Siwawa (丝娃娃), also known as “vegetarian spring rolls,” is a common traditional snack in Guiyang, Guizhou Province. You can find it on almost every street in the city. The name “Siwawa” originates from its appearance, which resembles a newborn baby swaddled in a “swaddling cloth” when viewed from afar.
Generally, Siwawa consists of three main components: the wrapper, vegetable fillings, and dipping sauce. The wrapper is thin and translucent, made from rice flour, resembling parchment paper, and measures approximately 10 centimeters in diameter.
The vegetable fillings are finely shredded and artfully arranged in a bamboo tray, adding both artistic appeal and local flavor to the dish. Reputable establishments pride themselves on manually shredding the vegetables, ensuring freshness and quality. The colorful array of shredded carrots, cucumbers, bean sprouts, cooked potatoes, seaweed, wood ear mushrooms, celery, and glass noodles creates a visually stunning and appetizing display. Crispy fried soybeans and fragrant Chinese celery add texture and flavor diversity to the dish, allowing diners to customize their rolls according to their preferences.
The essence of Siwawa lies in its tangy and spicy dipping sauce, with each eatery offering its unique blend. Once the dipping sauce is prepared, it is spooned onto the rolled vegetable fillings, ready for consumption.
Siwawa offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The thin and crispy wrapper complements the tender and crunchy vegetables, while the tangy and spicy dipping sauce adds a refreshing kick to each bite. This harmonious combination stimulates both the visual and gustatory senses, providing a satisfying culinary experience.