1. Discover the unique characteristics of Phu Quoc cuisine
Phu Quoc cuisine is an exquisite blend of the sea's flavors and the rustic charm of the Southern countryside. Thanks to fresh ingredients, from seafood caught daily to wild vegetables, fruits, and characteristic spices, the dishes here always possess rich, natural, and unforgettable flavors. The people of the Pearl Island are not elaborate in their preparation; instead, they skillfully preserve the original flavors, creating a unique charm.
Phu Quoc cuisine has a distinctive flavor, creating its own unique charm. (Source: Collected)
Whether it's a rustic meal at Duong Dong market or a seafood feast by the sea, each dish contains the sincerity and love of the people for their homeland. This makes Phu Quoc not only beautiful in the eyes of tourists, but also "delicious" in the hearts of those who have once set foot here.
2. What to eat in Phu Quoc? Top specialty dishes not to be missed
2.1. Herring salad
Herring salad is considered the signature dish of Phu Quoc cuisine, capturing the quintessence of the island. Although the preparation may seem simple, each step requires extreme meticulousness and skill. Fresh herring is thinly filleted, mixed with onions, shredded coconut, shredded carrots, roasted peanuts, fried garlic, chili, and coriander, creating a refreshing, rich, and perfectly balanced flavor profile.
Goi ca trich - The iconic dish of Phu Quoc cuisine. (Source: Collected)
The soul of the dish lies in its special dipping sauce, a blend of refreshing sourness, mild sweetness, and a hint of guava, making goi ca trich rich and unforgettable. When enjoyed, the sweetness of fresh fish melts on the tongue, mixed with a bit of richness, spiciness, and the nuttiness of peanuts, all harmonizing into a delicate symphony, carrying the essence of the Phu Quoc sea.
Recommended restaurants:
- Ra Khơi Restaurant: No. 131 30/4 Street, Phu Quoc.
- Xin Chào Restaurant: No. 66 Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Quoc.
- Draft Beer Kem Beach Restaurant: Kem Beach, Phu Quoc.
- Draft Beer Sunset Town Restaurant: FB03-02 Sunset Town, Phu Quoc.
2.2. Bun quay
If you don't know what to eat in Phu Quoc, bun quay is a specialty that any tourist should try at least once. The dish impresses with its unique way of enjoyment. Fresh vermicelli noodles are combined with shrimp paste, fish cake, squid, or minced beef, then 'stirred' directly at the table to preserve their natural sweetness.
When eating, hot broth is poured into the bowl, lightly cooking the seafood and releasing its delicate, sweet aroma characteristic of the sea. Each spoonful of noodles is a perfect blend of the clear broth, the fresh sweetness of seafood, and a slight spiciness from the dipping sauce, creating a unique flavor found only in Phu Quoc.
Recommended restaurants:
- Bun quay Hai Ngan: 147 30/4 Street, Phu Quoc.
- Bun quay Cay Xanh: 169 Tran Phu – KP6 – Phu Quoc.
2.3. Abalone
Abalone is one of Phu Quoc's rare specialties, known as a "treasure of the sea" for its delicious taste and rich nutritional value. Abalone meat is crisp and sweet, rich in minerals and protein beneficial for health, and can be prepared in various ways.
Besides being grilled over charcoal with scallion oil, peanuts, and honey, abalone can also be eaten raw to fully appreciate the pure sweetness and natural crispness of the meat. Regardless of how it's enjoyed, the flavor of abalone offers a refined, luxurious, and unforgettable experience, truly deserving its title as one of the signature delicacies of Phu Quoc, the "Pearl Island".
Recommended restaurants:
- Draft Beer Kem Beach Restaurant: Kem Beach, Phu Quoc.
- Draft Beer Sunset Town Restaurant: FB03-02 Sunset Town, Phu Quoc.
- Apple Garden Restaurant: No. 1 Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Quoc.
2.4. Banh canh ghe
When thinking about what to eat in Phu Quoc, many tourists immediately think of banh canh ghe, a familiar breakfast dish with the characteristic sea flavor of the Pearl Island. A steaming bowl of banh canh features a clear broth, sweet and savory from fish bones and fresh crab, combined with soft, chewy noodles, creating a harmonious, easy-to-eat yet rich flavor. Phu Quoc crab meat is famous for being firm, sweet, and completely non-fishy, pre-shelled and generously served in the bowl. A sprinkle of fried shallots, pepper, and herbs is enough to captivate diners from the very first spoonful. This rustic dish is not only a delicious breakfast but also a culinary experience that leaves visitors with lasting memories of Phu Quoc's island flavors.
Recommended restaurants:
- Quoc Anh Eatery: 30 April Street, Phu Quoc.
- Le Giang Eatery: 289 Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Quoc.
2.5. Grilled Nhum with scallion oil
Grilled nhum with scallion oil is a dish that captivates diners from the very first taste. Nhum, also known as sea urchin, is a characteristic seafood of Phu Quoc waters, often appearing abundantly in the dry season. When grilled over charcoal, the nhum meat releases a rich, aromatic fragrance, with a hint of the sea's salty flavor.
Grilled sea urchin with scallion oil is rich and fragrant. (Source: Collected)
Locals skillfully drizzle more scallion oil, sprinkle crushed peanuts, and dip it with salt, pepper, and lime, creating a perfect harmony of rich, nutty, and subtly sweet flavors. Just one taste, and you will clearly feel the fresh, rich, and captivating oceanic flavor of this rustic dish.
Recommended delicious restaurants:
- Quan Oc 343: 343 30/4 Street, Quarter 1, Phu Quoc Special Zone
- Bien Xanh Restaurant: Hamlet 9, Rach Ham Quarter, Phu Quoc Special Zone
2.6. Thot Not Palm Cake
On your culinary journey in Phu Quoc, Thot Not Palm Cake is a specialty dish with a sweet flavor, reminiscent of the simple beauty of the sunny and windy coast. These small, golden cakes are made from rice flour, coconut milk, and thot not sugar – a characteristic sugar of the tropical region, creating a naturally sweet taste. When steamed, the cake emits a light aroma, the richness of coconut blends with the distinctive thot not flavor, and biting into it, you immediately feel its soft, spongy texture and unforgettable rustic taste.
In the morning or afternoon, the sight of steaming Thot Not Palm Cakes displayed for sale at Duong Dong market or along the central streets always makes tourists stop to try them. A pack of Thot Not Palm Cake is not just a rustic snack but also a meaningful gift carrying the flavors of Phu Quoc home. It is this simplicity, sincerity, and distinctive flavor that has made this small cake a sweet symbol in the hearts of every tourist remembering the Jade Island.
3. Must-buy souvenirs when traveling to Phu Quoc
A trip to Phu Quoc will be truly complete when you bring the flavors of the sea and islands home as gifts for your loved ones and friends. Among the list of must-buy gifts, Phu Quoc fish sauce always ranks first. This fish sauce is fermented in traditional boi loi barrels, has a beautiful amber color, a rich aroma, and a naturally savory taste. This is not only a familiar seasoning in Vietnamese meals but also a source of pride for the people of the Jade Island.
Besides, Phu Quoc pepper is also a popular gift among tourists for its mild spiciness, strong aroma, and plump grains. Visiting the Cua Duong pepper garden, you can tour, take photos, and choose fresh or dried pepper to bring home as gifts. If you're looking for a more unique gift, try ruou sim rung (wild rose myrtle wine), a drink with a distinctive purple color, a naturally sweet and easy-to-drink taste, and very beneficial for health. Additionally, dried seafood such as squid, fish, dried shrimp, or dried threadfin are also excellent choices, being easy to preserve and fully retaining the savory taste of the sea.
Phu Quoc pepper is mildly spicy and richly aromatic, unlike the taste of pepper from other regions. (Source: Collected)
4. Pocket some tips for eating and buying souvenirs in Phu Quoc
If you are still wondering what to eat in Phu Quoc, try following the culinary itinerary suggestions below to fully explore the island's flavors. In the morning, start the day with a bowl of hot bun quay or a sweet and clear crab noodle soup (banh canh ghe), which is light on the stomach and provides enough energy for your exploration journey.
Start your morning with a bowl of refreshingly sweet, nutritious bun quay. (Source: Collected)
By noon, you can visit seaside eateries to enjoy grilled sea urchin with scallion oil, herring salad, or grilled abalone with honey, savoring the fresh, rich flavors of the ocean. As the afternoon fades, gather with friends to enjoy grilled seafood or bun ken in the cool air, eating while watching the brilliant sunset – an unforgettable experience on the Jade Island.
If you want a change of pace with a luxurious atmosphere, visit Mango Hon Thom restaurant, which serves a buffet of over 200 attractive Asian-European dishes. After your meal, you can continue to have fun at Sun World Hon Thom with countless exciting activities such as exploring Aquatopia water park, admiring the panoramic view of the Jade Island from the world's longest sea-crossing cable car, or relaxing on the beach at Bai Trao. At the end of your journey, don't forget to stroll around Duong Dong market to buy Phu Quoc fish sauce, sim wine, Cua Duong pepper, or dried seafood as gifts for your loved ones.
Hopefully, the information in this article has fully answered your question about what to eat in Phu Quoc and provided many attractive suggestions for your upcoming trip. Whether it's simple street food or fresh seafood by the sea, Phu Quoc cuisine will surely bring you unforgettable experiences. Plan your trip and discover for yourself which dish will make you "eat once and remember forever"!
