Vietnamese Appetizers – How to Begin Your Meal?
In Vietnam, a meal rarely begins without a small bite—be it crispy, fresh, or surprisingly hearty. Appetizers are not merely an afterthought on the menu, but a full-fledged culinary experience in their own right. At Wi-Taj, we serve a selection of Vietnamese classics, each bringing its own distinct character to the table.
Nem – Crispy Fried Spring Rolls
Arguably the most recognizable Vietnamese appetizer in the world. NEM (also spelled nem rán) features tightly rolled rice paper filled with glass noodles, minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, carrots, and cabbage, then fried until golden and crispy.
Available on our menu in portions of three. Served with a lightly sweet dipping sauce with a hint of garlic. It is a classic starter at Wi-Taj and one of our guests’ most frequent choices.
For our vegetarian guests, we have prepared the NEM CHAY version—filled with wood ear, shiitake, and shimeji mushrooms, carrots, and mung bean sprouts. Meatless, yet just as hearty.
Fresh Spring Rolls – Gỏi Cuốn
At the opposite end of the spectrum from fried nem. Spring rolls are fresh rice paper rolls served cold—uncooked and unfried. Inside, you’ll find pickled kohlrabi, carrots, cilantro, aromatic Vietnamese herbs, and—depending on the chosen variety—pork with Black Tiger prawns, tofu, or mango with prawns.
They are light, fresh, and quite filling. They make an ideal choice for summer or as a refreshing counterpoint to a spicier main course.
Crispy Soft Tofu – Đậu Non Chiên
Crispy coated tofu served with a dipping sauce. A simple starter, yet surprisingly addictive—the contrast between the crunchy exterior and the soft, tender interior of the tofu makes it hard to stop at just one piece.
A fantastic choice for plant-based diners and meat-eaters alike—many of our guests order Đậu Non Chiên alongside our spring rolls for a completely different texture.
How to Pair Appetizers with the Rest of Your Meal?
A few tried-and-tested combinations:
- Before a curry — fresh spring rolls, as their lightness provides a lovely contrast to the creamy curry.
- Before Pad Thai — Nem, because both dishes share a similar flavor profile while offering contrasting textures.
- Before Tom Yam soup — Đậu Non Chiên tofu, as its crispness nicely balances the hot, spicy broth.
There are no wrong choices here. Appetizers at Wi-Taj are portioned so as not to overshadow the main course—just right for a warm-up, rather than a full meal.
Book a table at Wi-Taj at Plac Konstytucji 4 or order your favorite dishes for delivery straight to your home!
