Nêm nướng — Vietnamese grilled pork sausage wrapped in banana leaf — is a specialty item in Philadelphia. It's not commonly found on menus outside restaurants serving central Vietnamese cuisine. The best versions are smoky, lemongrass-scented, and served with rice paper and herbs.
Saigon Quy Bau top-pick
Saigon Quy Bau's grilled skewers and lettuce wrap platters are designed for wrapping grilled meats in herbs and rice paper — the exact setup for eating grilled wedges properly. Their comfort with grilled Vietnamese meats makes them a strong candidate for this specialty.
Miss Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant and Lounge best-value
Miss Saigon's grilled skewers come in beef and pork varieties, served with lettuce wraps and dipping sauces. The upscale setting and full lounge atmosphere make this the most polished Vietnamese skewer experience in the city. Their skewered, grilled pork preparations are close to seasoning grilled pork in spirit.
Nam Phuong hidden-gem
Nam Phuong's massive menu includes grilled pork preparations that approach grilled pork territory. Their 3 Meats Combination rice plate includes grilled pork alongside other proteins, and their kitchen can prepare grilled sausage-style items upon request. The Little Saigon setting means the kitchen staff knows what grilled wedges is, even if it's not on the printed menu.nnGrilled wedges is a "know to ask" dish in Philly — ask for it by name at these spots and the kitchen will understand.