In Vaisnavism, food is more than just food; it is prasadam, the Lord's mercy. In keeping with the philosophy of offering everything to God, Krishna , devotees offer everything they eat before they eat it. In this way the food is considered sanctified.

What kind of food?
Vaisnavas follow a strict vegetarian diet; no meat, fish or eggs. Onions, garlic, and mushrooms are also avoided due to their adverse effects on the consciousness of the eater (read more about this here on Kurma Das' website).

Vegetarian food sometimes has a bad reputation as being dull. This is not necessary, as can be proved by a visit to practically any ISKCON temple. The culinary arts are well respected in our movement. See the right sidebar for links to a few delicious recipes form some of our movement's best known cooks.

How do we offer our food?
The most important ingredient in any offering is the devotion of the cook and of the person doing the offering (this may of course be the same person). It is also important that the persons offering the food are in good consciousness. This is helped by such considerations as making sure the kitchen is clean, the ingredients are pure, and that the cook is wearing clean clothes. It also helps to have peaceful music or chanting going on during the preparation of the meal. As the idea is that we are cooking for Krishna it is very important that no-one else tastes the preparation before it is offered.

A simple offering can be made by placing the food on a plate (preferably one that is only used for this purpose) in front of a picture of Krishna and chanting the Hare Krishna Mantra a few times while asking Krishna to please accept this humble offering.

A slightly more elaborate offering can be made by chanting each of the following prayers three times while ringing a small bell.

Prayer to Srila Prabhupada, (or your own guru)

Prayer to Lord Caitanya

Prayer to Lord Krishna

But remember, the most important part of a successful offering is the devotion!

The glories of prasadam

Prasadam : The Lord's Mercy. Food prepared in pure consciousness with pure products and offered with love to the Lord. Food offered to the Lord must not include garlic, onion, mushrooms, caffeine and other intoxications.

	Prasadam is spiritual, not different from Krishna
	It purifies the heart (different levels of potency).
	It frees one from sinful reactions.
	We can simply eat our way back to Godhead.
	Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Krishna become very pleased when we cook nicely for Them.
	Krishna actually eats the offering.
	By eating prasadam , the devotee becomes Krishna-ised .
	It connects our eating process to Krishna .
	It helps control the tongue.
	It protects one from falling into illusion.
	The offering contains love and devotion.
	We get benefit through offering, serving and eating it.
	The Lord likes to see His devotees enjoy in a Krishna-conscious way.

Regulations in serving and honouring prasadam

Serving
	Be clean.
	Hold utensils in right hand only.
	Do not touch serving utensils to eating plates.
	Be sensitive: give only what is wanted.
	Be quick: others may be waiting.
	No mixing: keep the preparations separate.

Honouring
	We don't just 'eat' prasadam , we 'honour' it. It should be respected as non-different from Krishna .
	Don't criticise prasadam.
	It should not be wasted.
	Your consciousness also affects how much benefit you get from eating it.
	Don't steal from others.
	Don't grab for yourself: serve and be served.
	Don't eat while walking.
	Don't horde prasadam.

Be wise
	Take a short walk afterwards or sleep ten minutes on your left side.
	Don't eat too much.
	Take the right balance.
	Don't eat too much in the evening.
	Consider regulation and health.

Find out how to perform “Tulasi Worship”