Berkeley
The Original Karma Kitchen ยท Est. 2007
Where Gift Economy
Found a Kitchen
On a Sunday morning in March 2007, a small group of ServiceSpace volunteers walked into Taste of Himalayas restaurant with an unconventional idea: What if we served meals with no prices attached?
15 volunteers, 40 guests, and a radical experiment begins. Every check reads $0.00.
Washington D.C. opens. Then Chicago. The "pay it forward" concept proves replicable.
Featured on NBC, Forbes, and academic journals. UC Berkeley begins formal research.
From Ahmedabad to Dubai, the experiment continues to expand and inspire.
We wanted to create a space where the ordinary act of eating becomes an extraordinary act of connection. Where strangers serve strangers, and everyone leaves feeling a little more human.
The Karma Kitchen Story
Global Oneness Project captured the essence of Berkeley's Karma Kitchen in this beautiful documentary.
"A radical experiment in trust"
"Rethinking the economics of dining"
"Where generosity is the currency"
Moments from Berkeley
Over thousands of meals served, countless stories of transformation emerged.
Greg's First Time at Karma Kitchen
A skeptic walks in expecting a catch. What he found instead changed his perspective on generosity forever.
Read Story
Will You Marry Me (at Karma Kitchen)?
When love found its perfect setting in a gift-economy restaurant. A proposal story that touched everyone.
Read Story
The Food Thief at Karma Kitchen
What happens when someone tries to "take advantage" of a free meal? The answer will surprise you.
Read StoryStay Connected
Inspired by what happened in Berkeley? The gift economy spirit continues in many forms. Reach out to learn more or explore ways to get involved.
Get In Touch
Questions about Berkeley or interested in the gift economy? We'd love to hear from you.
Explore More Locations
What started in Berkeley now spans 28+ cities around the world. Find one near you, or bring Karma Kitchen to your community.