chả giò
[t͡ɕaː˧˩ zɔ˨˩]
The English phrase "egg rolls" is translated into Vietnamese as chả giò.
The phrase refers to fried appetizers consisting of a filling wrapped in a thin pastry skin.
What does it mean word for word?
The term chả giò literally refers to a fried meat patty or cake, though it is used to describe the wrapped spring roll in the South.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Northern Vietnam, the dish is commonly called nem rán instead of chả giò.
Did you know?
- The word giò literally means 'leg' in Vietnamese, according to Proto-Vietic roots, which is a strange way to describe a rolled food item.
- In a traditional Vietnamese meal, chả giò is rarely eaten alone and is almost always served with a side of fresh herbs and lettuce for wrapping.
- In Vietnam, these are not called 'egg rolls' because the skin is traditionally made of rice paper, not a flour-and-egg batter like the Americanized version.
Examples in context
- Tôi muốn ăn chả giò.I want to eat egg rolls.
- Chả giò này rất giòn.These egg rolls are very crispy.
- Bạn có muốn ăn chả giò không?Do you want to eat egg rolls?
Example conversation
Chi and Tuấn are deciding what to order at a restaurant.
- ChiChúng ta nên gọi chả giò nhé?Should we order egg rolls?
- TuấnÝ hay đó, Chi.That's a good idea, Chi.
- ChiChả giò ở đây rất ngon.The egg rolls here are very delicious.
- TuấnTôi cũng nghe nói vậy.I have heard that too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chả giò, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chả, chả giò, giò, CC BY-SA 4.0.
