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Vegetarian

Govinda's Vegetarian Lunch

Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, NY 📍 Maps

A basement cafeteria serving home-style Indian vegetarian meals on classic red trays, known for its rotating daily stews and lentil dals. Operating since 1984 inside the International Society for Krishna Consciousness temple, the kitchen prepares its food without onions or garlic according to Ayurvedic principles. Grab a seat at one of the retro 1980s mall-style booths beneath the colorful murals of Krishna.

★ The Legend
Eggplant Parmesan
This surprisingly decadent Italian-American classic is prepared entirely without onion or garlic to adhere to the kitchen's strict Ayurvedic, passion-free cooking principles. Regulars plan their entire week around this Thursday-only special, pairing the gooey, cheese-blanketed layers with a side of yellow split pea soup.
◆ Fan Favorite
Mango Cheesecake
An incredibly rich and velvety dessert featuring a classic graham cracker crust topped with a vibrant, sweet mango glaze. Regulars never leave without adding a slice to their tray, often pairing it with a cup of herbal tea to balance the sweetness.
● Chef's Pick
Sesame-Crusted Tofu with Tahini Cilantro Sauce
This dish features firm tofu blocks coated in toasted sesame seeds and pan-seared before being drizzled with a bright, herbaceous green sauce. It is a personal favorite of the temple's kitchen manager, Bhakta Vatsala, who ensures the tofu is pressed perfectly to maintain a satisfying, meaty bite.
◇ Hidden Gem
Samosa
Most visitors focus entirely on the hot buffet entrees, completely bypassing the glass pastry case near the register. These golden, flaky pastries are stuffed with a heavily spiced potato and pea filling, served alongside a house-made sweet tamarind chutney that cuts through the rich, fried crust.
✦ Off the Menu
Spinach Lasagna
A rich, comforting pasta dish layered with fresh spinach, ricotta, and a spiced tomato sauce that completely bypasses the standard Indian curry options. It is only available as an off-menu rotation on Tuesdays, so you must ask the server behind the counter if they have a tray tucked away in the back.
Insider Tip

Plan your visit specifically for a Thursday if you want to experience the legendary eggplant parmesan, but make sure to arrive by 12:15 PM. The line of local office workers and temple devotees forms quickly, and the most popular daily specials frequently sell out before the kitchen closes at 3:00 PM.

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