Spring Rolls: A Famous Asian Dish

Spring rolls are a dish that was brought from China to Japan.

Spring rolls are a representative dish of Asia, made by wrapping ingredients such as vegetables, meat, and seafood in a thin wrapper, then frying or steaming them. There are many variations of spring rolls depending on the region, and while they are widely known as part of Chinese cuisine, countries like Vietnam and Thailand also have their own unique styles. In Japan, the most common type is the deep-fried spring roll, where both the filling and wrapper are fried in oil.

The History of Spring Rolls

The history of spring rolls originates in China. The name "spring roll" comes from the tradition of serving this dish during the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). It began as a simple dish, with vegetables wrapped in a thin wrapper, but over time, the technique of frying was added, leading to the spring rolls we know today. The dish spread to Southeast Asia and Japan through trade and immigration, where it has evolved into unique regional variations.

Popular Types of Spring Rolls

Fried Spring Rolls (Chinese Style)

These spring rolls are filled with ground meat, vegetables, and glass noodles, then deep-fried. In Japan, it is common to enjoy them with dipping sauces such as chili oil, vinegar soy sauce, or mustard. The crispy texture of the wrapper, especially when freshly fried, is particularly appetizing.

The reason for their popularity is the combination of various flavorful ingredients wrapped in a savory, crunchy wrapper. In addition to being a delicious appetizer, they can also be served as a main dish. There are many variations, including fillings like pork, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables such as Chinese chives. They pair well with beer or sake, making them a popular choice as a snack or appetizer.

Grilled Spring Rolls

The filling is wrapped in the same way as fried spring rolls, but instead of frying, they are grilled in a similar style to Gyoza (Japanese dumplings). This dish is similar to Gyoza and typically uses ingredients like Chinese chives and pork. Like other spring rolls, they are often enjoyed with dipping sauces such as soy sauce, chili oil, or vinegar.

Fresh Spring Rolls (Vietnamese-Style Spring Rolls)

While fried spring rolls are made by filling a wheat flour skin with ingredients and deep-frying them, fresh spring rolls are characterized by using rice paper to wrap the fillings and are eaten without frying. They are a light, healthy, and fresh dish, often filled with shrimp, vegetables, vermicelli noodles, and cilantro.

Thai-style Spring Rolls

It is similar to fresh spring rolls, often made with seafood and herbs. This version is typically enjoyed with a sweet and sour sauce.

Sweet Spring Rolls

These are made by wrapping sweet ingredients such as banana and red bean paste (anko) in a wrapper and deep-frying them. They are not widely available in Japan, but you can find them at some places.

Spring Roll Recipe for Home Cooking

Making spring rolls at home is surprisingly easy. Please follow the steps below.

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Spring roll wrappers: 10 sheets (can be frozen)
2. Ground meat: 200g
3. Cabbage: 100g
4. Glass noodles: 50g
5. Bean sprouts: 50g
6. Shiitake mushrooms: 50g
7. Seasonings: 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil

Preparation

1. Finely chop the ingredients and stir-fry them in a frying pan to season them.
2. Soften the glass noodles by briefly boiling them.

Wrapping the Ingredients

1. Let the stir-fried ingredients cool.
2. Wrap the ingredients in spring roll wrappers and use flour mixed with water to seal the edges.

Cooking the Spring Rolls

1. For frying: Fry in oil at 180°C until golden brown.
2. For grilling: Heat in a frying pan for about 5 minutes, then add water, cover, and steam for another 5 minutes.

If the ingredients are unavailable

Spring roll wrappers can be found at Asian grocery stores. In the United States, you can purchase them at H Mart, 99 Ranch Market, or stores that sell Japanese food. Additionally, you can use rice paper as a substitute to make Vietnamese-style fresh spring rolls. For seasoning, using instant chicken broth powder will enhance the flavor and add more umami.

How to Eat Spring Rolls

Typical Price Range

The typical price range is between 200 yen and 500 yen per piece, but it can vary depending on the ingredients and the restaurant.

Types of Sauces

1. Chinese-style: Sweet and sour sauce or mustard soy sauce
2. Vietnamese-style: Nuoc Mam (fish sauce-based dipping sauce)
3. Thai-style: Sweet chili sauce

Places to Eat Spring Rolls

Specialty Stores

Spring roll specialty restaurants offer a wide variety of spring rolls, mainly fried and fresh. Especially in Kyoto, a local style focusing on fried spring rolls is popular.

Tokyo Harumaki (東京はるまき)

The first Harumaki (spring roll) specialty shop in Japan, Tokyo Harumaki, is a takeout-only store that sells freshly fried spring rolls. In addition to their signature fried spring rolls with six different fillings, they also offer a variety of other spring rolls, including baked spring rolls, fresh spring rolls, and sweet spring rolls. They even have spring roll bento boxes, making it a great spot for a quick lunch during your trip to Japan.

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Izakaya and Local Chinese Restaurants

At Japanese Izakaya (pubs), freshly fried spring rolls are served as appetizers and are popular with locals and tourists alike. At Machichuka (Local Chinese Restaurants), you can enjoy spring rolls as part of set meals or set menus.

Asian restaurants such as Vietnamese restaurants

Fine Dining

In Japan, there are many Asian dining options from various countries, and many Vietnamese restaurants offer fresh spring rolls. Unlike fried spring rolls, these are made with fresh rice paper and typically contain herbs such as cilantro, as well as ingredients like shrimp.

Recommended Fine Dining Chinese Restaurants in Tokyo

If you want to enjoy spring rolls as a highlight of your trip to Japan, we recommend visiting a Fine Dining Chinese restaurant. The course menu may change depending on the season or time of year, so spring rolls are not always guaranteed. However, we will introduce a few Fine Dining restaurants where spring rolls are featured on the menu.

1. Itsuka (慈華) / Aoyama

A Michelin One-Star Chinese restaurant that focuses on Japan's rich, high-quality ingredients. The owner, who has gained extensive experience at famous Chinese restaurants in Yokohama and Azabu, opened this restaurant in December 2019. While respecting traditional Chinese cuisine, the restaurant showcases dishes that fully utilize the owner's Japanese sensibilities. The menu features meat dishes like lamb and seafood dishes such as shark fin. A unique appetizer course, consisting of 7 to 8 dishes, is served with the wish to "improve one's fortune.

2. Koushikiryori Kouki (港式料理 鴻禧) / Toranomon

This is a Michelin-starred Hong Kong cuisine restaurant. Chef Tommy, a skilled chef from Hong Kong, creates dishes that are a superb fusion of traditional Hong Kong flavors and fresh Japanese ingredients. You can enjoy course meals using shark fin, swallow's nest, and the finest simmered abalone. The cooking performance in the modern and elegant space with a live kitchen is spectacular.

3. you-en (遊猿) / Yotsuya

This Chinese restaurant, which has received a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide, is popular for its dishes that incorporate new ideas into traditional Chinese cuisine. The owner chef trained at famous restaurants in Aoyama and Kagurazaka before becoming independent in 2016. They use carefully selected seasonal ingredients from the market every morning, but you can enjoy the dishes at reasonable prices. The specialty "Hunan-style Spare Ribs" is a dish where you can enjoy the unique taste of Chinese cuisine, with fried spare ribs covered in spicy flakes. While the interior has a warm atmosphere, you can also enjoy the lively atmosphere of the open kitchen at the counter seats.