Authentic Indian Vegetarian Cuisine.....at....Annalakshmi...Penang...!

The entrance to the Temple of Fine Arts...........

The clean and spacious restaurant overlooking the garden..........

Buffet style ........serving warm delicious food.............

Crispy papardom....................

Ice-cold thick and smooth mango lassi..............

My plate of chappati with rice, salads, and vegetables..............


I had my lunch today, for the first time in Annalakshmi at The Temple of Fine Arts, Penang. It is a very special restaurant whereby it is run by volunteers....(that means the workers including the waiters are not paid for running the restaurant ).They do not bill you for the food you eat but instead you pay as you wish. All the proceeds will go to charity.

I am surprise to find that the vegetarian dishes are really good and freshly cook. It is not too spicy and there are many varieties to choose from. They do not cook the dishes in large batches so you could get fresh and warm food, when they keep adding food as they cook. You pick your own food and drinks. I really love the mango lassi they served. It is rich and thick with blended mango. The place is really clean ( you have to take off your shoes before you enter the restaurant) and the ambience is cool and nicely decorated ,overlooking the garden at one side. Before you step into the restaurant you can smell the authentic smell of Indian cooking!

Actually I love Indian vegetarian food more than any other vegetarian dishes because they are more healthy. They do not use msg in their food instead they use a lot of spices to make their food more tasty. The chappati is a healthy bread too. It is made from atta flour and is not oily like the roti canai. The chappati at Annalakshmi is light and soft and taste really nice with dhal curries.(few varieties). I really like to go back for more!

For those who have not been there .....should give it a try. It is situated in no.1 Barbington Avenue, Penang(near YMCA, Georgetown ).I am not too sure whether they are open everyday. Their tel. no. is 04-2288575.