I Lotus Restaurant
I Lotus Restaurant occupies a prominent spot near The Mall Gadong, serving Chinese and Cantonese cuisine in a formally decorated dining room that seats about 100. The interior features round tables with lazy Susans, red and gold decor, and private dining rooms for larger parties. The menu covers dim sum (available at lunch and early evening), seafood dishes, roast duck, claypot rice, and a full range of Chinese standards. This is where Gadong's Chinese-Bruneian community celebrates birthdays, business dinners, and family gatherings. Prices are higher than typical Gadong restaurants, reflecting both portion sizes and the formal setting. No alcohol served.
What to Expect
A traditional Chinese restaurant experience with formal service and generous portions. The noise level rises as tables fill with family groups. Round tables and shared dishes create a communal dining atmosphere.
Formal Chinese dining with a family celebration feel. Lively during peak hours, quiet between services.
Background Chinese instrumental music at low volume
Smart casual. Most diners dress up slightly for evening meals here.
Group dinners, family-style Chinese cuisine, and anyone looking for a substantial meal in a formal setting.
Cash and cards accepted
Price Range
Dim sum BND 5-10 per basket, mains BND 15-35, set menus BND 25-50 per person
Dim sum ~USD 3.75-7.50/~EUR 3.50-7, mains ~USD 11-26/~EUR 10.50-24.50
Hours
11:00-14:30, 17:30-22:30 daily
Insider Tip
Dim sum service is the best value. The roast duck should be ordered in advance for weekend dinners. Private rooms can be booked for groups of 8+ and include set menu options that simplify ordering.
Full Review
I Lotus is the kind of Chinese restaurant that exists in every city with a significant Chinese community, and it does what it does reliably. The dim sum is the highlight: har gow, siu mai, and char siu bao are all made in-house and arrive hot. The variety isn't as extensive as what you'd find in Hong Kong or Singapore, but the execution is solid.
Evening service shifts to a la carte and set menus. The seafood options are the strongest part of the dinner menu, with live fish and prawns available from the tank near the entrance. Roast duck is excellent when pre-ordered. Standard items like sweet and sour pork and kung pao chicken are competent but unremarkable.
The private dining rooms elevate the experience for groups. The round tables with lazy Susans are set up for shared eating, and the staff manage the pace of dishes well for larger parties. Service is attentive and bilingual (Malay and English, with some Cantonese).
As an evening destination, I Lotus works best as the dinner component of a Gadong evening that continues at the night market or a cafe. Closing at 10:30 PM means it doesn't stretch into late-night territory, but the meal itself can fill two hours comfortably.
The Neighborhood
Located near The Mall Gadong, within the main commercial district. The night market is a 5-minute walk away, making it easy to combine dinner at I Lotus with a market visit for dessert.
Getting There
Taxi from BSB center costs BND 5-8. The restaurant is visible from the main road near The Mall Gadong. Parking is available in the adjacent lot.
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