Tucson’s Govinda's Natural Foods Buffet is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience of cuisine and spirituality that has quietly thrived for over 25 years. Founded in 1992 by Sandamini Devi and her ex-husband Dasarath Das, the buffet is a non-profit arm of a Hare Krishna Temple they established after relocating from San Diego in 1987.
While the property primarily serves as a temple for local Hare Krishnas, its amenities go far beyond spiritual services. Visitors can enjoy walking paths, a serene garden, a gift shop, an outdoor temple, and a picturesque koi pond complete with an artificial waterfall. The ambiance is meditative, and welcomes people of all faiths.
The restaurant is unique in its approach to food preparation. Each day begins with chanting, prayer, and meditation to help the cooks, including Devi, get into the proper headspace.
The menu showcases a perfect blend of Indian-American cuisine, owing much to the diverse origins of its chefs. Organic ingredients are preferred, and many are sourced from their own garden. Paneer cheese is made fresh in-house, non-GMO produce is a must, and olive and rice bran oils are exclusively used. From fresh greens and vegan dressings to baked seitan in savory tomato gravy, the food is as diverse as it is delicious.
Their Sunday Brunch is a particular treat, offering delights like pancakes topped with thin, syrupy strawberry jam, and a salad bar featuring house-grown sprouts. Those with a penchant for exotic flavors will find the authentic Indian spices—curries, cardamom, and cinnamon—irresistible. And the non-dairy orange cinnamon rolls are nostalgia in a bite, satisfying even the most discerning of baked goods aficionados.
Govinda's tailors its menu to accommodate diverse diets. With such varied, high-quality offerings at prices as reasonable as $8.95 for lunch and $10.95 for brunch or dinner, it’s no wonder Govinda's Natural Foods Buffet remains one of Tucson's best-kept secrets.
Whether you come for the food, the serenity, or a bit of both, Govinda’s offers an unmatched haven of nourishment for body and soul.