A recent incident at the ISKCON-run Govinda’s vegetarian restaurant in London, UK, has sparked fury among people after an African-British man entered the premises and began consuming non-vegetarian food inside.
After confirming with the staff that only vegetarian meals were served, the man pulled out a box of KFC chicken, began eating it at a table, and even offered pieces to others nearby.
Despite being asked multiple times by staff to stop and leave, the individual continued walking around the restaurant while eating meat, an act considered a direct affront to the religious principles on which ISKCON establishments operate.
WATCH – STRICT ACTION must be taken !!pic.twitter.com/DP2acnbDEE
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ISKCON’s strict vegetarian policy
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) strictly prohibits the consumption or presence of meat, fish, eggs, onion, or garlic in its dining establishments. These restrictions are based on Vedic spiritual standards, which all ISKCON temples and affiliated restaurants, such as Govinda’s, uphold.
Govinda’s in London, like all ISKCON eateries worldwide, is dedicated to offering sattvic (pure) vegetarian food that aligns with the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and other Hindu scriptures. Bringing meat into the premises is not just a breach of rules but a grave violation of a sacred space.
Online criticism
The incident, caught on video and widely shared online, has prompted calls for legal action. Several users on social media condemned the act as not merely offensive but provocative and hateful.
“This isn’t about food, it’s about respecting space. You don’t bring pork into a mosque or beer into a church,” one commenter noted.
Another user expressed deep frustration, stating, “This African-British youth knowingly entered a vegetarian-only place of religious significance and mocked their beliefs. Would he dare do the same at a Muslim or Christian place of worship?”
Many users questioned the silence of local authorities, demanding strict action from the London Police. “Why is London Police silent on this? Strict action must be taken,” read one post.