Kalachandji 's, located inside the Hare Krishna mandir provides an apt environment for indulging in Vegetarian food prepared with ancient Ayurvedic traditions. They serve pure Vegetarian food with most items deemed kosher even for Vegans. The varieties offered is rather humble than what you'd normally expect in other Indian buffet. The location is somewhat difficult to get to but all is forgotten once you set foot inside this unique place. I even saw a small backyard vegetable garden across the street that Kalachandji's probably owns to grow some of their own food supply. The line for the weekend buffet started to form around the door before it was opened as I was entering the temple, which by the way is just across the hallway. The thing to remember is, their food is prepared using Vaishnavi tradition and thus lack onion and garlic; two very important ingredients of Indian cooking, not sure, if they use ginger as I didn't get any hint of it.Thus, it is no surprise the food lacks the depth and flavor of regular Indian vegetarian food. The buffet included a salad bar, brown/white rice, daal, steamed veggies, mustard greens, two main dishes: ocra-potata fry and tofu, papad and raisin bread made in-house. The buffet items gets rotated, so check their website, which can be somewhat useless as I found. The paneer/peas was on the menu that day and they served rather awkward tasting tofu, a really bad substitution.The tamarind water that comes with buffet is very refreshing. The food was just OK, nothing special. The okra/potato fry had unusually big potatoes and felt like something prepared with utter indifference. The sauce that came with tofu was somewhat sweet thus rendering useless for my taste. The best part was the dessert items. At the end of meal request for dessert, if they forget to ask you. When given the choice, ask for both the items. The pudding and halwa were both really awesome. The buffet area being small and always crowded is not really ideal if you want to go for additional food. The place is small, even the beautiful courtyard where you should really dine is small. There are two inside dining areas one, on the same enclosure as the buffet display and another a little inside to the right. The courtyard, albeit small, is beautiful to sit on a nice weather day. A green tree in the center provides a nice shade and has different sized booths on its periphery and one unique, raised seating section. The lunch buffet is 10.95, not bad as it includes a cool drink and awesome desserts. The service was attentive and friendly. While the food is not the stellar Indian vegetarian, in all honesty is just 3 stars, but because of the environment, unique setting, and service is worth the try, especially if you like Vegetarian food. read more

Once upon a time, this would have been five star review, no question about it. I began going to Kalachandji's in 1987. Back then they had a cook of some renown. The pakoras were to die for, better than most Indian restaurants. Everything was top notch. I hadn't been to Kalachandji's since 1990 or 1991. I quit going because I was so frequent a customer the people at the restaurant and temple began to know me. some of them began to try to convert me quite aggressively, so I just quit going. Fast forward to 2015, and I decided to check it out again. There's some sentiment and nostalgia there as my wife (then friend and goofing around buddy) and I went there together many times. It was glaringly obvious, something was different. It was not the Kalachandji's we had known and loved. Some days the food is pretty good, other days it's quite disappointing. You never know what you'll get. Accidentally got a peak inside the kitchen. Once they used only the highest quality ingredients, the freshest produce. Not sure where the produce is sourced from, but everything else is pedestrian quality that you can buy at any store. The usual average brand stuff. I was surprised and disappointed. I remember when they would come in to the Whole Foods I worked at on Lower Greenville to buy supplies, as well as the local farmers market. Not anymore it seems. The other problem is that they are a touch pricey. As well, dessert once was part of dinner. Now you have to pay for it separately. Still, it is a beautiful place, and eating outside on a nice day is still really enjoyable. Just wish they could get back the cook they had in the '80s and early '90s. TL;DR sorry there isn't one. Reading is a precious skill, and an attention span is a terrible thing to waste. read more

Been going here for years, it went from good to great then back to good. prices are higher now by $5 a person than when I started going, but to be fair, they had a fire almost a decade ago and probably raised them to make up for having been closed a while, then covid and cost of goods being insane made an impact too. For a while after covid hit, it was take out only no buffet. I am not destitute but not rich either, so was reluctant to pay $20+ per person just for one to-go box of food, since the courtyard with open center and the traditional music provide great ambiance and is a large part of the experience... But the buffet (dine in) is back! Everything is delicious, vegetarian and always have some vegan friendly options; It's all prepared with good ingredients (and by loving hands). The tamarind tea is the BOMBay. Have a neat gift shop with Indian saari's and incense and jewelry etc. Love it. One of the almost hidden gems of East Dallas I will keep supporting for sure. Please be respectful if they are having services and always remove your shoes to enter and check out the temple! read more

Having been to Madrasa Masala, Shalimar, and temptations, I was hoping for an Indian restaurant that offered something more than Northern Indian food, such as tandori or food from the Punjab province. This restaurant does offer Indian foods from various regions of India such as Bengali, and southern Indian Chaats. We ordered the garlic Naan and it was good, not as much garlic as I would like, but the bread was good. We ordered a mango lasse which was wonderful. For entree we ordered the chicken tandori for my son and we ordered the Lamb curry with spinach and tomatoes. You can tell the curries are made fresh, all the vegetables used are fresh as well. The curry had a wonderful smell and the taste was just as good. The tandori chicken was not red like most tandori chicken, just looks like a regular piece of grilled chicken, however, the chicken was delicious. Next time, I come here I must try the goat read more

Nestled within a serene temple, Kalachandji's offers a unique vegetarian buffet-style experience with a friendly staff that enhances the charm of the place. Their diverse array of curries, ranging from chickpea-based to tofu-based, caters to various tastes, ensuring a flavorful exploration of Indian cuisine. The freshness of each dish leaves you satisfied without the usual post-buffet heaviness, and the surprising delight of a vegetarian brownie provides a perfect sweet conclusion to the meal. This vegetarian gem not only showcases the rich flavors of Indian cuisine but also embodies the fusion of health and taste. Kalachandji's buffet stands out as a delightful destination for those seeking a light, fresh, and flavorsome meal, all within the tranquil ambiance of the temple, complemented by the warmth of its friendly staff. read more

Not good. Quality and service has gone way down. I remember a time when I actually liked this place. Food was fresh and hot and the halwa dessert was also fresh and warm. Now it's the exact opposite. Quality is bad. Food is cold and didn't taste fresh at all. The halwa which is supposed to be a warm dessert is just sitting with the cold items. It's stale and cold. Imagine selling bread pudding stale and cold. Not supposed to be like that. The two owners who run the place were rude and unhelpful. I asked why the dessert wasn't warm and the woman just shrugged and looked annoyed. It seems they don't care about quality anymore and that's a shame. I won't be going back! read more

Kalachandji's is definitely the best vegetarian restaurant in Dallas. I heard a lot about Kalachandji's and finally checked it out myself with my friends the other night! It was a wonderful experience! Food was simple but well prepared. Great Price. The courtyard was a pleasant surprise! You don't expect to find a place like this in a Hare Krishna Temple, in Dallas!! Like their tamarind tea, cinnamon bread and their desserts. Awesome place, will definitely come back again! read more

This is so far the best vegetarian restaurant I have ever been to in my life. I was truly amazed when we walked in. The ambiance is wonderful, everything is made with taste, you like get into another time. Food is delicious. If somebody still thinks that vegetarian food cannot be tasty you are so wrong, come and try in in Kalachandji's read more

Different, unique, self-serve all vegetarian Indian buffet! Cool place inside a church or something. The tamarind cold tea wasn't bad and they had lots of options. Cold in the winter, but looks like they have cute outdoor seating when the weather is warmer. Friendly staff. This place you get your own tray and food and have at it! read more

The quality has gone down significantly in the last year. It used to be great but not anymore. Maybe something happened to the chef. Less variety and quality is lacking. We went there yesterday and left disappointed. We didn't even finished our meals. Can't recommend it right now. Maybe it will be good again in the future. read more

Go to this historic restaurant and explore the flavor of food! The recent reviews provide more information too. If you visit at the right time and you are sincere sometimes after special events the temple is open. Develop your own food palette and examine the history of major world religions to expand your understanding. read more

I love this place. The vibe, the food, the tamarind tea.....It's sort of hard to find the first time you go but, after that, it's like Dallas' little secret. I'm a vegetarian and super picky about what I eat, and I could spend the rest of my life dining on this menu. It's amazing! read more

Lovely place! Recommended by my best friend a year ago and become a regular ever since. My favorite dish is the deep fried bitter melon but only showed up couple of times ;( I keep going back hoping I can see them on the menu one of those days. read more

Thanksgiving was a true vegan experience. The tofu turkey and dressing was not edible to me (first time I have ever had tofu turkey and dressing). The vegetables were quiet good, pumpkin pie not tasty at all. Service and atmosphere very nice. read more

Quite an experience. Sitting in the courtyard it is easy to forget you are in Dallas. Food is served in a buffet line with a daily rotating menu. The food is vegetarian with some Indian spices, but only a slight heat. Will definitely return. read more

My experience here was out of this world! I am a big fan of Indian food and this restaurant did not disappoint. Aside from the food being delicious, the service was extraordinary. I recommend this place. read more

My experience here was out of this world! I am a big fan of Indian food and this restaurant did not disappoint. Aside from the food being delicious, the service was extraordinary. I recommend this place. read more

My experience here was out of this world! I am a big fan of Indian food and this restaurant did not disappoint. Aside from the food being delicious, the service was extraordinary. I recommend this place. read more