Bò bía — Vietnamese fresh spring rolls with jicama, carrots, Chinese sausage, and dried shrimp — is a light, snacky dish available at several Philadelphia Vietnamese restaurants. Similar to gỏi cuốn but with a distinct sweeter, more savory filling, it's a reliable appetizer on menus across South Philly and Chinatown.
Nam Phuong top-pick
Nam Phuong's extensive appetizer menu includes bo bia among their spring roll and summer roll offerings. The rolls come with the classic filling of jicama, dried shrimp, Chinese sausage, and egg, wrapped tightly in translucent rice paper with a sweet hoisin-based dipping sauce topped with crushed peanuts. The portion is generous and the ingredients are fresh.
Pho Cyclo Cafe best-value
Pho Cyclo Cafe lists spring roll with Vietnamese sausage on their menu — essentially bo bia. The rolls feature the traditional jicama-and-sausage filling, served with peanut sauce. The family-run kitchen on South Broad Street prepares them fresh, making a lighter alternative to the fried spring rolls.
Vietnam Restaurant hidden-gem
Vietnam Restaurant's 40-year-old menu covers the full range of Vietnamese appetizers, and bo bia is available among their roll selections. The Chinatown institution uses fresh rice paper wrappers and the proper dried shrimp and sausage filling. Their hoisin-peanut dipping sauce is among the best in the city.nnFor a fresh, light starter before the main noodle event, bo bia is the move — and Philadelphia's Vietnamese restaurants serve it with the proper sweet-savory balance.