I-Lotus Restaurant — Restaurant in Borneo

⭐ I Lotus Restaurant — A Mixed Experience for Solo & Muslim Diners

I decided to try I Lotus Restaurant despite having plenty of local options nearby, simply out of curiosity.

Upon arrival, I was directed to sit at the back of the dining area, even though there were several unoccupied tables at the front. When I asked the waitress, Ayu, why, she said it was "because you’re one person." I expressed that it didn’t feel nice to be placed at the back just for dining alone—after all, I’m still a paying customer. I eventually insisted on sitting at one of the corner tables at the front, which they allowed.

At the time, there was a large Muslim family celebrating birthdays in a private room and another table of four women (including one hijabi) nearby.

I ordered the Lotus Leaf Fried Rice, Deep Fried Prawns with Mango Salad, and a pot of Chinese tea. Interestingly, the waiter taking my order was unaware that the prawns with mango salad were a combined item, insisting they were separate until I pointed it out in the menu. Later, Ayu informed me that the dish was unavailable, so I settled for Deep Fried Prawns in Yam instead.

The portion was generous, but the taste didn’t quite meet my expectations—especially for a restaurant that presents itself as Chinese fine dining.

Now, onto a concern that may matter to Muslim diners: I learned that the restaurant is not halal-certified, although they claim not to use pork or lard. However, the restaurant clearly caters to large events, including Chinese weddings. There’s a beautiful buffet-style outdoor area and another event space upstairs, which seem to serve a broader, non-Muslim clientele. This raises some questions:

Are pork and lard used for these events? If so, are they prepared in the same kitchen, using the same utensils and staff? How consistent is the claim of “no pork and no lard” when such exceptions may exist for private functions?

As a Muslim diner, this gives me pause. I would appreciate hearing from others—especially if you’ve dined here or know more about their kitchen practices.

I am curious if any Muslim diners have asked about this before?

Your comments are welcome.

Two Photos: -Lotus Leaf Fried Rice & Deep Fried Prawns (in Yam — since Mango Salad was unavailable).

-Receipt attached...

Delicious Chinese food. Great place to have business lunch, family gathering or birthdays. The staffs are very friendly and helpful. Service was quick. There is a variety of Chinese dishes to choose from.

Heres what I recommend: COCONUT CURRY PRAWN. Served in a coconut, this curry prawn is very fragrant, sweet and savory with the use of large fresh prawns. A must try dish in I-Lotus.

THAI STYLE FISH IN LIME SAUCE. Select the fish of your choice (recommended red snapper). This dish was super refreshing, a little bit spicy. Something different that you won’t normally order but now will get you addicted.

HOT AND SOUR SOUP. Great way to start up your appetite with a spicy and sour soup. Rich flavours and definitely spicy. Theres chili seeds which is a little bit off putting when drinking the soup.

HOMEMADE TOFU. The homemade tofu drenched in mushroom and chicken minced is a classic must order tofu dish. The tofu has a smokey taste from being fried, the sauce was really thick and rich.

YAM BASKET. Crispy thick yam served with your choice of dish in the centre. In our case we ordered scallop. Scallop was fresh and sweet.

Overall, had a pleasant dinner with the family celebrating mums birthday. Waiters and waitresses immediately cleared the table. Then served the cake with a special birthday song after the meal (though waiting for the cake took a little bit too long. Understandable as everyone is busy). Really...

2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣1️⃣0️⃣2️⃣1️⃣1️⃣ Reunion Dinner - Great atmosphere, great company. Let’s pray that the year of the OX will be a much ‘healthier’ year for mankind.

🧧 Kiong Hee Huat Chai 🧧

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Journey to the location is a bit confusing especially while driving at night and the road are pretty narrow with some segment quite steep - drive slowly. Parking area is quiet spacious but dark if dining in the evening. Watch your steps especially ladies with high heels. The food are quite ordinary... nothing really sticks out. The price lends toward the pricey ends. Decor and atmosphere is not too bad when dining in the main building. The extension part is ... an extension. There is a function room on the second floor. A lift is available for those who needs it but need to request and...