You know, I really wasn't expecting anything different when I came by again. I thought, "It's Thursday! Eggplant Parm day! :D" but sadly, there was no eggplant parm, or a myriad of the other sides I had come to know when coming here. So, turns out they completely neutered the menu selection they previously had as well as their offerings in favor of opening up a small cafe upstairs with some sparse offerings. They still "technically" have the meal platter but it just comes with rice and two sides (at the same price)... a stark difference to the "full meal" options they used to have that often came with a main, at least 3-4 sides, soup, and salad. I... honestly have no idea why they would choose to do this, because it completely ruins the charm and what this place kind of stood for but.... I don't think I'm going to come back to this place anymore, sorry. It's not the same endearing place I came to know and love. read more

Govinda's Kitchen - Vegetarian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Located downstairs of the temple is the canteen. The atmosphere is super causal and relaxed with a decent amount of seating. I got the pani puri and the masala dosa, with a mango lassi. You know the lassi is good when it's more yogurty than milk. Still very sweet but I really enjoyed it. I also tried my friend's chai and it was definitely on the sweeter end but still enjoyable. Everything looks great and the food all looks flavorful I'd definitely recommend making a visit! read more

Govinda's Kitchen - Vegetarian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I went to Govinda's for a late lunch and was a bit disappointed that by the time I had arrived they only had moong dal and a red lentil soup remaining. Even so, both dishes were delicious. Each had a bit of a spicy, but not overwhelming, kick, and tasted really clean and healthy. No complaints of excess oil or a sense of heaviness here. These two dishes were accompanied by basmati rice and a piece of roti. I did think that the amount seemed a bit high for $15, but I'm glad I got to try the food anyway. Perhaps I should return on a different day with other specials. The cafeteria is in the basement of a temple. The staff was friendly and efficient. read more

The food available was good, service and staff were nice and ambiance's low-key but comfortable. read more

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The new Govindas cafe on the street front is a fresh take on the famous hare Krsna cooking and all the things we tried were first class, tasty and well presented. Fresh juices and smoothies + a huge range of deserts that are very attractively displayed. They also have a table service menu with food art dishes by an Australian chef. Highly recommended if your in Brooklyn or want to try something fresh healthy taste and newly opened read more

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Exceptional spiritual, sanctified food. Wonderful and friendly staff. Great customer service. The best food in Brooklyn, New York at an affordable price with a variety of offerings to choose from. Keep up the good work! read more

Food tasted like it was made with love. Well priced. I doubt they're doing it for the profit. read more

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Well done. Vegetarian food. Quiet. Clean. Reasonably priced. Though seem to remember they take cash only?? read more

Wow! Cheap! Delicious! Lots of food. Bring your vegetarian friend if you aren't too afraid of hare Krishna lol Taste: I had a lasagna (not expecting that), a chickpea dish over rice, a pea dish, a yellow curry soup, and a bok choy ginger dish, plus a salad. It was all flavorful enough for steam trays and the price. I didn't like the bok choy ginger dish but whatever. Experience: it feels like a basement high school cafeteria vibe. Not super exciting, but it's super fast and no one is trying to convince you to join a cult. Quick service Mood Before/After: I was happy before and after. Catching up with an old friend! Fullness: Super stuffed. You don't need a full combo. What else did I eat/do today affecting my experience: I had just gotten in from LA and my vegan friend from Paris was trying to convince me to take her somewhere she could eat. I suggested sweetgreen, and honestly this was way more fun. We just gossiped in the empty lunchroom and ate. It was like a weird spiritual high school fun. read more

Govinda's Kitchen - Full combo - Vegetarian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Please be mindful of people coming into perform Ceremonies. The priest who greeted us at door was disrespectful and rude. It was my dad's death anniversary and you could have just said no. Stop pretending to be a Hindu temple or Center if you are not... read more

Greatest Location to go for some affordable food with all your friends and family or even your first date

This vegetarian cafe is linked with a national network of others that are run inside a Hare Krishna temple. I've been to the Govinda's in Honolulu and kalahandjis in Dallas. This one has the same clean tasty food and also a brightly decorated space. This location is in a basement so it lacks windows, and the buffet is not self serve and is limited to one trip. I had to ask the guy to add on some dishes he did not offer me like bread and salad. Don't be afraid to ask. You can take it to go to. Tuesday is lasagna day and the word on the street is that's the best day to go. Hours are 12-3 lunch only. This place is near many subway stops. read more

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Govinda's Kitchen serves delicious vegetarian food in the basement of the Iskcon temple on WEEKDAYS from 12-3pm. Food is incredibly good, filling, and varied. Food will cost between $8-$14 depending on how many dishes you want to try. On this humid Monday, Govinda's had fried tofu filets (YUM), a kidney bean curry, white rice, mixed green salad, roast potatoes, lentil soup, and a cabbage and pea mattar (mustard seed dry curry, YUM) which was mildly spicy. The pick 4 ($12) is the right size for me for lunch. They also have desserts and pastries which look tasty. Vibe is super casual, as you're in the basement cafeteria. It's clean, relaxed, with plenty of tables to eat here, or take to go if that's your jam. Service is incredibly kind and lovely. No wait. Cash or credit. read more

Food is delicious, portions are great, and price is very reasonable. I highly recommend

Delicious, Healthy, Affordable Vegetarian Dishes. The Staff are friendly and welcoming. Lovely music, artwork and atmosphere. Highly Recommended! read more

Awesome food super cheap price. Ambiance is that of a public school HS cafeteria! Yes, it's downstairs from Hare Krishna temple. ...No, they don't try to convert you. read more

Food is delicious, Staff is nice, Atmosphere is lovely in the temple basement with nice music playing. Place was very clean. Drinks were cold and the deserts were all good. Some good vegan options as well as cheesecake (no eggs) Lasagna was very good. read more

Govinda's Kitchen - Lasagna Subji Bread - Vegetarian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I've never gone wrong with the Govinda's veg lunch! Excellent price point, super yummy curry soup, beans, and rice.

This is my favorite indian place. I visit this place and have taken friends. The food is great.

Govinda's was one of the first vegetarian restaurants I visited after moving to the neighborhood, and there's a reason I've been coming back weekly (often multiple times a week). I can always rely on the great people at Govinda's to provide a welcoming environment and a delicious and healthful midday meal that doesn't break the bank. While my workweeks can get pretty hectic, I cherish the moments I have to relax and wind down when I go to enjoy my lunch or grab to-go. While you can always count on basmati rice and a solid selection of roasted vegetables, stewed beans, and curries, salad and soup, the entrees of the day change based on the day of the week, per the sign by the front door. Mondays (tofu fillets) and Fridays (kofta - or vegetable fritters) are can't miss for me. Whether you are vegetarian/vegan or eat everything under the sun, I highly recommend visiting Govinda's. Maybe it'll become your lunch spot too! read more

There are a lot of traditions I don't follow. I don't go to church. I wear white after labor day. I open umbrellas indoors. But the one I will always observe is Thursdays are for eggplant parm! If you don't already know about Govinda's, where have you been? They were closed for a bit earlier this year, but they're back and better than ever. Go ahead and pay $12 for a complete meal. It'll be worth it, and you'll be full the rest of the day. When I walked in, they had just run out of eggplant parm, but that's a blessing in disguise because that meant a fresh platter was coming out! Oh so cheesy and delicious. And then you'll have the rice and veggie/bean sides to fill you up. Speaking of church, the space is in the basement of a Hare Krishna temple, so you can expect a quiet atmosphere with soothing music lightly playing in the background. Very limited cell phone service as well, so be in the moment! read more

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Dropped by Govinda's for the first time today. Trekked from Manhattan to experience the overall vibe and, food-wise, I wasn't disappointed. I went for the full meal platter ($11) and asked the very nice and cordial cook/server for recommendations. She asked if I want a vegan or vegetarian dish. I saw the eggplant lasagna with cheese and decided to be vegetarian for the day. She then stacked my plate up with a bit of everything (eggplant lasagna, rice and beans, quinoa, sweet potatoes, all types of vegetables, salad, bread and a small cup of split pea soup) This was an an adventure. BTW, I got there at 2:30pm, an hour before they stop serving food, and felt like I had the whole place to myself. It's like a school cafeteria type setting with mellow music playing in the background. The place is dimly lit or not extremely bright but it adds to a relaxing vibe. I saw people of all ages and nationalities, dining there. I think the full meal platter can be split with 2 people unless you want to be gluttonous or you are scheduled to run a half a marathon later in the day. After spending a good 30 minutes finishing my meal and on the way out, one of the cooks asked how I liked my meal. With a smile on my face, I told her it was very good and pointed to my entire empty plate which was close to being licked clean. They have a new fan here. The food, overall, had the right spices and tasted great. Thumbs up! read more

Govinda's Kitchen - My delicious full meal! - Vegetarian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This is an awesome way to eat. In the basement of a Krishna temple, there is a nourishing, home cooked vegetarian meal waiting for you...seems fitting. For $12 you can get the full meal and feed two people (or at least that's what I did yesterday, and my husband is a steak and potatoes kinda guy). I could go on about how clean everything is, or how great their fresh juices are, but I will just leave it at I wish this place were 24 hour! (Can I just ask why you can only get the worst, or best, depending on your mood, kinda food at 3am?!) read more

Food is top notch. We were enticed in by the lasagne special but the unadvertised curry vegetables stole the show. Wonderful high ceiling space with peaceful music and great vibe. Great prices. read more

The right time at the right place! Everything was so good. We walked in and headed downstairs the a huge space cafeteria like area with tables and steam food stand served by two great service with a smile guys. Ambience was simple but tasteful and got great music playing. Here was we had: Breaded tofu- tuesday special- was very good and crispy and not greasy at all. Get the green sauce. So good. Salad with dressing- the dressing is so tasty Squash and carrots- very good and flavorful. Stew beans- tasty and well seasoned. Potatoes- very good and crispy. Broccoli and peppers- steamed but good. Veggie samosa- its baked. So good. Get the sweet sauce that's got the condiment area. So good. Desert- veggan cupcakes- good. Raspbaerry cheesecake- very good. Not too sweet. But too bad it's not veggan but I got a piece to go. Their cookies r not veggan either. Too bad. I so glad I was around the area to try this place. I would definitely go back but so hard to find parking. Next time I would take the train. Food and service were awesome. Drinks and breads were free. All the food were so perfectly seasoned. Not overpowering with spices like I expected. I was up for surprised. I recommend everyone to try. read more

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Wait, there's a vegetarian joint in the basement of the Hare Krishna temple?! I had to try it. I'm not really sure why, as I'm neither vegetarian nor Hare Krishna, but I couldn't resist. I was strangely attracted to it, like a completely straight moth to a very gay flame. Having now dined at Govinda's, let me tell you that you are not there for the atmosphere (it is in actuality a basement cafeteria). You are there for the affordable, delicious vegetarian cuisine served quickly and efficiently with a smile. I had: Eggplant Parmesan: This was AWESOME. It was as hearty and satisfying as vegetarian food gets. Quinoa salad. Fresh and perfect, not as mealy as quinoa can get if you don't do it right. Broccoli and peppers. There was a vague curry flavor, and they veggies were well executed and a nice complement. Cabbage, peas and potatoes. Not a huge fan of this one. It wasn't bad, but I should've known better as it's not really my thing. All this food was piled high on a tray with a slice of surprisingly wonderful, hearty bread (that I'd easily buy a loaf of if available). It was way more than anyone needs for lunch, and it cost an even $8. You can also purchase less items for less money, or get it all with soup and salad and I believe, dessert (cake or cupcakes) for $10. Cash only, and dine in as long as you don't mind Hare Krishna music and plasticeware. read more

Govinda's Kitchen - Vegetarian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I love this place! Part of me wants it to remain it's beautiful little secret. However, I'm on yelp to share the secrets with my friends. I am a pescatarian but love going strict vegetarian. Govinda's is the best place to be vegetarian. Vegetarian here does not mean grease, cheese or processed. Quiet the contrary, everything I have here taste delicious and utilizes, grains and vegetables with spices. You will find some cheese sometimes and it is still delicious! The portions are always generous. I do 3 sides and sometimes I can't even finish my plate. I always do 2 warm sides and a salad. The salad always has options of toppings such as beets with feta. Yes and Yes!! One Friday I came and as if they were waiting for me. I ordered the eggplant parmesan. There was a roasted cauliflower side and the salad with beets and feta. All ingredients I love! The eggplant was perfection! Sometimes I come here specifically for eggplant. The menu is always changing. I have been there a number of times and still manage to try something new. It's delicious, cheap, filing and you will leave here happy! The secret is officially out! read more

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So i hate to put it this way, but i think it's quite true..this place is perfect for hipster vegetarians and vegans... The service is great! They are so nice, friendly and helpful. The portions are generous. The food is made for the extremely sensitive palate (read bland). When i eat Indian food i expect an explosion of flavor in my mouth..not so here... The vegan cupcake was perfectly moist... The free orange tang-like juice was a very nice touch. Oh, the pickled veggies (chutney) was very authentic and delicious.. All in all, good value, great staff, okay food read more

Govinda's Kitchen - 4 items (clockwise): kofta (cabbage garbanzo in a tomato sauce, potato and green bean, black beans and sweet potato, rice and beet salad. - Vegetarian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I'm always full and satisfied every time I leave this place. They have bunch of vegan/vegetarian options. Definitely love the nut loaf. I still remember the first time that I tried it. YUMMY! I went to heaven for a second after eating the nutloaf. A place that everyone can enjoy. Even my friends that are not vegan/vegetarian were pleased and would recommend Govinda. They always have something delicious to try. Both affordable and delicious. read more

How did I not know about Govinda's?!?! After all, I'm a native Brooklyn-ite, love Indian/vegetarian food, practice yoga and appreciate the (Eastern religion) principles that are tied into it. I happened upon this temple/cafeteria a few weeks ago as I walked down the block, but it was past lunch time so I was unable to eat anything. As I left, I made a mental note to return and more so after I read all the stellar reviews on Yelp. I finally made it to Govinda's today for a quick, late lunch. I arrived around 2 PM, and it appeared the lunch rush was over. When I stepped inside the Hare Krishna temple, a gentleman at the entrance desk directed me to the staircase leading to the basement. The room was large-ish---with school-like cafeteria appearance arranged with several round tables and a bit dark. Enough people were still having their lunch and socializing. The buffet food bar was situated not far from the entrance and I was warmly welcomed by 2 of the servers. The woman explained all the seemingly delicious selections (from eggplant parm, cabbage and string beans to potatoes, salad, quinoa and bitter melon). There were other extras such as bread, rice and dessert (also chutney). Although it was a bit late, it seemed that food was still being replenished. I was undecided as everything looked quite good. The eggplant parm was apparently popular and immediately recommended; however, being Italian--I wanted to try something that was more along the lines containing Indian spices/flavorings. A fresh batch of bitter melon was being replenished as I was deciding. I was informed it was quite bitter but very healthy. And so having never tried it, I chose it as my one item ($5) but the woman was kind enough to split 2 selections and count it as one. The prices vary according to the number of selections chosen from the buffet bar ($5 for one, $7 for 2, etc.) My other selection was the quinoa salad (she even threw in a chapati on the house!). As far as beverages, there were several varieties for purchase or either free lemon water or mint lemonade. The vibe of the cafeteria was lovely. I could smell incense burning from the temple upstairs and Hare Krishna music was audible throughout the room. When I settled to one of the round tables to eat my lunch, I was thrilled with the bitter melon and quinoa selection (the bitter melon wasn't too bitter after all). The melon was fried and flavorful and the quinoa salad with grape tomatoes was cooked just right. I had two (plastic) cups of the mint lemonade which was really delicious and minty. My lunch was filling and enjoyable. I am looking forward to returning again. I like the vibe, the people are very friendly and best of all, the food is delicious and cheap! I highly recommend (no need to be a Hare Krishna worshipper or vegetarian. All are welcomed.) Check it out for yourself. CASH ONLY. read more

My favorite place to sit for a long time and eat a cozy lunch tray of delicious food without having to make any choices. I always get the complete meal - the soup is consistently amazing. The people are so friendly and you feel like a real human being here. read more

I was so hyped to come to Govindas because I heard it was so good. I have to give my disclaimer that I love a menu! I hate walking in blind as to what food options there are when I get to a place or I have to hover over others to see what the options are. I especially hate doing that when I can't identify what the food is. Alas, Govindas and I got off to a rough start. I came here especially for the eggplant parmigiana which was good. The slice is small- see picture. I also got some potato dish that possibly had curry or tumeric in it, cauliflower that had potatoes and other stuff -insert shoulder shrug- and a roti-like option they had. The portions are a bit small if you're on a traditional American standard diet. The eggplant Parmesan and roti thing I got were both dense so I had some of my sides to take home to compliment my dinner. I was told I could go on Facebook and see what being offered each day- no too helpful for a person that needs to see what it is. I think some labels on the glass would be helpful so patrons could know what it is. I'm not a vegan or vegetarian but I would imagine that would be helpful so you don't order something that looked like it was ok for your diet and then it turns out it isn't. Also it would be helpful if the signs they have posted about the cost specifically states what was and was not included. Samosas NOT INCLUDED. Cupcake NOT INCLUDED. I don't know if I'll go back here with so many places in the area where I could spend $11 and know what I'm getting. read more

Govinda's Kitchen - Thursday: eggplant Parmesan top right, curry or tumeric potatoes bottom left, cauliflower with potatoes and other stuff bottom right - Vegetarian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

It's been six years and I still think about this lunch from time to time. Huge selection, delicious food, amazing price. Sometimes I want to go back to Brooklyn just so I can have another taste. Luckily it's still going on so I might just be able to one day. read more

Very non greasy homecoming style food. Not sure about pricing but only few options available. I got tofu, eggplant, veggies with salad for $10. Cash only. It's very good, not restaurant style but super casual. If you choose to stay, you will also get a cup to get drinks. I also got cupcake ($2), just fine (the topping isn't good). The cheesecake is super good! ($4 or $5) big slice with fresh prices of strawberry! The place is actually not far from Dekalb mall station or A/C train station. Recommendation - cheesecake read more

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I have officially died and gone to heaven. Wow, what a lunch! It was my first time here as I was working in the area and I got the complete meal with 6 different dishes + dal and drink, all for $12. I mean... Each and every bite was delicious beyond what words can express. No greasiness, heaviness, saltiness, over sweetness... just a well balanced meal that featured and respected the real flavors of the food. Yeah, I will go out of my way to come here. What a find! read more

Govinda's Kitchen - Cauliflower, beet salad, kofta, black eyed peas, eggplant parm, rice and dal. - Vegetarian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This is a quaint vegetarian eatery below a Krishna center in downtown Brooklyn. They offer incredible deals for home cooked vegetarian food. I came on Columbus Day towards the end of their 3:30 closing time so I didn't have that much to choose from BUT the gentlemen there made sure to load me up on whatever they had left. And if you're vegan, Govinda's also also a wide selection of options as well. Signs would be helpful to differentiate what's in the food. But for the deal I'm getting for healthy food, I try not to let that be a bother. Sure, it's a bunch of white New Yorkers serving me some Indian goodies but when the food and the deals match up, I can't complain. PS - culturally I believe the food is to not be seasoned with a lot of salt, so I became friends with the salt shaker Ying Yang twins style. read more

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I did a long run from Manhattan, and arrived ready to eat. Give me all the carbs and veggies! ***LOCATION & INTERIOR*** .A casual cafeteria style eatery under a temple tucked away in Brooklyn. It's kind of dark and dingy, but relatively clean. There are a lot of tables so you don't have to worry about not having a seat. The food is served off to the side hot bar style so you can see all of your options. There were two ladies serving food when I went, and they were both super nice. One of them patiently told me all of the food available for the day and gave recommendations. When I went a little after noon on Good Friday, there wasn't a line, but by the time I finished my meal there was a pretty long one. The ladies work efficiently though, so I'm sure it moved fast. ***FOOD*** You have the options of 1 to 4 entree choices or a full meal, which I think gets you every entree, plus soup, bread, and salad? You can also combine some entrees, like rice & beans counts as 1 entree. The prices are very reasonable. I opted for the 3 choice for $9, and then got 2 cupcakes for $1 each. FYI, it's CASH ONLY!!! All of the entrees I got were very good. They tasted homemade--not too greasy, and were very flavorful. The only one I didn't like was the mixed greens, which were drenched with wayyy too much dressing. I wish they just served greens and had dressing on the side for you to add by yourself. What I loved the most though were my vegan cupcakes! I got one of each available, chocolate and cherry. The chocolate was okay, nothing special, so I only had a bite. The cherry cupcake though OMG SO GOOD. The cake part was moist, fluffy, and sweet, while the pretty magenta frosting was the perfect balance of sweet and tart (more sweet than tart, which my sweet tooth appreciated). It rivals Georgetown Cupcakes' vegan cupcakes as the best cupcake I've ever had...and it's $3 cheaper. I was almost tempted to go back and get another one, but I somehow resisted. ***NOTES/RECOMMENDATION*** Go for the cheap, homey vegetarian/vegan food and don't leave without dessert! I can't wait to go back and try a few more entrees and desserts. read more

Govinda's Kitchen - 3 choices with 2 cupcakes for $11! - Vegetarian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

A must go place for the vegetarian and vegan food lover .Good food, not spicy. The place is spacious and has a peaceful ambiance..hare Krishna Hare Krishna read more

Govinda's Kitchen - Vegetarian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Well, you don't go for the ambiance. It's in the basement of a temple that frequently has a vagrant or two resting outside of it. What we go for is a hearty, reasonably-priced ($13), fresh, vegetarian lunch. We also go to support the institution that is always so welcoming and polite to its guests. Their menu rotates by the day of the week. I think I've tried all five meal, but might have missed one day. All have been tasty. My favorite is the eggplant parmesan day (I think it's Thursday's). The service is always exceptionally polite. Give it a try and maybe I'll see you there. read more

This place is fantastic. My only complaint about Govinda's is that it's not open for dinner. It operates out of the basement of a Hare Krishna temple and is only open for lunch during the week. The buffet rotates, but has a lot of consistent standout items. You can get a gigantic platter of delicious food, easily big enough for two meals for the price of one. I like that you can get 4 or 5 different dishes and surprisingly their vegan cupcakes are incredible. Most of the food is vegan and all off the staff are very friendly and helpful. Satya, who operates the lunch service and catering is a kind and generous woman who is really passionate about her job. The restaurant is a non-profit which operates to feed the members of the temple and raise money and you can tell they take a lot of pride in what they do. My personal favorite dish is the Kitchori which they have on Mondays. They do serve the food on styrofoam plates so if you are environmentally conscious, I'd recommend bringing one or two containers with you to east out of- which is also convenient because you can easily take the leftovers home because you won't be able to finish it. read more

Govinda's Kitchen - Kitchori (monday special) and a potato side dish. Vegan and spectacular - Vegetarian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York