Paper Rice

Solid Spring Rolls and Banh Mi, But Pricey for the Portion Size I visited Paper Rice with my sister and niece after seeing it on social media. My sister, who’s obsessed with spring rolls, was excited to try it. I was in town for my sister’s wedding, and before heading back to Houston, we decided to check out the spot. I got the three spring rolls with a banh mi on the side. The process for the banh mi is pretty cool: they make the spring rolls right in front of you, and when you order the banh mi, they give you a ticket, and then they prepare it in the back. The spring rolls were good, but for the price, I feel like they should give more protein in each roll. The portions were inconsistent, and I think they should use a scoop to ensure the protein is evenly distributed across all the rolls. I tried garlic shrimp, sautéed beef, and lemongrass chicken. My favorite was the sautéed beef—it had a nice, slight spiciness. The shrimp, which cost an extra $1.50, didn’t really impress me. They were mediocre at best. The chicken was decent, but I’d stick with the sautéed beef if I go back. Since I don’t eat pork, I skipped that option, but the banh mi was definitely the highlight of the meal—amazing! As for sauces, they offer four different options. Since I’m allergic to peanuts, I didn’t try the savory peanut sauce, but my niece did. She said it was anything but savory—it was actually very sweet. I tried the citrus house sauce, which was OK. There was also a house sauce, which I didn’t try, but it was described as spicy. Everyone in our party agreed that all the sauces needed more fish sauce; they just weren’t salty enough for our taste. To feel full, I’d recommend getting the three spring rolls and a banh mi. That combo will cost you about $30, and if you want a drink, expect to spend more. I brought my own water, but I did notice that for three people, one drink, and only one person ordering a drink, the bill was close to $70, which felt a bit pricey. They also offer a bowl option, which I saw several people order during my visit, but honestly, it didn’t seem very filling to me. I’d say this place feels more like a snack than a full meal. Parking Tip: Good luck finding street parking. Your best bet is to park in the attached parking garage, but keep in mind that they do not validate for this garage. We were there for about 30-45 minutes, and it cost us $3. Would I go back? Only if I’m in the area.

I came here and ordered the beef and nem nướng spring rolls — delicious and super fresh. One of the best parts is that you can really customize your meal to your liking. I got two dipping sauces. While they’re not the traditional Vietnamese ones, they were still really tasty. The fish sauce had a strong sour flavor with a ginger kick — not typical for spring rolls, but surprisingly good. The spicy sauce was also on the sour side and had a nice heat to it. Portions are generous, and considering the location, the prices are very reasonable.

Delicious options for concocting your own spring roll. Quick service, not too expensive for the amount they give you was generous. Most definitely will go there again. It’s a popular place, but worth the wait if you come at peak hour. Would love to hire them for party or business after hour party.

Found this place to be just OK. I got the braised pork belly banh mi and was a little underwhelmed—it was fine but wasn’t really an authentic/traditional banh mi sandwich (there was no pate, so it lacked some of that savory flavor) and a bit expensive for what you’re getting. I might come back to try their spring rolls as that seems to be their specialty, but considering how small their menu is, I feel like every item should stand out. Wait times around noon can be quite long, so be prepared for that. I wasn’t greeted for quite a while when waiting at the register to order. I would be willing to give this place another try, but I wasn’t too blown away this first visit.

Build your own spring rolls!? You don't need to say anything else to get me through the front door to try this gem of a spot. I've always been a fan of spring rolls, having grown up eating them at plenty of Viet restaurants and making them at home. At Paper Rice, you can choose to build your own 3-pack of spring rolls for $12, and the quality of the ingredients and professionalism of the rolling is not to be missed. They have one vegan friendly protein which was their soy tofu option and I was thrilled. Many of the toppings you'd add to a fresh spring roll are also already plant-based, so pick and choose what you like. I added nearly everything I could including the crispy wrapper stick for that extra crunch. Each order also comes with a dipping sauce of your choice. I went with a classic peanut butter based dip which put everything together nicely. Next time I'm in Pasadena, it'll be a no brainer to come back and try these again.

Over priced for what you get. Granted you get to customize your spring rolls. Savory peanut sauce was salty and on the watery side. Traditional citrus sauce is a water down version of nuoc mam. I got one of each meat option. Garlic shrimp was an extra $1.50... 3 small to medium size shrimp was $1.50 extra. 3 of them. When I asked about what sauces they had. I was promptly told to see the board under step 4. Nothing else was said to me. Good luck finding street parking. They "can not" validate the parking garage that is attached to them.

I find it idiotic and insanely ridiculous that I have to pay $20 after taxes for 3 lobster spring rools that only include 2 incredibly small lobster pieces the size of a nickle per spring roll? To me this in just OUTRAGEOUS! Even when I order the beef instead, I still could not believe how INSANELY LITTLE PORTIONS WERE PROVIDED! I've learned this place TRULY 100% LACKS QUANTIY that doesn't faily meet the market value what is demanded upfront!

Good and quick with a variety of selections. Think of it as the Vietnamese Chipotle. Choose between rolls or a bowl. Very little seating so plan on taking out to eat. Don’t be put off by the line as it moves quickly, and the food is good.

Love this place. The food is good, prepared fast and there is no place like it. The lemongrass chicken is absolutely delicious. We always share a bahn mi (chicken) and a chicken spring bowl. Just delicious.

I personally think the food is absolutely delicious! For a few months, my family and I would go there almost every other week. A couple months ago, we arrived for dinner about 20 minutes before closing time. I went to open the door, but it was locked, I was looking inside, kind of confused as the restaurant should've still been open for another 20 minutes and the workers were cleaning up and very actively trying not to make eye contact with me lol. As I'm writing this, I'm realizing that left a really bad taste in my mouth (no pun intended ha ha) because we haven't been back since. So in general really good food, but I think it's kind of crappy customer service wise when you close early and don't acknowledge the customers that are there trying to give the establishment business.

Pricey but it's a good option when you don't wanna prep spring rolls at home and in the area. Everything is very well flavored and fresh. I usually get spring rolls but this time opted for the spring bowl. I was thinking it wouldn't really fill me up but thankfully I didn't get spring rolls as well like I was planning because the bowl is actually quite filling! Favorite protein is def the beef (has a bit of spice to it) and the Nem -they cook it well enough to where it isn't dry. Service is a bit slow but it's because everything is rolled and made in front of you in addition, the building itself is very small. We ordered online and still had to wait 25mins after the pick-up time. Granted we did go on a Saturday afternoon but staff was very friendly and apologetic about it. -edit* also, if you order online - you cannot mix match proteins for spring rolls like you can in store. They also don't have other toppings such as basil and mint as an option online.

I LOVE fresh spring rolls and I LOVE the "Chipotle" style customization! If you're ever in Downtown Pasadena, you have to try Paper Rice! I'm obsessed! I could eat almost 2 orders (total of 6 spring rolls) by myself!! haha Unfortunately parking in downtown can be tricky with the one way streets, and certain parking garages charge different hourly rates. But thankfully there's a parking garage where Paper Rice is! There can be a line and a bit of a wait if you get there during lunch time! I prefer going right when they open at 11am! The staff is quick so the line goes by relatively quick! I usually order the spring rolls with sautéed beef (it's SPICY and has a kick!!), charbroiled nem, and another sautéed beef because I love the spiciness! So good with the rice noodles, crunchy roll, mixed greens, bean sprouts, etc. everything except the jalapeno, sprinkled with their everything seasoning! I also get the peanut dipping sauce! I'll admit that trying to eat spring rolls inside your car can be very messy. I'm usually using a lot of napkins! The inside of this shop is quite small but there are some tables, chairs, and counter table with seating. Would recommend eating it seated over a table! haha If I were to compare this with Brodard in Anaheim, I'd prefer this spot over them! Definitely give this place a try and see it for yourself! Let me know what you think!!

I LOVE spring rolls, so when I heard about Paper Rice in Pasadena I knew we would have to try it out. Located on a busy one way street, the restaurant is a small spot with an adjacent paid parking lot ($1 every 20 mins) not bad for the area. There's a few tables to sit inside and out had a casual atmosphere. The staff were nice, a few in training and many many online orders bring placed in our 30 mins here. My husband and I both ordered the 3 spring rolls, custom with your choice of filings, proteins, and sauce. I got two lemongrass chicken and one beef, the beef being the most flavorful with a peanut sauce. The sauce was watery and I really wish it had more thickness and peanut flavor or chili in it. My husband got the pork belly, beef, and shrimp. He liked the shrimp but overall the portion of protein is pretty small in these rolls. Overall it's a good concept, good flavor, but not great. With a little more refinement it would be great.

Imagine being transported to a little restaurant in Vietnam. The decor and spot is simple, like the menu. Easy Chipotle style of ordering. The server or cashier was nice, gave us info on items we were unsure of like nem (Vietnamese sausage). The peanut sauce was a little watery and only got three shrimp for the whole spring roll. Was good to try and fun snack but not enough to fill a hungry person for $15.

While shopping across the street, our family suddenly got hungry and stumbled upon Rice Paper. From the moment we walked in, we were impressed by their concept of freshly made Vietnamese spring rolls, prepared on the spot with your choice of meats, unlimited fresh veggie options, and a variety of flavorful dipping sauces. The best part? You can mix and match the fillings for your three spring rolls, tailoring each one to your preference. I wasn't expecting much since the location isn't in the heart of Vietnamese culinary hubs like San Gabriel or Westminster, but I was blown away. The spring rolls were incredibly fresh and bursting with flavor which definitely exceeded my expectations! Ethan, who helped us during our visit, was fantastic. As it was our first time there, he made us feel welcome and even treated my kids to a complimentary lychee drink, which they absolutely loved. Before we left, he surprised us with a small Christmas treat as a thoughtful thank you gesture. Ethan's kindness and attentiveness truly made our experience memorable, and it's clear he values his customers. Thanks to him, we'll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend Rice Paper for a fresh and delicious meal with exceptional service!

So good! The veggie toppings and ingredients they use are so fresh. They are completely customizable and they had an advisory about peanut allergy (among other allergens). You can get banh mi, bowl, rice patties, or spring rolls. The spring rolls come in a three piece set and each can be different protein which i really enjoyed as i got to try three separate protein options. The lemongrass was by far the best of the proteins I tried (I ordered tofu and the pork aside from chicken). The yuzu drink sweetened was also really great. I forgot to try the Pandan mochi ice cream but grateful for an excuse to come back and indulge. Highly recommended! It is a little cozy in there in terms of seating but most people took their orders to go so there was plenty of seating. Also if you take your order to go there's tables and chairs down the street in an alley. Lots of other good foodie spots around the area and a nice walk even in the rain.

My rating is solely based on the spring rolls and the juices. Spring rolls - Each order consists of 3 pcs and you're free to choose your own protein combination. We ordered the beef which has a slight spice to it and the shrimp which was light and fresh. You select your veggies and each order comes with a choice of one dip. Our go-to is the peanut sauce and consistency differs each time I visit. On good days, it's on the thicker side. Price is slightly steep for $8.00 + tax but if you're in the area, it's worth a try. Juices - Pineapple guava and strawberry limeade were overly sweet, IMO. Both tasted artificial so would pass on these.

Chicken spring rolls and chicken spring bowl were pretty tasty. Ordered uber eats and had it delivered. They packaged it carefully. The peanut sauce isn't too salty; it's a good consistency and has a balanced flavor. I was satisfied with our meal

This place offers Vietnamese spring rolls and bowls customized to your liking. I got the 3 Spring Rolls set. You can choose up to 3 different proteins (1 for each roll), as many veggies and dried toppings, and 1 sauce to pair with your rolls. It's like Chipotle style where they make your food in front of you. I also got the Pineapple Guava drink which is refreshing, but too sweet for my preference. I enjoyed the spring rolls and they were very filling, but the proteins were not as fresh. I also went close to closing time though. There's 2 tables and a small bar area to eat. It's a small space. The staff were friendly.

I absolutely love this concept! I wish there was a concept like this closer to home. But for now. I'm totally okay with it being a half block from the office. The Ingredients were fresh, and options were plenty. I had 3 rolls. With braised pork, chicken, and the summer sausage nem. None of the flavors were lacking and the nuoc cham was on point. I also had 1 order of the xoi chien/rice roll with meat inside, it was tasty however it felt like there was a slightly too much rice to meat ratio. Service was quick and easy. And they place is kept really clean! I look forward to visiting again! Food 5/5 Service 5/5 Ambience 5/5 Cleanliness 5/5

I can't say I have never ate here but I will say I have ordered here plenty of times, delivered and picked up and I LOVE IT. It's quick, very light, satisfying, and delicious. My reasons for ordering/ picking up is solely because it is located in the heart of Pasadena. Meaning, the area is BUSY. The restaurant is very small and is located on a one way street on Union Street. My go to order: Build Your Meal $10.25 Spring Roll Style (Noodle Base) Protein- Braised Pork Belly Vegetables & Herbs- Set- Lettuce, Cucumber, Cilantro, Pickled Carrot & Daikon Toppings- Toasted Sesame & Scallions Sauce- House Spicy

I was in the area and decided to check this place out. There was a small line that poured out onto the side walk. The shop is quite small and could only fit two tables and a ledge against the front. I only waited about 20 minutes in line before I made it inside. The menu was self explanatory enough. There was a good assortment of proteins to choose from. I ordered the beef, lemongrass chicken, and garlic shrimp. I went with the house mix for veggies and only added a couple extra toppings. I ordered the classic sauce and the peanut. The flavors of the meat were pretty tasty, and the added crunch made the spring roll very enjoyable. I saw the workers were a little rushed but because of the line I understand the need to get through a line. I was helped within a couple minutes and managed to sit in the shop. Luckily they offer water cups so I was able to enjoy the food inside. Overall this was a great lunch. The price for a set of 3 spring rolls was quite steep ($13). I think next time I might order the bowl. I'll definitely come back!

We were in the area for an event, but arrived early to try this place out since there are so many reviews raving about them, a 4.5 average currently. It's no doubt a popular place, with a steady line of people arriving. It's small and packed inside. Just a couple of tables and counter seating. When there's a short line, it feels very crowded inside. When customers walk in and leave the door ajar, they're quickly reminded by the staff to keep the doors closed. I'm assuming it's to keep the inside cool on a very hot day. The menu above the counter explains the steps. Almost exactly like a poke place, you pick your protein, veggies, toppings and sauces, then they wrap it up fresh. We tried their baked nem, which some Vietnamese places call meatloaf, sautéed beef and lemongrass chicken. We also went with their recommended toppings and veggies combo. The rolls are in very thin rice paper. Some parts are almost see through. The flavor is quite underwhelming. I want to taste the meat but the veggies consistently overpowered it. They also add crunchy (sticks?) for texture and that just adds an extra flavor to cover up the protein. The baked nem is what you expect it to taste like, but I've had better at other Vietnamese places. The beef was a bit spicy but the other ingredients covered up most of it. Or, they just didn't put enough beef. I could not taste any of the lemongrass chicken. Again, the veggies covered any meat flavor, and the amount of protein was lacking. Perhaps I've been to some legit Vietnamese places where the entire staff speak little English, but their food was just packed with flavor, from the meat all the way across to each chopped veggies and sauces, and that made this place seem overrated. The staff appears to be overworked and on the edge of losing their cool, because they seem a bit impatient with everyone. The price for what you get; portion and flavor isn't what I'm used to, considering even BMC tastes better in my opinion. Well, I tried them, got full, and can check them off the list now.

I recently moved to the area and work here as well and paper rice never misses! The first time I came here the employee assisting took the time to explain everything and was kind to be super patient as I ordered. This left a very pleasant impression! I now come here at least once a week LOL the food is solid and consistently good. I absolutely love that there are crispy eggroll wraps inside the spring rolls and the many options to customize. It's a small store and gets busy during peak meal times. I tend to come right when they open at lunch to avoid any long lines. Inside is very limited seating and I usually grab the spring rolls to go 90% of the time. Parking is always hard in Old Town, but there are many pay to park lots around. Their spring rolls are definitely the star but I've had their rice bowls and they hit the spot too! Overall, everything is delicious and at such a great price especially considering Pasadena as a location. It's about $13 for 3 spring rolls or a bowl. The spring rolls are a decent size! I'm usually full after 2. Will definitely keep coming back (-:

Came during lunch and the line was out the door. It is a small place with a few tables. I got 3 spring rolls. 2 with the baked nem and 1 beef. When I first saw it was 3 spring rolls I thought it was too little but after I ate all of them I felt it was pretty filling. The workers were nice and quick making the spring rolls.

You come for the options of making your own spring bowl. They do have other menu options like Banh Mi and Fried Sticky Rice Patties, but many buy the two top options (Spring Bowl or Rolls). I haven't come across another place like this for Vietnamese food and every person that I've brought said they have thoroughly enjoyed it. Both options are refreshing and each ingredient tastes like they're freshly made. They have a few options for those who are vegetarian or vegan. You will feel energized and satisfied after eating this food. Personally, I get the Spring Rolls (comes in a set of 3) with Pork Belly and Tofu. The house mix is a good choice and the traditional citrus sauce blends nicely for a balanced, savory taste. It's a casual food spot where you can take anyone, but be warned about the spacing inside. Even with a small crowd (4-5 people), not including the employees, the inside can get pretty loud. I would recommend taking it to-go and eat at the patio area. Put it on your list as a back-up spot when you don't know what to get for lunch or dinner.

Great little spot in Pasadena! I wish there were more places for custom spring rolls. Note - There's a few tables and seating inside but don't think there's a bathroom. We each got the 3 spring rolls combo and it was $13. I got the lemongrass chicken, pork belly, and the beef. They all come with a crispy roll inside which makes the texture so good. I also like how they have different sauces to choose from - citrus fish sauce, soy vinaigrette, and more. Overall so quick and satisfying!

New favorite spot for Vietnamese food. Their rolls are fresh and their pork belly is delicious with a nice bite. Of these sauces, I recommend their House Spicy. The 3 rolls surprisingly are filling, and a great lunch or snack bite.

I try to pass by this place whenever I'm in the Pasadena area. Great food at an affordable prices especially for the area. This time we got two orders of the spring rolls. We were able to get pretty much all the proteins. The beef , braised pork, chicken, tofu, meatloaf, and the shrunk. All of them had a distinct taste to it, so I suggest you get a variety when you order. Order with everything on it, do not skip out on the crunch add it well give it a contrast in texture. From the sauces I personally enjoyed the peanut sauce and the ginger vinaigrette both of which had very different flavor profile. Their lychee lemonade was very refreshing. Staff were friendly. Check this paver out

You can either get the spring rolls or the spring bowl as your main entrée. I love their rolls because it's not only healthy compared to almost every other food spot nearby but it's also a good portion of food. You get 3 decent sized rolls all wrapped individually; so if you can't finish one or two you can easily save it for later. It's a cozy spot as well. They have a little bar area for sitting and eating if you don't want to take your food to-go. It's a cool lil spot overall and everyone that works there is super friendly as well. Haven't had a bad experience here thus far.

Paper Rice is my go-to spot when I want something that's both delicious and healthy. The ingredients are always fresh, and you can really taste the quality in every bite. Whether I'm in the mood for a light meal or something more filling, their options never disappoint. It's perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, and I always leave feeling satisfied but not weighed down. Highly recommend if you're looking for a healthy meal that doesn't skimp on flavor!

Went back! This time tried the beef, pork again and sausage spring rolls. Beef was good. Pork was full of fat. Not a fan this time. Sausage was good, especially if you're hungry as they are right on the protein portion sizes. Long line this time. Weekend vibes. Still good but maybe just weekdays when it's slower as the wait was long.

Bomb! Everything was fresh, the protein was delicious and the sauces were tasty. Will be back!!! Get a coconut water with your order. BOMB!!!

This is one of my favorite places when I splurge and order from UberEats. The rolls have so much flavor and texture. I have tried the shrimp and tofu and both have great flavor, all the veggies are fresh, and I love the crunch of the egg roll inside and the peanut, onion, sesame, and garlic toppings. Perfect bite when dipped in the peanut sauce. The 3 rolls per order is just right. I also tried the pandan honeycomb mochi cake. I have had this before, but I don't remember it being this good. Very fresh and spongy. Yum!

This little spring roll spot is small but mighty~! It is definitely for people who want a light meal without feeling too full or oily/heavy. My friend and I are long distance best friends that love to catch up every 6 months or so and we always meet at this place to get a light lunch!! There are only 3 tables inside, but there is a nice seating area outside with fairy lights. There is limited parking nearby but a nice parking structure for cheap pretty close by called the Schoolhouse Parking Lot if you're willing to walk about 3 minutes. They have a simple menu and I usually opt to order the three spring rolls because they are so tasty. I usually order the grilled chicken and pork belly as my protein options, but I tried the "nem" today and enjoyed it! The grilled chicken is very savoury and seasoned nicely. I am a fan of pork belly so that is one of my go-to's. I have had very very tasty spring rolls in Irvine that are very authentic and although these are not as good, they are definitely comparable! I would recommend ordering the thin egg roll crisps in your spring rolls because they add a lovely crunchy texture to them. It gets quite busy during lunch time but as long as you're patient, they will roll the spring rolls in front of you and it is a great experience overall! If you go on an off time, it is definitely a nice, peaceful shop inside.

Been here multiple times and each time it's good. Love how fresh everything is. Love all the options. The services always been nice and efficient. It's a really small space so seating is limited. To go option is nice. It's a little crowded with some restaurant stuff by the register. That adds to the crowded feel but it's not such an issue that I wouldn't come back. Pricing is good too! If you're really hungry I'd say get the salad bowl...it's a lot of lettuce and toppings. And the spring rolls aren't huge so it's nice for a little lighter meal. Highly recommend!

I ordered the pork belly bahn mi which was $12 plus tax. For the price you pay it's a pretty big sandwich and very filling. They definitely don't hold back on the meat and toppings which is great! Service is pretty fast and food comes out fresh. It seems small but there's actually plenty of space for seating. There's an open window where you could sit at the bar which is nice, definitely opens up the space. Perfect spot if you're looking for a nice lunch in the area!

Good concept for Vietnamese healthy eats.  You have the option of rice bowls or spring rolls with with choices of veggies and protein.  It was our 1st visit and we wanted to try one of everything, we also love leftovers.  The 2 of us shared: bowl with half rice and half salad with half chicken and half shrimp.  (extra cost for shrimps)   another bowl with beef and chicken (extra costs for double meat) with half rice and half salad. 3 spring rolls with chicken, beef and pork. And on weekends only they served these rice patties with minced pork and mushrooms. We really didn't need this extra item. It was way too much rice at this point, but the owner was like you gotta try this! So we got sucked in and said okay! haha The bowls and spring rolls also comes with a choice of sauce. I really enjoyed the peanut sauce and the OG fish sauce.  We actually ran out of peanut sauce because we dab it on everything we ate. I do feel that for the same price, I can get a full sit down meal at a Vietnamese restaurant in other SGV area.  However, this is a good healthy choice in Old Town Pasadena.

I was very underwhelmed with these rolls. The ingredients are very fresh which I enjoyed but it was lacking a memorable kick of flavor. The meet was decent but more tender meat would elevate this so much. I loved the peanut sauce! The rolls need the sauce so make sure you get your sauce. If you like crunchy food its worth giving this a try. The area of this location is busy so parking can be tough. You might need to circle around a bit to find parking.

I love paper rice! The food is always so delicious. It is a bit pricey but worth it. The chicken is so delicious and has such a unique flavor. The only downside is that the place is really small and doesn't have much seating.

Spring rolls made fresh to order! Customizable with fresh ingredients. Tried the beef, pork sausage, lemongrass chicken and shrimp- all the protein options were good. They work hard on an Assembly line of veggies and nice crunchy elements to choose from. Unfortunately the bahn mi was underwhelming and skimpy on the ingredients... but the spring rolls were so good i would go back for more of those frequently. They package the spring rolls up perfectly to maintain integrity. It's a real treat and you don't have to do the work of rolling your own!

I am a Paper Rice lover! I drive from LA to Pasadena for Paper Rice pretty constantly because its yummy and feels healthy. I usually get a chicken and beef bowl with the peanut sauce and its amazing. With noodles and lettuce. I highly highly recommend. The workers arent very warm or friendly but its okay. Theres not much seating either but theres seating all around pasadena where you can find a table if you can't in the restaurant!

Loved our items. Just wish they gave more sauce without charge for the price we're paying for 3 rolls if you're super hungry, go for the bowl but rolls are def refreshing.

I love getting lunch here; its a small little shop but the bahn mi is always my go to. They have a lot of different protein options but pork and beef are my favorites; both seem to use the same marinade. They stack the bahn mi with a good amount of protiein, drop a little bit of some mayo style spread, pickled carrots and other aromatics. And best of all, it comes with a bag of chips as the staff always reminds me before I walk out. I know bahn mi my tho is great and I enjoy it too, but this place slaps as well.

Paper Rice is the Chipotle of Vietnamese food! This fast casual spot makes Vietnamese food accessible for the masses. There are some underground parking structures nearby or street parking can also be found throughout the area as well. Once you walk in, you'll notice that the shop itself is pretty small with only about 4-5 tables for seating. I would recommend getting takeout if possible. This spot allows you to customize your own spring rolls or vermicelli noodle bowl. Wifey and I opted for the 3 spring rolls for $12. I got one baked nem, one beef, and one pork belly with the traditional citrus (nuoc cham) sauce while she got 2 baked nem and one beef with the house spicy sauce. Overall, the spring rolls here are very fresh and made to order right in front of you! I enjoyed how customizable everything was and how the sauces complimented the spring rolls so well. All the staff here are very friendly and accommodating. We will definitely be back next time we're in the area to get some more spring rolls and try their other menu items!

This was an interesting build-your-own concept for springrolls with a ton of meats and toppings. This is a healthy option to your typical restaurants. But for it's high price $14 for 3 rolls, it lacks in wow-factor. The sauces were conservative. I'd stay in San Gabriel / Rosemead area for springrolls that give you an authentic taste. The banhmi looked like your average sandwich but double the cost. However, if you're in the area already it's a good option compared to getting a salad. Service was quick and attentive. The restaurant is small and packed from people lining up out the door so it might be loud and hard to get seats. But there's an outdoor patio at an alley down the street that is quite nice you should check out.

It feels blasphemous to give high-ratings to a Vietnamese restaurant using spring rolls as their selling point to the masses in touristy Old Town Pasadena. How can a Chipotle assembly line Vietnamese restaurant be any good? Well, it is. Whenever we pass through Pasadena we always grab some type of rice or noodle bowl topped with either lemongrass chicken or pork belly. (Pick any sauce, they're all good pairings to any bowl.) The Vietnamese coffee is decent. As for their spring rolls, not bad either. Plus, friendly service and the speed of to-go orders has always been efficient and great. We often take our lunch to the park nearby and have a nice picnic. I'm not sure if this is the best or most authentic Vietnamese spot, but it is definitely solid in our book. Especially because despite all the food choices in the Pasadena area, we keep being drawn back to the flavors and quality of Paper Rice.

I am so excited to write a review for this spot! I kept telling myself I was going to check it out and I finally did. This spot is like chipotle but for spring rolls & bowls. They have the 3 spring rolls for $13. You choose the protein which I did 2 beef and 1 chicken, both delicious but the beef one does have a spicy kick to it. Then I asked for their house mix along with sesame seed and peanuts. They have a variety of sauces and I went with their lime special! Overall loved this spot. It is really small inside so during their peak hours there might not be a lot of seating inside. Excited to come back again!

DIY spring rolls is a great concept and I liked being able to add specific veggies & proteins like charbroiled beef, braised pork belly, and mint leaves to my rolls. I got a 3 spring roll set with peanut sauce to-go and it was the perfect quick snack. Street parking is tricky and the roads are narrow in this area.

So so yummy! Such a fast and easy meal. Everything is fresh and served with a sauce of your choice. The only thing I didn't like was the up charge on extra sauce and shrimp.

Overall, I would highly recommend! All the food was delicious and filing. The staff was kind too. A group of 4 of us stopped by on Saturday around 11AM & it wasn't super busy. The menu is small, but I love how we can customize our rolls/bowls. The workers were very safe & wore protective face gear. We had no problem finding seating. Me and my partner ordered the spring rolls with pork belly and beef, the bowl with lemongrass chicken, and the fried sticky rice patties. Everything tasted amazing!! It was extremely filling, and we couldn't finish everything. I haven't had much Vietnamese food, and I was extremely pleased. Will definitely be back if I'm in the Pasadena area :) Parking: There's limited street parking. We parked in a parking garage nearby

Came in here for a Bahn Mi sandwich. The bread was good, and I got it with the charbroiled nem (Vietnamese pork sausage). The store is small with limited seating. Service was fine for a counter service restaurant. I thought the Bahn Mi was pretty expensive at $12 for something that is sold at around $1.50 in Vietnam. Even the bottle of water was $4.50.

I love how I can customize the spring rolls the way I like it. I ordered the 3 spring roll. It's nice they allow you to pick different protein for each of them. I got 2 with nem and 1 lemongrass chicken. Both protein choice was a hit. The spicy green fish sauce is the best! Also asked for the peanut sauce which was more like a sweeter sauce. There is a parking garage behind the storefront that gives you 10 mins free parking or $1 for every 20 mins, which isn't bad at all. I wish they have a spot closer to me, Pasadena is a 30min drive for me but next time I'm def coming back on a weekend for the sticky rice patties.

Small little store with a few tables inside, came during lunch and there was a long line going out the door. I got the 3 rolls with chicken but I heard them asking if I wanted another protein too but since there was a long line I couldn't really ask or inquire more info so moving along I got the house mix which included everything but added bean sprouts cause I LOVE bean sprouts lol. Then I got the everything topping but I felt like it had a lot of peanuts and I'm not a big fan of peanuts so I might skip that next time. I got the traditional citrus which was obviously tangy and the house spicy which is mostly fish sauce based which I love. Gonna try the bowl next time. Kinda out of the way if you're not in the area and kinda pricey for 3 spring rolls...

Anytime we come here the line is out the door. But it's so worth the wait. The service is fast and easy. The options are super yummy. We always get the 3 spring rolls and on a good day we also get the Banh Mi Sandwich as well. Each roll comes with a protein of your choice and a little crispy egg roll. This is my go to spot anytime I'm remotely close to Pasadena. The food is always fresh and everything is so healthy.

This was a tiny storefront with a short menu in a trendy neighborhood for food. The food was quickly made to order--fun for both kids and adults--and it felt healthy and fresh. Food can be taken to a shared alley with tables. We all ordered spring rolls. There were four sauce options (all excellent) and variations on herbs and protein. There were also banh mi and bowls, all with basically the same options for fillings. The house-made drink options included great flavors like lychee lemonade, mango yogurt, and strawberry. Again, fresh and refreshing. The prices are a little high for this food that is so fast to prepare, with such limited seating, but it was really good, and I would go again.

cute spot with really friendly and efficient people running the place. We got two banh mi's (one chicken & one beef) & a spring roll (nem and pork belly) to share. I surprisingly liked the spring rolls most which was a surprise because a banh mi is probably one of my favorite foods of well. The spring rolls were a build your style which I thought was really cute & fun. The nem sausage was so good & all the ingredients used were super fresh. We got their spicy fish sauce and peanut sauce to dip, both very different each other from delicious. Prices are fair and it was about $50 for two banh mi, spring roll & Vietnamese coffee. Really kind service and they were quick despite being a small and busy spot. Would go again when in Pasadena.