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Annalakshmi Restaurant, located in the Downtown Gallery, Singapore, offers a unique dining experience that is as much about community as it is about food. This vegetarian Indian restaurant has garnered praise for its innovative "pay what you want" concept, allowing diners to determine the value of their meal based on personal satisfaction. Visitors rave about the ever-changing buffet, which boasts a delightful array of dishes, including the acclaimed pumpkin soup and the best sambar many have tasted outside India.
The ambiance is enriched with Indian culture, featuring exquisite paintings and idols that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Regulars appreciate the commitment to quality, hygiene, and the flavors that unfold with each bite—initially mild but gradually revealing complex spices that dance on the palate. While some have noted a desire for more variety, the existing spread consistently satisfies hungry diners.
Must-try drinks like buttermilk and mango lassi complement the meals perfectly, ensuring a refreshing end to a flavorful journey. The restaurant not only fills bellies but also fosters a sense of community, making every visit a heartwarming affair.
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Amenities & More
Service options
- Onsite services
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Takeout
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Reviews for Annalakshmi Restaurant
Review highlights
Based on 3,242 reviewsAnnalakshmi Restaurant is widely appreciated for its unique "pay what you want" concept, allowing diners to determine the value of their meal, which many find both innovative and charitable. The restaurant serves a daily-changing vegetarian Indian buffet, featuring dishes like pumpkin soup, sambar, and paneer, with consistent praise for flavor and quality. Customers often highlight the welcoming ambiance and the pleasant, humble approach of the staff. Though queues and waiting times can occur during peak hours, the overall dining experience is regarded as enjoyable and comforting. This blend of affordability, variety, and a socially conscious model makes Annalakshmi a distinctive and well-loved dining destination in Singapore.
Update: Apparently they changes some of the menu everyday. Pumpkim soup was simply delicious. Their "pancake" was crispy on the outside, to me definitely better than the usual pancake. ~end update~ Well this is pay what you want so technically the cheapest buffet in Singapore. Since you decide there is really no reason not to give 4 or 5 stars especially when the food is generally on point if something is not up your alley then just don't pick it. Would have been nice if there are more variety / spread such as cauliflower but the existing are doing it's job and keeping my belly full. Food wise they are flavorful in a deceptive manner. Initial taste was mild but you can taste the flavorful spice. The fat milk is like black magic. It taste sour by itself but when downed after spicy food it is sweet. Down it after the sweet coconut rich dessert it is sour to keep you from being gela.
Anna Lakshmi is the only restaurant in Singapore that lets the customer choose what they want to pay for their meals. More towards a charity. Sometimes the staff asks for a minimum payment which they say out and some staff just let the customer choose. Overall it's always been a pleasant experience with food and the ambience.
This place have an unique concept, “eat what you like and pay as you like”. There is no menu, this is an Indian vegetarian restaurant which serves a different menu of Vegetarian Lunch & Dinner Buffet on all days. Especially the lunch on Fridays will be very good. I visit this place very often and never disappointed with food. During weekdays for lunch there will be queue and sometimes waiting time and after food pay as you like. Usually we pay SGD 10-15 per person, since food will be tasty and very hygienic. Ambience is mixed with Indian culture, lot of paintings and idols of gods & goddess. They sell paintings, idols, pickles, powders and many items. Do visit and enjoy the food!!
Visited Annalakshmi Restaurant and it was tasty.Just got to know that they serve food and the price is decided by us.We can eat free or pay money according to our own will.Must Try. Menu changes everyday. Menu in the picture - Veg Biryani,Palak Rice,Roti,Butter milk,Sambar Bonda,Paneer,Sambar,Idli and also Guava Juice Pumpkin Soup must try
Admitting that the best Sambar I've ever had (and not just outside India!). They have the humble approach and concept of not putting up the price. You eat (self-service buffet) and you pay what you like! I was flummoxed when I went up to the counter and for 5 seconds I was waiting for him to tell me how much and then I broke the silence and asked, How much? And he said whatever you want to, Sir! Could add some soft background soothing instrumental to add charm to the atmosphere and the South Indian feel of the restaurant.
Consistently good food - more home style than restaurant style. Not overly spicy or oily. They let you pay as much as you want. There’s always a good variety. The service, ambience and quality of food is top notch. A minor criticism that food tends to be cold usually. It’s not a huge deal. Lots of love for this place.
Food was awesome! Well seasoned, felt home cooked, not too oily. They have a wash area as well for the hands before you begin. It's okay to take seconds too. Pay as you wish. We ate two servings each so we paid 15 each. Staff were nice and place is clean, located at a nice mall at CBD, and well lit. will come back!
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Quick info
Opening hours
- Monday (Today) Closed
- Tuesday 11:30 AM - 03:00 PM 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
- Wednesday 11:30 AM - 03:00 PM 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
- Thursday 11:30 AM - 03:00 PM 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
- Friday 11:30 AM - 03:00 PM 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
- Saturday 11:30 AM - 03:00 PM 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
- Sunday 11:30 AM - 03:00 PM 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
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