Crispy sea crab spring rolls (Nem Cua Be)

After the graduation ceremony, I decided to go to a nearby restaurant to have lunch with my friends and family. We chose the restaurant called ‘Nem cua be’ which was famous for the sea crab spring rolls.

Spring rolls are significant foods in Vietnamese traditional cuisine. They vary in shapes and ingredients according to the regions. In the South, we usually make cylinder fried spring rolls with minced pork, shrimp, glass noodles and taro. However, in the North, we often make the square fried spring rolls called ‘Nem’. The sea crab spring rolls are originally from Hai Phong city, the famous port city of Vietnam. The fresh sea crabs are caught to make the delicious fillings for the spring rolls.

Fried sea crab spring rolls

In Ho Chi Minh city, I have a chance to savour the Hai phong sea crab spring rolls in the ‘Nem Cua Be’ restaurant. Located on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, this restaurant stands out with the specialty foods. Being decorated with glass windows and equipped with air conditioners, the restaurant creates a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. However, there were such many people that we had to wait for a while. After about 15 minutes, we headed for a big long table in the corner. After taking a look at the menu, we decided to order three portions of sea-crab spring rolls and three portions of noodles with grilled pork.

Our plates were filled with the square sea-crab spring rolls which were as big as adult palms. The waiter cut each spring roll into four small portions. The spring rolls were fried right before being served, so it did not lose its crispness. The spring rolls also gave out an attractive scent. I love biting the crispy crust of the spring rolls while savouring the sweetness and freshness of the sea crab meats.

Fried sea crab spring rolls

The sea-crab spring rolls are often accompanied by a special sauce. It is a mixture of fish sauce, vinegar, carrot, papaya, garlic and chili. The salty flavour of fish sauce and the hot taste of chili go well with the sour-sweet carrot and papaya. There are also a lot of vegetables to eat with the spring rolls. These fresh green vegetables and the sauce make the fried spring rolls less greasy.

Fish sauce with carrot and papaya

Fried sea crab spring rolls

The rice noodles with grilled pork are also special dishes of this restaurant. The noodles are dry rice vermicelli noodles. Seasoned pork was sliced thinly and grilled over hot charcoal right before being served. Therefore, the pork was delicious and it had attractive burning marks. We put the grilled pork on the dried rice noodles, poured the fish sauce with carrots and papayas, then mixed everything to enjoy the dish. Some vegetables were often used with this dish to create a fresh and healthy feeling.

Fried sea crab spring rolls and grilled pork

Fried sea crab spring rolls and grilled pork

Fried sea crab spring rolls and grilled pork

Information:

‘Nem Cua Be’ restaurant

Address: 15E Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city