Mixed rice paper is one of the most famous and favorite street snacks in Saigon. With the combination of rice paper, green mango, beef jerky, quail eggs and many attractive spices, this dish has become a symbol of Saigon street food. Not only is it a convenient fast food, mixed rice paper also brings a unique flavor, a blend of sour, spicy, salty, sweet that makes it hard for anyone to resist.

Origin and Development of Mixed Rice Paper

Mixed rice paper originated in Southern Vietnam, especially in Saigon, where the street food culture is very developed. Initially, this dish was commonly sold at school gates, becoming a favorite snack of students. From there, mixed rice paper quickly spread and became a popular dish throughout the streets of Saigon. Not only young people, but also the elderly love this dish thanks to its uniqueness and diversity in preparation.

Typical Ingredients of Mixed Rice Paper

What makes mixed rice paper attractive is the rich combination of ingredients, from soft rice paper to flavored toppings. Each ingredient contributes to creating a unique flavor, stimulating the taste buds of the person enjoying it.

Rice Paper – Main Ingredients

The rice paper in mixed rice paper is thin, flexible and easy to mix. The rice paper is cut into small, bite-sized pieces, so when mixed, it will easily absorb the spices and create the characteristic softness and toughness of the dish.

Green Mango – Distinctive Sour Flavor

Thinly shredded green mango is an indispensable ingredient in mixed rice paper. The sour taste of mango helps balance the flavor, softens the spiciness of the spices and creates a refreshing taste for the dish.

Dried Beef, Dried Shrimp and Quail Eggs

Dried beef and dried shrimp are toppings that add rich flavor to the mixed rice paper dish. Dried beef is usually shredded, has a sweet and spicy taste, and the dried shrimp is crispy. Peeled boiled quail eggs are added to make the mixed rice paper dish more fatty, creating a rich flavor.

Vietnamese Coriander and Peanuts

Finely chopped Vietnamese coriander and crispy roasted peanuts add delicious flavor and richness to the dish. The combination of these vegetables and spices makes the mixed rice paper attractive and balanced in flavor.

How to Make Mixed Rice Paper at Home

If you don’t have a chance to enjoy mixed rice paper on the streets of Saigon, you can also make this dish at home with easy-to-find ingredients. Here is a simple recipe that you can try.

Materials Needed

• Rice paper: 200g
• Green mango: 1 fruit
• Shredded beef jerky: 100g
• Dried shrimp: 50g
• Quail eggs: 5-6 eggs
• Vietnamese coriander, roasted peanuts
• Seasoning: shrimp salt, satay, kumquat (or lemon) juice, scallion oil

Steps to Take

Step 1: Prepare ingredients

Cut rice paper into small strips, shred green mango. Boil quail eggs, peel. Shred dried beef, wash and chop Vietnamese coriander.

Step 2: Mix rice paper

Place rice paper, shredded mango, beef jerky, dried shrimp, quail eggs, and Vietnamese coriander in a large bowl. Add shrimp salt, chili paste, kumquat juice, and scallion oil. Mix well to coat the rice paper with the spices.

Step 3: Finish the dish

When the ingredients are well-seasoned, sprinkle roasted peanuts on top and enjoy immediately. The mixed rice paper is best eaten immediately after mixing, to retain the freshness and crunchiness of the ingredients.

Mixed Rice Paper – Symbol of Saigon Street Food

Mixed rice paper is not only a delicious snack but also a typical symbol of Saigon street food. The unique flavor, ease of making, and affordable price make mixed rice paper a popular dish everywhere, from school gates, markets to roadside eateries. The diversity in the combination of ingredients and flavors makes this dish always fresh and not boring.

Mixed rice paper

Mixed rice paper is a street food that cannot be missed when coming to Saigon. With its rich flavor and harmonious combination of ingredients, mixed rice paper has become a favorite snack of many generations, from young to old. If you have the opportunity to visit Saigon, do not forget to enjoy a portion of mixed rice paper to feel the unique flavor and appeal of this street food.