Welcome to Lotus Garden
Welcome to Lotus Garden, a beloved gem in Plainsboro, NJ, where authentic Chinese cuisine meets a warm and inviting atmosphere. Established as a community staple, Lotus Garden prides itself on its extensive menu that includes everything from classic American-Chinese dishes like General Tso’s to authentic Taiwanese offerings like cumin lamb chops. Diners rave about the generous portions, flavorful dishes, and friendly service, making it a perfect spot for families and large groups. Whether dining in or taking out, Lotus Garden ensures each visit is a delightful culinary experience, with an emphasis on quality ingredients and genuine flavors. Enjoy a taste of tradition at Lotus Garden!
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10 Schalks Crossing Rd Plainsboro, NJ 08536 United States Hotline: (609) 799-8888
Welcome to Lotus Garden, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Plainsboro, New Jersey. This beloved Chinese restaurant has established itself as a cornerstone of the local dining scene, offering a delightful combination of authenticity and comfort. Whether you’re a fan of crispy dumplings or savory noodle dishes, this establishment caters to every craving with its extensive menu that features something for everyone, including many vegetarian options.
Known for its accessible yet captivating atmosphere, Lotus Garden is characterized by its moderate noise level, making it a suitable venue for gatherings with friends, family dinners, or casual lunch breaks. With amenities like outdoor seating, a kid-friendly environment, and even waiter service, you can enjoy a leisurely meal or a quick bite with ease. The restaurant accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards and mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Android Pay, ensuring a hassle-free dining experience.
- Location: 10 Schalks Crossing Rd, Plainsboro, NJ 08536
- Phone: (609) 799-8888
- Services: Reservation options, takeout, delivery, catering, and Wi-Fi
The food at Lotus Garden is a beautiful tapestry of flavors. When it comes to appetizers, the Bar-b-q Ribs and Shrimp Toast are both standout choices. Customers rave about their Cumin Lamb Chops, noted for being some of the best in the area, and dishes like the Spicy Black Pepper Steak boast rich flavor profiles that highlight authentic Asian culinary traditions. The restaurant also features a variety of soups, with the Hot and Sour and Wonton Soups being popular favorites.
Lotus Garden is not just about food; it’s about community and connection. Numerous patrons have shared their heartfelt experiences, praising the welcoming atmosphere and the attentive service. As one customer aptly put it, "Everyone comes here." Regulars adore the traditional Chinese dishes available, which are often complemented by Americanized favorites, making it an excellent choice for both adventurous eaters and those looking for a cozy, familiar meal.
The restaurant's decor may be simplistic and casual, but as many satisfied diners observe, the charm lies in its authenticity and commitment to quality. The team often goes above and beyond; they even assist with special celebrations, making guests feel truly at home.
As you visit Lotus Garden, expect not just a meal but a memorable experience surrounded by flavorful dishes, friendly faces, and the warmth of a community staple. Make sure to indulge in their excellent lunch specials, or treat yourself to an inviting dinner where each dish tells a story of Chinese culinary artistry.
In summary, Lotus Garden isn’t just another casual dining spot; it’s a place where tradition meets taste, a haven for food lovers, and a beloved institution in Plainsboro. Be sure to stop by to savor the wide array of authentic flavors that await you!
TLDR: great Chinese spot in the area Every time I come to Lotus I wonder why I don't dine there more. The noodles are always a good choice. This is definitely one of the more authentic Chinese spots in the area. Solid prices and good portions too. I try to come by when I'm in the area.
I would come back here FOR SURE. The cumin lamb chops were recommended by our server which did not disappoint. Honestly probably some of the best lamb chops I've had - cooked to perfection. The black pepper filet mignon was also amazing. Not pictured is the peking duck which was AMAZING. Their hits are out of the park! The lo mein was good but nothing great and the crab rangoons were definitely a miss. Takeout from here would probably hit the spot too. The restraunt had a homey feel, perfect for some comfort chinese food.
I had mixed vegetables in garlic sauce and paid a couple of dollars extra to have fried tofu included in this dish. This was served with rice and hot tea. Cold water was also provided. A fortune cookie was for dessert. Delicious entrée. Service was timely but wait staff could be a bit more pleasant. Atmosphere was okay. Lots of windows toward the front of the restaurant.
Amazing, delicious, and lovely!!! We had a group dinner here for 16 people and the team could not have made us feel more welcome and appreciated!! The food was absolutely delicious, the service was impeccable and we had the most marvelous time. And get this- we asked if we could bring a cake in and they not only said of course, but they also helped us get it ready and brought us plates, forks, and a knife. We love this restaurant and I highly recommend it for dinner or a special party. We will def be back for more celebrations and delicious food!!!
Food excellent owner is very nice they have a whole "genuine Asian cuisine offering" we stuck with American/Asian choices but if your adventurous go for it
Well I'm sorry but I have to disagree with my yelp friend Edward in regards to his review of Lotus Garden. My family and I just had dinner here tonight in celebration of Chinese mid autumn festival. The food was overall pretty good and besides one dish (soy sauce poached chicken), we only ordered from the menu choices. Every item had a Chinese and an English translation except for dessert, which was strictly in English (because well obviously us Americans know how to indulge). The highlight of the meal was probably the spicy black pepper steak. It was slightly too sweet but otherwise the flavor was great - rich stir fried black pepper taste with hints of doubanjang and stir fried onions in a sizzling plate. The beef with broccoli was standard Chinese American fare. Fresh and tasty but also a bit too sweet. Soy sauce and rose wine flavored poached chicken was awesome. Super tender meat and great flavor. Yes it wasn't on the menu but this is very common dish for Chinese food from many different regions (Cantonese, Taiwanese or Shanghainese) - analogous to asking for a side of linguini with red sauce at an Italian joint. Therefore I don't think it's fair to bash the restaurant on this. It came with tasty green sauce (ginger and scallion). The fried chicken appetizer was a let down. Somewhat dry and a little bland. The Taiwanese pork chops were a hit. Tasty and fresh, packed with Taiwanese style bbq flavor - i could taste cumin, soy sauce and a mild sugar sweetness. I believe that the restaurant's owners hail from Taiwan being that the food here has a certain Taiwanese flair, though they offer Cantonese dishes too. We had ample leftovers and ended up paying $30 per person. Not a bad value.
One of the best and most authentic Chinese spots in central NJ. I've never had a bad meal here and order from here every year for Thanksgiving. Whether it is a quick weeknight meal or a large gathering weekend dim sum, this place offers quick and no-frills service with incredible dishes. My favorites are the Taiwanese style pork chops, Szechuan diced spicy chicken, and the salt and pepper squid. I also believe this place is BYOB so what is not to love about not getting ripped off for alcohol?
My relationship with this restaurant spans over two decades. Lotus Garden is not beautiful - it has outdated decor and the lights in the dining room are dim, not for ambiance - but it is a staple in the Plainsboro community. Sitting here now, as I wait for my family to arrive, other parties come through the front door and the owners welcome them in with familiarity. Everyone comes here. The menu includes your typical American Chinese fare - the General Tso's is excellent every time. They have plenty of lunch specials. But most come here for authentic dishes. My mother nudges me "What's that? What are they eating?" at everyone else's spreads. You can't come here and order just one thing. Today, we ordered our favorites - seafood pan fried noodle, whole fried chicken, General Tso's (excellent again, no surprise). We also ordered a new favorite, crispy spicy pork chops. Crispy onions and peppers top tender and fried pork pieces that are lick-your-fingers salty. There's plenty of parking in the strip mall complex. I think any negative reviews are expecting more from this place, but Lotus Garden has been a constant in my life and I think it's just great the way it is.
I grew up on Lotus Garden take-out and that was nearly 40 years ago. I have not been here in years. After seeing some of the recent negative reviews, I was a bit nervous to go back, since I have just fond memories of the restaurant and their food. I'm happy to report that my experience with the food and service was solid! I was here for lunch with a friend. The lunch prices are definitely at a higher price point as with most restaurants. I ordered the Chicken with Broccoli and my friend got the Shrimp Chow Mein. Both entrees came with soup (Wonton and Hot and Sour). We both enjoyed our meals and didn't have any complaints.