Are Vietnamese spring rolls really "paper-wrapped"? Learn how locals enjoy authentic Vietnamese spring rolls

Reported and photographed by Peng Huaiyu, journalist

On any trip, trying local cuisine is a must. Located in the Indochina Peninsula, Vietnam has a generally hot and humid climate, so its cuisine tends to be refreshing. "Vietnamese spring rolls" offer a chewy rice paper wrapper, a flavorful filling, and a slightly tangy specially made fish sauce dressing. For those who love acidity, don’t forget to squeeze some lime or lemon for extra zing—super low-calorie and guilt-free, no wonder Vietnamese people are so slim.

▲Vietnamese spring rolls consist of a thin layer of "rice paper" filled with plenty of lettuce and fresh ingredients, then dipped in the restaurant’s secret fish sauce dressing, resulting in a refreshing texture.

Unlike typical Taiwanese-style Vietnamese spring rolls, after an on-the-ground visit, the reporter discovered that the wrappers for Vietnamese spring rolls are actually "rice paper." A thin outer layer is filled with plenty of lettuce and ingredients, then finally dipped in fish sauce.Local guide Xiaoyan said that central Vietnam produces a wide variety of leafy greens, especially in summer when appetites aren’t as strong—people often eat just a Vietnamese spring roll for a whole meal.

 ▲A local Vietnamese person demonstrates how to wrap Vietnamese spring rolls on-site.

The fillings for "Vietnamese spring rolls" are quite diverse. In central Vietnam’s Da Nang area, near the sea, various seafood is abundant. "Seafood Vietnamese spring rolls" feature "minced fish" as the main ingredient, along with "raw banana," "crushed peanuts," and other ingredients mixed with locally unique herbs like perilla leaves. Finally, they’re dipped in fish sauce. With one bite, the aroma bursts forth, offering a rich flavor profile, yet finishing refreshingly without greasiness—perfect for hot climates.

▲Vietnam Airlines Market Sales Manager Do Khoi Nguyen demonstrates how to wrap "potato pancake Vietnamese spring rolls."

Vietnam Airlines Market Sales Manager Do Khoi Nguyen also demonstrates another way to wrap "potato pancake Vietnamese spring rolls." First, take a sheet of rice paper, add lettuce, then place the potato pancake on top, firmly press with your fingertips to ensure it’s tightly wrapped, then dip it in the secret fish sauce dressing before eating. Remember, don’t overstuff the vegetables, or it might not wrap properly.