diary of a MAD HUNGRY WOMAN

The adventures of a Mad Hungry Woman

  • Home
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Delish Dish
  • Anecdotes
  • Sponsored
  • Newsworthy
  • ABOUT MHW
    • FULL BIO

Rice Paper Bistro: another hidden gem in the heart of lil Saigon

November 28, 2013 Mad Hungry Woman Leave a Comment

It’s been quite a while since social media guru Ted Nguyen organized an OC twEATup, where people converge to eat and hang out with people who they have met via social media. In the past, we have been introduced to a variety of mom and pop restaurants which may have been overlooked because of their obscure locations.

On this particular outing, we visited Rice Paper Bistro, a pretty new little place in an indescript strip mall with pleasant modern decor. This was one of the smaller twEATups I’ve attended, only nine people as opposed to 20+ in the past. I knew most of the bloggers who participated so it was like hanging out for lunch with old friends.

rice paper bistro (640x425)

A few bowls of sugar coated peanuts arrive at the table for us to munch on while we perused the menu.

peanuts (640x425)

We each ordered something and decided to share in the bounty. Thit Nuong Cuon ($6/3pc) were summer rolls (not fried) stuffed with charbroiled pork, shrimp, vermecelli, lettuce, bean sprouts, cucumber and mint. The hoisin based dipping sauce was very tasty. We loved these so much we ordered another.rolls (640x425)

Some people were creeped out by Ca Bong Trung Chien Gion ($10) whole fried smelt. Crispy and every bite consists of smelt eggs which I so love. The dipping sauce was salty and tart. The smelt were perfect on its own and even better with the sauce. I loved it.

fried smelt (640x425)

We all loved Bo Tai Chanh ($12), medium rare beef slices topped with crushed peanuts, aromatic herbs and marinated onions. The dressing was pungent with fresh grated garlic and Thai chili peppers. SO SO good. I’m salivating as I’m writing this.

rare beef (640x425)

I’ve eaten Com Do Ga Roti ($8) so many times and at so many places before. Half a marinated Cornish game hen is served with red rice like everywhere else, but the hen is a little larger than elsewhere. It is also juicy and moist with one of the best shallot soy sauces I’ve ever had. Highly recommended!

cornish game hen (640x425)

I’m a huge fan of octopus so Goi Bap Chuoi va Muc ($12) was right up my alley. Shredded banana blossom and sliced octopus combine to make a mouth puckeringly delicious salad.

octopus banana blossom salad (640x425)

Tom Su Rang Me ($12) were large, whole shell-on shrimp grilled and coated with tamarind sauce. I love sucking on the head and shell which has the most flavor. Savory, piquant, just perfect.

tamarind shrimp (640x425)

The last item we had was Muc Nuong Moi Ot ($12) marinated charbroiled squid topped with crumbled anchovies. The squid was perfectly cooked, tender and nicely textured. The anchovies added that umami and textural contrast to the squid.

grilled squid (640x425)

I was really pleasantly surprised by how delicious everything was. Chef/owner Le Huynh is a self taught cook and his dishes really showcase his creativity and obvious culinary talents. Dishes are unique yet stay true to the flavors and style of authentic Vietnamese fare. A hidden gem that’s for sure.

Rice Paper Bistro
10561 Bolsa Avenue
Garden Grove, CA 92843
Tel: 714-554-8889

Rice Paper Bistro on Urbanspoon

Uncategorized

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Socialize with me:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Blog Updates via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

About Me

This blog is a journal of mostly my eating adventures, but also, other things I'm passionate about, including travel, the arts, and also, necessities to complete my life. Centered predominantly in and around Orange County, CA, some will extend to Los Angeles, San Diego and beyond. I am constantly searching for delicious food to eat and fun things to do, nothing is out of bounds. Sometimes it doesn't end well, but I can definitely say, it will always be an interesting journey.

Search my adventures

Affiliations:

LDEI

Recent Posts

  • seafood galore in Mexico City
  • A at Crystal Cove
  • Ear buds that are truly noise canceling
  • Le Shrimp Ramen revamped
  • Old Vine Kitchen & Bar: weekend brunch

Archives

Categories

Lifestyles & Happenings

Goodbye 2020, Welcome 2021

Delish Dish

DELISH DISH: wild boar chili

DELISH DISH: tempura cauliflower

DELISH DISH: Crab Congee

Newsworthy

Ear buds that are truly noise canceling

delectable date-sweetened chocolates from Dateolate

spiked coffee at your fingertips

Copyright © 2023 · Daily Dish Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in