Bo bia — the Vietnamese jicama-and-sausage spring roll — is a snack food that Dallas's Vietnamese restaurants serve as an appetizer alongside goi cuon. The city's large Vietnamese population means you can find proper bo bia at several restaurants along the Walnut Street corridor, with the key differentiator being the quality of the jicama — it should still be crunchy, not soggy.
Bep Nha (Viet Kitchen) top-pick
Bep Nha's bo bia features properly stir-fried jicama that retains its crunch, Chinese sausage that has been caramelized for extra sweetness, and a peanut-hoisin dipping sauce that is thick enough to cling. The rice paper wrappers are properly tight and not gummy — a sign they were made fresh, not pre-rolled hours ago. Order them alongside goi cuon for a complete Vietnamese spring roll spread.
Papaya Kitchen best-value
Papaya Kitchen's bo bia benefits from the restaurant's overall precision and high standards. The jicama here is cut into perfect matchsticks, the dried shrimp is more generous than most, and the egg wrapper adds a nice textural layer. Even the minor items get careful execution at this well-regarded restaurant.
Bistro B hidden-gem
Bistro B's bo bia is a straightforward, traditional version at a restaurant that does volume well. The jicama is properly cooked, the sausage is present in good proportion, and the peanut sauce is standard. It is a reliable order at one of Dallas's most popular Vietnamese restaurants.nnFor bo bia in Dallas, Bep Nha delivers the freshest and most carefully executed version with the crunchiest jicama and best peanut sauce.