Our Concept

Eat as you like, pay as you feel

The concept behind this unique organisation is to allow the volunteers to serve the Perth city on the banks of the Swan, with love through the culinary and visual arts. The food served in Annalakshmi is not prepared by hired chefs with secret French recipes hidden up their sleeves. Instead it is prepared with the care and love by homemakers - mothers, grandparents, sisters and brothers. This filial connection is what makes the concept of Annalakshmi, an unique one.

You cannot put a price on the food prepared by a mother or a wife, and this is why at Annalakshmi you - eat as you like and pay as you feel.

What does Annalakshmi mean?

Annalakshmi is the Hindu Goddess of Food and the adage "athithi devo bhava" meaning "the Guest is God" is the motivating factor. This factor is a tribute to the Goddess of Plenty, Annalakshmi. These ideals, the warmth and the service very soon capture the imagination of diners. Annalakshmi provides food for the soul by providing a good meal to those who walk in.

Annalakshmi on the Swan has been a household name for more than a decade in India, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia. It is largely run through the work of voluntary staff that includes mothers and grandmothers all of whom know what it takes to prepare a wholesome meal with homely love.

It is guided by the inspiration of a monk, Swami Shantanand Saraswathi, disciple of Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh.

Inspiration

A Hindu monk once left the shores of India and founded the concept of Annalakshmi - The Indian Vegetarian Restaurant, in Malaysia. From Malaysia, the concept of serving humanity through the arts spread to neighbouring Australia. Here on the banks of the Swan, Annalakshmi has found a new abode to serve the community.Here at Annalakshmi, the food is prepared and served with love and the undiminished notion of service to humanity. Volunteer staff strives to touch the hearts of our guests everyday.The Hindu monk behind the wonder that is Annalakshmi is Swami Shantanand Saraswathi (or Swamiji), who has inspired us to serve you our dear guests. Through your generosity you not only give us the honour and privilege to serve you with the culinary and performing arts but also allow us to help the underprivileged in India via The Temple of Service, providing free food and medical services.