Gỏi Cuốn (Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls)
Gỏi cuốn, or rice paper rolls, are a Vietnamese street food worth getting to know. Wrapped tightly in moistened rice paper, these fresh spring rolls are filled with herbs (like cilantro, basil, and mint), rice vermicelli, and usually a combination of pork and shrimp. Gỏi Cuốn’s refreshing lightness is balanced by the rich peanut dipping sauce served alongside it.
Gỏi cuốn is said to be a derivative of the Chinese spring roll (the northern city of Hanoi is heavily influenced by Chinese cuisine). Throughout the years, modern Vietnamese chefs have created new interpretations, including versions with lobster tails, barbecued meats, and pickled vegetables. Today, variations of gỏi cuốn can be found worldwide, and serve as a way to celebrate Vietnamese cuisine all around the world.