Where culture meets comfort: Kansas City’s hot pot gem

Lotus Hot Pot & Grill // Photo by Nancy Le

Tucked inside Gladstone’s Little Saigon Plaza, Lotus Hot Pot & Grill is serving up more than nosh—It’s offering an experience steeped in culture, connection, and comfort. Inspired by cherished memories of sharing hot pot with family, owner Hanh Nguyen opened Lotus to bring an authentic, interactive style of Asian dining to Kansas City.

I sat down with Nguyen to learn what inspired her journey and how Lotus has quickly become a favorite spot for both adventurous foodies and loyal regulars. At its core, the restaurant is built on memory, tradition, and a deep commitment to community.

“I grew up enjoying hot pot with my family,” Nguyen shares. “It’s more than just a meal; It’s a way to come together, catch up, and share something meaningful.”

When Nguyen realized that Kansas City lacked options for truly authentic hot pot, she saw an opportunity. “There weren’t many places offering hot pot the way I knew it,” she says. “I wanted to create a space where people could experience that sense of connection and fun over food.”

At Lotus, every meal begins with a simmering pot of broth on the table—Diners can choose from a range of flavorful bases including the bold and spicy house special, tangy tom yum, fermented kimchi, savory miso, or a Vietnamese-style sour fish broth.

Once the broth is bubbling, guests cook their own ingredients table side, selecting from a generous spread of thin-sliced meats, fresh seafood, crisp vegetables, tofu, noodles, and more. Each bite is cooked to personal preference, making every meal completely customizable.

“It’s fun, it’s hands-on, and it brings people closer,” Nguyen says. “That’s what makes hot pot so special.”

Lotus Hot Pot & Grill // Photo by Nancy Le

Adding to the flavor is a DIY sauce station, where diners build their own dipping sauces with ingredients like sesame paste, chili oil, garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar. “We don’t want it to feel like just condiments,” Nguyen explains. “We want guests to explore and make it their own.”

Hot pot might be unfamiliar to some, but the Lotus team ensures that everyone feels at ease. “It can be a little intimidating at first,” says Lyna Ly, a server at Lotus. “But we walk you through the process—how to cook different ingredients, what pairs well together, how to use the sauces. We want people to feel comfortable and excited.”

Still, first-timers often make the same mistakes—tossing too many items into the pot at once, forgetting what’s cooking, or leaving noodles unstirred until they stick to the bottom. “Some things cook in seconds, others take longer,” Nguyen says. “It’s about pacing yourself and enjoying the process.”

Nguyen’s advice? Start slow, don’t rush, and ask questions. “Hot pot isn’t something you hurry through. It’s meant to be savored.”

Whether you’re a hot pot veteran or stepping into the experience for the first time, Lotus Hot Pot & Grill welcomes you with open arms, bubbling broths, and a dining tradition rooted in warmth and togetherness. It’s truly a space where Kansas Citians can gather around the table, explore new flavors, and experience Asian comfort food without ever leaving town.

Lotus Hot Pot & Grill is located at 6591a N Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, MO 64118.