Appetizers · Vegan · 2 Pieces
Crispy vegetable spring rolls, two per order for $4. The cheapest starter on the menu and the best vegan appetizer option. The thin shell crackles on first bite; inside is a savory mix of cabbage, carrots and glass noodles.
The spring roll is one of the oldest and most widespread dishes in East and Southeast Asian cooking — variations exist across Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Filipino, and Indonesian cuisines. What they share is the basic structure: a thin pastry wrapper rolled around a savory filling and either fried or served fresh. The Ugly Dumpling version is the fried Chinese style, where the wrapper is made from wheat-based pastry that blisters and shatters when it hits hot oil.
The wrapper is thinner than an egg roll skin and crispier than a wonton wrapper. When fresh from the fryer, the surface has a visual crinkle pattern from the bubbles that form during frying — that texture is the indicator of a well-made spring roll. When you bite through, the shell gives immediately with an audible crack.
The vegetable filling is cooked before rolling: shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, glass noodles, garlic, and ginger, seasoned with soy and sesame. Cooking the filling first removes excess moisture that would otherwise steam inside the roll and soften the wrapper. At $4 for two, this is the table-expander — order it to add another element to the spread without adding much to the bill.
Per full order (2 pieces). Figures are estimates based on standard recipe; actual values may vary.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Sodium | 360 mg |
Wheat — the spring roll pastry wrapper is wheat-based. Soy — soy sauce used in the filling seasoning. Both are present in small but allergy-relevant quantities.
Meat, dairy, egg, shellfish, or tree nuts. Fully vegan and vegetarian. Not gluten-free due to the wheat wrapper. At 180 calories for both pieces, this is the lowest-calorie appetizer on the menu.
For tables with mixed dietary needs, the spring rolls are the vegan-safe fried appetizer. They provide the texture and satisfaction of a fried starter without any animal products. Pair with Edamame and Cucumber Salad for a complete vegan appetizer spread.
At $4, the spring rolls are the most cost-effective way to add a third item to a two-appetizer order. Pair with the Wings and the Cucumber Salad for a $25 starter spread that covers fried, glazed, and cold elements across three flavor profiles.
Dip the spring rolls in sweet chili sauce or the house plum sauce — the sweetness amplifies the savory vegetable filling. Order two rounds for a table of four rather than one, given the price. The spring rolls are also the safest pick for children or picky eaters who are not yet ready for XLB.
