Vietnamese Taro Fried Spring Roll
(Chả Giò Khoai Môn) Recipe
Chả Giò Khoai Môn (Vietnamese Taro Fried Spring Roll)
I am sure you’ve noticed, that a lot of my recipes are reminiscent of Chinese-Cambodian cuisines. That’s because those recipes are reflective of those diasporas in my family. It adds complexity to my identity, which I’ve only learned to embrace most recently. In celebration of my beautiful (and complex) identity, I am offering you this Fried Taro Spring Roll recipe.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Egg Roll vs. Spring Roll
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Chả Giò - Is it called an “Egg Roll” or a “Spring Roll”?
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The two terms are often conflated. But their origins (and meaning) are very different. Spring Rolls originated from China. Traditionally, they were made during the Lunar New Year which is during the Chinese Spring season; hence the term “Spring Roll.” Furthermore, Spring Rolls are wrapped with a crisp, paper-thin wrapper. How does it differentiate from Egg Rolls? Egg Rolls are a result American-Chinese diaspora. [I.E., chop suey, sweet and sour pork, char siu, etc.] It’s a Spring Roll with the addition of egg into the (batter of dough) crisp, paper-thin wrapper.
Hi there!
I’m Tu David Phu—a chef, storyteller, and proud Oakland native with a deep love for the flavors and traditions of Vietnamese cuisine. This space reflects everything I hold close: the roots that shaped me, the flavors that define me, and the stories I’m passionate about sharing.
From my mom’s apartment garden in Oakland to collaborating with kitchens, farmers, craftsmen, producers, scientists, and thought leaders around the world, everything here is a celebration of connection. As a Vietnamese-American shaped by Third Culture, my work honors tradition while embracing the influences of the communities that surround and inspire us.
These experiences, flavors, and relationships are simple, soulful, and deeply personal. My hope is that they inspire you to cook with heart, explore with curiosity, and celebrate the vibrant intersections of culture and cuisine.
Explore My Work
Curious about what I’ve been up to? Dive into the stories, flavors, and passions that shape my journey:
GiGi's – My Vietnamese-inspired wine bar in San Francisco, where tradition meets innovation.
Bloodline – An Emmy-nominated PBS documentary sharing the rich cultural history and personal journey behind my food.
The Memory of Taste – My cookbook, co-authored with Soleil Ho, celebrates Vietnamese heritage and food's power to tell stories.
Food Journeys – From TEDx talks to culinary panels, I share stories that explore culture, community, and the connections we create through cuisine.