Fresh and full of texture, Vietnam’s spring rolls are known and loved worldwide. However, the country has a more passionate love affair with hand-rolled bites than you might expect. From the ultra-fresh to the deep fried, "món cuốn" dishes are culinary staples across the country. Get to know the many varieties and flavours of "món cuốn" a little better with this list of 5 beautiful bites to try in Vietnam.
Phở cuốn
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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 phở cuốn 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 kumquat juice.
Nem lụi
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A delicacy from Central Vietnam, nem lụi 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.
Bánh Xèo
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This ‘Vietnamese pancake’ 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 pancake 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.
Gỏi cuốn
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Gỏi cuốn 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.
Nem cua bể
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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.
Your trip will not be perfect without good food, apart from the memorable journeys, friendly person, Vietnamese cuisine also contributes to making your trip more interesting.