Thai Legend Lotus of Siam’s New Commercial Center Location Is Bigger, Better, and Open Soon

Lotus of Siam at the Historic Commercial Center.

When Lotus of Siam reopens in its original home on Sahara Avenue, it will feature a significantly larger size, a new bar, and new decor — and, according to Penny Chutima, the managing partner of Lotus of Siam, it’s likely going to open before the end of this year.

Lotus of Siam on West Sahara has garnered national attention since the Chutima family took over the restaurant 25 years ago. But in recent years, the 50-year-old building at the Historic Commercial Center has been through the wringer. Since 2017, Lotus has been closed — with the exception of a few spotty openings in 2020 and 2021. While Lotus has launched two new restaurants in that time, fans of chef and owner Saipin Chutima’s exceptional northern Thai fare are just months away from once again dining where it all started.

Lotus of Siam (953 E Sahara Avenue Suite A5) closed in 2017 when its roof collapsed after a storm. While the restaurant underwent repairs, the owners opened a location on Flamingo Road. The Sahara Lotus reopened in 2020, but closed just one month later due to COVID-19 concerns. Most recently, it reopened in 2021 before issues related to staffing closed it again.

While those seeking the food that earned recognition from the James Beard Foundation and the late Anthony Bourdain have been able to dine at the Flamingo location and the new — and eye-catching — location inside Red Rock Resort, Lotus of Siam in the Commercial Center has been the nostalgic favorite for long-time regulars and locals. These loyal diners have been eager for the restaurant to open again in its original home.

“We bought a couple other buildings in the Commercial Center,” Penny Chutima tells Eater Vegas of the expansion. The adjacent buildings have turned the 11,900-square-foot restaurant into one with 19,000 square feet. The extra space means room for all the 5,500 or so wine bottles in the restaurant’s collection. With a focus on Gewurztraminers and Rieslings to pair with the restaurant’s garlic prawns and Issan sausage, Lotus of Siam has one of the most robust wine collections in the Las Vegas Valley.

While fans of Lotus may remember entering the restaurant and then veering right to find their table, the extra square footage means expanding the dining space to the left. It also means building a bigger bar. The private room is getting a refresh, with a nod toward the Chutima family’s history and culture. There will be framed photos of the previous king and queen of Thailand and photos of the Chutima family — dating back to the 1800s. “I have photos of my great-grandfather and great-grandma, trickling all the way down to me,” says Chutima. “It’s a way to pay homage to my mom and dad and, when people come in, show them the culture of Thailand.”

Pad see ew at Lotus of Siam.

The restaurant is leveling up its ceiling and keeping its green color scheme, but adding a few decorative twists, embracing some of the traditional Thai decor that can be found in the Flamingo restaurant. “Each restaurant has its own vibe, but the same food,” says Chutima.

When it reopens, Lotus of Siam will serve signature dishes like bright orange kaho soi with roasted duck, pad prik king in spicy chili paste with bell peppers, and slow-cooked short ribs with garlic pepper sauce. Chutima says the restaurant will be open before the end of the year, but suggests it may open even sooner if all goes according to plan. “This is where our community is,” says Chutima. “I’m super excited to be back where we started.”