It’s hard to believe that Roll’d Vietnamese street food opened its first store only four years ago. Fast forward to 2016 and Roll’d is now a highly successful business that’s celebrating its 50th Australian store opening at Melbourne Central shopping precinct. Don’t you agree that cuon-gratulations are in order?
Family is very much at the heart of the Roll’d story. The founders were inspired to bring fresh, delicious Vietnamese cuisine to Australia by the love they had for their mothers’ cooking. Mama Hoang is the secret weapon behind the delicious recipes that have helped make Roll’d Vietnamese the success it is today.
In celebration of this momentous occasion, my plus one and I were invited along to party Viet-style, and hone our rolling skills. Sipping on a refreshing Vietnamese iced tea, I listened intently to Mama Hoang’s instructions and advice on how to create the perfect Roll’d soldier. Every roll Mama Hoang made turned out perfect, and she made it look effortless. My attentiveness during this demo was going to serve me well.
The celebrations ended with a rice paper rolling competition. It all came down to this: 50 seconds, 20ish competitors, and only 1 victor. Spoiler alert: I won. Mama Hoang saw me rolling, and she was not hating. My prize was the satisfaction of knowing that my rolls were acceptable by Mama Hoang’s standards, and a whole bunch of Roll’d to enjoy later.
Roll’d have definitely put Vietnamese street food on the map in Australia. They have made fresh, delicious Viet cuisine a more easily accessible option and have given ‘on the go’ lunches, like sushi, some serious competition. You’ll find other Viet favourites like banh mi, pho, com tan, and bun on the menu too.
The future holds plenty more excitement for the Roll’d family with four new stores due to open across Australia this month. For us Melburnians, we will have another access point to Roll’d at Victoria Gardens shopping centre by the end of the month. Get down to a store and start digging in.
– Ashanie
Ashanie Perera is a foodaholic, avid eater, and competitive beast. When she’s not dreaming about her next meal, she can be found running around the block to continue fitting into her current clothes. @thepursuitofchubbyness
Roll’d
Melbourne Central,
Melbourne VIC 3000
www.rolld.com.au
