Let’s be honest—when it comes to festivals, the food is half the reason we go. And the LA Lotus Festival? It delivers big time. Set around the scenic Echo Park Lake, this free weekend event doesn’t just celebrate Asian-Pacific cultures with music and art—it also offers some of the most delicious and diverse food options in the city.
Whether you’re a foodie or just hungry from walking around all day, these vendors will make your taste buds dance. From savory bites to sweet treats, here are the top 10 food vendors you should definitely try at the 2025 Lotus Festival.
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LumpiaLady
You can’t go to a Filipino-themed year without grabbing some lumpia, and LumpiaLady brings the crunch. These golden, crispy spring rolls are stuffed with ground pork, garlic, and veggies—served with sweet chili sauce for dipping. Simple but addictive.
ThaiSpice Grill
ThaiSpice Grill always draws a crowd with the smell of sizzling skewers. From satay chicken to grilled shrimp with tangy tamarind sauce, it’s perfect if you’re in the mood for something smoky and spicy.
They also offer veggie options like grilled tofu skewers and papaya salad for a lighter meal.
SeoulMates BBQ
Korean street food at its finest. SeoulMates BBQ is known for its bulgogi beef bowls, spicy pork skewers, and kimchi fries. The portions are generous, and the flavors pack a punch.
If you’ve never tried Korean BBQ on-the-go, this is the spot to start.
Aloha Delights
Craving something sweet and tropical? Aloha Delights serves authentic Hawaiian treats like haupia (coconut pudding), butter mochi, and of course, fresh pineapple juice in a real pineapple.
It’s like a mini vacation with every bite.
Banh Mi Bus
This food truck-turned-festival-staple serves one of the best Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches in LA. Think crusty baguettes filled with grilled pork, pickled veggies, and spicy mayo.
They also offer vegetarian tofu versions that are just as flavorful.
TokyoTako
TokyoTako specializes in Japanese street snacks like takoyaki—little octopus-stuffed dough balls topped with bonito flakes and mayo drizzle.
It’s warm, savory, and has a bit of chew, making it the perfect snack as you walk around the lake.
CurryChaat
Representing Indian flavors, CurryChaat serves up samosas, chaat bowls, and butter chicken over rice. Don’t miss the mango lassi—it’s cool, creamy, and refreshing after spicy food.
Great for those who love bold flavors and want to try something different.
Island Grillers
This Polynesian-style BBQ stand is all about smoky, slow-grilled meats. Their kalua pork sliders and teriyaki chicken plates are crowd favorites.
Add a side of macaroni salad and you’ve got yourself a full Hawaiian plate lunch.
Dumpling Den
Steamed, pan-fried, or soup-filled—Dumpling Den does it all. Their xiao long bao (soup dumplings) are the highlight, but you can also find pork and chive potstickers and spicy wontons.
A must for any dumpling lover.
Halo Halo Haven
Last but definitely not least, end your day with something sweet from Halo Halo Haven. They serve the classic Filipino dessert halo-halo, made with shaved ice, sweet beans, jellies, ube ice cream, and evaporated milk.
It’s colorful, cold, and the perfect way to cool off in July.
At-A-Glance Table
Here’s a quick look at the top 10 food vendors and what they offer:
| Vendor | Highlight Dish | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|
| LumpiaLady | Pork Lumpia | Filipino |
| ThaiSpice Grill | Satay Chicken Skewers | Thai |
| SeoulMates BBQ | Bulgogi Beef Bowls | Korean |
| Aloha Delights | Butter Mochi | Hawaiian |
| Banh Mi Bus | Grilled Pork Banh Mi | Vietnamese |
| TokyoTako | Takoyaki | Japanese |
| CurryChaat | Chaat Bowls | Indian |
| Island Grillers | Kalua Pork Sliders | Polynesian |
| Dumpling Den | Xiao Long Bao | Chinese |
| Halo Halo Haven | Classic Halo-Halo | Filipino Dessert |
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the choices at the Lotus Festival, but trust this list and you’ll eat well without the regret of skipping out on something amazing. Pro tip: bring friends so you can sample and share more dishes without overstuffing yourself.
And yes, most vendors accept cards, but it’s still a good idea to carry some cash—just in case.
FAQs
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, many vendors offer vegetarian-friendly dishes.
Do food vendors accept cards?
Most do, but carrying cash is still smart.
Can I find desserts at the festival?
Absolutely—try halo-halo, mochi, and more.
Is outside food allowed?
It’s best to enjoy food from the vendors inside.
Are there halal or gluten-free options?
Some vendors do offer halal and gluten-free choices.
