Nem Ran
Crisp fried pork-and-crab rolls in rice paper. · Vietnam
Also known as Cha Gio
Crisp fried pork-and-crab rolls in rice paper.
About Nem Ran
Rice paper is wrapped around a filling of pork, crab, mushroom and glass noodles, then fried until shatteringly crisp and dipped in nuoc cham. They are the northern Vietnamese fried spring rolls.
🏛️ History & Culture
Nem Ran (also widely known as Cha Gio in southern Vietnam) originated in northern Vietnam, particularly around Hanoi, where the dish's history is closely tied to Chinese spring roll traditions that were adapted to local ingredients. The northern version uses rice paper wrappers and a heavier filling of minced pork, crab, wood ear mushrooms, and glass noodles, creating a denser, more savory roll. Regional variations across Vietnam include the use of different wrappers—like wheat-based wrappers in the south—and additions like shrimp or taro, reflecting local preferences and available produce.
Culturally, Nem Ran is a staple of Vietnamese celebrations, especially during Lunar New Year (Tet), where the golden rolls symbolize wealth and prosperity. The dish also highlights the Vietnamese balance of flavors through its accompanying dipping sauce, nuoc cham, which combines fish sauce, lime, sugar, garlic, and chili. Despite its popularity, the exact origins of Nem Ran remain debated, with some scholars tracing it to Chinese influences while others emphasize its evolution as a distinct Vietnamese creation over centuries.
Recipes from travellers
No one has shared their own Nem Ran recipe yet. Yours would be the first.
Share how you make Nem Ran
You'll need to be signed in with Google or Facebook so your name can appear on it. Recipes go through an automatic food-safety check before they publish.
Sign in to share your recipe
Nem Ran — frequently asked questions
What is Nem Ran?
Rice paper is wrapped around a filling of pork, crab, mushroom and glass noodles, then fried until shatteringly crisp and dipped in nuoc cham. They are the northern Vietnamese fried spring rolls.
What is Nem Ran made of?
Nem Ran is made with rice paper, pork, crab, glass noodles and wood-ear mushroom.
Where does Nem Ran come from?
Nem Ran comes from Vietnam, and is especially associated with Northern Vietnam. Nem Ran (also widely known as Cha Gio in southern Vietnam) originated in northern Vietnam, particularly around Hanoi, where the dish's history is closely tied to Chinese spring roll traditions that were adapted to local ingredients.
Where can I eat Nem Ran?
A Vietnamese table, wrapped in lettuce and herbs to eat.
What else is Nem Ran called?
Nem Ran is also known as Cha Gio.
Taste Nem Ran in Hanoi
Independent picks. We earn a small commission if you book through these — at no extra cost to you. How this works.
✅ Before you go to Vietnam
Round out your trip — most travellers book these alongside their trip.
More dishes like Nem Ran
Bún cá Sứa
Bún cá Sứa is a traditional noodle dish from Vietnam.
Bánh da Lợn
Pandan-and-mung-bean chequered cake from southern Vietnam, sliced at Bến Thành market in Saigon and the Cái Răng floating market in Cần Thơ.
Bánh Đậu Xanh
Bánh Đậu Xanh is a dessert from Vietnam.
Bún Mắm da Nang
A bold Đà Nẵng noodle soup built on fermented fish paste, pork bones, pineapple, and chili, topped with pork, herbs, and banana blossom.
Bun Bo Hue
Spicy lemongrass beef noodle soup from central Vietnam.
Banh Cuon
Silky steamed rice rolls filled with pork and mushroom.
Grilled Cheese
Buttered bread griddled with meltable cheese until the crust is golden and the centre is molten — the American diner classic.
Jam Pennies
Jam Pennies is a sandwich from the United Kingdom.
Montreal Smoked Meat
Cured and hot-smoked beef brisket served thick-cut on rye with yellow mustard — the Jewish-deli classic that defines Montreal\u0027s Main.
Bocadillo de Salchichón
Spanish baguette sandwich of thinly sliced dry-cured salchichón sausage with pepper and nutmeg, often with manchego.
Pupusa
Stuffed corn griddle cakes with cheese, beans or pork.
Zereshk Polo
Saffron rice jewelled with tart barberries and chicken.
Onigiri
Hand-pressed rice balls wrapped in nori with a savoury centre.
Century Egg
Preserved egg with amber jelly and a dark green yolk.
Fish-Fragrant Eggplant
Silky aubergine in a sweet, sour and spicy sauce.
Rawon
Inky black beef soup coloured by earthy keluak nuts.
- 🇻🇳 Bún cá Sứa · Vietnam
- 🇻🇳 Bánh da Lợn · Vietnam
- 🇻🇳 Bánh Đậu Xanh · Vietnam
- 🇻🇳 Bún Mắm da Nang · Vietnam
- 🇻🇳 Bun Bo Hue · Vietnam
- 🇻🇳 Banh Cuon · Vietnam
- 🇺🇸 Grilled Cheese · United States
- 🇬🇧 Jam Pennies · United Kingdom
- 🇨🇦 Montreal Smoked Meat · Canada
- 🇪🇸 Bocadillo de Salchichón · Spain
- 🇸🇻 Pupusa · El Salvador
- 🇮🇷 Zereshk Polo · Iran
- 🇯🇵 Onigiri · Japan
- 🇨🇳 Century Egg · China
- 🇨🇳 Fish-Fragrant Eggplant · China
- 🇮🇩 Rawon · Indonesia
Keep exploring
Travel guides for Vietnam
All travel guides →Planning a trip where Nem Ran is on the menu? These guides cover Vietnam and beyond.
Budget Travel Vietnam Budget Travel Guide: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Apr 28, 2026 · 7 min read
Budget Travel Southeast Asia on a Budget: Thailand, Vietnam & Bali Guide for 2026
Apr 13, 2026 · 8 min read
Budget Travel The Price of a Plate: What the National Dish Costs in 50 Countries (2026 Index)
Sep 02, 2026 · 6 min read
Budget Travel Europe on a Budget: How to Travel Comfortably for €70 a Day (2026 Guide)
Aug 23, 2026 · 8 min read
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience with Nem Ran.
Write a review
Sign in to verify you're a real person, then share your thoughts on Nem Ran.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to say something about Nem Ran.