A legacy of handmade rice rolls spanning over half a century in the heart of Saigon.

A rice roll shop modestly nestled on Cao Thang Street (District 3) has been intertwined with multiple generations of Saigonese.

A legacy of handmade rice rolls spanning over half a century in the heart of Saigon.

Operating for over 50 years, Hai Nam rice roll shop sits snugly amidst a row of houses and clothing stores on Cao Thang Street, Saigon. Despite its narrow facade of only about 2 meters, the interior space is quite deep, accommodating two rows of tables and chairs with its own parking lot.

Even when crowded, the shop never resorts to pre-made rice sheets; the chef prepares the batter on the spot upon customer orders. The chef reveals the importance of the batter mixing process: 'We use a mixture of rice flour and tapioca flour in a reasonable ratio, ensuring that the batter, after steaming, achieves a smooth consistency without being too thin or lumpy.'

At first glance, the process seems simple, but the chef must truly be skilled to simultaneously spread and roll the rice sheets effortlessly. Firstly, the batter must be poured evenly and spread thinly, precisely timing the main roll. Then, the thin layer of batter must be swiftly removed from the steamer to ensure the rolls do not tear.

Freshly cooked, the rice rolls boast a soft, chewy outer layer and delicious filling made from ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, and dried shrimp. The shop doesn't purchase pre-made fried shallots but fries them in-house to ensure hygiene.

Additionally, their homemade dipping sauce delights even the most discerning palates with its rich flavor, perfectly complementing the taste preferences of Southern locals. Besides the main dish, each serving of rice rolls also comes with shredded lettuce to balance the flavors.

Regular customers always add some sour fermented pork sausage and a portion of crispy shrimp and mung bean cakes – reminiscent of Southern-style cakes. Beneath the crispy crust lies a tender, fragrant mung bean filling, enveloping a large shrimp.

Huy Hoang (District 7, Saigon) shared that he was immediately impressed by the traditional rice rolls at this eatery upon his first taste: 'The thin, chewy outer layer of the rice rolls makes them very satisfying to eat. The filling is perfectly seasoned. The prices are reasonable considering the prime location on the main road.' He also plans to recommend the shop to his friends.

In addition to rice rolls, the menu at this establishment offers a variety of other dishes such as steamed rice cakes in small bowls, noodle soup, stir-fried noodles, crab soup cake... Among these, the coconut leaf-wrapped dumplings filled with coconut are particularly popular among diners.

According to Di Vy/Vnexpress

***

Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour