I work at a software company, so naturally Chinese food is a staple of my subsistence.  Of the Chinese/Pan-Asian lunch specials downtown, one dish at the The Lotus Leaf is one of my favourites.

Location, Bam!

Lotus Leaf has these really cost effective $6.20+tax specials that many of my co-workers love: lots of options and combinations, all of which come in about 5 minutes.  Compared to King Wok, which costs a tiny bit less, the food is more generous, better prepared, but unfortunately more greasy and straight-up bland at times.  I’d like to try Lai Lai’s as well after hearing a stream of positive reviews.

But what The Lotus Leaf does offer is:  a really convenient location on 151 King St. [GMap] which is kitty-corner from Kitchener City Hall,  as well as a generous and tasty Mango Chicken dish for $7.50+.  Tea is free, bringing the total with tax and bad tip to just over $9.

Mango chicken at The Lotus Leaf

Mango, chicken, rice, peppers.

To be honest, me gusta mango and find that fruit + cooking = great lunch.  The red and green peppers aren’t amazing, and asking for a little less sauce makes the experience better.  The pineapple equivalent of this dish was awful, and not worth experimenting with.

But to be honest, especially if you have a group of carnivores with you The Lotus Leaf is a good place for some old fashioned work-bashing lunch.  Don’t be afraid to shell out an extra dollar for what I think is their best lunch dish.