Discover Lotus Garden Upland with Us: A Hidden Gem
We recently stumbled upon a culinary treasure that we simply must share with our readers – Lotus Garden Upland, an authentic Chinese cuisine establishment that has quickly become our favorite spot.
Located at 1639 N Mountain Ave, Upland, CA 91784, this unassuming restaurant offers more than just a meal; it’s a journey through traditional Chinese flavors with modern touches. Our first impression left us wondering how we hadn’t discovered this hidden gem earlier, with its warm atmosphere and incredible menu selection.
Throughout this article, we’ll take you through our complete experience, from appetizers to desserts, highlighting what makes Lotus Garden stand out from other Chinese restaurants in the area. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Chinese cuisine or looking to try something new, we believe Lotus Garden Upland deserves your time and attention for your next dining adventure.
Key Takeaways
- Authentic Homemade Chinese Cuisine at Lotus Garden Upland
- Diverse menu including traditional dishes like Mongolian Beef and Szechuan Beef
- Warm atmosphere and incredible menu selection
- A standout among other Chinese restaurants in the area
- A great dining adventure worth spending your time on
Our First Visit to Lotus Garden Upland
As we walked into Lotus Garden Upland, we were eager to sample their renowned Chinese cuisine. Our curiosity about Lotus Garden had been building for weeks after hearing numerous recommendations from friends and colleagues about their exceptional dishes.
Walking through the doors for the first time, we were immediately greeted by friendly staff who made us feel welcome and valued as new customers. The restaurant’s interior, while modest, had a comfortable authenticity that signaled we were in for a genuine Chinese dining experience.
We spent time carefully reviewing their extensive menu, which features everything from familiar favorites to unique house specialties featuring chicken and shrimp. The aromas wafting from the kitchen instantly convinced us we had made the right choice for our dinner that evening.
What struck us most during our first visit was how many regular customers the staff knew by name, suggesting a loyal following that speaks volumes about the quality of their food.
Where to Find This Authentic Chinese Treasure
Discovering Lotus Garden in Upland is a breeze, thanks to its prime location at 1639 N Mountain Ave, nestled in the Mountain Plaza shopping center at the intersection with 16th Street.
The restaurant is easy to find, especially with GPS directions to “Lotus Garden Upland” or the Mountain Avenue address. It’s a perfect stop for lunch during a workday or a relaxing dinner any time you’re craving quality Chinese cuisine.
- Ample parking is available, making it convenient to visit during peak hours.
- The central location is accessible from most parts of Upland and neighboring communities.
As we found, the location on Mountain Avenue makes it an ideal spot for both planned dinners and spontaneous meals, fitting perfectly into any dining plan.
The Welcoming Atmosphere We Experienced
The moment we entered Lotus Garden, we were enveloped in a tranquil environment that felt like a home away from home.
The dining area, with its simple decor, surprisingly accommodates around 50 guests, putting the focus on the exceptional dishes they serve, including their signature chicken dishes.
Soft traditional Chinese music played in the background, creating a peaceful ambiance that allowed for easy conversation while we enjoyed our meal.
The attentive staff were genuinely interested in ensuring we had the best possible experience, offering recommendations and answering our questions about their various dishes.
Menu Highlights That Caught Our Attention
The menu at Lotus Garden Upland is a culinary journey, spanning four pages with diverse options. With 24 house specials and 11 types of soups, there’s something for every palate.
We were impressed by the variety in the chicken section, ranging from classic sweet and tangy orange chicken to complex dishes with unique sauce combinations. Beef lovers will appreciate options like Mongolian beef and Szechuan beef.
| Dish Type | Options | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Various preparations | Sweet and tangy orange chicken |
| Beef | Mongolian, Szechuan | Perfectly prepared, right amount of heat |
| Noodles | Familiar and authentic Chinese | Diverse preparations |
| Soups | 11 types | Complex broths, fresh ingredients |
noodles selection offers both familiar favorites and authentic Chinese preparations. Their soup offerings include complex broths and fresh ingredients, going beyond standard options.
The vegetable section offers thoughtful preparations that elevate simple ingredients. Shrimp dishes are carefully prepared to avoid overcooking, and pork options showcase traditional Chinese cooking techniques.
The menu’s diversity is a testament to the kitchen’s versatility, with 28 lunch specials served daily from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., making it a great value for diners.
Customer Favorites We Had to Try
As we continued our culinary journey at Lotus Garden Upland, we made sure to try some of the customer favorites. The dishes that stand out among the regulars are truly exceptional and worth exploring.
The Famous War Wonton Soup
This soup is a customer favorite, and for good reason. It’s a masterclass in comfort food, with wontons filled generously and served in a savory broth.
Signature Fried Rice Dishes
Lotus Garden’s fried rice dishes are a highlight, with options to suit every taste. Their house special fried rice combines chicken, beef, shrimp, and pork, showcasing their culinary versatility.
- The fried rice is cooked to perfection, with distinct grains and a balanced mix of ingredients.
- The addition of egg adds a delightful texture and flavor.
- Options like vegetable fried rice and chicken fried rice offer variety without compromising on taste.
Customers rave about the dishes, with Amber praising the BBQ Pork Chow Fun, wontons, and dumplings, saying, “The food is always delicious and hot and filling, and it is wonderfully tasting.” Keisha also shared a positive experience, stating, “We ended up ordering the combo fried rice and vegetarian egg rolls. Everything was great.”
Vegetarian Options That Impressed Us
At Lotus Garden Upland, we discovered an impressive array of vegetarian options that showcased the restaurant’s culinary versatility. The menu features dishes such as Ma Po Tofu and Sweet Sour Tofu, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
The tofu dishes were particularly noteworthy, with the Ma Po Tofu standing out for its complex flavors and perfectly prepared tofu. The sweet sour sauce coating the Sweet Sour Tofu was balanced, not cloyingly sweet, and complemented the crispy exterior and silky interior of the tofu.
| Vegetarian Dish | Key Ingredients | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ma Po Tofu | Tofu, sauce | Complex flavors, perfectly prepared tofu |
| Sweet Sour Tofu | Tofu, sweet sour sauce | Crispy exterior, silky interior, balanced sweet sour sauce |
| Steamed Mixed Vegetables | Vegetables, including carrots and mushrooms | Perfectly cooked vegetables, vibrant colors, distinct flavors |
The Steamed Mixed Vegetables dish showcased the kitchen’s commitment to quality ingredients, with each vegetable cooked to perfection. The variety of mushrooms used, including Chinese black mushrooms, added meaty texture and umami depth to the dishes. The carrots were perfectly julienned and cooked to retain a slight crunch while being tender.
Lunch Specials Worth Your Time
Our visit to Lotus Garden Upland revealed an impressive array of lunch specials available daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., providing exceptional value with prices ranging from $7.49 to $8.99.
Each lunch special comes with a choice of egg drop or hot and sour soup, an egg roll, fried wonton, and your preference of steamed or fried rice. Guests can opt for brown rice for an additional $1.
The menu includes a variety of dishes, such as chicken prepared in different styles, tender beef dishes, and pork chops seasoned with salt and pepper. The salt pepper preparation method is a highlight, showcasing the kitchen’s skill with traditional Chinese cooking techniques.
We appreciated the generous portion sizes, which often provided enough for leftovers. The efficiency of service during lunch hours was also impressive, with meals arriving promptly. This makes Lotus Garden Upland an ideal choice for those with limited break times.
The chow mein and chow fun noodle dishes are excellent lunch options, substantial enough to fuel your afternoon. Overall, the specials menu offers a great balance of familiar favorites and authentic Chinese dishes, allowing diners to explore new flavors or stick with comfortable choices.
Takeout and Delivery Experience
We’ve been impressed by the quality and convenience of Lotus Garden’s takeout and delivery experience. Their food arrives hot and fresh, carefully packaged to maintain the optimal texture and flavor.
Customers rave about their experiences, with Amber noting, “I always get the BBQ Pork Chow Fun, plus wontons and dumplings. The food is always delicious and hot and filling, and it is wonderfully tasting.” Keisha also shared, “The food arrived before estimated time and was hot and delicious.”
“The food is always delicious and hot and filling, and it is wonderfully tasting.” – Amber
The restaurant takes special care in packaging, especially for delicate items like wontons, dumplings, and spring rolls, ensuring they remain crispy during transit. Their online ordering system is intuitive, allowing for special requests and modifications.
| Menu Item | Quality | Packaging |
|---|---|---|
| Noodle dishes | Perfect texture and separation | Carefully packaged |
| Dumplings and wontons | Delicious and hot | Preserves crispiness |
| Sauce-based chicken entrées | Flavorful and fresh | Sauce and chicken packaged separately |
Overall, Lotus Garden’s takeout and delivery services offer a convenient and satisfying dining experience, making it easy to enjoy their authentic Chinese cuisine at home.
What Makes Lotus Garden Stand Out from Other Chinese Restaurants
What sets Lotus Garden apart is its commitment to quality and value. This commitment is evident in two main areas: the freshness and authenticity of their ingredients, and the generous portions they serve.
Fresh Ingredients and Authentic Flavors
Lotus Garden Upland takes pride in using fresh ingredients to create dishes that burst with authentic flavors. The emphasis on quality is clear in their fried rice dishes, which are made with freshly cooked rice and a variety of ingredients, ensuring a flavorful experience.
Generous Portions for Great Value
The generous portions at Lotus Garden provide excellent value for diners. Whether it’s their beef, pork, or shrimp dishes, the quantity of protein is impressive. Even their wontons and other appetizers offer great value, with more pieces than expected for the price.
| Dish | Portion Size | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Rice | Generous | Excellent |
| Beef/Pork/Shrimp Dishes | Ample | Great |
| Wontons/Appetizers | Substantial | Very Good |
Customers appreciate the value, with Nicole stating, “Really enjoy the meals because there’s plenty for the initial order and 1 or 2 more meals another day.” Amber also praised, “The food is always delicious and hot and filling, and it is wonderfully tasting.” These testimonials highlight the restaurant’s ability to provide both quality and quantity.
Conclusion: Why We’ll Be Returning to Lotus Garden
After multiple visits to Lotus Garden Upland, we’re convinced that this hidden gem deserves a spot in our regular dining rotation. The consistency of quality across their menu, from chicken and beef entrées to shrimp specialties and noodle dishes, has won us over.
We’re impressed by the authentic flavors, generous portions, and sophisticated sauce preparations. Even fried items remain crisp during takeout and delivery. With dishes ranging from mild to spicy, including excellent pepper-forward preparations, there’s something for every palate.
As reflected in customer reviews, such as “The service and food are beyond fantastic!” – Nicole, it’s clear that Lotus Garden is a top choice. We look forward to exploring more of their extensive menu.
