiris Chinese Muslim (stall 2) and Korean Cuisine (stall 3), “Stall 2 will be relocated at Alamanda, whilst stall 3 will be at Nu Sentral”.
“Our diners are usually office workers that come during lunch time, so with the lockdown and SOPs – there was definitely a big difference in the activities”.
Mee Hiris Chinese Muslim director Mohd Rizal Hamzah, 36, shared, “Alamanda is far, but it just makes sense for us now given the circumstances”.
“When the pandemic hit, our sales dropped even when we pivoted into utilising food delivery services because there are just too many choices within the area,” said the shop owner during a phone interview.
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“Our ability to entertain dine-in customers was no longer applicable, which made it harder. Our dishes are cook-to-order and sometimes because of the delivery fee and time, it’s simpler to go for other options cost wise.
“We have other stand-alone outlets operating in Kuala Selangor, Bangi and Rawang, among others, but Rasa Food Arena Suria KLCC is certainly where we place our main focus because this was where we first opened,” noted Rizal.
“Of course our regulars are sad that we will no longer be serving them in the current area, but they have said that they will come visit if ever they are in Putrajaya,” he added.
Initially, netizens mistook the food court in question to be the space located at the 2nd floor of Suria KLCC, when it is on the 4th floor instead.
Commenting on the @rasafoodarena.suriaklcc Instagram page, Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said: “Thank you for the memories. Been patronising the place since I was 13.”
Another user, Adam Lewis Yates shared, “I’ve been eating mee kari there since highschool. Sedihnya.” – The Vibes, September 3, 2021
