At this day and age, we see oh so many F&B outlets popping up everywhere. However, just like whack-a-mole, they disappear as soon as they arrive. It is hard to fathom how competitive the F&B industry is; between competing for prices to being ahead of the trend, it’s survival of the fittest. That is why it is all the more unfathomable to think that at Annalakshmi Restaurant, despite it being a buffet restaurant, holds a unique concept whereby you pay as you please — no matter if it’s $2 for a buffet meal, or $50 for a simple thosai in Singapore.
Annalakshmi Restaurant
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The founding of this restaurant is based around the philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, which translates to ‘Guest is God’. Motivated by service instead of profit, it is run largely by a crew of volunteers. No, they do not work to make a living, and neither do they feel the need to. Volunteers there simply work for the joy of sharing their love and passion of giving.
“At the end of the day, if that’s all that they can afford, that’s all they can afford,” said Harish, a full-time, third-generation employee at Annalakshmi Restaurant. In a video by Our Grandfather Story, Harish talked about how he learned to enjoy serving customers as a reward in itself. He shared how working with Annalakshmi Restaurant has taught him a great deal of life philosophies, too.
Being the culinary branch of Temple of Fine Arts (TFA), Annalakshmi has been a hallmark for vegetarian-dining, attracting diners from all walks of life.
The Food They Serve
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With recipes passed down from generation to generation since 1986, they serve fantastic vegetarian Indian cuisine. The flavours originate from many different parts of India, while leaning slightly more towards Southern Indian Cuisine. From thosai to briyani, their vegetarian Indian buffet has attracted a huge following. No, it’s not because it’s ‘free’, but rather because it delectably reminds many of home-cooked food.
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What’s most impressive is that they not only keep their food of high savoury levels and of flexible charges, but they also provide a comfortable, family-like atmosphere in their restaurant. The restaurant is clean, and the staff are humble and friendly all at the same time. Everything is so heavenly and pure to the point it almost feels too good to be true!
Pay As You Please
You give as much as you think your experience dining with them is worth. No fine print. If you think your briyani is worth 5 dollars, you pay 5 dollars. If you thought the thosai was worth 10 dollars, but also thought the principle behind how the restaurant is run is invaluable, then pay a hundred dollars.
However, there’s one requirement that you must adhere to — just don’t waste any food. Take as much as you can eat, and pay as much as you feel. It’s straightforward, yet overwhelmingly kind!
Public Opinion
Don’t just take our word for it! Singapore’s Annalakshmi Restaurant has garnered an average rating of 4.5 stars from about 1,600 Google reviews.
How about your experience? What do you think of the concept? Have you eaten there? If not, do you feel like trying it out? Do tell us down in the comments below!
Details:
⏱ Operating Hours: 11am— 3pm (Daily); 6:15pm— 9:30pm (Tuesdays through Sundays)
? Pricing: As you please.
? Location: #01, 20 Havelock Rd, 04 Central Square, Singapore 059765
? More About Them: Website | Facebook
Read Also: All-You-Can-Eat Xiao Long Bao Buffet At Master Wang Woodlands For S$18.80
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Also, you pay as you please at this buffet restaurant in Singapore. Similarly, this is a buffet restaurant in Singapore.
Also, you pay as you please at this buffet restaurant in Singapore. Similarly, this is a buffet restaurant in Singapore.
Also, you pay as you please at this buffet restaurant in Singapore. Similarly, this is a buffet restaurant in Singapore.
