Summer Rolls (Goi Cuon)

A classic Vietnamese crowd favorite, Summer Rolls. These are not your typical fried spring rolls. Instead, they consist of translucent rice paper wrappers filled with various fresh and often raw ingredients. When moistened, the rice paper wrappers are made from rice flour and water, resulting in a slightly sticky and chewy texture.

Typically, Goi Cuon contains shrimp, herbs like mint and cilantro, rice vermicelli, and sometimes pork or other proteins. These ingredients come together to create a burst of flavors and textures in each bite. They’re often served with a peanut dipping sauce. This is made with a combination of hoisin sauce, peanut butter, and sometimes a dash of chili. The sauce adds a sweet and savory kick, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Goi Cuon is often enjoyed during warm weather because of its refreshing nature. It's a perfect snack or light meal that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine - fresh, flavorful, and a joy to eat. Whether you're strolling through the busy streets of Hanoi or sitting at a street-side stall in Ho Chi Minh City, savoring Goi Cuon is a delicious and authentic way to experience the vibrant street food culture of Vietnam.

Main ingredients: wrappers, shrimp, meat, vegetables and noodles, dipping sauce

Recommended places: Truong Cong Dinh Street in Da Lat, Vietnam

Price range: $1 for 3 - 4 rolls