Gỏi cuốn—fresh spring rolls with shrimp, pork, herbs—are a refreshing Vietnamese appetizer. Chicago serves excellent versions.

Nhu Lan Bakery Top Pick

Best known for banh mi, but their spring rolls are excellent in their own right. Made fresh to order with large, plump shrimp, tender pork slices, crisp lettuce, fresh herbs, and perfectly cooked vermicelli. The rice paper is wrapped tightly and evenly — a sign of practiced hands. The peanut dipping sauce is thick, nutty, and slightly sweet with a hint of hoisin and chili. Generous in size and affordable.

Ba Le Sandwich

Consistently fresh and satisfying goi cuon with large, well-cleaned shrimp, tender pork, and a well-balanced herb-to-noodle ratio. What sets Ba Le's rolls apart is the quality of ingredients — fresh, crisp, and clearly made with care. House-made peanut sauce has good depth of flavor with crushed peanuts on top for added texture. Quick and friendly service.

Miss Saigon

A standout on the Argyle strip. Generously st■ with shrimp, pork, herbs, and noodles, all wrapped with skill. The shrimp are split and laid flat for even distribution, and the pork is sliced thin and tender. The peanut sauce is rich and flavorful with a nice balance of sweet and savory. Also offers variations with grilled pork or chicken. Clean, modern setting.