From Peanut to Sesame: The Story Behind Our House-Made Dipping Sauces

Vietnamese peanut, sesame, and fish dipping sauces served with fresh spring rolls at Roly Poly Da Nang

At Roly Poly Fresh Spring Rolls & Coffee Da Nang, our gỏi cuốn (fresh Vietnamese rice paper rolls, often called “summer rolls”) are the stars of the menu. But the quiet heroes are the dipping sauces that bring balance and brightness to every bite. In Vietnamese cooking, a sauce isn’t an afterthought — it’s the bridge between textures and tastes.

We prepare our sauces in small batches throughout the day, using quality local ingredients. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-aware, or simply a flavor-chaser, there’s a perfect pairing for your roll. Here’s the story behind our three house-made favorites.

Peanut Sauce: Creamy, Nutty, Comforting

Rich and silky with a gentle sweetness, our peanut sauce is completely vegan (no fish sauce, no dairy). It’s especially good with:

  • Tofu, Mushroom & Avocado — umami mushrooms and creamy avocado love the nutty depth.
  • Poached Chicken & Avocado — adds warmth and a savory finish without heaviness.

For many travelers, peanut sauce is the gateway to Vietnamese spring rolls — instant comfort in dip form.

Toasted Sesame Sauce: Aromatic, Vegan, Gently Sweet

We toast sesame seeds fresh, then blend them into a smooth, earthy dressing with natural sweetness. It shines with:

  • Smoked Goose — the nutty profile complements gentle smokiness.
  • Tofu, Mushroom & Avocado — layers complexity while keeping the greens front and center.

Our sesame sauce is always mild (no chili by default), making it a crowd-pleaser for those who prefer subtle, toasty flavors.

Nước Chấm: Bright, Tangy, Iconically Vietnamese

This classic dipping sauce balances fresh lime, garlic, chili, a touch of sweetness, and savory fish sauce. Our version is gluten-free. Try it with:

  • Garlic Prawn — citrus and chili lift the natural sweetness of the seafood.
  • Chicken Satay — a crisp, zesty counterpoint to grilled spices.

Prefer no heat? We can serve it without chili; if you like more kick, ask for extra fresh chili on the side.

Why Sauces Matter

Vietnamese food is all about harmony — sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and umami. Dipping sauces are where these elements meet. That’s why we never rely on bottled shortcuts: freshness keeps flavors clean and lets the herbs, vegetables, and proteins shine.

Pairing Tips

  • Seafood rolls: Start with nước chấm for brightness.
  • Vegan rolls: Try both peanut and sesame for contrast.
  • Meat rolls: Sesame loves smoked or grilled notes; peanut adds cozy richness.

Allergen & Dietary Notes

Gluten: Peanut and sesame sauces include soy sauce (contains gluten). Nước chấm is gluten-free. Heat level: none of our sauces are spicy by default; we can add fresh chili to peanut sauce or nước chấm on request, while sesame remains mild.

The right dipping sauce can turn a good roll into an unforgettable one. Whether you call them fresh spring rolls, rice paper rolls, or summer rolls, our house-made sauces bring the flavors of Da Nang to life — bright, balanced, and made fresh for you.

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