Spring Rolls and Salad Rolls: The Perfect Start to Any Vietnamese Meal in Ottawa
If you’ve ever walked into a Vietnamese restaurant and wondered what to order first, the answer is almost always the same: spring rolls. Whether you prefer them crispy-fried or fresh-wrapped, Vietnamese spring rolls and salad rolls are the quintessential appetizer — and nobody in Ottawa does them better than Vietnam Palace Restaurant.
For over 35 years, Vietnam Palace has been serving Ottawa’s best Vietnamese appetizers from its home in the heart of Chinatown on Somerset Street. Our crispy spring rolls in Ottawa and fresh salad rolls in Ottawa have earned a devoted following — reflected in our 664+ glowing Google reviews — among locals from Centretown, the Glebe, Byward Market, uOttawa, and well beyond. But what makes them so special? Let’s unwrap the story — one roll at a time.
Spring Rolls vs. Salad Rolls: What’s the Difference?
New to Vietnamese food? The distinction between crispy spring rolls and fresh salad rolls trips up a lot of first-timers. Here’s a quick side-by-side breakdown:
| Feature | Spring Rolls (Chả Giò) | Salad Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn) |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Deep-fried until golden | Fresh, no cooking |
| Wrapper | Thin rice paper (crispy when fried) | Softened rice paper (translucent) |
| Main Filling | Seasoned pork, taro, glass noodles, mushrooms | Poached shrimp, vermicelli, lettuce, fresh herbs |
| Temperature | Hot & crispy | Cool & refreshing |
| Dipping Sauce | Nuớc châm (fish sauce, lime, chili) | Peanut-hoisin sauce |
| Gluten-Free? | Yes (rice paper wrappers) | Yes (rice paper wrappers) |
| Best For | Crunchy-craving comfort seekers | Light, health-conscious diners |
| Vietnamese Name | Chả giò | Gỏi cuốn |
Still can’t decide? Order both. Seriously — the contrast between them is half the fun.
Crispy Spring Rolls (Chả Giò): Ottawa’s Crunchiest Addiction
Let’s start with the crispy ones, because that’s usually what people think of when they hear “spring rolls.” At Vietnam Palace, our chả giò are a thing of beauty — golden, crackling shells filled with a savoury mixture that has been perfected over decades. Diners drive in from the Glebe, Centretown, Byward Market, and even across the river from Gatineau just to get their fix.
What’s Inside Vietnam Palace’s Crispy Spring Rolls?
The filling is where the magic happens. Unlike generic egg rolls that rely on cabbage and mystery meat, Vietnam Palace’s crispy spring rolls feature a carefully crafted blend of:
- Ground pork — seasoned with garlic, fish sauce, and black pepper
- Taro root — adding a subtle sweetness and starchy body that holds everything together
- Wood ear mushrooms — providing a delicate crunch and earthy flavour
- Glass noodles (miến) — thin, translucent noodles made from mung bean starch
- Carrots and onions — finely diced for texture and sweetness
Each ingredient is chopped, mixed, and seasoned by hand. The filling is then rolled into thin rice paper wrappers — not the thick wheat-based wrappers used for Chinese egg rolls — and fried until they achieve that distinctive, shattering crispiness that makes Vietnamese spring rolls unique.
How Vietnam Palace Makes Their Spring Rolls
Behind every perfect spring roll at Vietnam Palace is a process refined over more than three decades. It begins each morning when the kitchen team hand-mixes the filling: freshly ground pork, soaked glass noodles, rehydrated wood ear mushrooms, and finely diced taro. Every batch is tasted and adjusted — because seasoning by feel, not measurement, is the hallmark of a kitchen that truly cares.
The wrapping itself is done by experienced hands. Rice paper sheets are moistened just enough to become pliable, then a careful portion of filling is placed and rolled tight — firm enough not to burst during frying, yet not so packed that the wrapper tears. Each roll is sealed with a dab of egg wash and set aside for a brief rest before frying.
We use a double-fry technique: the rolls are first fried at moderate heat to cook the filling through, then flashed at higher heat to achieve that signature shatter-crisp exterior. The result is a spring roll that crunches loudly on first bite, releasing a burst of savoury, aromatic filling — made to order, never pre-fried and held under a lamp.
Every plate that leaves the Vietnam Palace kitchen is a fresh order. That’s a commitment we’ve kept since 1989, and it’s why our fried spring rolls in Ottawa have a different character than what you’ll find at a buffet or a frozen-food aisle.
How to Eat Crispy Spring Rolls Like a Vietnamese Local
Here’s a secret that most first-time Vietnamese diners don’t know: crispy spring rolls aren’t meant to be eaten on their own. The traditional way to enjoy them is as a wrapped roll:
- Take a large lettuce leaf (butter lettuce works best)
- Place a spring roll on the leaf
- Add a sprig of fresh mint and cilantro
- Add a few strands of pickled carrot and daikon (if available)
- Roll the lettuce around everything like a small burrito
- Dip the entire thing in nuớc châm (Vietnamese dipping sauce)
- Take a big bite and experience flavour nirvana
At Vietnam Palace, every order of spring rolls comes with lettuce, herbs, and nuớc châm — because we serve them the way they’re meant to be eaten.
Fresh Salad Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn): Cool, Light, and Irresistible
While crispy spring rolls bring the crunch, fresh salad rolls bring the cool. These uncooked, rice paper-wrapped rolls are the yin to the spring roll’s yang — light where the other is rich, cool where the other is hot, delicate where the other is bold. They’re the appetizer of choice for health-conscious diners near uOttawa, and a favourite among the lunch crowd flowing in from Centretown offices.
Inside Vietnam Palace’s Fresh Salad Rolls
Vietnam Palace’s gỏi cuốn are assembled fresh to order, ensuring maximum quality and freshness. Each roll contains:
- Poached shrimp — split in half and displayed beautifully through the translucent wrapper
- Rice vermicelli noodles — a small bundle of cooked noodles for substance
- Fresh lettuce — providing a crisp, green base
- Fresh herbs — Thai basil, mint, and cilantro for aromatic freshness
- Bean sprouts — adding a lovely crunch
When done properly — as Vietnam Palace does — the wrapper is soft and slightly chewy, and the filling ingredients are visible through the translucent skin like edible art. These are the fresh rolls Ottawa diners keep coming back for.
Why Fresh Salad Rolls Are a Health-Conscious Choice
Each roll is naturally gluten-free (rice paper contains no wheat), low in fat, and packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables. They’re proof that healthy eating and delicious eating are not mutually exclusive — especially when Vietnamese cooking is involved.
Best Dipping Sauces for Spring Rolls
A great roll deserves a great sauce. At Vietnam Palace we serve each appetizer with its traditional accompaniment, but here’s a deeper dive into the sauces you’ll encounter:
Nuớc Châm — The Classic Vietnamese Dipping Sauce
Nuớc châm is the soul of Vietnamese table condiments. Made by balancing fish sauce, fresh lime juice, sugar, warm water, minced garlic, and sliced fresh chili, it hits every flavour note simultaneously — salty, sour, sweet, and spicy. The sauce is bright amber, with a light, watery consistency that clings to a crispy spring roll without making it soggy. It’s the default pairing for fried spring rolls in Ottawa at Vietnam Palace, and rightfully so.
Peanut-Hoisin Sauce — Rich and Nutty
This thick, velvety sauce is the natural partner for fresh salad rolls. Vietnam Palace makes theirs in-house: hoisin sauce blended with smooth peanut butter, garlic, a touch of chili, and enough water to reach the perfect dipping consistency. It’s sweet, nutty, slightly savoury — the kind of sauce you’ll want to eat with a spoon. Many regulars order an extra side just for the peanut sauce. We never judge.
Hoisin-Sriracha — Bold and Punchy
Though typically served alongside a bowl of phở, the hoisin-sriracha combo also works beautifully with spring rolls when you want a bolder, spicier dip. Swirl a little sriracha into hoisin, dip your roll, and prepare for a flavour punch. Ask your server for a small dish — they’re happy to oblige.
Crispy vs. Fresh: The Great Spring Roll Debate
At Vietnam Palace, we get asked this question all the time: “Which should I order — crispy or fresh?” The honest answer? Both. They’re entirely different experiences that complement each other beautifully.
- Choose crispy spring rolls if: You love crunchy textures, want something warm and savoury, enjoy interactive eating (the lettuce wrap technique), or need a hearty starter before a bowl of Vietnam Palace’s famous pho.
- Choose fresh salad rolls if: You prefer lighter fare, love the taste of fresh herbs, want something cool and refreshing, or are looking for a healthier option.
- Choose both if: You want the full Vietnam Palace appetizer experience. Order one of each and compare them side by side. You won’t regret it.
Complete Appetizer Menu at Vietnam Palace
Spring rolls and salad rolls are the stars, but Vietnam Palace’s full appetizer menu has something for everyone. Here’s what’s waiting for you — whether you’re dropping in after a stroll down Somerset St or grabbing a seat before exploring Chinatown:
| Appetizer | Description | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy Spring Rolls (Chả Giò) | Pork, taro, glass noodles, mushrooms — double-fried in rice paper | From $9 |
| Fresh Salad Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn) | Shrimp, vermicelli, lettuce, herbs in rice paper with peanut-hoisin | From $9 |
| Shrimp Chips (Bánh Phồng Tôm) | Light, airy tapioca-and-shrimp crisps — the perfect snack while you wait | From $6 |
| Vietnamese Crepes (Bánh Xèo) | Sizzling turmeric crepe with shrimp, pork & bean sprouts — wrap & dip | From $16 |
| Papaya Salad (Gỏi Đu Đủ) | Shredded green papaya, herbs, crushed peanuts, tangy lime dressing | From $13 |
| Satay Skewers | Marinated grilled meat on bamboo skewers with peanut dipping sauce | From $12 |
Prices are approximate. View the full current menu for the most accurate pricing and seasonal specials.
Beyond the Classics: Other Vietnamese Appetizers at Vietnam Palace
While spring rolls and salad rolls are the headliners, Vietnam Palace’s appetizer menu goes much deeper. Our Vietnamese appetizers in Ottawa reflect the full breadth of regional Vietnamese street food — something we’re proud to bring to Ottawa’s Somerset Street every day. If you’re curious about our broader street food offerings, check out our Vietnamese street food guide.
Shrimp Chips (Bánh Phồng Tôm)
Light, airy, and addictively crunchy, these colourful shrimp chips are the perfect nibble while you wait. They’re made from tapioca starch and dried shrimp, then fried until they puff up into crispy, pastel-coloured clouds.
Vietnamese Crepes (Bánh Xèo)
These sizzling, turmeric-yellow crepes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts are wrapped in lettuce and herbs before dipping — similar to the spring roll experience but with an entirely different texture and flavour profile.
Papaya Salad (Gỏi Đu Đủ)
Shredded green papaya tossed with herbs, crushed peanuts, and a tangy lime dressing. A perfect palate cleanser and a refreshing element to any meal.
Satay Skewers
Marinated meat threaded onto bamboo skewers and grilled until charred and smoky. Served with peanut dipping sauce, these pair well with everything else on the menu.
The Perfect Appetizer Pairing: Spring Rolls + Pho
If there’s a more iconic Vietnamese meal combo than spring rolls and pho, we haven’t found it. The crispy, savoury spring rolls provide a textural contrast to the smooth, liquid warmth of a bowl of pho. At Vietnam Palace, the most popular order combination is exactly this: a plate of crispy spring rolls to start, followed by a steaming bowl of combination beef pho. It’s been the go-to for our customers since 1989. Read more about why Vietnam Palace serves Ottawa’s finest pho.
Want to take it further? Add an order of fresh salad rolls and you’ve got the Vietnamese appetizer trifecta — plus three entirely different dipping sauces to play with.
Making Vietnamese Appetizers at Home
Feeling inspired to try rolling your own? Here are some tips:
- For fresh rolls: Dip the rice paper in warm (not hot) water for just a few seconds. It continues to soften as you fill and roll. Over-soaking makes it too sticky to handle.
- For crispy rolls: Use Vietnamese rice paper wrappers, not wheat-based ones. Fry at 325°F first, then flash-fry at 375°F for the double-fry technique.
- The herbs matter: Don’t skip the fresh herbs. They’re not garnish — they’re integral to the flavour.
- Make nuớc châm: Mix fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, water, garlic, and chili. Adjust to taste — it should balance all five flavours.
And if your homemade versions don’t quite measure up (no shame — it takes practice), you know where to get the gold standard. Also explore our halal Vietnamese food options in Ottawa — many of our appetizers can be prepared to meet dietary needs.
Order Spring Rolls for Delivery in Ottawa
Can’t make it to Somerset Street tonight? Vietnam Palace spring rolls and salad rolls are available for delivery across Ottawa — from Chinatown to the Glebe, Centretown to Byward Market, and even out to the uOttawa campus area. Get our famous crispy fried spring rolls in Ottawa delivered hot to your door:
Visit Vietnam Palace for Ottawa’s Best Vietnamese Appetizers
Whether you’re craving the satisfying crunch of crispy spring rolls in Ottawa or the cool freshness of salad rolls in Ottawa, Vietnam Palace Restaurant delivers the authentic experience every time. With 35+ years of practice, a family commitment to quality, and 664+ five-star Google reviews to prove it, every roll that leaves our kitchen is a small masterpiece.
Locals from across the city — Somerset St regulars, Glebe families, Byward Market visitors, uOttawa students, Centretown office workers — have made Vietnam Palace their go-to for Vietnamese appetizers in Ottawa. We’re proud to be part of Ottawa’s culinary fabric, one crispy roll at a time.
Find us at 819 Somerset St W in Ottawa’s Chinatown. Explore our full menu — from appetizers and soups to mains and noodle bowls. Reserve your table online or call us at (613) 238-6758.
Hours: Monday 11AM–10PM | Wednesday–Friday 11AM–10PM | Saturday 10AM–10PM | Sunday 11AM–10PM | Closed Tuesday
Ready to Roll? Come Find Us.
Over three and a half decades, more than 664 Google reviewers have had their say — and the verdict is unanimous. Vietnam Palace spring rolls are the best in Ottawa. Come taste what the fuss is about. Book your table today, or walk in and let us take care of you. Crispy or fresh? The only right answer is both. 🥢