Our storiesVietnamese summer rolls - A fresh favorite with recipe and travel appealVietnamese summer rolls - A fresh favorite with recipe and travel appeal
7 minuteVietnamese summer rolls have become a global favorite for their fresh, light flavors and healthy ingredients. Yet, many people struggle to make them at home or miss the cultural story behind this dish when visiting Vietnam. In this article by Amanaki, you’ll find an authentic recipe and travel tips to enjoy Vietnamese summer rolls the right way. Whether you want to try making them yourself or discover the best places to taste them on your next trip, this guide offers the perfect solution for anyone craving fresh and delicious Vietnamese summer rolls.
What Are Vietnamese Summer Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn)?
Vietnamese summer rolls, known locally as gỏi cuốn, are a refreshing culinary delight that showcases the essence of Vietnamese cuisine—fresh, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Unlike their fried counterparts (chả giò or nem rán), summer rolls are served fresh, allowing the vibrant colors and textures of their ingredients to shine through translucent rice paper wrappers.
These delicate rolls have gained international recognition for their perfect balance of flavors and textures. In fact, they're so beloved that CNN featured them on their list of the world's 50 most delicious foods. Their popularity extends beyond Vietnam's borders, with renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay expressing admiration for this emblematic dish.
What sets gỏi cuốn apart is its refreshing nature, making it particularly appealing during hot summer months in Vietnam. The name itself offers insight into the dish—"gỏi" means salad, highlighting that these rolls are essentially a wrapped salad featuring an artful combination of proteins, vegetables, herbs, and noodles, all held together in a delicate rice paper embrace.
The Popular Ingredients of Vietnamese Summer Rolls
==> Enjoy more: Top 20 Southern Vietnamese Foods That Will Delight Your Taste Buds
The Rice Paper Wrapper: Bánh Tráng
At the heart of every Vietnamese summer roll is the bánh tráng—a thin, translucent rice paper wrapper that serves as the canvas for the vibrant ingredients within. These delicate sheets are typically made from rice flour, water, and sometimes tapioca flour, creating a slightly chewy yet tender texture when moistened.
- Ingredients in rice paper: Traditional Vietnamese rice paper consists primarily of rice flour and water, though some varieties may include tapioca starch for additional elasticity. The mixture is spread thinly on bamboo mats and dried in the sun, creating the distinct pattern visible on one side of the wrapper. The finest quality rice papers are made from 100% rice flour, offering a thinner texture that highlights the filling ingredients rather than becoming a dominant component itself.
- Spring roll wrappers used in other countries: While Vietnamese bánh tráng has gained international popularity, similar wrappers exist in various Asian cuisines. Cambodian cuisine features "nime chow" rolls using the same rice paper but with different fillings and a vinegar-based dipping sauce. Chinese cuisine incorporates rice paper in rolls featuring duck and cucumber, typically served with hoisin sauce. Japanese restaurants have also adopted rice paper wrappers, sometimes using colored versions for visual appeal.
The Meat: Pork Belly and Shrimp
Pork belly, with its succulent texture and rich flavor, provides a satisfying element to the rolls. It's typically simmered gently in salted water until tender—a cooking method that preserves the natural pork flavor without overwhelming the other delicate ingredients. Unlike grilled or roasted preparations, which might dominate the roll's flavor profile, this simple preparation allows all components to harmonize beautifully.
Shrimp adds a sweet, oceanic note and pleasing visual contrast. Traditionally cooked in the same water used for the pork (a clever way to build flavor and reduce waste), the shrimp are often halved lengthwise and arranged so they're visible through the translucent wrapper, creating the signature pink crescents characteristic of authentic gỏi cuốn.
- How to easily devein shrimp: For perfect summer rolls, proper shrimp preparation is essential. To devein shrimp effectively, first remove the shell and tail. With a small, sharp knife, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp where you can see the dark vein. Gently lift out the dark intestinal tract with the tip of your knife or a toothpick, then rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any remaining residue. This simple technique ensures clean-tasting shrimp and a more pleasant eating experience.
The Rice Noodles: A Noodle Hack
These thin, white noodles are made from rice flour and water, offering a mild flavor that absorbs the vibrant tastes of the accompanying ingredients and dipping sauces. Their delicate nature makes them perfect for summer rolls, where they add substance without heaviness.
- Noodle hack: To prevent rice vermicelli from clumping together while preparing your summer rolls, try this professional technique: After cooking the noodles according to package instructions, drain them thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Then, toss the cooled noodles with a small amount of neutral oil (like vegetable or sesame oil) and a pinch of salt. The oil creates a thin barrier between the strands, preventing them from sticking together, while the salt enhances their flavor. This simple hack ensures your noodles remain separate and easy to work with, even if prepared in advance.
Vegetables and Herbs for Vietnamese Summer Rolls
Common vegetables include crisp lettuce (typically butter lettuce or leaf lettuce for its pliability), julienned carrots for sweetness and color, and cool cucumber strips that add a refreshing crunch. Bean sprouts are also popular additions, contributing a delicate texture and subtle nutty flavor.
- Fresh herbs: like mint, cilantro, and Thai basil transform Vietnamese summer rolls from simple wraps into aromatic delights. These aren't mere garnishes but essential ingredients that define the character of authentic gỏi cuốn. Mint delivers a cooling sensation that complements the richness of pork and shrimp, while cilantro adds a citrusy brightness. Thai basil, with its distinctive anise-like notes, provides an aromatic complexity that elevates the entire experience.
In Vietnam, herbs are used generously—a practice worth emulating when making summer rolls at home. The interplay between these fresh herbs creates a symphony of flavors that evolves with each bite, making summer rolls a multisensory experience rather than just a light appetizer.
==> Besides spring rolls, you can experience more cuisine at Ben Thanh market.
How to Make Vietnamese Summer Rolls? (Step-by-Step Guide)
Creating perfect Vietnamese summer rolls at home becomes easy with proper preparation and technique. Follow these streamlined steps for professional results:
- Step 1: Prep All Ingredients
Cook shrimp until pink (2-3 minutes), then peel and halve lengthwise. Simmer pork belly for 25-30 minutes until tender, then slice thinly. Prepare rice vermicelli according to package directions and toss with sesame oil. Wash and arrange all vegetables and herbs within easy reach.
- Step 2: Master Rice Paper Soaking
Fill a shallow bowl with warm water. Dip rice paper for only 1-2 seconds—it should feel slightly firm when removed, as it continues softening during assembly.
- Step 3: Strategic Assembly
Place rice paper on a clean, flat surface. Layer lettuce first, then add rice noodles, herbs, vegetables, and pork. Position shrimp halves cut-side down near the top for visibility through the wrapper.
- Step 4: Perfect Rolling Technique
Fold bottom edge over filling while keeping ingredients compact. Fold in both sides, then roll from bottom up with gentle, consistent tension. The rice paper will seal naturally.
- Step 5: Finishing Touches
Arrange colorful ingredients strategically for visual appeal through the translucent wrapper. Slice diagonally to showcase the cross-section. Wrap individually in damp paper towels if not serving immediately, though fresh rolls taste best.
Tips for Making Spring Roll Dipping Sauce
For those preferring a lighter option, nước chấm provides a refreshing contrast with its vibrant flavor profile. This classic Vietnamese dipping sauce combines fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili for a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. Some variations include grated carrots or daikon for added texture and visual appeal.
Regional variations exist throughout Vietnam, with some areas favoring tamarind-based sauces or specific herb additions. For an innovative twist on traditional recipes, consider incorporating crushed roasted peanuts for texture, a splash of pineapple juice for tropical sweetness, or even a hint of lemongrass for aromatic complexity.
Where to Eat the Best Vietnamese Summer Rolls?
The versatile nature of Vietnamese summer rolls has ensured their widespread popularity throughout Vietnam, with particularly outstanding versions found in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In the latter, casual eateries and food stalls offering gỏi cuốn are abundant, with prices typically ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 VND depending on fillings. For those exploring Ho Chi Minh City, several establishments have gained recognition for their exceptional summer rolls, including:
- Goi Cuon Tom Nhay: 424 Lac Long Quan, Ward 5, District 11
- Goi Cuon Le Van Sy: 359/1/9A Le Van Sy, Ward 13, District 3
- Goi Cuon Ngon Ngon: 322/13 An Duong Vuong, Ward 4, District 5
- Goi Cuon Va Tra Dao: 384/91A Ly Thai To, Ward 10, District 10
Beyond Vietnam, major international cities with significant Vietnamese communities often boast restaurants serving authentic summer rolls. In the United States, cities like San Francisco, New York, and Houston feature establishments where skilled chefs craft these delicate rolls with traditional techniques and ingredients. Throughout Asia, particularly in Singapore, Thailand, and Japan, fusion adaptations have emerged, incorporating local ingredients while maintaining the essence of the original dish.
Discovering the fresh and vibrant flavors of Vietnamese summer rolls is a delicious way to experience Vietnam’s rich culinary culture. Whether you’re trying the recipe at home or exploring street food during your travels, Vietnamese summer rolls offer a light, healthy, and satisfying treat. Stay connected with Amanaki for the latest updates, authentic recipes, and exclusive tips to bring these delightful rolls to your table. Follow our website and never miss out on the best of Vietnamese cuisine and travel inspiration!
==> Experience now: Mekong Delta Tour: Your Complete Guide to Exploring Vietnam’s River Life
Sleep-walking through Saigon
Saigon Hidden Gems
Once upon a time in ChinaTown
