SImPly LoVe MunChing: Annalakshmi

Heard of Annalakshmi? If you have yet to heard of it, then read on to find out more!

Annalakshmi is a unique restaurant of its kind. It is quite different from several conventional eating outlets. Firstly, the principal motive is service and not profit. Annalakshmi was not established as a business venture competing with others to make profit in a stipulated time. It is run largely by volunteer staff who joyfully serve in an assortment of restaurant activities; cooking, serving, setting & clearing tables, dish washing, taking orders, transporting etc. They do not “work” for “shift hours” just to make a living. They volunteer and dedicate their time because they find joy in the underlying philosophy of serve, love and give. Dining at Annalakshmi means choosing food from a menu without a price. Eat what you want and give as you feel. (Still don't get it?) In simpler terms, you are free to pay whatever amount that you like regardless of the amount you eat. ( Saying so, it does not mean that it is a place for us to eat "cheap" food. I strongly believe that we have to respect Annalakshmi's culture and belief in their customers to pay a decent price for the food consume. )

After the brief introduction of Annalakshmi, now do allow me to share my dining experience with you. I decided to drop by at one of the restaurant located at the basement of Chinatown Point after much recommendation. Initially I was quite skeptical about the concept of "Eat what you want and give as you free". I was sure that the food and service must be really bad, and the place must be really run-down in order for any restaurant to make such claims. However, to my surprise, it is totally different from what I envisage it to be. The first thing anyone would noticed about the restaurant would be the grand entrance that makes you want to break through it to unveil the secret within. When I push opened the door, the interior design blown me away. You really have to see it to believe it. The place is filled with rich Indian culture and there are beautiful ornaments at all corners of the restaurant. Even the walls look fantastic with embellishment in the shade of red and gold.

Unfortunately, they no longer serve buffet style, orders have to be make by ala-carte. This prove to be rather difficult for me, as I have no idea how most of the food in the menu look like despite the short english descriptions stated in the menu. Fortunately, the service staff are really polite and helpful. I must say that I will give them 2 thumbs up plus 10 toes up for their prompt and personalise service attitude. As for the food, it turn up aright. Though, personally I tend to crave for some meat throughout my meal. (heez, I am a strict omnivores).

For potatoes lover, do try their Aloo Jeera (Boiled potato tossed with jeera and spices) and Masala Posal (Dosai filled with spice potatoes). However, the 2 items that are a "MUST TRY" are the Gobi Manchurian (Cauliflower fritters cooked in a spicy sauce) and Annalakshmi Special (Rice cooked with vegetables, raisins, nuts and spices.) Yummy! Trust me as I am someone who is rather picky with food.

Hungry?!

Look out for the below pictures:

Gobi Manchurian (Cauliflower fritters cooked in a spicy sauce)

Aloo Jeera (Boiled potato tossed with jeera and spices)

I hope the 2 pictures did not make any of you feel disgusted about the food. I know its kind of messy as I can't help but dig into the food once it's being served. Therefore I only remember to take a photo of it halfway through the meal. Lol. The other dishes were already in my tummy before my mind can react. I am sure it wouldn't be appeitzing for you to witness the empty bowls of the other dishes that are practically being slurp down by me!

To end off today entry. Let me share with you some of the photo that I took while strolling through the street of Chinatown today. They are some of the few photo that give me a nostalgic feel of those days where I used to hold my Mummy hands to look for New Year clothes at the shops located above the food centres.