What to Eat in Phu Quoc? A Complete Culinary Guide

When people think of Phu Quoc, they often imagine stunning beaches and luxurious resorts. However, behind that peaceful beauty lies a vibrant and diverse culinary world, reflecting the island’s rich culture and abundant marine resources. From humble street food stalls to high-end restaurants, Phu Quoc offers a flavorful journey that captivates every visitor who sets foot on this island.

Tasting local dishes is one of the most authentic ways to explore a destination. Cuisine tells the story of its people, culture, and traditions. In Phu Quoc, every dish carries a unique harmony of oceanic flavors and the essence of Vietnamese gastronomy, making culinary exploration an indispensable part of your travel experience.

So, what to eat in Phu Quoc? Let Rooty Trip guide you on this delicious journey!

Must-Try local dishes in Phu Quoc

Bun Quay Kien Xay – A unique flavor

Bun Quay is a must-try specialty that embodies the interactive spirit of Phu Quoc cuisine. Unlike typical noodle soups, here you prepare your own dipping sauce with minced shrimp, fish paste, chili, lime, and fresh herbs. The broth is poured last, creating a light yet rich flavor that captures the essence of the sea. The fun “stirring” (quay) ritual is what makes this dish not just delicious but memorable.

• Address: 28 Bach Dang, Duong Dong.

Herring Salad – The iconic dish

Herring Salad (Goi Ca Trich) is a symbolic dish of Phu Quoc, offering a fresh and healthy taste of island life. Thin slices of raw herring are marinated with grated coconut, aromatic herbs, peanuts, and dipped in a tangy fish sauce. Wrapped in rice paper with wild greens, each bite delivers a balance of flavors—sweet, sour, salty, and nutty—without any fishy aftertaste.

• Address: Xin Chao Restaurant, 66 Tran Hung Dao.

Crab Noodle Soup – A seafood delicacy

Banh Canh Ghe is a comforting noodle soup that showcases Phu Quoc’s rich seafood resources. The broth is slow-cooked with crab meat, resulting in a slightly sweet, umami-rich flavor. Thick tapioca noodles give the dish a pleasant chewiness, while a topping of fresh crab meat and scallions completes this heartwarming local favorite.

• Address: Quoc Anh Crab Noodle Soup, 14 Tran Hung Dao.

Grilled Sea Urchin – A nutritious treat

Grilled sea urchin (Nhum Bien Nuong) is a delicacy renowned for its creamy texture and high nutritional value. Topped with scallion oil and crushed peanuts, then lightly grilled over charcoal, it offers a rich, oceanic umami flavor that melts in your mouth. Best enjoyed seaside, fresh from the daily catch.

• Location: Ham Ninh Fishing Village.

Bun Ken Ut Luom – Traditional flavor

Bun Ken is a rare Phu Quoc dish that visitors often overlook—but shouldn’t. It combines soft vermicelli noodles with minced fish, cooked in a fragrant coconut milk broth infused with lemongrass and turmeric. Ut Luom’s tiny family-run shop is famed for preserving the authentic flavor of this traditional dish.

• Address: 87, 30 Thang 4 Street, Duong Dong.

Exploring Phu Quoc Night Market – A Food Paradise

The Phu Quoc Night Market is a bustling hub where you can sample a wide array of street foods: from grilled sticky rice bananas, khéo cakes (handmade mini pastries), to freshly grilled seafood and refreshing palm sugar drinks. It’s the perfect place to experience the island’s vibrant street food culture in one spot.

Tips for Visiting the Night Market:

• Best time: Between 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM for the full experience.
• Bargaining: Always smile and negotiate kindly.
• Hygiene: Choose busy stalls with fast turnover for safety.

Phu Quoc Specialties as Souvenirs – Great Gift Ideas

Phu Quoc Fish Sauce – Traditional Flavor

Known worldwide, Phu Quoc fish sauce is considered the gold standard of Vietnamese cuisine. Khai Hoan Fish Sauce, with its traditional fermentation in wooden barrels, offers the most authentic taste, ideal as a gift or for your own kitchen.

• Address: 289, 30/4 Street, Duong Dong.

Sim Wine – A Unique Gift

Made from the native rose myrtle fruit, Sim Wine is a sweet, slightly tart liqueur that’s both refreshing and symbolic of Phu Quoc’s local flavors. It’s a popular souvenir for tourists wanting a taste of the island at home.

• Address: Bay Gao Sim Wine, Suoi Sim.

Phu Quoc Pepper – Signature Spice

With a stronger aroma and richer taste compared to regular pepper, Phu Quoc pepper is a premium culinary spice. Great for gifts, it can be found in various forms: whole, ground, or soaked in salt.

• Where to buy: Duong Dong Market.

Kheo Cake – A Sweet Souvenir

These hand-crafted cakes come in intricate shapes and delicate coconut-flavored fillings. A perfect edible souvenir that reflects the island’s culinary artistry.

• Address: Phu Quoc Night Market.

Tram Mushrooms – A Gift from the Island

Rare and highly valued, Tram mushrooms are native to Phu Quoc’s forests. Known for their health benefits and rich umami taste, they make a thoughtful and unique gift.

Recommended restaurants and eateries

Xin Chao Restaurant

A beachfront dining spot that focuses on fresh, local ingredients. Xin Chao is known for its signature Herring Salad and daily-caught seafood dishes served in a cozy, open-air setting.

• Address: 66 Tran Hung Dao.

Crab House – Crab & Seafood Heaven

Specializing in Cajun-style crab and shellfish, Crab House is the go-to place for seafood feasts with a Western twist. Their spicy, flavorful sauces are a crowd favorite.

• Address: 21 Tran Hung Dao.

The Home Pizza – Italian Flavor in the Island

Blending Italian culinary techniques with local ingredients, The Home Pizza offers creative seafood pizza combinations that highlight the best of Phu Quoc’s fresh catches.

• Address: 129 Tran Hung Dao.

Ra Khoi – Affordable Seafood

A popular choice among locals and savvy travelers, Ra Khoi serves up simple yet delicious seafood dishes at reasonable prices. Don’t miss their lemongrass-steamed clams and coconut stir-fried snails.

• Address: 30/4 Street, Duong Dong.

Experiencing local cuisine in Phu Quoc is not just about food — it’s about feeling the soul of the island through its flavors, culinary traditions, and the warm hospitality of its people. Whether you are a seafood lover, a street food enthusiast, or simply curious about Vietnamese coastal dishes, Phu Quoc promises to leave a lasting impression.

So, if you’re still wondering “What to eat in Phu Quoc?”, let Rooty Trip accompany you on this flavorful journey.

Explore more with Rooty Trip: Phu Quoc Snorkeling Tour and enjoy the full taste of the island — both on land and under the sea.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should be the first dish to try in Phu Quoc?

• Start with Bun Quay for an interactive and authentic local experience.

Where to buy authentic Phu Quoc specialties?

• Duong Dong Market, Khai Hoan Fish Sauce factory, and Bay Gao Sim Wine are trusted locations.

Are there any good vegetarian restaurants in Phu Quoc?

• Yes, several places like The Pepper Tree and vegetarian-friendly dishes at Xin Chao Restaurant.

What is the best time to visit Phu Quoc Night Market?

• Evening hours between 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM are ideal for a vibrant atmosphere and food variety.