One of the most celebrated Thai restaurants in the country, Lotus of Siam, is returning to its roots with the reopening of its Sahara Avenue location in Las Vegas. Opened in 1999, the family-owned and operated flagship was praised by Johnathan Gold and Anthony Bourdain, earned a James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef Southwest and widely celebrated for its wine program.

Lotus of Siam has long been revered for its Northern Thai cuisine and dishes including Garlic Prawns, Khao Soi (crispy duck curry with egg noodles) and Nam Prik Ong (chili dip). The reopening elevates the guest experience with custom design elements; an expanded beverage program with new wine cellar and Naam Jai, an all-new bar concept; and a throwback menu that honors its legacy. 

Lotus of Siam on Sahara Avenue soft opens on Friday, May 8, with dinner 5-10 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. The restaurant will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the opening phase and will operate with a limited menu as the team continues to expand offerings in the coming weeks. Reservations are available via OpenTable.

The opening menu includes Stuffed Chicken Wings, Yum Ma-Muang (shredded mango salad), Koi Tuna (bluefin tuna tartare), Kang Hung Lay (pork belly curry), Kang Hoh (stir-fried dry curry), Kang Omm (herbal curry soup) and Kua Kang Care (fiery, dry stir-fried curry) alongside other signature Northern Thai dishes that earned Lotus of Siam acclaim.

At the heart of the reopening is Naam Jai, a new bar designed to complement the restaurant’s cuisine. Inspired by the Thai cultural concepts of generosity and hospitality, Naam Jai will feature a curated cocktail program highlighting Thai ingredients, seasonal infusions and premium spirits. Guests can expect a lively atmosphere perfect for pre-dinner aperitifs and late-night gatherings.

Complementing the culinary and cocktail experience is Lotus of Siam’s wine program, which has earned national recognition, including a nomination from the James Beard Foundation. The reopened Sahara location will house an impressive 6,000-bottle wine cellar, showcasing an extensive and thoughtfully curated selection with a particular strength in German Rieslings.

The Riesling selections have long been considered one of the most distinctive wine programs in the country. Designed to pair seamlessly with the complex flavors of Northern Thai cuisine, the program offers rare finds and approachable options for every guest.

“This reopening is a tribute to where we started and how far we’ve come,” said James Beard Award-winning Chef Saipin Chutima (pictured in the main photo). “We’ve reawakened the original space with new energy, from the menu to the bar, while staying true to the flavors and traditions that have long defined Lotus of Siam.”

“This next chapter allows us to push our creativity even further,” said Penny Chua, daughter of Chef Saipin and operator of Lotus of Siam. “We’re introducing new dishes and flavors while preserving the authenticity and depth we’ve built our legacy on.”

Lotus of Siam also has locations on Flamingo Avenue east of the Las Vegas Strip and at Red Rock Resort & Casino in Summerlin. For more information, visit LotusofSiamLV.com. Follow: @lotusofsiam 

About Lotus of Siam 

Lotus of Siam, 953 E. Sahara Ave., has become a globally recognized destination for Northern Thai cuisine led by Chef Saipin and her family. With deep roots in the culinary traditions of Northern Thailand, Chef Saipin has captivated diners with her bold, vibrant flavors, expertly balancing fragrant herbs, spices and her signature coconut-free curries drawn from generations of family recipes.

A James Beard Foundation Award winner for Best Chef: Southwest and a three-time nominee for Best Chef, Chef Saipin is celebrated as a trailblazer who helped introduce and elevate Northern Thai cuisine across the American culinary landscape. Gold, Bourdain, Padma Lakshmi and Ming Tsai have all praised her dedication to authenticity and innovation.

Lotus of Siam boasts an award-winning wine program recognized for its outstanding pairings. The program has earned Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for nearly two decades and was named a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Wine Program in 2018.