PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAPerched upon the Barrack Street jetty on the banks of the Swan River, Annalakshmi on the Swan is a dining concept relatively unknown to Perth. It’s a venue where volunteers cook divine vegetarian Indian cuisine made with as much love and passion as you’d expect to find at home. There are no hidden recipes or secrets to the food at Annalakshmi, just honest wholesome dishes prepared by mothers, grandmothers, sisters and brothers of the community.
Meaning the Hindu Goddess of Food, the name Annalakshmi couldn’t be more appropriate. Operating in a buffet style, there are plenty of great vegetarian dishes to choose from such as two types of rice, dhal, plenty of vegetable dishes and a stir fry or two. The offerings change daily, depending on who is cooking that day, with many of the “cooks” becoming famous for their particular signature dishes. It’s a bit like looking forward to Aunty Betty’s famous potato salad, only there’s a whole lot more to anticipate at Annalakshmi. In addition to soul-satisfying food, there’s also a gorgeous view across the Swan River and a sense of calm about this place. It must be all the great karma it generates through the absence of absurd prices and less than cheerful staff – you’d never guess the people who run the show here are all volunteers! And when it comes time to pay the bill, you pay what you feel is necessary. If you love the food here, and I can almost guarantee you will, there’s also cooking demonstrations and hand-on cooking courses, so you can continue to share the love when you get home.
Karen Bilsby, May 2008
