Large rice papers are are used to make salad rolls – an easy-to-make, healthy alternative to sandwiches. The basic elements are rice paper and rice vermicelli, but variations are endless – shredded banana flowers or cooked green beans are popular in the Philippines,

halved prawns or thinly sliced pork with chives and shredded carrots are favourites in Vietnam. To prepare a rice paper, immerse it into hot water briefly and lay flat on a clean, dry tea towel – if it tears or falls apart, you have soaked it too long. Rice papers are surprisingly strong and easy to work with when not over-soaked.