[Spotlight] Rice Paper

By: Norma B. Dennis, Jamestown News

After months of anticipation, the new restaurant Rice Paper opened for business April 9. Located at 906 Greensboro Rd. in High Point, the restaurant specializes in Vietnamese cuisine. It takes over the former Village Café location.

“We own a nail salon in High Point, but have a heart for the restaurant business as well,” said Tuan Truong, who, along with his fiancée, Myy Hoang, owns the establishment.

“My family has several restaurants in the United States and I have lots of experience as a restaurant manager. Myy and I have wanted to open one in this area for a long time. We wanted a place that served healthy food from the Vietnamese culture.”

Although open for only a month, according to Truong Rice Paper has received a good response, gleaning five-star reviews on Google and Facebook.

“All our food is fresh and healthy,” Truong said. “We buy locally when we can and use original Vietnamese recipes. Everything is homemade. We even simmer chicken and beef for 14 hours to make our own broths.

“In my country, people buy fresh vegetables and meat everyday. We do something similar. We avoid canned and processed products. Fresh means good and honey is better than sugar.”

Desserts include milkshakes made with tropical Asian fruits. The menu also features such items as avocado shakes and red bean ice cream.

“They are good for your body,” Truong said with a smile.

Soft Vietnamese background music adds a touch of authenticity. The décor is simple yet elegant, from the style of the chairs to the light fixtures to oil lamps on each table. Baskets placed on the tables provide a choice of chopsticks or regular utensils to fit the desire of any customer. Outdoor seating is also available.

“We put cameras inside and outside to help customers feel safe,” Truong said. “Every day I pray for safety in my business.

“As we continue, we will be adding new food to the menu and making some changes in what we offer.”

Rice Paper is open daily from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. A grand opening is planned for the future.