As a teenager, I attended an American Baptist Church for a few years in my quest for existential meaning. One of my favorite things about attending this small congregation was the monthly communion. No stale crackers and dry wine at this church! Instead, we broke loaves of sweet Hawaiian bread accompanied by grape juice. I remember gathering with the other youth after the sermon and polishing off any leftover bread on the communion trays. Surely, food is integral to most religious groups in one way or another, including that neighborhood Baptist church. But some groups make food a central aspect of personal cleanliness, morality or evangelism and make their sacred offerings available to the public. Read on to find out where to indulge your taste buds in a bit of divine dining.
Hare Krishnas
The International Society of Krishna Consciousness, ISKCON, as the Hare Krishnas are properly known, believes that food, or "prasadam", offered to God (Krishna) before eating, acquires a spiritual property beneficial to its consumer. Whether or not you agree, you won't be disappointed at the vegetarian Indian and American buffet offered at restaurants around the country. Most restaurants are located next door to a temple, so go next door, slip off your shoes and wander on in to get the full experience.
Govinda's Vegetarian Restaurant
3310 Southern Dr.
Efland, NC
(336) 373-8809
Govinda's Restaurant
5462 S.E. Marine
Vancouver, BC
(604) 433-7100
Govinda's Vegetarian Buffet
270 W. 8th St.
Eugene, OR
(503) 686-3531
Govinda's Natural Foods Vegetarian Buffet & Dinner Club
3764 Watseka Ave.
Los Angeles, CA
(310) 836-1269
Govinda's
1899 Mendocino Ave.
Santa Rosa, CA
(707) 544-2491
Govindas Vegetarian Cafe
1408 South Street
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 985-9303
African Hebrew Israelites
According to the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem, a black Jewish group, Biblical guidelines dictate a natural diet and lifestyle free of drugs and processed foods. Their Soul Vegetarian restaurants offer a menu of healthy soul food and sugar-free deserts that leave everyone coming back for more. Their restaurants are always packed! You won't be evangelized here, but the folks are always friendly and are more than happy to talk about their religion and offer you a book or two when asked.
Source of Life Juice Bar & Deli
9185 Central Avenue
Largo, MD 20743
(301) 324-6900
Soul Vegetarian South
3225-A Rivers Avenue North
Charleston, SC
(843) 744-1155
Soul Vegetarian on Wheels
200 North Duvall Street
Tallahassee, FL
(850) 575-9342
Soul Vegetarian Restaurant
879-A Ralph Abernathy Blvd. SW
Atlanta, GA
(404) 752-5194
Soul Vegetarian International
652 North Highland
Atlanta, GA
(404) 874-0145
Soul Vegetarian East
205 E. 75th St.
Chicago, IL
(773) 224-0104
Soul Vegetarian Restaurant
2606 Georgia Ave. NW
Washington, DC
(202) 328-7685
Chinmoy Center
Followers of Sri Chinmoy eat a vegetarian diet to rid their body of negative "animal consciousness" and to absorb the positive and pure qualities of plant foods. Their menus offer international and American favorites and the pastel restaurants are mostly hand painted with inspirational sayings from Sri Chinmoy such as "Let us eat and drink according to the need of the body. Let us love and give according to the need of the soul. Let us reveal and fulfill according to the need of God."
Annam Brahma
84-43 164th Street
New York, NY
(718) 523-2600
Victory's Banner
2100 W Roscoe
Chicago, IL
(773) 665-0227
Ananda Fuara
1298 Market St.
San Francisco, CA
(415) 621-1994
Jyoti-Bihanga
3351 Adams Avenue
San Diego, CA
(619) 282-4116
Consciousness Blossoms
3390 Tampa Road
Palm Harbor, FL
(727) 789-1031
Silence-Heart-Nest
3508 Fremont Place N
Seattle, WA
Many other religious groups operate restaurants, from the more mainstream Seventh Day Adventists, whose restaurants can be found in most major cities, to the followers of the spiritually eclectic female Master Ching Hai, so keep an eye out or check your local phonebook. Happy eating!
Jolinda Cary - Jolinda's lifelong quest for existential meaning has led her some amazing places. With a Masters of Divinity degree and a background in ...
