The underground stem of lotus is lotus root, the leaves are lotus leaves, the fruits are lotus leaves and the seeds are lotus seeds. Lotus root and lotus seed can be eaten, and flowers, seeds, tender leaves and roots of lotus can be eaten. In Asia, petals are sometimes used for decoration, while big lotus leaves are used for packaging food. Lotus root is the raw material for cooking or soup, and it is the most commonly eaten part of lotus root. Lotus petals, lotus leaves and lotus roots can all be eaten raw. Lotus seed paste is made by crushing lotus seeds. It can be used to make lotus paste, lotus paste cake and lotus paste moon cake.

The stamens of lotus can be dried and made into herb tea. Lotus seeds are also widely used. It can be eaten raw, dried and exploded into popcorn. When lotus seeds are boiled until soft, add some sugar to make lotus paste, which is the stuffing of moon cakes, rice cakes and Japanese Dafu.

Different parts of lotus are also used in traditional East Asian herbs. Lotus seeds, lotus plumule, lotus leaf, lotus leaf and stamen can all be used as medicine.