Rasa Caffe opened in 2013 with the idea of bringing the flavors of India and the Asian/African diaspora together with classic specialty coffee standards.

Meaning of RASA ~ / RA·SA / NOUN / ORIGIN SANSKRIT: रस·ESSENCE, FLAVOR

Rasa Mott was raised in Oakland, California, but during two formative years ages 12 and 15 he lived abroad in India, where he had amazing life changing culinary experiences. These travels gave him the inspiration of bringing the flavors of India & the Asian/African diaspora together with classic Western standards.

He shares his love of the Culinary Arts at Rasa Caffe by spending his time as special recipe developer, coffee roaster, Rasa Chai producer, and Barista while working closely with a great team . He has worked coast-to-coast in kitchens at popular award winning restaurants in NYC , SF Bay Area , and internationally in Thailand.

Rasa received his Culinary Arts Management Degree from the New York Restaurant School/Art Institute in 2001. He was part of the “Slow Foods” movement in Italy (2002 & 2004), achieved a Master Sensory Flavor & Tasting Certification (CMT) from Chef’s Best of San Francisco in 2007, and is the Creative director at the awarding winning Rasa Caffe.