I had been eager to try Cao Bang rice rolls for a long time, and when I finally got the chance, the experience was worth every mile. The restaurant I visited in Lao Cai City is run by Cao Bang locals, which added a special touch to the meal.
From the moment I entered this restaurant, I was impressed with the clean and airy space (usually in Vietnam, breakfast restaurants are very ugly and not invested much because breakfast time only about 10 minutes).
The menu was simple but quantity. The rice rolls, made from Cao Bang’s famous Doan Ket rice, were soft, smooth, and chewy. Instead of the usual sweet and sour fish sauce, these rolls were served with a savory bone broth.
This unique change not only brings a distinctive flavor but also brings warmth on cold days in Cao Bang.
The filling was straightforward—finely minced meat cooked for 30 minutes with a well-balanced seasoning. The result was a delicately flavored roll with a soft wrapper and a rich, fatty clear broth.
Rather than dipping the rolls in fish sauce, I was advised to immerse them in the bone broth, which made each bite thoroughly satisfying. To fully enjoy the dish, I found it best to split the rolls to allow the broth to soak in.
Besides the Cao Bang rice rolls, this shop offered other delicious options like : egg rolls, grilled meat rolls, bun cha, and ginseng chicken.
Friendly and attentive service, the shop owner often smiles and talks to create closeness with customers. With only about one serving, including many types of toppings, this place is a must-visit for anyone interested in the flavors of the Cao Bang highlands.