Top 7 Places to Eat Phu Quoc Stirred Vermicelli Soup (Bun Quay) – A Must-Try Local Specialty
23/08/2025When visiting Phu Quoc, travelers often seek more than just the island’s famous beaches – they are also eager to try its delicious local specialties. Among these, Bun Quay Phu Quoc, also known as Phu Quoc Stirred Vermicelli Soup, stands out as a must-try dish that has earned fame far and wide, attracting food lovers from all over. In this article, we’ll explore what makes this dish so special and share a guide to the top 7 places to enjoy the most delicious, affordable, and authentic Bun Quay on the island.
Introduction to Phu Quoc Stirred Vermicelli Soup
Bun Quay is a signature specialty of Phu Quoc that every traveler should experience at least once. Unlike other noodle soups in Vietnam, it stands out for its fresh preparation and unique dining style. The noodles are freshly made on the spot and paired with seafood such as shrimp, squid, or fish, creating a naturally sweet and delicate broth.
What makes this specialty truly memorable is the interactive dining experience. Diners are invited to prepare their own dipping sauce from ingredients like chili, salt, sugar, and lime, then stir it until the mixture becomes foamy and aromatic. This “stirring” step gives the dish its distinctive name and adds a fun, personal touch to the meal.For travelers looking to explore the best food in Phu Quoc, Bun Quay is a must-try that perfectly reflects the island’s culinary identity, and knowing the best place to eat Bun Quay in Phu Quoc will make the experience even more unforgettable
What is Phu Quoc Stirred Vermicelli Soup?
Stirred Vermicelli Soup in Phu Quoc, locally called Bún Quậy, is a culinary gem inspired by a traditional shrimp noodle dish from Central Vietnam. Adapted with the island’s fresh seafood and aromatic local herbs, this dish offers a distinctive taste that delights both residents and visitors. Today, it stands out as a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic Phu Quoc dining experience.
What Does a Bowl of Bun Quay Phu Quoc Include?
A typical bowl of Bun Quay Phu Quoc is packed with freshness and flavor. It usually comes with boiled squid with roe, fish cakes, shrimp cakes, fresh vermicelli, and scallions. Diners can also order extras such as mackerel, herring, or beef to enrich the taste. The broth is made from the water used to boil the noodles and seafood, resulting in a naturally sweet, aromatic, and savory base.
What makes this dish special is the harmony of flavors: the chewiness of squid and fish cakes, the sweetness of shrimp, and the fragrant touch of ground black pepper. The vermicelli is always thin, soft, and translucent, while the seafood is sourced daily from fishing boats around the island. This guarantees an exceptional freshness that frozen products simply cannot deliver, making Phu Quoc Stirred Vermicelli Soup stand out from other noodle dishes in Vietnam.
How to Eat Bun Quay Like a Local
To enjoy Bun Quay Phu Quoc the authentic way, you need to prepare the dipping sauce before digging in. Locals create their own sauce with chili, calamansi (lime), sugar, salt, and a bit of seasoning powder. All ingredients are stirred vigorously for about five minutes until the mixture thickens, foams, and turns bright orange-red. A touch of ground pepper is then added for extra aroma.
This sauce is essential—it elevates the flavor of the broth and enhances the freshness of the seafood. Each diner’s sauce will taste slightly different depending on their mixing ratio, making the eating experience highly personal and interactive. For many travelers, this do-it-yourself step is part of what makes Bun Quay unforgettable and fun.
Best Places to Eat Bun Quay in Phu Quoc
This Phu Quoc stirred vermicelli soup combines fresh seafood, soft rice noodles, and a unique self-made dipping sauce – a specialty you won’t find anywhere else in Vietnam. If you’re wondering about the best place to eat Bun Quay in Phu Quoc, locals and tourists alike recommend a few iconic spots that not only serve delicious bowls but also give you a true taste of island life
A-C noodles (Bun Quay Kien Xay)
Bun Quay Kien Xay is the oldest and most famous spot for Bun Quay Phu Quoc, making it a top choice for anyone looking to try the best food in Phu Quoc. Each bowl of Phu Quoc Stirred Vermicelli Soup is prepared with fresh ingredients and carefully balanced flavors that are hard to find elsewhere.
- Address:
- Branch 1: 28 Bach Dang, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc | Hours: Mon-Thu 7:00–23:05, Fri-Sun 6:45–23:05
- Branch 2: 71A Tran Hung Dao, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc | Hours: 7:00–21:15
- Branch 3: Alley opposite 222 Tran Phu, Duong Dong | Hours: 7:00–10:30 & 17:00–22:30
- Branch 4: Nguyen Trung Truc, Duong Dong | Hours: 17:30–22:30
- Branch 5: SA-01-43, Shanghai Town, Grand World, Bai Dai, Ganh Dau | Hours: 15:15–21:30
- Branch 6: AT100, New An Thoi, An Thoi | Hours: 7:00–22:05
- Price range: 40,000–85,000 VND/bowl
Bun Quay Thanh Hung
Bun Quay Thanh Hung is another iconic spot, equally famous as Kien Xay. The restaurant is spacious, clean, and airy, ensuring diners rarely have to wait for a table. Clear, thin, soft vermicelli noodles paired with blanched fresh beef and savory broth create a flavor that’s hard to forget, making it one of the must-try places for those searching for the best food in Phu Quoc.
- Address:
- Branch 1: Group 01, Duong To Hamlet, Duong To Commune
- Branch 2: No. 77, 30/4 Street, Duong Dong Town
- Price range: 40,000–70,000 VND/bowl
- Hours: 6:00–23:00
Bun Quay Binh Dung
If you’re looking for authentic Bun Quay in Phu Quoc, Bun Quay Binh Dung is often considered the best place to eat Bun Quay in Phu Quoc. Diners can watch how fresh vermicelli, mackerel fish cakes, and shrimp cakes are prepared. The rich, flavorful bowls keep visitors coming back again and again. Even if prices rise, the traditional taste remains, making every meal a memorable culinary journey.
- Address:
- Branch 1: 10 Hung Vuong, Duong Dong
- Branch 2: Alley 213 Tran Phu, Duong Dong
- Price range: 30,000–50,000 VND/bowl
- Hours: 7:00–22:00
Bun Quay Hai Ngan
Bun Quay Hai Ngan serves fresh squid, shrimp cakes, fish cakes, and meat to order. Though the space is simpler than Kien Xay, the rustic, airy environment makes it perfect for diners seeking a relaxed atmosphere. Its naturally sweet broth and fresh seafood make it one of the highlights of Phu Quoc Stirred Vermicelli Soup.
- Address: 147 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc
- Price range: 40,000–60,000 VND/bowl
- Hours: 6:00–22:00
Bun Quay Thien My
Spacious and airy with both indoor and outdoor seating, Bun Quay Thien My offers friendly and efficient service. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy Phu Quoc Stirred Vermicelli Soup during a breezy afternoon.
- Address: 103 Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong To, Phu Quoc
- Price range: 40,000–60,000 VND/bowl
- Hours: 7:00–22:00
Bun Quay Hanh Nhung
A newer establishment, Bun Quay Hanh Nhung emphasizes cleanliness and transparency, with an open kitchen that lets diners watch their food being prepared. The space is wide, well-maintained, and the flavors are consistently fresh and aromatic.
- Address: 80 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc
- Price range: 40,000–100,000 VND/bowl
- Hours: 7:00–22:00
Bun Quay Aladanh
Conveniently located, spacious, and airy, Bun Quay Aladanh offers tender vermicelli, fresh seafood including shrimp cakes, fish cakes, and squid, with pre-made or DIY dipping sauce options. This relaxed, unpretentious spot is a hidden gem for Bun Quay Phu Quoc, giving travelers an unforgettable taste of Phu Quoc Stirred Vermicelli Soup..
- Address: 141 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc
- Price range: 35,000–60,000 VND/bowl
- Hours: 7:00–22:00
Tips for Enjoying Bun Quay Phu Quoc
Key Ingredients of Bun Quay
- Fish cake
- Fresh shrimp and dried shrimp
- Fresh vermicelli noodles
- Spring onions and fried shallots
- Lemongrass, calamansi (Vietnamese lime), and chili
- Cooking oil, fish sauce, seasoning powder, ground pepper, sugar, and salt
How to Make the Perfect Bun Quay Dipping Sauce
One of the unique aspects of Bun Quay Phu Quoc is that diners prepare their own dipping sauce. At each eatery, you’ll find a condiment station with calamansi, sugar, salt, chili, and sometimes MSG. The perfect sauce should be slightly thick, creamy orange in color, and offer a balanced sweet-and-sour flavor.
Basic Recipe:
- 1 part salt + 3 parts sugar
- A pinch of MSG (optional)
- Fresh calamansi juice (remove seeds)
- Minced chili to taste
- Stir vigorously until everything is dissolved
Pro Tip: Watch how the locals mix their sauce, then fine-tune it to suit your own taste.
Extra Tips for the Best Experience
- Eat while hot: Bun Quay tastes best when served steaming hot, keeping the broth flavorful and the noodles soft.
- Stir quickly: “Quay” means stir—so mix your bowl right away to blend the toppings and enhance the flavors.
- Choose fresh toppings: Always go for freshly prepared shrimp, squid, or fish to enjoy the dish’s natural sweetness.
- Balance the spice: Start with a little chili in your sauce, then add more if you can handle the heat.
Bun Quay in Phu Quoc is more than just a dish – it’s a culinary symbol of the Pearl Island. While you can find it at many eateries today, tasting an authentic bowl requires knowing where to go. That’s why Rooty Trip has handpicked 7 of the most highly rated spots, praised by both locals and travelers alike with hundreds of positive reviews on Google Maps.
No visit to Phu Quoc feels complete without enjoying the unique experience of “stirring” your own steaming bowl of Bun Quay. And if you’d like your island journey to be even more seamless and memorable, let Rooty Trip accompany you with our all-inclusive Phu Quoc tours – convenient, professional, and filled with unforgettable experiences. Visit our website now to catch the latest deals!
FAQs about Phu Quoc Stirred Vermicelli Soup
What kind of dish is Bun Quay in Phu Quoc?
It’s a signature noodle dish from Phu Quoc that combines fresh seafood, soft rice vermicelli, and a unique dipping sauce that diners stir themselves. The taste is light yet flavorful, making it different from other noodle soups in Vietnam.
Best locations to try traditional Bun Quay in Phu Quoc?
Locals recommend Kien Xay, Binh Dung, and Thanh Hung – each often mentioned as the best place to eat Bun Quay in Phu Quoc, offering authentic flavors and fresh toppings. These spots are always packed with both tourists and locals, which says a lot about their popularity.
How do you eat Bun Quay in Phu Quoc like a local?
Enjoy it hot, stir the shrimp paste quickly into the broth, and prepare a rich orange dipping sauce with calamansi, chili, and sugar for the perfect balance. Many visitors say the dipping sauce is the “soul” of the dish, so don’t skip this step.
Is Phu Quoc Stirred Vermicelli Soup expensive?
Not at all – a bowl usually costs around 40,000–60,000 VND ($2–3), making it an affordable yet memorable local specialty. For such a price, you get fresh seafood and a dining experience unique to Phu Quoc.
