Monday - Sunday
5:00pm - 9:30pm
Fresh Rolls and Imperial Rolls at Perilla
Every great Vietnamese meal starts with rolls. At Perilla we make two very different kinds: fresh rolls, soft and cool in translucent rice paper, and imperial rolls, fried until golden and crackling. Order one of each for the table and you will understand why rolls are some of the most popular items on our menu at 525 Haight St.
This guide explains every roll we serve, how they differ, which ones are vegetarian and how to pair them with the rest of your meal.
Fresh Rolls (Summer Rolls)
Fresh rolls, also called summer rolls or salad rolls, are made with soft rice paper wrapped around silver rice noodles, bean sprouts, lettuce and mint leaves. They are not fried, so they taste light, clean and herby, and they are ideal for a warm evening or for balancing a rich plate of garlic noodles. We make them with a range of fillings:
- Shrimp Rolls - the classic choice, with pink shrimp showing through the rice paper.
- Pork Rolls - savory Vietnamese-style pork with fresh herbs.
- Beef Rolls - seasoned beef for a heartier fresh roll.
- Tofu Rolls - a vegetarian roll with tofu.
- Avocado Rolls - creamy avocado with crisp vegetables, also vegetarian.
- Veggie Summer Rolls - our lightest roll, all vegetables and herbs.
- Combo Rolls - a mix of pork rolls, shrimp rolls and veggie summer rolls, perfect when you want to try a little of everything. Combo rolls are served as listed, with no substitutions.
Imperial Rolls and Veggie Crispy Rolls
Imperial rolls are the fried side of the family. Wrapped tightly and fried until the outside turns deep golden and shatteringly crisp, they are meant to be dipped and eaten while they are hot. They make a perfect starter to share and a great add-on for any meal.
If you do not eat meat, choose our Veggie Crispy Rolls, which give you the same crunch in a vegetarian version. Both imperial rolls and veggie crispy rolls are also available as the topping for a vermicelli bowl, and you can add an imperial roll to any vermicelli bowl for a small extra charge.
A Little Background on Vietnamese Rolls
In Vietnam, fresh rolls are commonly known as goi cuon, which roughly means salad rolls, and they are a staple snack in the south of the country. Fried rolls go by cha gio in the south and nem ran in the north, and they are a fixture at family gatherings and celebrations. Outside Vietnam, you will often see the fried version called imperial rolls or spring rolls, and the fresh version called summer rolls.
Whatever the name, the idea is the same: a handheld bite that combines something savory with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce. That combination of textures and flavors is what makes rolls such a good introduction to Vietnamese food for first-time guests.
Fresh Rolls vs. Imperial Rolls
| Fresh rolls | Imperial rolls | |
|---|---|---|
| Wrapper | Soft rice paper, not fried | Fried until golden and crisp |
| Texture | Cool, chewy and crunchy from fresh vegetables | Hot and crackling |
| Flavor | Light, herby and fresh | Savory and rich |
| Vegetarian choices | Tofu, avocado and veggie summer rolls | Veggie crispy rolls |
| Best with | Garlic noodles, rice plates, pho | Vermicelli bowls, salads, pho |
Starters and Salads to Pair With Rolls
Rolls are only one part of the starters section of our menu. To build a bigger spread, add a plate of fried chicken wings for something crispy and savory, or pick one of our fresh salads. The papaya salad comes with beef or prawns and offers a tangy, crunchy counterpoint to fried rolls. The cabbage salad comes with chicken or, for vegetarians, fried tofu.
A table of four can easily share one order of imperial rolls, one order of fresh rolls and one salad before moving on to noodles, rice plates or pho. It is a relaxed, social way to eat and exactly how many of our guests like to start dinner.
How to Enjoy Vietnamese Rolls
- Dip every bite. Rolls are served with a dipping sauce; a quick dunk brings out the herbs and adds a sweet, savory finish.
- Eat fried rolls first. Imperial rolls are at their best while hot and crisp.
- Balance the table. Order fresh rolls alongside rich dishes such as garlic noodles, and fried rolls alongside light dishes such as a vermicelli bowl or a papaya salad.
- Share. Rolls are made for passing around, so order a few kinds and let everyone pick.
Rolls With Your Pho
Rolls and noodle soup are a natural match. A plate of crispy imperial rolls next to a bowl of beef combo pho is a classic pairing, and fresh shrimp rolls are a light start before a spicy satay noodle soup. Read more on our pho and noodle soup page, or browse the complete Perilla menu for current prices.
Rolls for Parties and Catering
Rolls are one of the easiest foods to serve to a group: no utensils needed, easy to portion, and something for every diet. Our catering menu offers trays of imperial rolls, shrimp rolls, pork rolls, beef rolls, veggie rolls and veggie crispy rolls, and each tray serves about six to eight people. Combine a tray of fresh rolls with a tray of fried rolls, add garlic noodles and a salad, and you have a complete party spread. Learn more on our Vietnamese catering page.
Vietnamese Rolls FAQ
Which rolls are vegetarian?
Veggie summer rolls, avocado rolls, tofu rolls and veggie crispy rolls.
Are fresh rolls gluten free?
Rice paper and rice noodles do not contain wheat, but sauces and kitchen preparation can vary. If you have a gluten allergy or celiac disease, please ask us before ordering.
Can I order rolls for delivery?
Yes. Order online through DoorDash, Grubhub or Uber Eats, or call (415) 872-6718 for pickup.