Locals Cannot Get Enough Of Spring Rolls With A Twist At This Must-Try Eatery In Southern California
By Natasha Kayes|Published October 11, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
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I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
When it comes to food, we love discovering skilled chefs and restaurants serving up creative and delicious fare. But if we are honest, what really wins us over is being able to get our food exactly how WE want it – from the doneness of our steak to substituting sides. The food industry knows that, and some eateries have even adopted slogans that center on getting your food “your way.” So, it is no surprise that this Vietnamese restaurant in Pasadena, CA, is getting so much attention.
Paper Rice Spring Rolls and Bowls, located in Pasadena’s One Colorado Food District, is a fast-casual restaurant putting a decidedly modern spin on traditional Vietnamese Spring Rolls.
When it comes to the “Build-your-own” restaurant concept, we (or is it just me?) usually think of the many famous sandwich chains around, but at Paper Rice, customers are invited to build their own flavorful meal.
While they are not the only thing on the menu, Vietnamese Spring Rolls are the heart of this eatery. Wrapped in delightfully stretchy rice paper, these traditional rolls usually have a combination of rice, veggies, and proteins like shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
Here, you choose from a huge variety of items to create your own version of spring roll. Choices include a range of farm-fresh veggies, herbs, marinated proteins, and sauces, all wrapped up neatly, perfect for an on-the-go snack or meal.
Your healthy, light, made-to-order meal actually comes with another option. If a roll is not your thing, choose from all the same ingredients and enjoy them in a bowl.
Of course, there are those who really love a traditional Bahn Mi sandwich, and well, Paper Rice doesn’t leave anyone out. Choose your savory protein, aromatic herbs, and vegetables, and have them loaded into a crispy baguette.
Do not leave without a delicious beverage - whether you choose a traditional Vietnamese coffee, lemongrass or lychee lemonade, or a passionfruit ice tea.
However you decide to build it, your meal at this Vietnamese restaurant will be fresh, healthy, filling, and delicious – and a great alternative to most so-called fast food. Have you been to Paper Rice in Pasadena yet? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments. Check out the menu, hours, and more on the Paper Rice Spring Rolls and Bowls website, or follow Paper Rice on Facebook. If you are in Pasadena for lunch, consider exploring this gorgeous historic city with a fun walking tour.