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Asian cuisine is celebrated for its incredible flavors, fresh ingredients, and variety. When it comes to appetizers, it’s common for different spring rolls and egg rolls to be lumped into the same category. While cylindrical delicacies that are eaten with your hands may be common, there can be a myriad of differences based on country and region. If you’re in the mood for Filipino food, for example, you may see lumpia on the menu as opposed to Chinese egg rolls. Here’s a breakdown of these two related dishes. 

What Makes Lumpia Different From a Chinese Egg Roll?

Filipino FoodIt’s important to note that egg rolls and lumpia have origins in China and would be translated into “moist cake” in English. While both variations generally include minced vegetables, meats, and seasonings encased in a thin pastry dough, lumpia is specifically of Filipino descent.

This beloved Filipino food uses a wheat flour or rice paper as the pastry base. There is no egg present and the final product is usually thinner and longer than a Chinese egg roll. The seasonings used for the stuffing leans more toward coconut, spicy chili, and cilantro as opposed to soy and ginger. Lumpia are often served deep-fried or chilled and fresh whereas egg rolls are always cooked and fried. 

What Other Filipino Foods Go Well With Lumpia?

Lumpia are typically served with a potent sweet and sour sauce for added flavor. If you’re dining at a traditional Filipino restaurant, you may want to pair this popular appetizer with other delicacies such as pancit noodles or pork adobo. Finish the meal off with a dessert of ice cream made from ube, a purple yam. 

 

If you’re a resident or vacationing on Maui, Plantation Grindz is the perfect destination for delicious Filipino food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As a celebrated restaurant, you can indulge in all your favorite dishes, from traditional lumpia to Hawaiian staples like chicken katsu and fried fish made to order. Call them today at (808) 873-3663 to learn more about their menu or visit their Facebook page for updates and photos of their mouthwatering offerings. 

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