“K-Pop Star Tries a Vietnamese Delicacy: “I Could Eat Ten of These!”

K-pop star Daesung, a member of the group Big Bang, recently shared a vlog on his YouTube channel, offering viewers a glimpse into his culinary adventures in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The vlog, filmed around May 2025, documents Daesung’s visit to a local restaurant, marking his second time dining there. This time, he opted for a more airy seat on the upper floor instead of the VIP room he had chosen previously.

Daesung and his team indulged in a variety of Vietnamese dishes, including a whole roasted pig, cha gio (fried spring rolls), stir-fried water spinach, spicy pho, and coconut smoothies, to name a few.

A Korean Star Indulges in Vietnamese Delicacies

Daesung commenced his culinary journey with cha gio, a traditional Vietnamese dish also known as nem ran. “I’ve been craving this,” he exclaimed as he took his first bite, clearly delighted by the familiar flavors.

He humorously added that he had fasted before coming to the restaurant, eager to fully appreciate the flavors of the Vietnamese delicacy. “This cha gio is amazing! I could eat ten of these in one go,” he enthused, clapping his hands in appreciation.

In a previous vlog uploaded on August 13, 2024, Daesung had also sampled cha gio and praised its crisp exterior and perfectly moist interior. He dipped the rolls in chili sauce, marveling at the harmonious flavors. His evident enjoyment of the dish underscores his genuine affection for this Vietnamese specialty.

Cha Gio: A Vietnamese Culinary Icon

Cha gio, or fried spring rolls, are a traditional dish beloved by generations of Vietnamese. These rolls are typically served during festive occasions and holidays. Made with a thin rice paper wrapper, the filling consists of ground pork, glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, carrots, shallots, and eggs, with optional additions of shrimp or crab meat depending on regional preferences and the cook’s creativity.

Once carefully rolled, these delicacies are fried to a golden crisp. Cha gio is typically served with a sweet and sour fish sauce dip, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that include spicy, salty, sweet, and sour notes. It can be enjoyed with rice or accompanied by fresh herbs and rice vermicelli.

With its unique flavors and impeccable balance of ingredients, cha gio has transcended Vietnam’s borders, earning its place as an iconic representative of Vietnamese cuisine on the global culinary map.

In January 2025, Taste Atlas, a renowned culinary website, ranked Vietnamese cha gio 42nd out of 100 fried dishes worldwide, awarding it 4.3 out of 5 stars. This recognition adds to cha gio’s growing list of accolades, including its feature in Taste Atlas’s “100 Best Appetizers in the World” in May 2023 and CNN’s “50 Best Foods in the World.”

Nutritional Benefits of Cha Gio

Beyond its delectable taste, cha gio boasts a nutritional profile that contributes to a balanced diet.

The diverse ingredients in the filling provide a good source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. According to the National Institute of Nutrition, 100 grams of raw cha gio contains approximately 137 calories, and this increases to about 150 calories when fried.

So, not only does cha gio tantalize your taste buds, but it also fuels your body with the energy it needs.