The Vegetable Option: Fresh Vietnamese Flavors At Lotus Cafe

Mushroom Lemongrass Banh Mi (Photo by Carrie Laski)

Healthy and authentic Vietnamese food with a modern twist is the focus at Lotus Café and Banh Miin University Village. Owners Kim Dao and Dao Nguyen, both graduates of UIC, dreamed up Lotus Café when they noticed there was nothing in the area to satisfy their desire for the unique flavors of Vietnam. Since they opened in 2012 in a bright and airy storefront on the cobblestone portion of Maxwell Street, you, too, can get your fix of toasty banh mi sandwiches, fresh spring rolls, and fruit smoothies.

Vietnamese cuisine gets most of its flavor from fresh vegetables like cucumber and daikon radish as well as seasonings like lemongrass, ginger, and chilies. Banh mi sandwiches, traditionally the comfort food of Vietnam, are made from toasted French baguettes scooped out and filled with meat or fried eggs and crunchy vegetables. Lotus Café‘s banh mi sandwiches keep with that tradition while also offering options for vegan and vegetarian diners.