Delicious Vietnamese Rolls

“Nem ran”  is a much-appreciated speciality, although it is very easy to prepare. Since long ago, nem ran has been a familiar dish on the menu at all households during the New Year’s festivities, at family parties, and at receptions.

The stuffing of the nem ran is comprised of mince pork, sea crabs, eggs, minced Jew’s ears, thin-top mushroom, dried onions, bean-sprouts, pepper, spiced salt, etc. The mixture is then rolled in flat rice cakes and fried in a pan until crispy.

“Nem” are eaten hot with a sauce that it is, at the same time, somewhat salty, sweet, acidic and scented (with the flavours of onion and pepper). Papaya and a few fresh scented vegetables are added.

“Banh Khot” is deep-fried dreaminess. Originally from Vung Tau, the batter for “Banh Khot” is a mixture of rice flour, turmeric and coconut milk. The batter is poured into heated molds and topped with a plump shrimp or other fresh seafood, then fried to perfection. Wrap it up in some lettuce with herbs and dip in fish sauce.

While bearing similarities to “Banh Khot”, “Banh Can” is actually steamed, not fried. The batter contains egg, which creates a lighter texture similar to a fluffy omelette. Served with a variety of toppings, such as quail egg and prawn, Nha Trang is the only place where you can find bánh căn served on the street. Roll each bite in fresh lettuce, dip in green onion sauce, add a slice of sour mango, and devour.

A delicacy from Central Vietnam, “Nem Lui” can be found all over the country at high-end restaurants and sidewalk stalls. Minced pork is carefully seasoned and grilled on lemongrass stalks, giving the meat a citrusy aroma. Remove the meat from the skewer, and eat it wrapped in rice paper with green mango, mint and a nutty dipping sauce.

A close cousin of “Nem Lui”, “Chao Tom” is a delicious mix of garlic and shrimp paste grilled on sugarcane sticks. This savoury treat is best rolled up in lettuce or rice paper with herbs, soft rice noodles and cucumber slices. The grilled shrimp morsels have a toothsome texture that Vietnamese love.

This is not your average fresh spring roll. Instead of the classic dried rice paper, this roll is wrapped in fresh rice noodle sheets, similar to those usually cut into pho noodles. Look for “Pho Cuon” made with grilled beef at restaurants around Truc Bach Lake in Hanoi. The rolls can be eaten on their own or dipped in fish sauce with chili and calamansi juice.

This ‘Vietnamese crepe’ is a sure-fire favourite on any table. Turmeric-spiced batter is spread in a small pan, topped with bean sprouts, pork, shrimp, and sometimes mushrooms. The crepe is folded in half, creating the sizzling noise that gives the dish the name ‘Xeo’. Break off a piece with your chopsticks and wrap in lettuce and herbs for a crunchy, refreshing bite.

Mustard leaves are the vessel of choice in this light and flavourful roll. Vermicelli noodles, shrimp and pork are carefully assembled inside the leaf, which is rolled and tied tight with a blanched green onion stalk. Cuốn diếp is served with a thick peanut and ginger dipping sauce.

“Goi Cuon” is what most people think of when they imagine Vietnamese spring rolls. The perfect dish for health-conscious eaters, these refreshing rolls are typically made with a piece of pork, a single shrimp, and bun noodles, although it’s easy to find delicious vegetarian versions made with tofu and mushrooms as well.

Wild betel leaves are the secret ingredient in “Bo La Lot” that makes these rolls unique in the Vietnamese kitchen. Seasoned minced beef is rolled in betel leaves and grilled over charcoal for a smoky, meaty bite that’s especially popular in southern Vietnam. “Bo La Lot” can be served over fresh noodles, or wrapped in greens and dipped in light fish sauce.

Originating in Hai Phong City, this dish is now enjoyed countrywide. Rice paper is stuffed with crab meat, shrimp, pork, wood ear mushroom, vermicelli noodles and bean sprouts, folded into a square shape and deep-fried for a satisfyingly crispy bite. Eat with mint and perilla leaves to counteract the richness of each bite.

A staple of the North, “Banh Cuon” is a popular breakfast or lunch in many parts of Vietnam. Freshly steamed rice-flour sheets are gently rolled with minced pork and wood ear mushroom and topped with fried shallots. A drizzle of sweet and sour fish sauce and thick slices of Vietnamese sausage round out the meal.