Lotus and Light: A Modern Take on Vietnamese Cuisine in Burbank
Lotus and Light in Burbank is redefining modern Vietnamese cuisine with bold flavors, signature pho, and must-try dishes like Honey Ginger Glazed Chicken. Discover the story behind this hidden gem, its menu favorites, and why it’s a local favorite.
If you walk into Lotus and Light expecting a traditional Vietnamese restaurant, you might be surprised—but in the best way possible. Nestled in Burbank, California, this modern Asian eatery delivers bold flavors, thoughtful innovation, and an approachability that makes it a hit with locals. The man behind the magic? Randy, one of the restaurant’s co-owners, who never expected to find himself in the restaurant industry—let alone redefining Vietnamese cuisine for a whole new audience.
From Reluctant Restaurateur to Culinary Innovator
Randy is the first to admit he had zero culinary experience before opening Lotus and Light. In fact, he was pretty convinced he would never own a restaurant.
“My family had restaurants growing up, so I knew how much work it took,” he explains. “When my business partner came to me with the idea of buying an existing restaurant, I told him, ‘Hell no, I don’t want to do it.’”
But persistence won out. His business partner, a longtime friend, convinced him to take the leap, and before Randy knew it, he was running a restaurant. Though he had no formal kitchen training, he had a vision—and a deep connection to the Chinese-Vietnamese heritage that shaped his upbringing.
Reworking the Menu: A Bold, Necessary Move
When Lotus and Light first opened, the menu was a Vietnamese-Thai fusion concept left over from the previous owners. But to Randy, something felt off.
“It was weird,” he says. “It wasn’t like blending Mexican and American food, where you can find common ground. Vietnamese and Thai have completely different spices, flavors, and cooking techniques. It just didn’t work.”
So, he made a bold decision—he scrapped the entire menu and started from scratch. He rebuilt the recipes one by one, focusing on authentic Vietnamese flavors while incorporating familiar dishes that would resonate with the Burbank crowd. The result? A menu that pays homage to tradition while embracing the modern Asian dining experience.
The Challenge (and Opportunity) of Educating Diners
Burbank isn’t known for its diversity in cuisine, and Randy quickly realized he’d need to educate customers on what they were eating.
“There’s not a lot of competition for Vietnamese food here, which is great,” he explains. “But it also means people don’t know what they’re ordering. My staff has cheat sheets behind the counter so they can explain the dishes.”
Despite the occasional confusion, Randy saw an opportunity. He began adapting certain dishes to make them more familiar, introducing fried rice, grilled meats, and crispy egg rolls alongside traditional Vietnamese staples like pho and vermicelli bowls. But he made sure every dish was executed his way—with high-quality ingredients and precise technique.
Signature Dishes: What to Order at Lotus and Light
While the restaurant’s menu has evolved, there are a few standout dishes that have put Lotus and Light on the map:
🔥 Pho – A rich, deeply flavorful broth with perfectly cooked rice noodles and tender beef. It’s their best-seller for a reason.
🍯 Honey Ginger Chicken – A creative twist on orange chicken, using honey instead of sugar and a strong ginger-forward flavor profile that makes it irresistible.
🥢 Egg Rolls – Inspired by both Vietnamese and Chinese styles, these crispy bites are the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
🍛 Fried Rice – Done the right way, with wok hei (that coveted smoky wok aroma) and fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Lessons Learned: It’s All About Adaptability
If there’s one thing Randy has learned, it’s that running a restaurant is all about adapting—both to the food and to the business itself.
“I used to take everything personally,” he admits. “Bad reviews would bother me. But one of the Panda Express managers in my plaza told me, ‘If the business is making money, who cares? You can’t pay the bills with passion alone.’ And he was right.”
Now, Randy focuses on what really matters—delivering great food and a great experience. And it’s paying off. Lotus and Light has gained recognition beyond Burbank, even landing a feature on the Try Guys YouTube channel.
As for dream visitors? If Randy could have anyone walk through his doors, he’d pick Uncle Roger, the YouTube sensation known for his hilarious (and brutally honest) food critiques.
“I just think he’s hilarious,” Randy laughs. “I’d love for him to try our food.”
What’s Next for Lotus and Light?
With a steady stream of regulars and newcomers alike, Randy’s goal is simple: keep refining the menu, keep growing, and keep making food that people love.
And judging by the rave reviews, he’s doing just that.