Phu Quoc Food: 12 Must-Try Food in Phu Quoc & Where to Find Them

1. Herring Salad (Goi ca trich) 

Herring salad is a signature dish of Phu Quoc, renowned for its fresh, unique taste that leaves diners craving more. Carefully selected herring fillets are thinly sliced and mixed with shredded coconut, onions, shallots, and a touch of chili, creating a harmonious blend of rich, nutty, sweet, and mildly spicy flavors. The dish is best enjoyed with a special dipping sauce that enhances its deliciousness, making it an irresistible culinary experience.

Herring salad is a signature dish of Phu Quoc (Source: Collected)

Recommend restaurants:

• Dinh Cau Night Market – A vibrant street food hub with authentic local flavors

• Xin Chao Restaurant – 66 Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc – A top-rated beachfront dining spot

• Draft Beer Kem Beach - Kem Beach, An Thoi Ward, Phu Quoc

• Draft Beer Sunset Town - An Thoi Cable Car Area, Apartment FB 03-02, Sunset Town, An Thoi Ward, Phu Quoc

• Draft Beer Night Market - Vui Fest Bazaar, Phu Quoc. 

2. Ken Noodles (Bun Ken) 

Ken noodles is a beloved local specialty in Phu Quoc, offering a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from any other noodle dish in Vietnam. Made with finely shredded fish, which is then fried to perfection, this dish features a rich and aromatic broth crafted from coconut milk and fish stock. It’s served with fresh green papaya, fragrant herbs, and a hint of chili for an extra kick. Bún Kèn is a true taste of Phu Quoc, only available on this beautiful island, making it a must-try for food lovers.

If you are wondering what to eat in Phu Quoc for breakfast, Ken noodles is a perfect choice (Source: Collected)

Recommend restaurants:

• Thu Restaurant - Group 4, Area 1, Tran Quoc Toan, An Thoi Ward, Phu Quoc

• Ut Luom Restaurant – 87, 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

• Di Hong Restaurant – 4 Nguyen Trai Street, Phu Quoc

3. Ham Ninh Crab (Ghe Ham Ninh)

When asking what to eat in Phu Quoc, many will recommend Ham Ninh crab - one of the island’s most famous and delicious specialties. Ham Ninh Fishing Village is the perfect place to buy fresh seafood at incredibly reasonable prices. The crabs here are caught daily, ensuring they are exceptionally fresh, firm, and naturally sweet, with plenty of rich, flavorful roe. You can enjoy Ham Ninh crab prepared in various ways at local eateries, bring some home to cook yourself, or even take it as a tasty souvenir for friends and family.

Ham Ninh crab is one of the island’s most famous and delicious specialties (Source: Collected)

Recommend restaurants:

• Ham Ninh Fishing Village – A seafood paradise with authentic local flavors

• Duong Dong Market – A bustling hub for fresh seafood and local delicacies

• An Thoi Market – A great spot to buy high-quality seafood at local prices

4. Mackerel Noodle Soup (Bun Cha Ca Thu)

Phu Quoc is not only famous for its fish cake noodle soup and pork noodle soup but also for its signature mackerel noodle soup, prepared using a traditional family recipe. This dish features tender, freshly cooked mackerel fillets, crispy fried fish cakes, and soft yet firm noodles that hold their texture. Served with a variety of fresh herbs and a rich, flavorful broth, this comforting bowl of noodles is a must-try when visiting the island.

This Phu Quoc dish only uses fresh mackerel caught by island fishermen (Source: Collected)

Recommend restaurants:

• Le Giang Restaurant – 289 Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

• Phung Restaurant - 27 Bach Dang Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

5. Stirring Vermicelli (Bun Quay)

Alongside Ken noodles, stirring vermicelli is another must-try dish when visiting Phu Quoc. This flavorful noodle soup features a mix of fresh seafood, including shrimp, fish, and squid, served with fragrant herbs and a rich, steaming broth. What makes stirring vermicelli truly special is its customizable dipping sauce, which diners prepare to suit their own taste preferences, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Bun Quay stands out as one of the unique delicacies, carrying the distinctive flavors and spirit of Phu Quoc (Source: Collected)

Recommend restaurants:

• Kien Xay Restaurant - 28 Bach Dang Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

• Kien Xay Restaurant - New An Thoi, An Thoi, Phu Quoc

• Thanh Hung Restaurant - 77, 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

6. Tram Mushroom (Nam Tram) 

Tram mushroom is a well-known Phu Quoc delicacy, prized for its rich flavor and numerous health benefits. These mushrooms grow naturally on the hillsides and decaying leaves in the melaleuca forests. Once harvested, they can be used fresh in soups, dried for preservation, or incorporated into various dishes. In addition to their delicious taste, Tram mushrooms are believed to help relieve colds, headaches, and boost overall health.

Tram mushroom is highly appreciated for its rich flavor and many health benefits (Source: Collected)

If you visit Phu Quoc in April or July, you’ll have the chance to buy fresh Tram mushrooms. The best place to find high-quality, fresh mushrooms is Duong Dong Market - a must-visit for food lovers looking to take home an authentic taste of the island!

Recommend restaurant:

• Phu Quoc Night Market: No 6 Bach Dang street, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc

• Duong Dong Market: No 21 Tran Phu Street, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc

7. Phu Quoc Sea Crab Blood Pudding (Tiet Canh Cua Phu Quoc)

This uniquely named dish is a one-of-a-kind specialty of Phu Quoc, enjoyed by locals for generations. To make Phu Quoc sea crab blood pudding, only fresh, roe-filled sea crabs are used to ensure the dish is both flavorful and nutritious.

Phu Quoc Sea Crab Blood Pudding is a one-of-a-kind specialty of Phu Quoc (Source: Collected)

The preparation is meticulous - the crab’s white “blood” is extracted from its legs and mixed with seasoned crab meat and roe, creating a dish that is both savory and naturally sweet. The combination of textures and flavors makes it an unforgettable culinary experience.

Recommend restaurants: 

• Ra Khoi Restaurant at 131, 30 Tháng 4 Street, Duong Dong

• Le Giang Restaurant – 289 Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

8. Phu Quoc Sea Cucumber (Hai Sam Phu Quoc)

Sea cucumber is one of Phu Quoc’s most sought-after specialties, highly valued for its rich nutritional benefits. This premium seafood delicacy is a favorite among visitors looking to experience the island’s high-end cuisine.

Phu Quoc Sea Cucumber is a favorite among visitors looking to experience the island’s high-end cuisine (Source: Collected)

For those wanting to bring a taste of Phu Quoc home, dried sea cucumber makes for an excellent and luxurious gift. However, keep in mind that this prized delicacy comes with a premium price tag - but its health benefits and exquisite flavor make it well worth it!

Recommend restaurants: 

• Phu Quoc Night Market: No 6 Bach Dang street, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc

• Duong Dong Market: No 21 Tran Phu Street, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc

9. Murex (Oc Gai)

The murex, also known as Oc Gai, is a unique and flavorful seafood specialty of Phu Quoc. Its name comes from the sharp spikes covering its shell, making it one of the most distinctive sea snails found on the island.

Murex is a unique and flavorful seafood specialty of Phu Quoc (Source: Collected)

This snail is prized for its tender yet crunchy texture, with a rich, naturally sweet, and slightly buttery taste. The best way to enjoy it? Grilled to perfection, bringing out its smoky aroma and enhancing its delicious flavor. If you’re a seafood lover, murex is a must-try when visiting Phu Quoc!

Recommend restaurants: 

• A Chon 2 Restaurant - 68A Highway, Ward 6, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang

• Hai San Ot Ngot Restaurant – 129 Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

• Cat Bien Restaurant – 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

10. Grilled grouper (Ca Mu Nuong Moi)

Blessed with an abundant seafood supply, Phu Quoc is home to a variety of exquisite marine delicacies. Among them, grilled grouper stands out as one of the most unique and enticing dishes on the island.

Pair grilled grouper with a glass of spicy forest sim wine is best way to enjoy it (Source: Collected)

Freshly caught grouper is carefully cleaned and grilled whole over charcoal embers, allowing its natural sweetness and firm texture to shine. As the fish cooks, an irresistible aroma fills the air, making it hard to resist. The best way to enjoy this dish? Pair it with a glass of spicy forest sim wine, and you’ll experience an authentic taste of Phu Quoc’s culinary heritage.

Recommend restaurants:

• A Chon 2 Restaurant - 68A Highway, Ward 6, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang

• Song Xanh Restaurant: 30/4 Street – Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc.

• Thinh Phat Restaurant: 30/4 Street – Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc.

11. Grilled Sea Urchin (Nhum Bien Nuong)

Grilled sea urchin is a renowned seafood found in many coastal regions of Vietnam, but it is especially popular in Phu Quoc. This dish is made from fresh sea urchins, grilled to perfection until golden brown and emitting an irresistible aroma.

Grilled sea urchin is a renowned seafood found in Phu Quoc (Source: Collected)

Sea urchins are prized for their high nutritional value, packed with protein, calcium, iron, and essential minerals. While they can be prepared in various ways, the most beloved versions include grilled sea urchin with quail eggs and grilled sea urchin with scallion oil. The creamy, buttery texture of the sea urchin blends beautifully with a tangy dipping sauce, making this dish an absolute delight for seafood lovers.

Recommend restaurants:

• Oc 343 – 343 Restaurant, 30/4 street, town 1, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

• Bien Xanh Restaurant – Cluster 9, Rach Ham Hamlet, Ham Ninh, Phu Quoc

• Hai San Nho Restaurant – Dinh Cau Night Market, Phu Quoc

• Draft Beer Khem Beach - Kem Beach, An Thoi Ward, Phu Quoc

• Draft Beer Sunset Town - An Thoi Cable Car Area, Apartment FB 03-02, Sunset Town, An Thoi Ward, Phu Quoc

• Draft Beer Night Market - Vui Fest Bazaar, Phu Quoc. 

12. Phu Quoc Ray Chicken (Ga Ray Phu Quoc)

Phu Quoc Ray Chicken, a signature Phu Quoc specialty, is an essential part of the island’s rich culinary map. This free-range chicken is known for its tender, flavorful meat and can be prepared in various delicious ways, such as slow-cooked with green chili, shredded chicken salad, or boneless chicken feet salad. Each dish showcases the natural sweetness and firm texture of the meat, making it a must-try for food lovers.

Phu Quoc Ray Chicken is known for its tender, flavorful meat (Source: Collected)

Recommend restaurants:

• Xin Chao Restaurant – 66 Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

• Khoi Chicken Restaurant – 100 Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc