Veggie banh mi is an umami bomb - tofu and mushroom delight Lotus Pepper has a small menu, and each item is executed "tightly" - you can count on getting great taste and consistency across multiple orders. The fresh lime soda is also wonderfully refreshing! I wish they came to the East Side more often; the snow (and lack of snow removal), combined with winter break at Brown, has made food trucks scarce so far in 2014, but I'm glad to see Lotus Pepper back on College Hill nowadays. read more

One of my favorite food trucks in Providence. Authentic vietnamese home style food with decent prices. I would always get either a vermicelli bowl or a rice bowl. So good. read more

I visited Lotus Pepper when I was at the Providence Flea this weekend. I ordered the vermicelli noodles with beef. There were way more noodles than beef, lettuce, carrot and cucumber and it really needed more flavor. The rice vinegar/oil sauce helped, but it was also a bit dry. However, I also treated myself to the fried spring roll. Wow. Explosion of deliciousness. Overall, I would likely try another truck (given how many choices there were that day at the Flea). But I would also give another item at this truck a try. read more

Pretty yummy Korean food from a food truck. I tried the bbq tofu bahn mi and the summer rolls (with shrrrriiimp). It was pretty awesome but I think they were pretty backed up during the last day of Providence Flea as it took a good 20-30 mins to get my food. I would knock off a star but hey, my food is being cooked in a truck by two people, so I will cut them a break. Also, the food was very filling and my lime soda was delicious and refreshing. It was a great meal for ten bucks (thirteen with the soda). Some may say that this is a bit high but I think the quality of the ingredients made it worth it. The service was friendly and I thought that they dealt really well with the crowd, as some people were getting a bit cranky with the wait. I honestly think people need to re-evaluate their lives when they get so impatient over lunch. Not quite sure what they were in such a hurry for (maybe they were hangry?). I will definitely eat lunch with them again and hope that they stick around in the usual food truck rotation on Thayer and the Farmer's Market circuit. I am excited with how the Providence food truck scene seems to be blowing up, as variety is the spice of life read more

Best food truck on campus! I eat here at least twice a week and never get tired of it. Try the pork rice set!

I share the sentiment of excitement when a new food truck arrives on campus here on College Hill. The exterior of the truck is fairly plain. The website also doesn't work (as of 23 April 2013). I was excited to see Bánh mì so close to where I am! I was, however, quite disappointed by the quality and quantity of the bánh mì. I ordered the basic Vietnamese Cold Cut sandwich. When I bit into it, I was really surprised at the sparse filling. I know many places go cheap by adding more pickled vegetables in, but this place seems to go cheap on everything: meat, sauce, and veggies. The bread wasn't warm and toasty, instead it was a little soggy and chewy. Overall, very disappointing. I highly doubt I'll try that again unless they make substantial improvements. The price is okay, 4$, but for what you get, it's absolutely not worth it. Now for the fresh spring rolls. This one wasn't as bad. The shrimp was a bit dry; I expected it to be a bit plumper. Overall, however, it was of acceptable quality. I'm a fan of the sauce they gave along with it, but that's not uncommon to find a good sauce. The wrap was a bit too rubbery for my taste. Overall, not the worst. I've had worse, and I've had much better. The people there were really nice, so I hate to ding them. I want them to succeed, but I also want them to provide better food at a greater value. In conclusion, I probably won't go back anytime soon unless I hear of dramatic changes. I have heard their fried rice was good, but I did not try it. I fear if they can't get Bánh mì right, how can they can anything right? read more

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This ain't no damn banh mi. I grew up near Little Saigon in Westminster so I know a decent amount banh mi and Vietnamese food. First of all, why was it greasy? I have never had a greasy banh mi. Also, I usually refuse to pay over 2 dollars for a banh mi back home but this was 8 dollars?@?!?! Blasphemy. The ingredients seemed right: cilantro, pork, and French style bread, but it did not resemble what it should. This was bland. Step up your game. You're lucky there is no competition read more

There are a few Vietnamese restaurants in Providence, RI, but unfortunately, very few good ones. Lotus Pepper is one of the best in my opinion for portable street food. Some menu items change daily because the food is made fresh with what's on hand. The quality of the food is good and feels like eating home cooking at my friend's mother's house. If you're looking for fast, affordable, easy, refreshing, and filling Vietnamese cuisine, then give Lotus Pepper a try. read more

This is my favorite food truck in Providence. They have been a lunch-time staple for me for the last 4 years! The service is always friendly (if a bit overworked due to the long lines), the food is consistently good and they're so convenient. I really appreciate their efforts to remain close to (Brown's) campus, despite the Thayer street food truck restrictions. read more

After being disappointed with this food truck when first visiting it in the spring, I saw it on Kennedy Plaza Monday for lunch, and as a Banh Mi fan, decided to give it another try. I mentioned to the guy in the window that I was disappointed my first visit months ago, and he assured me that they've retooled some things and have got their act together. I'm happy to report that he is correct. I had the pork Banh Mi and it was outstanding, comparable to the ones I'd get in Boston, and the best one I've had in RI. The bread was perfect, fresh, crunchy on the outside and pillowy-soft on the inside. I was told that they make the trek up to Boston daily to buy fresh rice flower rolls, and it really shows. The roast pork was delicious, as was the beef one that i ordered a minute after devouring the pork Bahn Mi. I went back for lunch on Thursday, this time on the East Side at Thayer and George, and had another tremendous roast pork Banh Mi, along with an order of spring rolls. The rolls were fresh and flavorful. I look forward to trying some of their other dishes, although it's going difficult to visit this food truck and not get at least one Banh Mi. Great staff too. read more

Checked this food truck out at the Roger Williams food truck night. Since we were sampling from a number of trucks, my husband and I split the BBQ pork Bahn Mi as he has never had one before. They were nice enough to split the sandwhich for us in two parchment bags. The pork belly was tasty. The toppings were as well, I just wish there was a little more of everything. Also,the bread was super duper flaky. read more

Absolutely adore this underrated food truck run by a Vietnamese family team. I have searched long and hard for legit Vietnamese food close to campus, and this place never lets me down. The $6 Bahn mi w/ BBQ Pork is my go to (cheaper than a meal swipe, fellow Brunonians). This toasted baguette topped with perfectly seasoned meat (or egg I think) of your choice and lightly pickled veggies is a perfect lunch in between classes (low-key today's the second day in a row that I've had it), but everything else is delicious. The food here is the only solution to my frequent cravings for real Asian food. #thankful read more

The Vietnamese Meatballs were a perfect snack on a lovely day. We ordered them without rice or bread but rice would have been perfect complement for the thin tomato based broth they were served in. The meatballs themselves were light and flavorful. read more

I love their menu! My main course At the Roger Williams Food Truck Festival is always from this truck. The service and cleanliness is great. Thanks guys read more

Found the fresh summer rolls and peanut sauce very bland and the veggie/meat ratio was way off

In typical food truck fashion, Lotus Pepper has a tight menu. The banh mi has evolved to become one of my lunchtime to-go staples: made with adequately crunchy bread, it's the right size to grab and munch on as I walk up Thayer to class, and it isn't overflowing to the point that spillage and messiness become valid points of concern. I've found their rice and noodle dishes pretty standard-nothing special, nothing terrible, just your standard carbs and protein with a little salad to accompany. I'm glad that Lotus Pepper has joined the food truck brigade on Thayer, but Mama Kim's continues to remain the lord of Asian food trucks in the area. read more

I am a HUGE fan of Lotus Pepper! Their food is fresh and delicious with solid portion sizes and service with a smile. My go to is the vermicelli with tofu. I could eat it every day. My other favorite thing about this truck is that they're quick. I know that I won't have to wait 10 minutes for my food and I love that. read more

The banh mi is perfect: crispy yet soft bread with fresh veggies, a succulent sauce and well-seasoned pork. I'm not a fan of Vietnamese noodles, but the other components in the Vermicelli bowl held it together well. The egg rolls were so-so, but no place can be perfect! read more

I was very happy when this opened. Its usually parked right near where I spend most of workday, so its convenient and delicious and a nice addition to growing food truck family. The banh mi are good value, and the bbq pork one is really delicious. The spring rolls are also great. I tried the bun (rice vermicelli) and it was good, but could maybe use some sauce on the side like they serve it at Pho Horn's. Also, the guy who works here is the friendliest! read more

Ate here recently and thought my banh mi was pretty frickin dope. I had the Vietnamese cold cut version, and found there to be plenty of fillings: pâté, tons of carrot and daikon, fresh cucumber and cilantro, and several kinds of meat. I love those light, crisp, baguettes. Had a bite of a BBQ pork and thought that was good too. The service was fast and friendly as well! read more

I love food trucks. Knowing they are around, then tracking where they're hiding is a fun part of the experience. Also they'll never have the same menu each time you go. I'm writing this review to help cleanse my palate of a particularly miserable takeout experience (see my history). As any food truck, they do have a limited menu, but that actually makes the decision process easier. I went with a barbecued pork over vermicelli. It was served with salad and egg rolls. Presentation is nicely put into it's take out container. The food looks and tastes fresh and the sauces of the pork's bbq and the salad dressing were well seasoned. At around $8, it's a great value. read more

I had the Banh mi with pork recently at the RW food truck rally. It wasn't bad, but not the best I've had though. Bread was crunchy on the outside but still chewy inside with fresh veggies and decent pork. Sandwich was kind of small for the price though. Service was quick and friendly. Would go back and try other things on the truck. read more

The food here is excellent, the service prompt and friendly. It isn't even remotely fancy, and that's what I like about it. This is no-nonsense, no gimmicks, honest to goodness food. The sandwiches are great, the rice flour rolls crunchy and soft. The pork belly always has a nice crispy skin, and then melts in your mouth. Take a look at the specials, because while you could just get a vermicelli with pork (also excellent) or whatever, the specials always tend to be excellent. The chicken curry is a good dish for a cold day, and the cooked-to-order salmon with spicy ginger sauce was absolutely divine for ten dollars. If it is available, have it. I've not had a better piece of fish in a long, long time. Check this place out. It is an excellent value for money. read more

Really not worth the prices they charge for the amount of food you get. The portion to price ratio is not worth it. They may be a popular place for what reason I can't understand, but I tried them and everyone I have spoken to that have tried them as well agreed, not worth the price for the amount of food you get. Not a place I would recommend if you were hungry, cause you'll still end up hungry even after shelling out 5-10 bucks for their food. read more

I really like Lotus Pepper, it's a quick way to get food! It's a little pricey, but when I have a few extra bucks, I go for it! I love the Summer rolls, and the rice sets. I really recommend that! read more

I was really excited to see this latest addition to the PVD food truck scene--a logical addition given the size of the Vietnamese population in Providence. It didn't disappoint! I had the vermicelli with grilled pork, which was filling and tasty. And the fresh spring rolls were great and full of shrimp, chicken and veggies. Service was fast and friendly. I'll be back! read more

They're really great. Good food. It's the real deal. A little pricey but you are paying for consistency. Keep it up!

Hands down my favorite food truck on College Hill. True to its motto, Lotus Pepper serves up super fresh, lovingly made home cooked food. The rice sets are my go to meal when I'm starving and too lazy to cook my own food. At $8.50 they aren't very cheap, but they are certainly very filling and generously portioned and keep me going for hours. Also, te homemade chili oil you can put on your rice is the best chili oil I've ever had. To those who think $6 for a bahn mi is a lot, try to think of this dish not as a sandwich you just smash together. The bahn mis here are basically hot piping beef/pork/chicken/tofu fresh off the grill in freshly toasted baguette. I hate sandwiches but I eat these things. Specials are usually very good here - they have pan fried tilapia over rice quite often and once in a while they bring in pho. I have heard good things about the pho, and am personally a fan of the tilapia. The mother and son team is also awesome and friendly. As a regular, I love the fact they make little tweaks to my food sometimes to suit my low meat diet. I once had peanuts sprinkled in my bahn mi just because the lady had peanuts on hand that day. Another time I had a serving of the fried noodle with chicken special but with mushroom subbed in for the chicken. read more

Food was mediocre but more importantly the guy taking orders was totally incompetent. He messed up my order not once but twice. I corrected him the first time but not the second. They need to find a new order taker. read more

Best bon mi in RI. Really nice people