Lotus of Siam

Lotus of Siam is a Las Vegas institution. Talk to anyone who has eaten around Vegas, they will urge you to come here. It's not fine dining. It's not Michelin. It's not on the strip.

It's just So. Damn. Good.

This needs to be on your list. It's a quick Uber ride or about a 30 minute walk from the strip - though I'm not sure I'd walk it at night.

I got there as they opened at noon and a stream of people walked in with me. The restaurant is clean and neat, unfussy and quite large. I asked the server for her recommendations and they were the exact items I had read as being must-orders.

Crispy Garlic Prawns
This dish will take your breath away. Very large shrimp, lightly fried super crisp in a punchy sauce that they'll make however hot (or not hot) that you want. These are addictive and brilliant. I'll dream about them for quite some time.

Penny Ceviche
One look at this dish and I knew it was incredible. The ingredients were all so insanely fresh and identifiable, down to each hand-cut herb mixed in. Also addictive and held plenty of spice. The accompanying salty wontons were a perfect pairing.

Khoa Soi with Crispy Duck
Essentially rice noodles in a curry sauce, this wasn't quite as good - but still very enjoyable. The duck was absolutely fantastic, and I appreciated that there was no bones in there to work through.

I regretted that had only one stomach to fill. I need to return to this place with a large group of people so we can order as much as possible and try it all.

Lotus of Siam lives up to its hype. You will not regret a visit of your own.