A quick look at the menu reveals why this spot has become a local favorite for quick lunches. You are here because you want the full Lotus Express Menu with Prices before you walk in the door. That is smart, because nobody likes surprises when the check arrives.
This guide breaks down every section of the menu, from the steaming appetizers to the family-style dinner boxes. We will also cover the combos that give you the most bang for your buck. By the end, you will know exactly what to order and what it will cost you.
Why The Lotus Express Menu Is So Popular
Lotus Express is not your typical sit-down Thai restaurant. It is built for speed and convenience, but the food quality stays high. You get that fresh wok flavor without waiting forty minutes for a table.
The pricing structure is simple and fair. Most main dishes hover in the ten to twelve dollar range. That puts it in a sweet spot for a daily lunch or a casual dinner.
They also offer a dedicated lunch menu on weekdays. That menu is smaller, but the prices are noticeably lower. If you are on a budget, aim for the 11 AM to 3 PM window.
Lotus Express Menu With Prices
Below is the full breakdown of the standard dinner menu. These prices are current as of the last update, but always check the board in-store for daily specials. The portions are generous, so you might get two meals out of one order.
Appetizers And Starters
You should start with something crispy. The appetizer section is small but mighty. Here is what you can expect to pay.
- Spring Rolls (2 pieces) – $4.95
- Vegetable Tempura – $6.50
- Chicken Satay (3 skewers) – $7.25
- Crab Rangoon (5 pieces) – $6.95
- Edamame (steamed) – $5.25
- Tom Yum Soup (small) – $5.75
The Crab Rangoon is a fan favorite. They use real cream cheese and a decent amount of crab. The sweet chili sauce on the side is house-made.
If you are sharing, get the Tempura. It comes with a mix of broccoli, zucchini, and sweet potato. The batter is light and not greasy.
Noodle Bowls And Fried Rice
This is the heart of the operation. The noodle bowls are huge. You can pick your protein for an extra charge, usually two dollars more.
- Pad Thai – $11.95
- Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) – $12.50
- Lo Mein (Vegetable) – $10.95
- Singapore Noodles – $12.25
- Thai Fried Rice – $11.50
- Pineapple Fried Rice – $13.25
Add Chicken, Tofu, or Pork for $2.00. Add Beef or Shrimp for $3.00. The Drunken Noodles have a serious kick. If you are sensitive to spice, ask for it mild.
The Pineapple Fried Rice is served in a hollowed-out pineapple half. It is a fun presentation, and the curry powder gives it a unique yellow color. It is worth the extra two bucks.
Wok-Tossed Entrees
These dishes come with a side of steamed jasmine rice. You can upgrade to brown rice for a dollar more. The sauces here are rich and savory.
- Cashew Chicken – $12.95
- Broccoli Beef – $13.50
- Garlic & Pepper Pork – $12.75
- Sweet & Sour Chicken – $12.50
- Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow) – $12.95
- Mongolian Beef – $14.25
The Basil Chicken is the sleeper hit. It is spicy, salty, and loaded with fresh Thai basil. It pairs perfectly with a fried egg on top if they offer it that day.
All wok entrees are cooked to order. You can request extra vegetables or a lighter sauce. They are usually happy to accommodate.
Curry Selections
Curries are served in a bowl with rice on the side. The consistency is creamy and thick, not watery. You have three main choices here.
- Red Curry – $13.25
- Green Curry – $13.25
- Massaman Curry – $13.95
- Panang Curry – $13.50
Choose your protein: Chicken, Tofu, or Pork are free. Beef or Shrimp cost an extra two dollars. The Massaman is the mildest and has potatoes and peanuts in it.
The Green Curry is the spiciest of the bunch. It gets its heat from fresh green chilies. If you want a coconut-forward flavor, go with the Panang.
Chef Specials
These are the premium items. They cost a bit more, but they are larger and have fancier ingredients. These are great for a weekend treat.
- Lotus Crispy Duck – $17.95
- Seafood Delight – $18.50
- Teriyaki Salmon – $16.25
- Rama Garden (Peanut Sauce) – $13.95
The Crispy Duck is boneless and fried until the skin is glassy. It comes with a tamarind sauce that is sweet and tangy. This is the dish to get if you want to impress someone.
Lunch Specials (Weekdays Only)
This is where the real deals are. From 11 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday, you can get a smaller portion with a spring roll and soup. The price is usually six to seven dollars cheaper than dinner.
- Lunch Pad Thai – $8.95
- Lunch Basil Chicken – $8.75
- Lunch Red Curry – $8.95
- Lunch Cashew Chicken – $8.75
- Lunch Fried Rice – $8.50
These lunch plates are served on a partitioned tray. You get the main protein, a scoop of rice, and a small side salad. It is fast and filling.
Note that the lunch menu does not include the Chef Specials or the Duck. You have to come back for dinner for those.
Combos And Family Meals
If you are feeding more than two people, the combos are the way to go. They save you a few dollars compared to ordering a la carte. They also come with a large container of rice.
- Combo for Two (2 entrees + 2 rice) – $28.99
- Family Feast (3 entrees + 4 rice) – $42.99
- Party Tray (Serves 6-8) – $65.00
For the Family Feast, you can pick any three entrees from the Wok or Curry sections. You cannot pick two of the same. The Party Tray requires 24 hours notice.
These combos do not include appetizers. If you want spring rolls added, it is an extra five dollars for a dozen. That is a good deal if you are hosting.
Drinks And Desserts
They have a small drink menu. You will not find a full bar here, but they do have Thai iced tea and coffee. These are essential for balancing the spice.
- Thai Iced Tea – $3.95
- Thai Iced Coffee – $3.95
- Fresh Coconut – $4.50
- Soft Drinks (Can) – $1.99
- Bottled Water – $1.50
For dessert, the options are limited. They usually have Mango Sticky Rice when mangoes are in season. That costs $6.50. They also have fried bananas with honey.
Skip the canned soda and get the Thai Tea. It is creamy, orange, and very sweet. It cuts through the heat of the curries perfectly.
How To Order For Pickup
Ordering ahead is the best way to beat the lunch rush. The phone lines get busy around noon. You can also order through their website or a third-party app.
- Call the store directly to avoid app fees.
- Have your order ready before you call.
- Specify if you want mild, medium, or hot spice.
- Ask for the pickup time (usually 15-20 minutes).
- Check your bag before you leave the counter.
They label all containers with a sticker. Make sure you got the right order. The staff is usually fast, but mistakes can happen during a rush.
If you order through an app, the prices are marked up by about fifteen percent. The restaurant does not set those prices. The app does. You will save money by calling directly.
Tips For Saving Money
You can eat here for under ten bucks if you play it right. Here are some tricks that regulars use.
- Go during lunch hours (Mon-Fri).
- Skip the protein add-on for fried rice.
- Drink water instead of Thai Tea.
- Order the Combo for Two instead of two separate entrees.
- Ask for extra sauce on the side to stretch the flavor.
The lunch special is the best value. You get a full plate of food for under nine dollars. That is hard to beat in this economy.
Also, check the receipt for a loyalty stamp. They often have a punch card system. Buy ten lunches, get one free. It is not advertised, so you have to ask.
Dietary Options And Substitutions
Lotus Express is accommodating to dietary needs. They have a dedicated vegetarian section on the menu, though it is not listed above. You can request tofu instead of meat on almost any dish.
- Gluten-free soy sauce available on request.
- Vegan options are available (ask for no fish sauce).
- Nut allergy? Tell them, and they will clean the wok.
- Brown rice substitute costs $1.00 extra.
Be careful with the curries. Most of them contain fish sauce and shrimp paste. The Red Curry and Massaman are easier to make vegan. The Green Curry usually has fish sauce in the paste.
If you have a serious allergy, call ahead. The wok is shared, so cross-contamination is possible. They will do their best, but they are not a dedicated allergen-free kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the common questions people ask about the menu and pricing. These should clear up any confusion before you go.
Does the price include tax?
No. The prices listed are pre-tax. You will pay a small sales tax on top of your total. There is no service charge for takeout.
Is the lunch menu available on weekends?
No. The lunch specials are strictly Monday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, you pay the regular dinner prices all day.
Can I get a half order of noodles?
Usually yes. You can ask for a “small” order, but it is not on the menu. It will cost about seventy percent of the full price. You have to ask the cashier directly.
Are there any hidden fees for extra sauce?
No. A small cup of peanut sauce or chili oil is free. If you want a full pint of sauce, they might charge you a dollar or two.
Do they take cards or cash only?
They accept both. There is no minimum for card payments. However, tips are appreciated for large catering orders.
Final Thoughts On Pricing
The Lotus Express Menu with Prices is very reasonable for the quality you get. You are paying for fresh ingredients and fast service. A meal for one person will cost between nine and fifteen dollars.
If you are feeding a family, the combos are the smartest route. They simplify the ordering process and save you money. Just remember to call ahead during peak hours.
Do not be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations. They eat this food every day. They know what is good on any given afternoon. The menu is long, but you cannot go wrong with the classics.
Go check the chalkboard by the register for the daily special. Sometimes they have a curry that is not on the printed menu. That is usually the best thing they serve all week.
Now you have all the details. You know the prices, the portions, and the best times to go. You can walk in with confidence and order like a regular. That is the whole point of this guide, and you are ready.