KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is recognised internationally as a food haven, being home to numerous culinary traditions and cuisines.
Just take a walk around town and you will find food trucks and hawker stalls at almost every corner. However, for many Malaysians, especially those in the B40 group, going to bed hungry is common.
Thankfully some kind-hearted individuals have gone out of their way to ensure everyone can eat a warm meal.
In the busy district of Brickfields is one eatery dedicated to this cause and in addition to its charity work, one can find legitimately good food served here too.
Annalakshmi Riverside is a familiar name to residents here, and in fact, it has made international news before. After all, the very idea of a restaurant operating on a pay-as-you-wish basis is unusual, but that has not stopped Annalakshmi from operating for decades.
In the 1980s, the Swami Shantanand Saraswathi envisioned a hunger-free world and thus, opened a vegetarian restaurant in Bangsar where patrons can pay as they wish.
After its humble beginnings, Annalakshmi is currently serving the local community in Brickfields, where Malaysians of all stripes are welcomed to rest and eat.
Being an unconventional restaurant by its very nature, this place is also fully manned by volunteers, all inspired by the Swami’s message of benevolence.
Annalakshmi consists of two restaurants: the canteen with the pay-as-you-wish concept and the other being a higher-end buffet restaurant with fixed prices.
The former, Annalakshmi Riverside, is located in the basement of the Temple of Fine Arts on Jalan Berhala, while the buffet restaurant is on the floor above.
FMT visited during lunchtime on Friday and the place was packed with hungry customers. For a simple restaurant located in a basement, it was still presentable, with diners able to look down onto the Klang River flowing outside.
To order your food, line up at the counter, where volunteers will fill your plate as much as you want.
Pick between having your rice drizzled with curry or sambar, then choose which vegetarian dishes you want for the meal. The dishes served here change on a daily basis, so there’s something new every day.
The curry served with the rice is equal parts savoury and spicy, and honestly, what joy is to be had from eating rice without a drop of curry goodness?
The classic jeera aloo makes an appearance here, its delicious and flavour presence always welcomed, as does a side of simple but nutritious dhal.
To end this satisfying meal on a sweet note, take your time to enjoy a sweet, warm and creamy bowl of green bean payasam, served in a little metal bowl.
While one might be tempted to take as much food as one can or to pay nothing, do remember that this is ultimately a place of charity.
Proceeds earned by Annalakshmi go towards funding a community clinic, so if you have any sense of decency, do at least pay a sum you believe is fitting for the food you just enjoyed.
Additionally, signs posted around the restaurant also remind customers to not waste their food, as cooking takes effort while wasting it takes none.
Ultimately, if you are looking to have a good meal while giving back to the community, perhaps drop by Annalakshmi for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Annalakshmi Riverside (Canteen)
Temple of Fine Arts KL
116, Jalan Berhala,
Brickfields
50470 Kuala Lumpur
Business hours:
11.30am-2.30pm, 6pm-9.30pm daily (closed on Mondays)
Contact: 03-22740799
