Annalakshmi 4.72

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. There is no hierarchical organization structure with policies and strategies to make profit. No reporting to supervisor. It is an example of a group of like-minded hearts coming together to serve.

Be it any sphere, how can we price tag an act of love, selfless service— a teacher or a doctor’s selfless service beyond the call of duty expecting nothing in return? How can we price tag mother’s love for her child? Can we price tag service of a family hosting their guests?

Any food or drink prepared lovingly, selflessly is delicious and nourishing, not because of its recipe and rich ingredients, but because a self-less heart was at work. There was an absence of ego-principle acting and expecting something in return. Perhaps, that is why we sometime compliment our hosts for a “homely meal”, just like mother’s cooking.

When there is harmony, selflessness, joy and cheer in the kitchen devoid of anger, hatred and worries, the food thus prepared and served has the power of reaching the very depths and nourishing the entire being, rather than superficial satiation of body hunger. Such food makes our body—light, mind-calm and intelligence—dynamic.

Eating is a sacred ritual, everyday in everybody’s life as the prayer goes — “thank you for today’s bread”. Human intelligence is helpless the moment food is pushed down into the gullet. Some other higher intelligence takes over the digestive and other processes nourishing the trillions of cells in our body. In fact, after the primary cooking in external fire, a secondary level cooking takes place inside our stomach with “digestive fire—Jataragni” of acids and enzymes. In Annalakshmi, as the name goes—food is revered. Anna means “food” and Lakshmi is the presiding deity. So, the food served in Annalakshmi is “Prasad” - a sanctified offering.

Almost all Annalakshmi outlets world over runs on this concept of “Eat as you want, Give as you Feel”. We do not mean to embarrass you—our esteemed guest, or put you in a tight spot by making you, instead of us, decide the price for the meal. Let this not be a factor bothering you, if it does. Have your meal first, pay whatever comes to your mind; that is perfect and appropriate for the meal you had in Annalakshmi. There is no right or wrong amount for the meal you had in Annalakshmi. We gratefully accept whatever it is.

We have full trust and faith in goodness and fairness of our guests.

This principle is not only in Annalakshmi, but also at TFA where admission to all our stage music/dance productions is by invitation without a ticketed fixed price. We, perform just for the love of it and guests are welcome to give whatever they feel.

There is one way you can help us. Kindly perceive Annalakshmi as your dining home and bring in your family friends & guests. Keep providing us more and more opportunities to serve. That is our very purpose.