New York City, a bustling metropolis woven with the tapestry of cultures, offers a culinary landscape as diverse as its inhabitants. Among the myriad of delights that grace its streets, rice rolls stand out as a remarkable fusion of texture and flavor, transcending the ordinary bite. These delectable creations, wrapped in the embrace of delicate rice paper or sheets, beckon from various neighborhoods, each space echoing a unique narrative through the art of gastronomy. Below are ten captivating establishments where rice rolls are not merely a meal but an experience, complete with addresses, contact information, and websites for those eager to embark on a rollicking culinary adventure.
1. The Paper Rice
Location: 938 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022
Contact: (212) 759-0999
Website: thepaperrice.com
Nestled in Midtown East, The Paper Rice is a veritable oasis for rice roll enthusiasts. With fresh produce neatly tucked inside each roll, the establishment champions a philosophy of vibrant, wholesome ingredients. The signature Shrimp and Avocado roll is not merely a dish; it’s a celebration of oceanic bounty harmoniously coupled with creamy avocados, drizzled with a zesty ponzu sauce.
2. Hanoi House
Location: 119 A St, New York, NY 10002
Contact: (646) 869-0496
Website: hanoihousenyc.com
In the heart of the East Village, Hanoi House beckons with the evocative aromas that pay homage to traditional Vietnamese street food. Their rice paper rolls, particularly the Grilled Pork version, serve as a culinary narrative that intertwines sweetness and umami, expertly wrapped with fresh herbs, all encased in pliable, translucent rice paper.
3. Num Pang Kitchen
Location: 21 East 12th St, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (212) 255-3272
Website: numpang.com
Fusing Cambodian flavors with modern sensibilities, Num Pang Kitchen offers rice rolls imbued with creativity and zest. The Coconut Tiger Shrimp roll dances on the palate, bringing together crispy shallots and a tangy chili-mango sauce. Each bite invites patrons to savor the vibrancy of Cambodian cuisine, seamlessly elevated within the confines of a New York eatery.
4. Spring Street Natural
Location: 62 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 226-2020
Website: springstreetnatural.com
With an ethos centered around organic and sustainable ingredients, Spring Street Natural invites health-conscious foodies to indulge in their rice rolls, which feature an array of veggie options. The Tofu and Veggie roll, adorned with sprightly julienned carrots and a hint of sesame oil, stands as a testament to the fact that scrumptiousness need not compromise nutrition.
5. Baoguette
Location: 155A E 1st St, New York, NY 10002
Contact: (212) 677-0388
Website: baoguette.com
In the East Village, Baoguette tantalizes with its modern twist on traditional Vietnamese fare. Their rice rolls, particularly the House Special roll, weave together roasted duck, fresh greens, and a piquant dipping sauce that resonates with each individual component. Here, every ingredient tells a story of tradition reimagined for the contemporary palate.
6. Vietnamese Sandwich Co.
Location: 150 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 777-1804
Website: vietnamesesandwichco.com
A hidden gem in Greenwich Village, Vietnamese Sandwich Co. specializes in transcending the ordinary with their delectable rice rolls. The Shrimp roll, artfully combined with fresh herbs and a citrus-infused dressing, offers both crunch and a burst of flavor that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Vietnam.
7. Ramen Lab
Location: 2 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Contact: (646) 918-6155
Website: ramenlab.com
At Ramen Lab, infusion is the essence. Their rice rolls, particularly the Spicy Tuna roll, embody a delightful juxtaposition of traditional Japanese flavors and modern innovation. Brightly colored and artfully presented, they invite diners to engage not just with their taste buds but with their visual senses, adding layers to the enjoyment of the meal.
8. The Bao
Location: 170A Allen St, New York, NY 10002
Contact: (212) 533-0500
Website: thebao.com
Marrying traditional Taiwanese cuisine with modern artistry, The Bao delivers rice rolls that are as eclectic as the ingredients themselves. The Spicy Beef roll, vibrant with pickled vegetables and cilantro, unfurls a narrative of flavor that speaks to the heart of comfort food while still embracing a contemporary twist.
9. Fresh & Co.
Location: Multiple Locations in NYC
Contact: (212) 379-0200
Website: freshandco.com
In the realm of health-conscious dining, Fresh & Co. rises above the fray. Renowned for their fresh ingredients and sustainability, their Rice Roll with Grilled Chicken is a culinary embrace—warm, hearty, and channeling the essence of nourishment with every bite. It’s a lively dance of flavors framed within the simplicity of a rice roll.
10. OBAO
Location: 645 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10016
Contact: (212) 605-0220
Website: obao.com
Finishing this tour of delightful rice rolls is OBAO, where the artistry of Thai and Vietnamese influences coalesce. The Duck Rice Roll is a showstopper, exquisite in flavors and presentation, meticulously crafted with duck confit and a refreshing herb medley. This dish encapsulates the essence of dining as a creative endeavor, delivering a taste that lingers long after the meal is over.
With a splendid array of flavors, ingredients, and innovative presentations, each of these ten establishments beckons with the promise of culinary artistry. Within the vast expanse of New York’s neighborhoods, rice rolls serve not merely as sustenance but as an invitation to explore, engage, and experience the stories told through food. As the metropolis continues to evolve, these hidden gems remain steadfast, crafting rolls that echo the spirit of their environments and tantalizing taste buds one bite at a time.
