New Brisbane

It’s been a hectic two weeks at work for me, as I’ve been working evenings and weekends to get a project finished. So on Wednesday this week, after only 2-3 hours of sleep the night before, as I stared vacantly at the wall behind my computer monitor, my co-workers looked at me and decided they needed to take me out to lunch. But, in my sleep-deprived state there was no way I could handle a trip down to the pub, so we decided to go for something a little different. And that’s how we ended up at Krishna’s cafe in the West End.

Krishna’s Cafe
82 Vulture Street
West End QLD 4101
Tel : +61 7 3844 2316
Hours: 11:30am-2pm weekdays

If you know where to look, you can find a Hare Krishna restaurant in most cities in Australia. Famous for serving up cheap and generous portions of their wholesome vegetarian fare, Krishna’s Cafe in its upstairs West End location is no exception, with an all-you-can-eat buffet option available for $9 (or $8 for students and $7 on Tuesdays).

As some of my workmates were a bit timid about trying something a little different, I was ceremoniously pushed through the door to the cafe first, where I was greeted by a friendly smile behind the corner. After asking for a meal, I watched as a metal platter was heaped with generous servings of rice, dahl, salad, koftas and a vegetable curry, then topped off with pappadums and a side-bowl of halva (semolina & custard pudding) for dessert.

Featuring an entirely vegetarian & vegan menu, you also won’t find any garlic or onion in the food served at Krishna’s, as these are believed to inflame the passions. And though I’m generally a ravenous meat eater, I found the Indian-style food to be extremely filling and satisfying, to the point where I couldn’t even finish what was on my first plate (leading my co-workers to the incorrect conclusion that I didn’t enjoy my meal).

You also won’t find any beverages on the menu at Krishna’s, but they do offer a free chilled lemon, ginger and mint drink, which not only refreshes but also aids in the digestion of the meal. Everything at Krishna’s is truly designed to be good for the body, mind and soul, and this drink is no exception.

After a wonderful dining experience, I can honestly say that I felt a lot better when I left Krishna’s. I’d ingested some delicious, wholesome food and I could already feel it working to undo the damage that recent stresses had taken on my body. So, if you’re looking for something a little different next lunchtime, make sure to check out Krishna’s cafe in the West End. It may not be a religious experience, but it’s definitely a spiritual one.