Lucky Lotus

Southeast Asian restaurant · Des Moines

Lucky Lotus

Southeast Asian restaurant · Des Moines

2721 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

Highlights

Casual spot serving dishes from Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam with vegan options and a large tea menu.

2721 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 Get directions

luckylotusdsm.com

@luckylotusdsm

@eater

"This Southeast Asian fast-casual restaurant is a haven for vegans, gluten-free eaters, and anyone craving fresh herbs and punchy sauces. Six multigenerational members of the Chen family helm the restaurant, which recently added a mural-surrounded patio to meet growing demand. The After School Fried Rice is a menu mainstay and a playful delight, showcasing eggs, peas, onions, and carrots tossed in a fiery wok with your choice of Chinese sausage, shrimp, chicken, tofu, beef, or veggies." - Karla Walsh

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@travelleisure

"Start with a spirited or spirit-free mixed drink at Bartender's Handshake (the ancho chili-spiked carrot and ginger blend called the “Karate Kid” is my favorite), then snag a crispy rice wrap at Southeast Asian eatery Lucky Lotus before devouring a burger and tots from Lachele’s." - Karla Walsh Karla Walsh Karla Walsh is a freelance writer based in Des Moines, Iowa. She has written about travel, health, food, wine, psychology, fitness, beauty, and beyond for more than 15 years. She has visited four continents and near

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Brooklyn Houser

Google

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! We came here to take engagement photos and eat some delicious Asian food. We didn’t realize they were about to close, but the staff and owners were so nice and were more than happy to let us stay and do our thing. Shout out Olivia for being so sweet and the best server! The vibes were immaculate, the service incredible, and the food delicious. 11/10. 🫶🏼

Jeff Elsberry

Google

Nice little restaurant and food that was good for the most part if you aren't a meat eater. I have eaten Pho all over the world and did not get it here. Tofu or chicken is your options no extra protein choices what so ever. I was forced to pick something, so I got the Drunken Noodles, and my wife got the Pad Thai. The spice was on point, and the dish was good but truly came to try the Pho. We won't be going back to try any other dishes anytime soon

Jessica Graves

Google

Tried for the first time. I got Drunken Noodle w shrimp, and my partner got School Fried Rice w/sausage. Both were fantastic and very flavorful. New on my favorites list, been missing out if you haven't.

Kyrsten Athan

Google

This place was so good, I had to go twice during my overnight trip to Des Moines! It was phenomenal. The food was fresh, delicious, and I love the variety of vegetarian friendly options. You could eat anything on this menu and be happy! Be careful about the spice though- the level one was intense 🥵 The atmosphere was trendy and colorful. The service was friendly and courteous. I really enjoyed coming here both times and will have to come again someday! If you’re contemplating where to eat in Des Moines, give this place a try!! They are amazing.

Yeye

Google

This is my favorite restaurant in Iowa! I love when we choose to come here. The soy sauce noodles are great. I love all the decorations in this restaurant. It is very aesthetically appealing and cute. The seating fills up quick, so getting there before 5:30pm will get you the best shot at a seat. The food is still worth the wait or carry out, though, if sitting is a wait. They also have the best crab rangoons I’ve had.

Joshua Foo Photography

Google

This was the second time I visited and it was fantastic. I love decor of the restaurant and found it to be refreshing and thoughtful. Edward greeted us at the front and took our order also giving us great suggestions as well. We ordered the following: Rangoonies Egg Rolls Thai Tea Ice Coffee Crispy Rice Wraps Zen Noodle Salad Tom Yum Noodle Soup We also met the chef Anousith who was kind to let us take some portraits of him and his family. This restaurant is a gem and I will definitely be coming back again. Support your local family owned restaurants. :)

Chloe Caldwell

Google

We came in yesterday unknowingly probably 5 minutes before they closed to eat and also to take some retro style engagement photos. Despite our mix up, Olivia and the rest of the staff were SO friendly and helpful, and the food was absolutely delicious, too! We’re not from Des Moines but when we come back to visit, Lucky Lotus will be on our must-stop list!

Wendy

Google

Great atmosphere, authentic food, great prices; I took the recommendation to try the Laap chicken DIY lettuce wraps and was not disappointed! Be warned, I love spicy food and level 2 spicy was perfectly hot enough!