What Local Specialties Should You Buy in Phu Quoc? (Photo: Collected)

1. Most Popular Phu Quoc Specialties

When visiting the Pearl Island, many travelers are eager to find local Phu Quoc specialties to enjoy, take home, or gift to family and friends. If you're still wondering what to buy during your trip, here’s a list of the most beloved Phu Quoc specialties to consider:

1.1 Phu Quoc Rose Myrtle Wine – Fragrant and Nutritious

Rose myrtle wine is a unique Phu Quoc specialty that visitors often purchase after their trip. Made from ripe wild rose myrtle fruits, this wine has a beautiful reddish-purple hue, a delicate aroma, and a mildly sweet taste with a distinctive tangy note.

Besides being delicious, rose myrtle wine is believed to offer several health benefits:

• Aids digestion and reduces bloating.
• Relieves joint pain, especially for the elderly.
• Boosts immunity and improves blood circulation.

Where to buy trusted rose myrtle wine:

• Vuon Tao Restaurant: Known for its rich, naturally brewed rose myrtle wine.
• Bay Giao Sim Wine Factory: A long-standing local brand.
• Sim Son: Offers high-quality traditional-style rose myrtle wine.

1.2 Phu Quoc Fish Sauce – The Essence of Island Cuisine

Phu Quoc fish sauce has long been a culinary icon of the island. Made from fresh black anchovies and aged in wooden barrels using traditional methods, the sauce has a high protein content, a deep amber color, and a bold, umami-rich flavor.

Phu Quoc fish sauce is known for its high protein content and rich nutritional value. (Photo: Collected)

This isn’t just a meaningful local specialty—it’s also a staple in Vietnamese kitchens. When purchasing, look for naturally high protein content and trusted brands to ensure quality.

Well-known Phu Quoc fish sauce brands include:

• Thinh Phat: Made from 100% anchovies with high natural protein.
• Khai Hoan: A heritage brand with authentic production methods.
• Phung Hung: Meets international export standards.

1.3 Dried Seafood – Tasty, Long-lasting Specialty

Thanks to its rich marine resources, Phu Quoc offers a wide range of delicious dried seafood, perfect for gifts or souvenirs. Popular choices include:

• Sun-dried squid: Thick, sweet, and aromatic.
• Dried ribbonfish, snakehead, and mackerel: Flavorful and easy to cook.
• Dried shrimp and baby crab: Naturally sweet, ideal for salads and soups.

Note: Make sure the seafood is vacuum-sealed or tightly packed to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage during transport.

Phu Quoc dried seafood is a popular gift choice among travelers. (Photo: Collected)

1.4 Phu Quoc Sea Ginseng Tea – A Healthy, Meaningful Gift

Sea ginseng tea is a local herbal tea made from wild ginseng vines and other herbs like jasmine and licorice. With its naturally sweet taste, this tea is not only a distinctive Phu Quoc gift but also offers various health benefits:

• Boosts immunity and helps prevent colds.
• Enhances skin and slows aging with natural antioxidants.
• Supports digestion and detoxifies the body.

1.5 Phu Quoc Pepper – Fiery and Unforgettable Flavor

Phu Quoc pepper is renowned for its bold spiciness and distinct aroma, thanks to the island’s unique soil and climate. Grown naturally, Phu Quoc pepper stands out in quality and comes in three main varieties: black, white, and red—each with its own taste and culinary uses. Often beautifully packaged, it makes an excellent gift.

1.6 Phu Quoc Bird's Nest – A Luxurious and Nutritious Gift

Bird’s nests from Phu Quoc are a premium specialty, rich in nutrients and ideal for health-conscious gifting. Harvested from natural caves on the island, the nests are high in protein, minerals, and essential nutrients. They're carefully processed to retain maximum nutritional value.

Phu Quoc bird’s nest is often chosen as a nutritious gift for health. (Photo: Collected)

You can find them at reputable shops like Ngoc Yen Bird’s Nest, Bao Tran Bird’s Nest, and others on the island.

1.7 Phu Quoc Fermented Shrimp Paste – A Taste of the Sea

Fermented shrimp paste (mắm ruốc) is a deeply traditional Phu Quoc specialty, made from tiny shrimp fermented with salt. It has a rich red-brown color, a distinct aroma, and a bold, salty taste. Ideal for seasoning or adding to dishes like Hue-style beef noodle soup and caramelized pork.

Well-known brands include Di Tu Shrimp Paste and Phung Hung Shrimp Paste.

1.8 Phu Quoc Palm Sugar Sponge Cake – A Nostalgic Sweet Treat

This humble yet flavorful dessert is made from rice flour, coconut milk, and local palm sugar. With its golden color, gentle aroma, and naturally sweet taste, this cake is soft and spongy—blending coconut richness with the fragrant palm sugar of the island.

You’ll often find these cakes sold at night markets like Dinh Cau and Bach Dang.

1.9 Phu Quoc Tram Mushroom – A Nutritious Seasonal Delicacy

Tram mushrooms grow wild in the island’s Melaleuca forests and are available only between April and June. With their dark purple color and unique scent, these mushrooms are used in dishes like porridge, seafood soup, or stir-fried with squid or shrimp. They offer a mildly sweet taste and are known for their detoxifying, restorative properties.

You can buy them fresh or dried at local markets or specialty shops.

1.10 Phu Quoc Pearls – An Elegant Ocean Treasure

Phu Quoc is known as the “Pearl Island” thanks to its ideal conditions for pearl farming. Phu Quoc pearls are prized for their natural luster, smooth surface, and high value. Jewelry made from these pearls—necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings—is often a favorite gift choice, especially for women.

Phu Quoc pearls – a precious gift from the blue sea. (Photo: Collected)

Reputable pearl farms and shops include:

• Long Beach Pearl: Famous for intricate pearl jewelry designs.
• Quoc An Pearl: Offers a wide price range with quality assurance.
• Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm: A modern farm committed to top-quality pearls.

Note when buying: Due to the high value of pearls, make sure to purchase only from certified, trustworthy sellers with clear quality guarantees.

2. Where to Buy Phu Quoc Specialties

Phu Quoc is a shopping haven for unique coastal specialties. Here are some of the most highly rated spots to buy authentic local products:

2.1 Phu Quoc Night Market – A Bustling Shopping Destination

Located on Vo Thi Sau Street, Phu Quoc Night Market opens from 5:00 PM till late and features over 100 stalls. It’s the go-to place for specialty shopping on the island.

Here, you’ll find everything from handicrafts and pearl jewelry to natural cosmetics, rose myrtle wine, dried seafood, and fish sauce. The market is also a food lover’s paradise, offering freshly prepared seafood dishes to enjoy while you shop.

Phu Quoc Night Market – A nighttime shopping paradise. (Photo: Collected)

2.2 Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm – Trusted Pearl Shopping Destination

If you’re considering gifting pearls, Ngoc Hien is one of the most reputable places. As one of the island’s oldest and largest pearl farms, it offers a wide range of quality pearl jewelry—from affordable pieces to luxury designs.

Highlights of shopping here include:

• Tours showcasing pearl cultivation and harvesting.
• Certified quality assurance with 100% real pearls.
• A diverse selection of jewelry including necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings.

Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm has become an unmissable destination. (Photo: Collected)

Exploring and shopping for Phu Quoc specialties is not just a way to bring home meaningful gifts—it’s also part of the island’s unique travel experience. From learning about local ingredients to discovering artisanal crafts, the process adds richness to your trip and ensures you return with something truly special from the Pearl Island.