About Us

At Lotus Banh Mi, the story begins with a hunger—a craving not just for food, but for something more. Kim and Dao, two passionate students navigating the bustling passages of UIC, felt it keenly. They saw a gap, a void yearning to be filled with the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. And so, fueled by determination and a shared dream, they embarked on an adventure that would enhance the culinary landscape of Chicagoland.

Straight out of college with freshly minted degrees, Kim and Dao wasted no time. Their first location sprouted within the very heart of UIC campus, a cozy nook where fragrant spices danced in harmony. By 2023, the seed they planted just 11 years earlier had blossomed into 7 thriving locations across the city, each one a testament to their unwavering commitment.

What sets Lotus Banh Mi apart isn’t just the Banh Mi sandwiches or the steaming bowls of Pho—it’s the fusion of passion and expertise. Kim, with her background in Nutrition, crafted a menu that transcends beyond flavors and history. Every dish is a delicate balance of essential nutrients, meant to fuel you to craft your best day. And Dao, the Civil Engineer, brought precision to the table. Excel sheets transformed into financial projections, fluid dynamics guided the flow of success, and safety factors ensured stability.

Running a restaurant isn’t just about cooking—it’s about orchestrating a symphony. The notes of finance, the tempo of work flow, the harmonies of employee dynamics—all must blend seamlessly. Lotus Banh Mi thrives because it understands and embraces this intricate dance. Good recipes, after all, require a strong foundation. And a strong foundation lies in the hearts of good people.

Two years before graduation, Kim and Dao were already weaving their culinary tapestry. Amid textbooks and full-time jobs, they squeezed in food testing sessions. Coworkers and neighbors became their tasting panel, their feedback shaping the menu. But it wasn’t easy. The duo grappled with authenticity versus innovation. Should they hold on to tradition or break free?

And then it happened—their eureka moment. They let go of the old paradigms. Lotus Banh Mi would be more than just authentic—it would be a canvas where tradition met innovation. The Banh Mi sandwiches, fragrant with memories of Saigon streets, now bore a twist—a dash of creativity, a sprinkle of surprise. The Pho, once steeped in ancestral
secrets, now danced with unexpected ingredients. The result? A culinary revolution that beckons you to explore, to savor, to reimagine.

So here we stand, at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. Lotus Banh Mi invites you to step inside, to taste the past and embrace the future. Our seven locations hum with life, each one a chapter waiting to be devoured. Come for the food, stay for the stories. Let your senses wander, your taste buds awaken. Because at Lotus Banh Mi, every bite is a journey—a journey that began at UIC, flourished through passion, and now awaits you.