Lumpia Wrappers: What They Are and How to Use Them

Lumpia wrappers are the thin sheets used to make Filipino lumpia or spring rolls. They're soft, delicate, and very thin, which helps lumpia turn light and crispy when fried.

These wrappers are usually made from flour, water, and salt. They can be used for many types of lumpia, from crispy fried lumpia like Lumpiang Shanghai to fresh versions like Lumpiang Sariwa.

In this guide, you'll learn what lumpia wrappers are, how they're different from other spring roll wrappers, where to buy them, and how to store them.

Types of Lumpia Wrappers

There are two main types of wrappers used for Filipino lumpia.

Thin wrappers for fried lumpia

These are the paper-thin wrappers most people use for fried lumpia like Lumpiang Shanghai.

They are usually made from flour, water, and salt and are sold in stacks of thin sheets. When fried, they become light and crispy.

These wrappers can also be used for some fresh lumpia recipes, since they are already cooked and soft.

Wrappers for fresh lumpia

Fresh lumpia, such as lumpiang sariwa, uses a different wrapper.

This wrapper is soft and slightly thicker, more like a thin crêpe. It is usually made with eggs, flour, milk, and oil.

Instead of frying, the wrapper is filled with sautéed vegetables and rolled, then served with a sweet garlic sauce and crushed peanuts.

Lumpia Wrappers vs Spring Roll Wrappers

Lumpia wrappers are similar to spring roll wrappers, but they are usually thinner and more delicate.

Spring roll wrappers used in Chinese or Southeast Asian cooking are slightly thicker and more elastic. They still work well for making lumpia, especially if lumpia wrappers are hard to find.

Here are some wrappers you may see in Asian grocery stores:

• Spring roll wrappers: Wheat-based wrappers often used for Chinese spring rolls. These are the closest substitute for lumpia wrappers.
• Egg roll wrappers: Thicker wrappers made with eggs and flour. They are usually used for Chinese egg rolls and become bubbly and crunchy when fried.
• Wonton wrappers: Small square wrappers used for wontons and dumplings.
• Dumpling wrappers: Round wrappers that are thicker and commonly used for dumplings.
• Rice paper: Thin sheets made from rice flour, usually used for Vietnamese fresh spring rolls.

Where to Buy Lumpia Wrappers

Lumpia wrappers can sometimes be hard to find, depending on where you live.

You may find them in Filipino grocery stores or Asian supermarkets, usually in the frozen section. They are often sold in thin stacks of square sheets.

If you can't find lumpia wrappers, you can use frozen spring roll wrappers instead. These are widely available in many Asian grocery stores and work well for making lumpia.

They may be slightly thicker, but they still fry up nicely and make crispy lumpia.

How to Store Lumpia Wrappers

If you bought fresh lumpia wrappers, keep them tightly wrapped and store them in the refrigerator. They are best used within about 2 to 3 days.

For frozen lumpia or spring roll wrappers, keep them in the freezer until you're ready to use them. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.

When working with the wrappers, cover them with a slightly damp cloth to keep them from drying out.

If you have leftover wrappers, wrap them tightly again and return them to the refrigerator or freezer.

Filipino Recipes Using Lumpia Wrappers

Lumpia wrappers are used to make many Filipino snacks and appetizers. They can be filled with meat, vegetables, cheese, or even sweet ingredients.

Here are our favorites:

• Lumpiang shanghai: Crispy fried spring rolls filled with ground meat and seasonings.
• Lumpiang gulay: Fried vegetable spring rolls served with a vinegar dipping sauce.
• Lumpiang labong: Lumpia filled with bamboo shoots and sometimes shrimp or pork.
• Lumpiang sariwa: Fresh lumpia with soft wrappers filled with sautéed vegetables and crushed peanuts, served with a sweet garlic sauce.
• Lumpiang ubod: Fresh lumpia filled with heart of palm and vegetables.
• Turon: Saba bananas and jackfruit wrapped in lumpia wrappers and fried until crispy.
• Cheese lumpia: Simple fried lumpia filled with melted cheese.
• Dynamite lumpia: Green chilies stuffed with a creamy filling, wrapped in lumpia wrappers, then fried.
• Shrimp lumpia: Fried lumpia filled with shrimp and ground meat.
• Turones de mani: Peanut-filled lumpia that are fried and coated in caramelized sugar.

FAQs About Lumpia Wrappers