• 4
• A simple meal in a peaceful environment

Went to Fo Guang Yuan in Queen St, it has changed a lot. It is only open for lunch and there used to be a rotating menu with different dishes available each day but now there are only three main courses available. I was told the restaurant had become too popular and noisy and the Fo Guang Shan Buddhists who run it decided they wanted something simpler and more peaceful to suit the religious nature of the operators and the building surrounds. Now it is more like a tea shop with a wide range of cakes and deserts available. I had the Curry Laksa for $12.00 it was quite nice with a fair quantity of noodles and some vegies and tofu. The other two dishes available were some combinations of vegies and rice or noodles for $9.50. This is an okay place to go for lunch if you are in the city and need somewhere to eat because there are not any other options unless you go to White Lotus up near the market. It is also very peaceful with the sounds of the city replaced with gentle Buddhist music. I remember the first cafe/restaurant opened by Fo Guang Shan was a small operation in Lonsdale St just up the hill from Swanston St. This seemed a better location being more central to all the action. Now it seems like a special trip needed to get up to the Queen St premises, although they own the current building so it really is their home. The main purpose of this place is as a religious centre, but it can be a very relaxing place to escape from the city and sit and eat a healthy lunch and/or have a cake with tea, in a peaceful and calm environment, either on your own or chatting with friends.