Egg rolls and Vietnamese egg rolls are both beloved appetizers and snacks, but they have some key differences. Egg rolls are more commonly found in American Chinese restaurants, while Vietnamese egg rolls are traditional to Vietnamese cuisine. The main differences come down to the wrapper, filling ingredients, spices used, and cooking methods.
Egg Roll Wrappers
The wrappers are one of the biggest differences between egg rolls and Vietnamese egg rolls.
Egg Roll Wrappers
Egg roll wrappers are made from wheat flour and are thicker and more chewy. They have a flaky layered texture similar to filo dough. Egg roll wrappers are around 1/8 inch thick. They are sold pre-made and are square or rectangle shaped.
Vietnamese Egg Roll Wrappers
Vietnamese egg roll wrappers are made from rice flour. They are thinner, more delicate, and lighter than traditional egg roll wrappers. Vietnamese wrappers are only about 1/16 inch thick. They are translucent when raw. Vietnamese egg roll wrappers must be homemade and are round or oval shaped.
Filling Ingredients
Egg rolls and Vietnamese egg rolls also differ in their fillings.
Egg Roll Fillings
Typical fillings in American egg rolls include:
- Shredded cabbage
- Carrots
- Bean sprouts
- Celery
- Onions or scallions
- Garlic
- Glass noodles
- Pork, chicken, beef, or shrimp
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
The filling is coarsely chopped into chunks rather than finely minced. The ingredients are stir fried before being wrapped.
Vietnamese Egg Roll Fillings
Common fillings in Vietnamese egg rolls include:
- Ground pork
- Shrimp
- Wood ear mushrooms
- Bean threads noodles
- Carrots
- Taro or sweet potato
- Onions
- Fish sauce
The filling ingredients are finely minced rather than chopped into pieces. The filling is not pre-cooked before wrapping.
Spices and Seasonings
The spicing in each type of egg roll also varies.
Egg Roll Spices
Egg rolls are often seasoned with:
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Five-spice powder
They have a fairly mild flavor.
Vietnamese Egg Roll Spices
Common spices in Vietnamese egg rolls include:
- Fish sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Black pepper
- Garlic
- Scallions
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
They often have a saltier, more pungent flavor from the fish sauce. Herbs are also popular.
Cooking Method
The cooking method also impacts the end result.
Egg Roll Cooking
Egg rolls are fried until golden brown and crispy. They may be brushed with an egg wash before frying. Egg rolls are fried on all sides until cooked through.
Vietnamese Egg Roll Cooking
Vietnamese egg rolls are often deep fried but they can also be pan fried with just a thin layer of oil. They are cooked more gently and often only fried on one side. The egg roll wrappers are too delicate to withstand heavy frying on all sides.
Shape and Size
There are also some visible differences between egg rolls and Vietnamese egg rolls.
Egg Roll Shape and Size
- Rectangular or square shaped
- Around 3-5 inches long
- Straight, rigid shape
Vietnamese Egg Roll Shape and Size
- Oval or round shaped
- 2-3 inches long
- Thinner and more cylindrical
Vietnamese egg rolls tend to be smaller and rounder while egg rolls are bigger and square shaped.
Serving Style
Egg rolls and Vietnamese egg rolls are eaten differently as well.
Egg Rolls
- Often served as appetizers
- Served with duck or sweet and sour sauce
- Eaten by hand
Vietnamese Egg Rolls
- Served as a side dish or appetizer
- Eaten wrapped in lettuce and herbs
- Dipped in nuoc cham fish sauce
- Sometimes sliced up and added to noodle bowls
Vietnamese egg rolls are usually part of a more interactive meal rather than just finger food.
Popularity
Egg Rolls
Egg rolls are very popular across America. They are served at Chinese restaurants nationwide. Most Americans are familiar with egg rolls from a young age.
Vietnamese Egg Rolls
Vietnamese egg rolls are still most common in Vietnamese restaurants or families. They may also sometimes be found at some SE Asian fusion restaurants. They are not as universally recognized in America compared to standard egg rolls.
Nutrition
Here is a nutrition comparison between the two types of egg rolls:
| Nutrition Facts | Egg Rolls | Vietnamese Egg Rolls |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 230 | 220 |
| Fat | 12g | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 19g |
| Protein | 6g | 8g |
As you can see, they are fairly comparable nutrition wise. Egg rolls may be slightly higher in carbs while Vietnamese egg rolls have a bit more protein. But overall they are quite similar.
Price
Egg Rolls
Egg rolls are inexpensive, usually $1-$2 each at Chinese restaurants. The wrappers and ingredients are fairly affordable and easy to source.
Vietnamese Egg Rolls
Vietnamese egg rolls can be more expensive, around $2-$3 each at Vietnamese restaurants. The rice paper wrappers take more specialty skill to make. Certain fillings like taro can also increase costs.
However, homemade Vietnamese egg rolls are very budget friendly. The ingredients are humble and the wrappers are easy to make at home.
Ease of Preparation
Egg Rolls
Egg rolls are probably easier for most home cooks. The wrappers can be bought premade and the construction is simple. They also hold up well to freezing and reheating.
Vietnamese Egg Rolls
Vietnamese egg rolls take more work with making the wrappers and finely chopping fillings. Their wrappers are also delicate and prone to ripping if not handled carefully. They don’t preserve as well after making compared to standard egg rolls.
Cultural Importance
Egg Rolls
Egg rolls are beloved in American Chinese cuisine but they aren’t specifically traditional to any one region. They were likely invented in America by early Chinese immigrants.
Vietnamese Egg Rolls
Vietnamese egg rolls (nem ran or cha gio) have importance in Vietnamese celebrations and tet festivities. They are a traditional food that is served during Lunar New Year and made at home by Vietnamese families.
So Vietnamese egg rolls have more cultural and historical significance compared to American egg rolls which were created more recently.
Conclusion
While egg rolls and Vietnamese egg rolls may look similar, they have many differences when it comes to wrappers, filling, spices, cooking method, appearance, taste, and cultural background. Both are delicious examples of Asian appetizers that have been adapted over time. Egg rolls are more common on American Chinese restaurant menus. Vietnamese egg rolls take more effort to make but offer a traditional experience and often have a fresher, lighter taste compared to their egg roll counterparts. Both are great options for an appetizer!