Goi cuon: Vietnam’s healthy and tasty spring rolls

Goi cuon, those delicious Vietnamese spring rolls, stand out for their unmatched freshness and lightness. Goi cuon is one of Vietnam’s classic street foods, reflecting local values of a good snack—something both light and nutritious. The dish’s origins evolved through a blend of culinary influences, notably Chinese and Vietnamese, which contributed to their diversity and popularity in Vietnamese cuisine. Traditionally, Goi cuon was prepared during the warm spring and summer seasons, when fresh ingredients were plentiful. This is a must-try dish during your trip to Vietnam.

Ingredients and preparation of goi cuon

Goi cuon, or spring rolls, are a must-try during your visit to Vietnam, especially in Hanoi. Made with pork, shrimp, rice vermicelli, mint, coriander and lettuce, these fresh rolls offer a burst of flavor without frying or excess oil. Not only are they light, but also rich in protein, fiber and vitamins, thanks to the fresh herbs with antioxidant benefits. A healthy and flavorful dish that you absolutely must discover. If you're curious about how to make them at home, following a traditional goi cuon recipe is a great way to bring a taste of Vietnam to your kitchen.

Different adaptations of Vietnamese goi cuon

Classic goi cuon

• Filling: Shrimp, pork, rice vermicelli, vegetables (carrots, cucumber, lettuce)

• Sauce: Mam nem (a fermented fish-based product), pineapple, sugar, lime, chili and garlic

Beef goi cuon

• Marinated beef: Stir-fried beef, finely sliced, onions, rice vermicelli, vegetables (carrots, cucumber), coriander

• Sauce: Spicy goi cuon dipping sauce made with fish sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, fresh chopped red chili

Grilled pork goi cuon

These spring rolls are filled with grilled pork, rice vermicelli, lettuce, mint and sometimes cucumbers or other vegetables. They are often served with a peanut-based dipping sauce.

Vegetarian goi cuon 

These spring rolls are filled with fresh vegetables such as lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, rice vermicelli and aromatic herbs. They can be served with a variety of goi cuon sauces, including soy-based or peanut sauces.

There are other types, for example:

Mixed spring rolls

• Easy to prepare: raw vegetables, boiled meat, sauce

• Add Vietnamese pork sausage and egg

• Dipping sauce: spicy and sweet-sour pineapple-based sauce

Chicken salad rolls

• Simple to make

• Boiled chicken and fresh vegetables

Salmon salad rolls

• Salmon prepared into a salad

• Fresh, rich taste

• Cucumber, carrot, etc.

Nem chua spring rolls

• Ingredients: Main ingredients include minced pork, sugar, garlic, salt and pepper

• Fermentation: After mixing, the preparation is left to ferment for a few days in a cool place. Fermentation gives nem chua its characteristic slightly sour flavor.

• Cooking: Nem chua must be fried or grilled

As for the dipping sauce, it may vary depending on personal preferences. A classic sauce for nem chua is often made from nuoc cham—a traditional Vietnamese fish sauce combined with rice vinegar, sugar, water, garlic and chili. This sauce adds a sweet and sour flavor that perfectly complements the taste of nem chua.

Hanoi Voyages offers a true invitation to a culinary journey—Goi cuon is a must-try dish for lovers of authentic Vietnamese flavors.

Goi cuon is a multifaceted Vietnamese dish. Whether you’re looking for a light meal, a refined starter, or a friendly appetizer, Goi cuon is sure to win you over. Its flexible composition makes it easy to adapt to all tastes and dietary preferences, while its various sauces bring a touch of originality to every bite. Goi cuon is an essential part of Vietnamese cuisine. Its freshness and adaptability make it an ideal choice for any occasion, whether you're in Hanoi or Hoi An.