A gem embedded deep within Chinatown Point is a restaurant that embodies goodwill in every sense of the word. Annalakshmi is an Indian vegetarian restaurant located at the privy basement of Chinatown Point. Featuring an impressive collection of both North and South Indian choices, interestingly all without prices, Annalakshmi group of restaurants is probably the first (and only) restaurant in Singapore that allows their patrons to pay any amount they wish for a meal in their premises.

Their maxim of “Eat what you like. Give as you feel. We believe in you and trust you” is exactly what they preach and practise here at Annalakshmi. This peculiar management style is what Annalakshmi has relied on over the years to survive and, incredible as it sounds, thrived on for the past 21 years.

• The Vibe
  The restaurant is tastefully done up with an authentic touch of Indian culture apparent in the paintings and wall installations around. One will find it hard to believe that the interior décor was entirely handled by the restaurant's staff because the restaurant décor is not in the least amateurish, contrary to what Annalakshmi may claim humbly. Some diners fancy the restaurant for its abundance of ‘good vibes', which they attribute to the goodwill of most patrons who are generous when settling the bill.

• The Food
  As a vegetarian restaurant, Annalakshmi dishes out the best of Indian vegetable curries, vadas and dosais . To whet your appetite, order a dahi vada , which serves two lentil doughnuts drenched in a pool of yoghurt. Diners are advised to tuck in fast before the doughnuts turn soggy and rather distasteful. This starter is rather one of an acquired taste, with the yoghurt's sharp, sour flavour, so if you do not fancy yoghurts, opt for the masala dosai , which is your typical dosai stuffed with a spicy potato filling but served in a flat triangle. Pair the dosai with a green chilli and coconut paste or a sambal sauce for a twist. Notably, eat the dosai hot to fully savour its spicy, delectable taste.

  The lunch menu offers light set meals that are just the thing for working executives in a rush. The bhatura & channa set is a treat to look at, with a deep fried bread that bloats magnificently like a puffer fish but deflates within ten minutes. The bread is made of plain flour and comes with a chickpeas curry that is delightfully light on the tongue. This bread is best savoured once it is served as it retains its full flavour. Although this is considered a light set meal, the deep fried bread is filling enough for a midday meal.

  Looking for something heavier? Annalakshmi also has thali set meals that fill your tummy up. Have a go at the North thali set for a scrumptious meal of two chapathis , pilav rice, dhal, potato curry, vegetable curry, papad , raita , pickles and fresh fruits. The pilav rice is splendidly fluffy and goes very well with the vegetable curry, which carries a tinge of sweetness in the pleasing aroma of spice.

  Have a dessert or drink to end your dining experience on a saccharine note. The kulfie in Annalakshmi is much sweeter and less rich from that of other restaurants, which makes it easier to down after a filling set meal. If you prefer to skip desserts, wash down all the savoury treats with a typical mango lassi or the Annalakshmi special, which is a special concoction of orange and honey. This unique lassi is lovely – citrusy yet not overly acidic – and its smooth texture glides down your throat comfortably. Or have a go at the Mango juice, which will quench one's thirst for sure.

• The Service
  Listed as one of the Food & Beverage Industry Top 150 Restaurants for the Service Excellence Awards 2007, Annalakshmi provides service that is highly efficient and unobtrusive. Surprisingly, all staff members working at this restaurant are volunteers, save for the chefs and dishwashers, and are as professional as those from a high-end restaurant.

SD Food Advisor's Take on Annalakshmi
The concept of allowing patrons to pay any amount they wish to contribute for their meal is indeed unbelievable. Annalakshmi has proven to be a restaurant that ‘pays it forward' with their efforts to promote Indian culture and arts with the support of their regulars. Notably, the goodwill revolving around this restaurant makes the dining experience sweeter than any kulfie you can find elsewhere. Just remember not to waste any food in this restaurant.