Welcome to Rice & Roots —
Where Every Meal is a Celebration Of Heritage, Heart, and Home.
Rice & Roots
Our Story
At Rice & Roots, every dish has a story, and every flavor carries a memory. My name is Nikki, and my love for cooking began in my childhood kitchen in Vietnam — a place where life revolved around the comfort of rice, the warmth of family meals, and the fragrant aroma of herbs and grilled meats filling the air. Food was never just food. It was a way to gather, to heal, to celebrate, and to honor where we came from.
When I moved to the United States at the age of 11, I brought with me the tastes and traditions of home. As I grew up in this country, I found myself blending my family’s recipes with the vibrant influences of my new home — honoring my roots while embracing new flavors and ideas. This gentle fusion of tradition and creativity became my cooking style, a reflection of my life — deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, but with space to evolve and adapt.
Some of my favorite recipes — the ones that made me fall in love with cooking — are the same ones you’ll find at Rice & Roots today. The smoky grilled meats, the rich, comforting bowls of pho, and the bright, fresh herbs that make every dish come alive. These recipes aren’t just meals — they’re pieces of my story, shared with every guest who walks through our doors.
Rice & Roots
Isn’t just our name — it’s who we are. Rice, the foundation of our cuisine, connects us to generations before us. Roots, the traditions and flavors we carry with us, no matter where life takes us. Together, they tell the story of a family, a journey, and a love for food that bridges two cultures.
Here, at 422 Tyler Street in Monterey, you’re not just dining — you’re being invited to my family’s table. To taste the recipes that shaped my childhood, to experience the comfort of traditional Vietnamese cooking, and to see how food has the power to honor the past while embracing the future.
Menu
