Top 5 Best Fried Spring Rolls In Hanoi Must Try

Discovering the best fried spring rolls in Hanoi is like embarking on a flavorful journey that unveils the city's culinary secrets and its rich cultural tapestry. GTrip delves into this beloved Vietnamese snack, revealing why it's a must-try for every traveler. In a city bustling with vibrant street food scenes and numerous eateries, finding that perfect balance of crispy exterior and savory filling can be overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate Hanoi's streets to savor these crispy delights at their finest, offering insights into where tradition meets taste.

1. Nem ran Nguyen Hong

• Address: 9 Alley 9, Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Dong Da, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 
  • 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri, Sun) 
  • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Wed) 
  • 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM (Sat)
• Price range:
  • Pork spring roll: 8,000 VND/piece ($0.31)
  • Mantis shrimp spring roll: 13,000 VND/piece ($0.50)

Tucked away in a quiet alley off Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Nem ran Nguyen Hong offers what many consider the perfect balance of crispiness and flavor. Their spring rolls feature a delicate rice paper wrapper that crackles beautifully with each bite, revealing a meticulously prepared filling of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and glass noodles. What sets them apart is their signature dipping sauce, a complex sweet-sour fish sauce with just the right level of garlic and chili heat.

Local's tip: Order their nem ran with a side of fresh herbs and lettuce to wrap around the spring rolls before dipping. The contrast between the hot, crispy roll and cool, fresh greens elevates the experience dramatically. Their mantis shrimp spring rolls are worth the extra cost for seafood lovers.

Nem Ran Nguyen Hong is a hidden Hanoi gem where crispy rice paper rolls, rich fillings, and a signature sweet-sour dipping sauce come together perfectly

2. Nem ran Giang Vo

• Address: 106-k1 Giang Vo Street, Dong Da, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM
• Price range: About 40,000 VND/serving (About $1.53)

Nem ran Giang Vo has built its reputation on one speciality: nem cua be (crab spring rolls). Using only premium mud crab rather than common swimming crab, this establishment creates a distinctly luxurious version of the classic spring roll. The crabmeat provides a naturally sweet flavour that permeates the entire roll, complemented by traditional aromatics and herbs. The exterior achieves that perfect golden-brown color that signals impeccable frying technique.

Local's tip: These rolls pair wonderfully with their homemade chili-lime dipping sauce. Ask for extra herbs and a plate of bun (rice vermicelli) to create a more substantial meal by wrapping the nem ran with noodles and greens.

Nem Ran Giang Vo is famed for its luxurious crab spring rolls, packed with premium mud crab and fried to golden perfection

3. Nem ran Huyen - Hang Be

• Address: 21 Hang Be Street, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: 7,000 VND/piece ($0.27)

Nem ran Huyen offers the most authentic version of traditional Hanoi spring rolls. This family-run establishment has preserved its recipe through generations, maintaining the perfect ratio of meat to mushrooms and ensuring each roll is hand-wrapped to the ideal thickness. The restaurant's atmospheric location adds to the experience, you can enjoy their crispy nem ran while watching the vibrant street life of the Old Quarter.

Local's tip: Ask for their special homemade fish sauce, which contains finely chopped garlic, chili, and a hint of lime. For the complete experience, order their nem ran as part of a full meal with bun cha, creating the classic Hanoi combination.

Nem Ran Huyen serves up authentic, hand-wrapped Hanoi spring rolls made from a family recipe passed down through generations

4. Nem ran Hang Quat

• Address: 74 Hang Quat Street, Hoan Kiem Ward (74 Hang Quat Street, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi)
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Price range: 15,000 VND/piece ($0.57)

Though primarily known as a bun cha restaurant, Nem ran Hang Quat has earned a reputation for serving some of the most succulent spring rolls in the Old Quarter. Their nem ran feature a particularly aromatic filling with notable hints of black pepper and wood ear mushrooms. The rolls here are slightly larger than at other establishments, with a satisfying ratio of filling to wrapper that delivers perfect texture in every bite.

Local's tip: Order their nem ran as part of the complete bun cha experience. The combination of smoky grilled pork with crispy spring rolls, fresh herbs, and tangy dipping sauce creates one of Hanoi's most iconic meals. Come early, as they often sell out well before their official closing time.

Nem ran Hang Quat is a famed Old Quarter spot where crispy, peppery spring rolls perfectly complement the restaurant’s signature bun cha

5. Nem ran Pho Chay - 168 Lo Duc

• Address: 168 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Price range: 7,000 VND/piece ($0.27)

For those seeking a unique twist on the traditional spring roll, Nem ran Pho Chay offers exceptional vegetarian nem ran that rival their meat-based counterparts in flavor and texture. Using a proprietary blend of mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables, these spring rolls deliver a remarkably satisfying umami flavor with a perfectly crispy exterior. The restaurant's clean, minimalist atmosphere provides a calm respite from Hanoi's bustling streets.

Local's tip: Try their nem ran with a side of their house-special peanut dipping sauce, which adds a rich, nutty dimension to the experience. Even dedicated meat-eaters often find these vegetarian spring rolls surprisingly delicious and filling.

Nem Ran Pho Chay elevates vegetarian spring rolls with a savory mushroom-tofu filling and perfectly crisp exterior

FAQs about nem ran in Hanoi

Nem ran is a crispy favorite, but many wonder how it differs from cha gio, goi cuon, or even nem chua ran. Here are quick answers to the most common questions.

1. What's the difference between nem ran, cha gio, and goi cuon?

• Nem ran vs. cha gio: They are both fried spring rolls, but Nem Ran is the Northern name and style, while Cha Gio is from the South. They have subtle differences in the wrapper and sometimes the filling (Cha Gio might include taro for a denser texture).
• Nem ran vs. goi cuon: This is the biggest difference. Nem Ran is fried, crispy, and served hot. Goi Cuon (summer rolls) are fresh, soft, not fried, and served cool. They are wrapped in soft, translucent rice paper and usually filled with shrimp, pork, herbs, and rice vermicelli.

2. What's the difference between 'nem ran' and 'nem chua ran'?

They are two totally different snacks.

• Nem ran: A savory roll filled with minced pork, glass noodles, and wood-ear mushrooms, wrapped in thin rice paper and deep-fried to a crispy golden brown. The flavor is rich, well-balanced, and harmonious. Nem ran is typically enjoyed with a light dipping sauce made from diluted fish sauce, and it's often served as part of a main meal.
• Nem chua ran (tangy fried pork snack): Made from whole pieces of nem chua (fermented pork with a mildly tangy flavor) coated in a light batter and deep-fried. It offers a bold flavor profile with distinct sourness, slight sweetness, saltiness, and a hint of heat. Usually served with thick chili sauce, nem chua ran is a beloved late-night street food snack, especially popular among students and young locals.

3. How much does a serving of nem ran cost?

This dish is very affordable, typically ranging from 5,000 to 80,000 VND (around $0.20 - $3.05) per serving, depending on the filling. For example, rolls with regular minced pork are cheaper than those filled with mud crab or mantis shrimp.

Read more:

• Top 12+ Street Foods in Hanoi for Your Unforgettable Trip
• The Ultimate Guide To Shopping In Hanoi For Travelers
• 3 Days in Hanoi Itinerary: Best Things to Do, Eat & Explore

Exploring the best fried spring rolls in Hanoi is not just about enjoying a crispy snack, but also about uncovering the culture and craftsmanship behind this beloved dish. Each bite carries the essence of bustling markets, local traditions, and warm connections that make Hanoi unforgettable. By seeking out these flavors, you’re also opening the door to hidden culinary gems and authentic experiences across the city. With GTrip as your guide, your journey doesn’t end here, it’s just the beginning of a deeper dive into Hanoi’s vibrant food scene.