#69: Crispy Pork Spring Rolls at Bobo Noodle House

By Robin Wheeler Wed., Aug. 10 2011 at 1:00 PM

Categories: Gut Check's 100 Favorite St. Louis Dishes

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Robin Wheeler

Crispy and flavorful, the pork spring rolls at Bobo Noodle House

So ubiquitous, the pork spring roll. Or egg roll. By any name, it's the same creature -- usually crispy on the outside, wrapper still a little chewy on the inside, filled with a pulverized blend of...stuff.

Not at Bobo Noodle House (278 North Skinker Boulevard, University City; 314-863-7373), where the Crispy Pork Spring Rolls are just that -- crispy. The thin wrap doesn't leave any room for chewiness. Just flaky layers of golden crispies. And always flaming hot, since they're not allowed to wallow in their own grease post-frying. A tidy little bed of carrot shreds isn't just pretty but keeps the rolls from getting bogged in any residual cooking oil.

There's no questioning the fillings, which maintain their integrity. The pork's surrounded with cabbage, carrots and onions cut into super-thin strips, each flavor present along with a hint of ginger. A soy-based dipping sauce brightens the overall flavor with a salty bite.

Asian rolls served in a bag will never do after this.

Beginning last year, RFT restaurant critic Ian Froeb counted down -- in no particular order -- 100 of his favorite dishes in St. Louis. Now Gut Check has taken up where he left off. Check back frequently as we detail our 100 favorites, and don't hesitate to send us yours, too, either via the comments thread or at tips@riverfronttimes.com.

Previously:

#70: Turkey Melt and Field Greens Salad at Schlafly Bottleworks
#71: The Vegetarian Platter at Ranoush
#72: Vegetarian Meatballs at Lucas Park Grille
#73: Sizzling Rice Soup at Hunan and Peking Garden
#74: Straw and Hay Pasta at Trattoria Marcella
#75: Spaghetti Pomodoro at Babbo's Spaghetteria
#76: Shrimp Fajitas at El Matador
#77: Vegetable Quesadilla at Chava's
#78: Companion Rustic Olive Bread
#79: Salt and Pepper Shrimp from Wei Hong