If there’s one thing that draws people into the Lotus Festival again and again, it’s the food. With a backdrop of live music and traditional performances, the smell of sizzling skewers, sweet coconut milk, and grilled garlic fills the air.
From crispy lumpia to steaming bowls of pho, the food booths offer a delicious journey through Asia—without ever leaving Echo Park. Whether you’re a foodie or just hungry from walking around the lake, this guide will help you savor the best bites from the region’s most beloved cuisines.
Table of Contents
Filipino
Let’s start with the crowd favorite: Filipino food. It’s bold, savory, and a little bit sweet—all rolled into one plate.
You’ll usually find crispy lumpia (Filipino spring rolls), often served with a sweet chili sauce. Pancit, a stir-fried noodle dish, makes an appearance too, loaded with veggies, chicken, or shrimp. And don’t forget adobo, a tangy meat stew made with soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic that simmers until it melts in your mouth.
Filipino desserts are also worth look. Halo-halo is a layered cold treat of shaved ice, sweet beans, jellies, and purple yam—perfect for a hot LA day.
Thai
Thai food brings the heat and the flavor. It’s one of the most colorful cuisines at the festival, thanks to dishes like pad thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice.
Pad thai is a go-to dish for many festival visitors—chewy rice noodles stir-fried with eggs, tofu, or shrimp, and topped with crushed peanuts and lime. Then there’s green curry, rich and spicy, made with coconut milk and fragrant herbs like lemongrass and basil.
If you’re looking for something refreshing, mango sticky rice is a must-try. The sweet sticky rice pairs perfectly with fresh mango slices and creamy coconut sauce. It’s simple, satisfying, and beautifully presented.
Vietnamese
Vietnamese food is all about balance—light but flavorful, healthy but indulgent.
Pho is often the star of the Vietnamese booth. This noodle soup is made with a slow-simmered broth, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and your choice of protein. It’s warm, aromatic, and deeply comforting.
For something handheld, try a banh mi sandwich. It’s a crispy French baguette filled with marinated pork, pickled veggies, fresh herbs, and a little chili kick.
Another favorite? Spring rolls—fresh, not fried. These are wrapped in rice paper and filled with shrimp, lettuce, mint, and vermicelli noodles, served with a savory peanut dipping sauce.
Chinese
The Chinese food booth is always busy for a reason. It delivers on comfort, flavor, and variety.
You’ll find classics like orange chicken, chow mein, and BBQ pork buns. Dim sum options such as shu mai and har gow may also be available, giving visitors a chance to try bite-sized favorites.
Don’t skip the sesame balls—chewy rice dough filled with sweet red bean paste and rolled in sesame seeds. They’re slightly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
Korean
Korean cuisine brings both heat and heart to the festival.
Korean BBQ skewers are a top pick—thinly sliced beef or pork marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled to perfection. Kimchi, a spicy fermented cabbage dish, often makes its way into rice bowls and side dishes.
Tteokbokki is another treat to look out for—chewy rice cakes smothered in a spicy red chili sauce. It’s spicy, chewy, and completely addictive.
Indian
Indian booths showcase a mix of bold spices and comforting classics. Expect to see samosas, butter chicken, and lentil-based dishes like dal.
Naan, the pillowy flatbread, is perfect for scooping up thick, creamy sauces. And for dessert, there’s gulab jamun—fried dough balls soaked in sweet syrup.
Many Indian dishes are vegetarian or vegan by default, making this booth a great stop for plant-based eaters.
Japanese
From sushi to street snacks, Japanese booths bring variety.
Takoyaki—round balls filled with octopus and topped with mayo, seaweed, and bonito flakes—are a fun street food option. You might also find yakisoba (fried noodles), gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), and of course, sushi rolls.
Desserts like mochi ice cream provide a cool, chewy end to your food adventure.
Fusion
And then there are the booths that mix it all up. Fusion food vendors combine flavors and techniques from different cultures, offering creative twists like Korean tacos, sushi burritos, or Thai-inspired sliders.
These booths reflect LA’s multicultural food scene and are especially popular with younger crowds. They offer the comfort of familiar flavors with exciting new combinations.
FAQs
What Filipino foods are at the festival?
Lumpia, adobo, pancit, and halo-halo are popular picks.
Is Thai food available at the festival?
Yes, including pad thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice.
Do Vietnamese booths serve pho?
Yes, along with banh mi and fresh spring rolls.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, many Indian and Thai dishes are vegetarian-friendly.
What is Asian fusion food?
It’s a mix of Asian flavors in new creative dishes.
