In the heart of Portland, Oregon, a Vietnamese restaurant called "Bún chả Cầu Giấy" (The Paper Bridge) is creating a strong culinary wave. Recently, The New York Times honored this restaurant on its list of the 50 best restaurants in America in 2025, a prestigious recognition for its efforts to bring authentic Northern Vietnamese flavors to international diners.
Founded in November 2023, The Paper Bridge is the brainchild of a Vietnamese-American couple: chef Quynh Nguyen, originally from Hanoi , and Carlo Reina, an American who previously lived and worked in Vietnam.
A journey to recreate the flavors of home.
The key to The Paper Bridge's uniqueness lies in its meticulous attention to detail and passion. Carlo Reina personally makes fresh, handcrafted rice noodles and pho noodles daily at the restaurant, resulting in noodles that are soft and chewy, a stark contrast to the usual dried varieties. The couple spent months experimenting, finding ways to perfectly recreate the authentic taste of Vietnam within the climate and ingredient availability of the United States.
Beyond just focusing on the food, Quynh and Carlo also prioritize creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, like a family restaurant, where they can build close relationships with their regular customers.
A menu that evokes fond memories in the heart of America.
The Paper Bridge's menu is a symphony of Northern Vietnamese street food, featuring dishes that are both familiar to Vietnamese people and novel and appealing to international diners.
Hanoi's Bun Cha: An Unmistakable Signature Dish
Considered the "soul" of the restaurant, the bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli) here receives much praise. Willamette Week describes it as a dish that "reminisces Hanoi more than anything." A hearty serving includes fragrant, perfectly charred grilled pork, served with a delicate sweet and sour fish sauce, fresh vermicelli, and various aromatic herbs.
Crispy Fried Pho Noodles: A Uniquely Crunchy Experience
This dish was specifically recommended by Willamette Week as a "must-try." Fresh rice noodles are deep-fried until puffy and crispy on the outside, yet still soft and chewy on the inside. On top is a layer of hot stir-fried beef and vegetables with a rich sauce, creating a captivating combination of flavors and textures.
Van Dinh grass-fed duck and other regional specialties
The New York Times suggests that diners should go in groups to fully enjoy the renowned Van Dinh grass-fed duck. In addition, the menu is diverse with many other distinctive dishes such as Hai Phong crab spring rolls, Sa Pa-style grilled skewers, or grilled enoki mushrooms wrapped in fatty pork belly.
The restaurant also serves signature pho dishes from various regions. The sour pho from Lang Son offers a unique flavor with fried sweet potatoes, roasted peanuts, smoked meat, and sour chili sauce. Meanwhile, Nam Dinh pho captivates diners with its clear, rich, and naturally sweet broth.
The Paper Bridge is not just a culinary destination, but also a "paper bridge" connecting cultures, bringing the quintessential flavors of Northern Vietnam closer to international friends.
Source: https://baolamdong.vn/portland-kham-pha-quan-an-viet-lot-top-50-tot-nhat-my-398252.html
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