Interior design, layout, and seating in Lotus Banh Mi (Ludden/LION).

When searching for good Vietnamese food, a few simple factors can guarantee that your meal is satisfactory. I find that if done correctly, the best Vietnamese cuisine is always based on fresh ingredients, contains lots of leafy greens, and is packed with nutritious flavor. 

The new Vietnamese Kitchen in Oakbrook, Lotus Banh Mi, exceeds all of these expectations. From Banh Mi to Pho, the dishes they offer are a beautiful gateway into the culture. The menu includes something for everyone. 

Located on 3041 Butterfield Rd., Unit 11, Lotus Banh Mi is a must visit. This Oakbrook branch is their sixth location in the Chicagoland area. Having opened merely in mid-September, the establishment was well organized and ran smoothly. Upon entering the space I admired the layout. There was plenty of seating, and the interior was bright, airy and aesthetically designed. I appreciated the many assortments of plants–they added to the fresh vibe. One thing I chiefly enjoyed was the condiments section. Each cutlery group was labeled specifically and there was even a water station. 

The employee who took my order at the counter was very welcoming and friendly and was ready to offer suggestions and explanations. This was especially relished by my mother, who I brought with me, and who will take every chance she gets to ask for recommendations on what to order. He recommended we try the signature Banh Mi sandwich, Belly Classic (10.95), since it was their specialty. My mother took his advice, while I ordered the curry chicken rice bowl (12.95). We additionally ordered both the garden (5.95) and shrimp spring rolls (5.95) to split, as well as six crispy pork egg rolls (2.25 each) to take home for my siblings. The total price of our meal was around $55, including tax but not including tip. Although this is pricey, we had a big order, and I felt it reflected the quality of our food. 

My mother and I dined in the restaurant, and we did not have to wait long for our food. The spring rolls came out first. I tried one of each. The garden spring roll was my favorite by far, with perfectly flavored tofu that paired well with the pineapple peanut sauce. I normally am not a fan of peanut sauce but the added pineapple taste hid the ginger flavor I normally dislike. The shrimp spring rolls were also adequate, each containing three large pieces of shrimp that tasted fresh and did not overpower the roll. 

Our main dishes came out almost immediately after we had finished the rolls, which was quite nice. My curry bowl was excellent, the sauce was tasty, and there was even extra provided on the side. The chicken was paired with rice, sautéed onions, cilantro, bean sprouts and cucumber. My mom’s sandwich had beef, which had a delicious flavor, cilantro, and a sunny side egg. The portion sizes were very large and I was full halfway through my bowl, and same with my mother who only ate half of her sandwich. 

Our leftovers were packaged up for us and brought out with the extra rolls we had ordered to go. I would like to note that the to-go bowl was environmentally friendly with an easy use lid (my pet peeve is getting to-go boxes that are impossible to reseal once opened). Once I got home I tried the egg rolls. They came with my favorite sauce, a sweet chili sauce. The one note I have is that I wish this sauce was also provided alongside the peanut sauce for the spring rolls. 

Overall, Lotus Banh Mi offers wonderful Vietnamese cuisine. If one is looking to expand their taste profiles, I would  heartily recommend this spot for simple yet still authentic Southeast Asian cuisine. Lotus Banh Mi is open for dining, delivery and takeout Tuesday-Sunday 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. 

5/5 paws