From the outside,Lotus Vegan, in NoHo (the up-and-coming North Hollywood,California) looks unpretentious----to the extent that I probably would have driven right past without a second glance if I had been passing. However, my friend Jeff had done some homework, and we went specifically to this venue after reading some good reviews. We are both vegetarians---everything on the menu at Lotus Vegan falls into our 'edible' firmament. Delicious vegetable dumplings for starters, a kale and tofu stir fry for me , wonderful Thai ice teas for both of us. The items which have 'meat' can be ordered in various guises (I know some veggie/vegan diners who would eschew this as being un-vegetarian in principle), so protein can come in the guise of 'fish', 'beef','chicken'---made from either seitan or soy. It's all good. Options of heat and spiciness range from 1 to 5, I like spicy, and chose 4, I was not disappointed. Ambience is cheap and cheerful, the bill was a nice surprise,and the sticky brown rice was delightful. Vegetables are fresh,the staff friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. On our way out,our eyes clocked the dessert refrigerator, carrot cake looked suitably seductive for those with a sweet tooth. As we left, we both were talking about how much we enjoyed this different experience.