Govindas Natural Foods Buffet — Restaurant in Tucson

I’ll start by saying I am not vegan or vegetarian but cook and eat a ton of foods categorized as such. This would rate right in the middle for me; not a ton of flavor going on except in the meatball looking things I think made of lentils in a tomato sauce. The dressings were ok but salad nothing special, lentil soup super bland, they had no samosas, rice not flavorful, the green bean Cauliflower blend was soo bland. I think it was supposed to have tofu but I only got half of a little piece so I’m not sure. The bread was so dry but maybe that’s what happens when you make it vegan? Which doesn’t make sense if it’s still just flour, yeast, water and salt. So overall, if you are looking to fill up or if you are hungry when you go, I would just pick dinner somewhere else. Especially if you want something with any salt or spice or general flavor. After we paid, we were told it wasn’t a Buffet anymore and just a single serve because of Covid, which I get but I came very hungry because it said buffet. The woman upfront told me it was a business and I would not leave hungry and most people leave food on their plate, which I don’t do. They did say they would give a container for leftovers. When I asked if I could get a second serving, I was told again I wouldn’t be hungry and it was one serving. I don’t get why they couldn’t just give you a new plate if they’re worried about COVID. But we already paid so no turning back...and then I was actually was still hungry sooo there’s that. I probably shouldn’t write this because I don’t want to get anybody in trouble, but a server did give me some extra food in a bowl on the side and made it hush hush...and then I was still hungry HA! My partner also wished he had a bit more food after his serving, just to show it’s not just me being unreasonable. We do love to eat though ;) The one plus it it was super cheap (25 with tip for 2 people) and had a cute garden area and one server was friendly and gave good portions and it...

Food is amazing service is not. I’ve been to this establishment a few times, but not during the hotter summer months so it has been about two or three months. A new person is there, and when I went to do what I had done previously, pay an additional dollar and take home a plate (see previous review about how awesome that was, also on Facebook) the woman sold me the plate then started yelling at me when I began putting food it in. I was not aware that the police had changed since this was what we had done on multiple occasions previously. She then told me I could use the plate to put whatever was left on my plate outside….ok so I could make a plate, take it outside, then pay for this extra plate and use it for that food? This makes absolutely no sense, but I was fine with that and said ok no problem and tried to leave, without the plate. Smiled and everything, even though they made me feel like I did something stop after they SOLD me the to go box. But no, they kept asking me who let me do this before, I stated I didn’t know the young woman’s name but gave a physical description that the woman ignored. Finally I walked past them with my son, again without the to go box I paid for or my money back. The way they made me feel I would never go again and would never recommend it. Sad because the food was amazing, and I was fine not taking a to go plate. Paying the extra dollar for a to go plate was suggested to us when we first went and every time after up until this time. Horrible...

Vegan Thursday buffet was delightful as always. The choices are very fresh and plant-based. I'm particularly impressed by the salad dressings which are incredibly tasty yet vegan. The buffet is well stocked throughout lunch. Govindas is eco-conscious and health conscious with great service to Krishna. The gift shop has very interesting items for the new agey, Hindu-minded type. I always recommend picking up some incense while you're there. The outdoor patio area is very relaxing with a water fountain to enjoy. There is an aviary and pond area on the east side of the building which is very peaceful and worth a gander, especially to view the biggest koi fish in Tucson. My only issue is that Govindas has samosas at the buffet but has a separate charge for them. I don't understand the logic behind selling them separately but having them placed in the buffet. I believe it makes it highly unlikely people with purchase them in that location. It's strange. Most people I know would find it confusing and wonder why can't we just have them as part of the buffet. I advised just charging more for the buffet and allowing samosas to be eaten without the extra charge. The tea and desserts are already charged separately. Maybe there is a special reason the buffet is set up as so. Nonetheless, Govindas is a true veggie...