Herring Salad Phu Quoc – Origin, Recipe & Top 10 Spots

Top 10 Places to Try Herring Salad in Phu Quoc

13/08/2025

For those seeking an authentic taste of Vietnam’s island cuisine, herring salad Phu Quoc offers an unforgettable experience. The dish brings together freshly caught herring, fragrant herbs, crisp vegetables, and a tangy, savory sauce made from the island’s famed fish sauce-perfectly embodying the spirit of Phu Quoc.

Contents

Introduction to Herring Salad Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc Island, often referred to as the “Pearl Island” of Vietnam, is not only famous for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life but also for its unique culinary treasures. Among these, Herring Salad Phu Quoc – also known as Phu Quoc herring salad or Vietnamese herring salad – stands out as a must-try dish for any traveler seeking authentic local flavors.

In the article below, let’s join Rooty Trip to explore the top 10 best places to enjoy this delicacy, along with its fascinating origin, unique ingredients, and the authentic way to prepare and savor it. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply curious about Phu Quoc fish salad and other Vietnamese specialties, this guide will give you the perfect introduction to one of Phu Quoc’s most iconic dishes.

What is Herring Salad in Phu Quoc?

This traditional dish is made from raw fresh herring, thinly sliced and mixed with shredded coconut, herbs, onions, and peanuts, served with a flavorful dipping sauce based on Phu Quoc fish sauce..

The dish carries cultural meaning beyond its taste – it reflects the island’s fishing heritage and the resourcefulness of its people. Generations ago, fishermen discovered that among all the fish available in local waters, herring offered the perfect texture and sweetness for salad. Over time, this became a signature of Vietnamese herring salad and one of the most famous seafood specialties in Phu Quoc.

Top 10 Best Restaurants for Herring Salad Phu Quoc

If you want to taste Herring Salad Phu Quoc at its best, here are the top 10 recommended spots for fresh, authentic flavors.

Quan Viet Phu Quoc Restaurant

Quan Viet Phu Quoc Restaurant impresses visitors with its spacious and airy atmosphere, providing a modern and comfortable dining experience. The restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes, including their signature Phu Quoc fish salad, prepared daily to ensure the highest quality and taste. With reasonable prices and attentive service, it’s a perfect spot for anyone eager to savor authentic island flavors.

Address: 24 Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc, An Giang
Price: From 100,000 VND/plate
Rating: 4.1/5

Anh Duong Restaurant

Anh Duong Restaurant features a warm and inviting space that accommodates both small groups and larger families comfortably. Known for its diverse menu, the restaurant continuously prepares fresh, high-quality dishes that highlight the best of local seafood.

Address: 58 Tran Hung Dao, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc, An Giang
Price: From 100,000 VND/plate
Rating: 4.0/5

Dao Hai San Restaurant

Nestled by the sea, Dao Hai San Restaurant offers an open and refreshing environment where guests can enjoy spectacular ocean views and cool sea breezes. The spacious layout and elegant design make it ideal for romantic dinners or casual gatherings. Their carefully selected seafood is expertly crafted by professional chefs, with the Vietnamese herring salad standing out as a must-try delicacy that perfectly captures the freshness of the island.

Address: Tran Phu Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc, An Giang
Price: From 150,000 VND/plate
Rating: 4.6/5

Hanh Nhung Restaurant

Hanh Nhung Restaurant is known for its clean, bright, and well-ventilated dining area, creating a relaxing atmosphere for diners. The kitchen serves a broad selection of seafood dishes, emphasizing freshness and meticulous preparation. Reasonably priced and offering attentive service, it’s a popular choice among locals and tourists alike seeking authentic Phu Quoc fish salad and other island specialties.

Address: 30/4 Duong Dong, Phu Quoc, An Giang
Price: From 100,000 VND/plate
Rating: 3.6/5

Xom Chai 1960

With a charming traditional vibe, Xom Chai 1960 provides a spacious and comfortable setting suitable for both families and groups of friends. The menu boasts a variety of freshly prepared local dishes, made daily using only the freshest ingredients. Its affordable prices and authentic flavors make it a go-to spot for experiencing the true taste of Phu Quoc, including their celebrated version of it.

Address: Nguyen Van Troi Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc, An Giang
Price: From 100,000 VND/plate
Rating: 4.1/5

Bong Xinh Restaurant

Bong Xinh Restaurant combines a modern, airy interior with a youthful and vibrant atmosphere. Known for its extensive menu, the restaurant serves a variety of seafood delicacies, with a strong focus on maintaining the natural freshness of ingredients. Guests praise the professional preparation and reasonable prices, making it a hotspot to enjoy a delicious Phu Quoc herring salad in a lively setting.

Address: 24 Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc, An Giang
Price: From 100,000 VND/plate
Rating: 4.1/5

Tam Nang

Tam Nang offers a spacious, breezy environment that beautifully blends nature with contemporary design. The diverse menu features local seafood and specialties, all prepared fresh daily. Affordable pricing and friendly staff add to the overall pleasant dining experience, making it a favored destination to taste the authentic Vietnamese herring salad in Phu Quoc.

Address: 138 Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc, An Giang
Price: From 100,000 VND/plate
Rating: 4.5/5

Sun Viet Restaurant BBQ Buffet & Hot Pot

Sun Viet Restaurant is perfect for groups and families seeking a dynamic dining experience in a large, well-ventilated space. The buffet-style BBQ and hot pot options offer a wide range of fresh seafood, prepared continuously to ensure quality and taste. Among the popular dishes, their take on Phu Quoc fish salad stands out for its freshness and balanced flavors, all at a very reasonable price.

Address: Tran Hung Dao Street, Cua Lap, Phu Quoc, An Giang
Price: From 100,000 VND/plate
Rating: 4.1/5

Quan Cay Bang

Quan Cay Bang provides a traditional coastal atmosphere with a spacious and clean dining area that feels both welcoming and cozy. The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood dishes with a variety of cooking styles, ensuring that every plate is prepared with the freshest ingredients. Reasonably priced and well-loved by both locals and visitors, their Herring Salad Phu Quoc is a dish not to be missed.

Address: 93 Nguyen Van Troi Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc, An Giang
Price: From 100,000 VND/plate
Rating: 4.4/5

Ham Ninh Fishing Village

Ham Ninh Fishing Village offers an authentic and rustic setting right by the sea, where visitors can immerse themselves in the local fishing culture. The village is renowned for its fresh catches and time-honored cooking methods. Here, the Vietnamese herring salad is prepared using the freshest fish and traditional recipes, offering an unforgettable taste of island life at an affordable price.

Address: TL47 Ham Ninh, Phu Quoc, An Giang
Price: From 100,000 VND/plate
Rating: 4.1/5

Unique Ingredients of Herring Salad Phu Quoc

The irresistible flavor of this dish comes from its unique ingredients:

Fresh herring – Caught daily from the surrounding waters, ensuring a firm texture and natural sweetness.
Local herbs and vegetables – Mint, coriander, lettuce, and wild herbs add aroma and freshness.
Shredded coconut – A signature element that gives the salad a rich, nutty flavor.
Roasted peanuts – Crushed peanuts enhance texture and provide extra depth to the flavor.
Phu Quoc fish sauce – The heart of the dish, this world-famous fish sauce adds a salty umami punch.

How to Make Authentic Herring Salad Phu Quoc

Here’s how you can prepare Herring Salad Phu Quoc at home while keeping its authentic flavor:

Step 1: Gather the ingredients

Fresh herring, onion, shallots, lime, chili, shredded coconut, Phu Quoc fish sauce, sugar, garlic, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and wild herbs.

Step 2: Prepare the fish

Scale, gut, and wash the fish. Remove the head and tail, then slice thinly. Some chefs filet the fish for better presentation. Mix with julienned onions, shallots, chili, shredded coconut, and crushed peanuts.

Step 3: Make the dressing

Combine Phu Quoc fish sauce with lime juice, chili, garlic, sugar, and crushed roasted peanuts. The goal is a balance of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet.

Step 4: Serve

Arrange the salad on a plate with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and extra shredded coconut. Dip each bite into the prepared sauce for the perfect taste.

Tips for Enjoying Herring Salad Phu Quoc

Choose freshness – Always pick freshly caught herring for the best flavor.
Eat with condiments – Fresh herbs, coconut, rice noodles, and dipping sauce complete the experience.
Watch your portion – Enjoy moderately for a light, balanced meal.
Be mindful of raw fish – People with allergies, weak digestion, or pregnant women should be cautious.
Pair with local drinks – Phu Quoc sim wine or coconut water is a great match.

Herring Salad Phu Quoc is more than just a dish – it’s a reflection of the island’s history, culture, and connection to the sea. Whether you try it at a fishing village, a night market, or a fine restaurant, this iconic salad will give you a taste of Phu Quoc you’ll never forget. Use this guide from Rooty Trip to find the best spots and savor it the authentic way.