Annam Brahma Restaurant
84-43 164th Street
Jamaica; 523-2600

Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., Sat. (11 a.m. -10 p.m.),
Wed. (11 a.m.- 4 p.m.),
Sun. (12 p.m.- 10 p.m.)

Peace.

It’s a notion that sounds vague as the theme of war echoes across the nation, yet pure serenity can still be found amongst the hustle and bustle of city life in one Queens restaurant.

Blue — it’s the color of the sky and the ocean, and once entering Annam Brahma, the color will be associated with the calm these two Earth elements bring.

Fully decorated with library books by Sri Chinmoy – the fitness guru whose life’s work entails enlightenment and attaining the joy of peace — the chi or vital force of the restaurant is absent of chaos, with no sound from the outside world filling the air.

The sound of flutes playing the most romantic tunes filled the dining area surrounded by greeting cards, incense and gifts created by Chinmoy.

The Indian vegetarian style cuisine — primary dishes are vegetable based — weren’t bland or cooked with the wanna-be meats commonly associated with vegetarian dishes.

Curry is often a main spice used to season the vegetables, yet ginger spice was the prevailing aroma from the food.

Tuesday is Chinese day at Annam Brahma, so I enjoyed the dish of the day.

I started out with Pappadam, a light-weight, spicy and fried Indian bread — the crunchy wafer is mouth watering and should be enjoyed with a curried dish for added ascension.

The vegetarian egg roll differs from conventional egg rolls at the local Chinese restaurant because it isn’t as thickly breaded and is a little more greasy, which was overlooked because of the good taste.

Sczechuan noodles, fried rice with vegetables, oriental vegetables and broccoli complete the platter.

Meat eaters like myself may be particularly impressed with burgers that vary in style.

The gardenburger, saladburger, tofuburger, vegiburger, curryburger, twinburger and cheese griller are interesting, appetizing and have healthy kicks as they are served with wheat pita bread and fries on the side.

On the side of any main course, you may select from chutney, brown rice, sautéed tofu, steamed vegetables and more.

Reasonable prices for all meals start at $5, which does not include a variety of salads, soups and desserts.

Cheesecake, brownie, carrot cake, ice cream, baklava and more are not known to be acquainted with healthy eating, yet fit the bill.

Breakfast is also served starting at 11 a.m. with sandwiches and specialties like a BLT, omelets and naan pizza atop the list.

Catering is also available at the Annam Brahma, with luncheon specials assorted with traditional Indian snacks, soups and a curried dish, available with free local delivery and at reasonable costs.

Not only does the restaurant focus on food, it offers free evening programs on the teachings of Chinmoy in meditation.

The restaurant is a totally relaxing experience, while the food is gratuitous and delightful.