The best imperial rolls (nems) in Montreal
The Best Imperial Rolls (Nems) in Montreal
Crispy, golden, and packed with flavour, imperial rolls — also known as nems — are an absolute staple of Vietnamese cuisine. Their origin traces back to northern Vietnam, where they are called nem rán, while in the south they are known as chả giò. These fried rolls are believed to have emerged during the imperial era, which would explain their French name, rouleaux impériaux. Traditionally made with delicate rice-paper wrappers stuffed with pork, rice vermicelli, and wood ear mushrooms, they are one of the most iconic dishes passed down through generations of Vietnamese cooking.
Over time, nems have travelled and evolved into countless variations: crab, chicken, shrimp, vegetarian versions, and classic pork-based recipes. They are traditionally enjoyed wrapped in lettuce leaves with fresh herbs like mint or Thai basil, then dipped in a sweet–salty nuoc cham sauce for the perfect balance of crunch, freshness, and umami.
If the traditional Vietnamese version is made with a thin rice wrapper, some Montreal spots also offer imperial rolls prepared with a wheat-based pastry, reminiscent of Chinese classics.
Both styles deserve their place at the table, each offering a distinct experience and its own kind of pleasure.
In Montreal, where the Vietnamese culinary scene has been rich and deeply rooted for decades, many of the city’s best Vietnamese restaurants offer their own take on this beloved classic, each adding a personal touch. From humble neighbourhood joints to modern spots that reinvent tradition, imperial rolls remain a standout dish — simple, comforting, and deeply tied to Vietnam’s gastronomic heritage.
Here is our list of the best imperial rolls in Montreal — places that excel in the art of the perfect roll and stand out for their quality, balance, and refinement.
Happy exploring!
HÀ Vieux-Montréal
Hà Vieux-Montréal draws inspiration from the Vietnamese Bia Hoi concept — those lively street-side eateries where people gather to share simple, flavourful dishes in a warm and bustling atmosphere. Lao chef Ross Louangsignotha carries on the classic recipes of the legendary Mr. Hà, while adding his own contemporary touch. The result is a vibrant cuisine infused with the flavours of Southeast Asia, where grilled meats, fragrant soups, and pillowy buns — among the best in the city — all shine. The pork imperial rolls, golden and crispy, are served with lettuce leaves, mint, and pickled vegetables, and are without question one of the menu’s must-try items.
Montréal
Restaurant Doan
A discreet address on Van Horne Avenue, Doan has been part of the Outremont landscape for years. This small family-run Vietnamese restaurant charms with its simplicity and heartfelt cooking. Spicy chicken, shrimp coconut soup, and classic wok stir-fries are among the most popular dishes on the menu. But it’s the nems — hand-rolled daily, perfectly golden, and incredibly flavourful — that truly steal the show every time.
Montréal
Au 14
Au 14 is a modest Vietnamese restaurant offering a menu filled with traditional Asian dishes at very affordable prices. A true neighbourhood institution, it has been delighting its loyal customers for over 40 years while preserving all its original charm. You’ll find all the classics here: phở soups, spring rolls, nems, stir-fried dishes, and more. The imperial rolls are among our favourites and remind us why this little spot on Prince-Arthur West remains so beloved by Montrealers.
Montréal
Restaurant Ho Guom
Open 7 days a week, Ho Guom is a friendly spot where you can enjoy delicious Vietnamese dishes at great prices. Located in Villeray, near Fabre and Iberville metro stations, the restaurant specializes in Tonkinese soups and also offers several typical dishes from northern Vietnam, along with excellent spring rolls and imperial rolls. It’s a great little address for comforting dishes and quick, attentive service.
Montréal
T'ami Restaurant
Since opening in 2022, T’Ami has stood out as a delicious Vietnamese restaurant nestled in the heart of Little Italy on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. In addition to being a BYOB, the establishment skillfully blends traditional cuisine with fusion influences, delighting lovers of Vietnamese flavours. Among our favourites is the Nem Cua Bé T’Ami, a crab imperial roll that has become one of the restaurant’s signature must-tries.
Montréal
Café Saigon
Located just steps from UQAM, Café Saigon is an unpretentious Vietnamese spot, highly popular with students for its quick, tasty, and affordable cuisine. The focus here is on simplicity and generosity, with homemade dishes and consistently warm service. Among the must-tries, the imperial rolls stand out: golden, crispy, and served with a punchy nuoc-mâm dipping sauce.
Montréal
Restaurant Ong Ca Can
Located on Sainte-Catherine Street in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles, Ông Cà Can is a true Montreal institution. Open since 1981, this iconic spot is one of the very first Vietnamese restaurants in the city. For more than forty years, it has charmed diners with its authentic and comforting cuisine, prepared with deep respect for tradition. Among its standout dishes, the imperial rolls are a perennial favourite — crispy, flavourful, and a perfect reflection of the restaurant’s longstanding expertise.
Montréal
Restaurant Hoai Huong
Just steps from Côte-Sainte-Catherine metro, Hoai Huong is a well-established Vietnamese restaurant at the crossroads of Côte-des-Neiges and NDG. For over 30 years, the team has been preparing authentic, generous cuisine that highlights Vietnam’s greatest classics: flavourful grilled meats, stir-fried dishes, and well-executed house specialties. The atmosphere is friendly, the service warm, and it’s the kind of place where you quickly feel at home. The imperial rolls are among the best in the neighbourhood — ideally enjoyed with a good bottle of wine, since the restaurant operates on a BYOW basis.
Montréal
