For years, many of my Southern California friends have been raving about the Brodard Restaurant in Orange County and how great their Nem Nuong is. Luckily for Las Vegas locals, the owners decided to open a branch in China Town along Spring Mountain and named it after what they're famous for.
The restaurant was surprisingly packed for a Wednesday night considering they've only been opened for a week! I knew this place was going to be a hit since we were the only two who didn't speak the language; everybody else appeared to be an expert of Vietnamese cuisine which they seemed to enjoy eating.
Started out with Nem Nuong Cuon (grilled pork sausage spring rolls seved with house special sauce). These are certainly worth the hype and even one of the better ones I've had in the valley. I like how they add fried egg roll wrappers which adds extra crunch and texture. The dish also comes with a sauce unlike the typical peanut sauce served at any other Vietnamese joints. These spring rolls are so good I asked her to stop by the next day for more!!
Banh Khot (rice cakes topped with whole shrimp, mung bean, and scallions) wrapped in lettuce with other accoutrements was actually quite tasty. However, I prefer the pancake version, Banh Xeo, which are usually stuffed with slivers of pork, whole shrimp, green onions and bean sprouts.
Overall, Nem Nuong Bistro definitely serves up one of the best spring rolls in town!! Will be coming back.