Top 15+ Local Dishes Tourists Must Eat in Phu Quoc

If you're wondering what to eat in Phu Quoc, the island’s culinary scene promises an unforgettable journey of flavors. Here comes the freshest seafood with traditional recipes, making them iconic dishes. Each bite offers a taste of Phu Quoc's culture, rich heritage, and natural bounty. Dive into this guide to uncover the top 15 local dishes tourists must eat when visiting Phu Quoc Island.

Top 15 most-favorite dishes tourists must eat in Phu Quoc

1. Ken Noodles (Bun Ken)

Ken Noodles is a rustic dish that carries the distinct flavors of Phu Quoc coastal region. The word "Ken" comes from Khmer, referring to dishes that use coconut milk. The recipe for this dish is simple, yet it captivates the hearts of many eaters.

If you're wondering what to eat in Phu Quoc, this flavorful dish is a must-try for an authentic local experience.

• Ingredients: A delicious bowl of ken noodles is made from cá nhàu or cá ngân fish. The fish is shredded and deep-fried, then mixed with papaya, fresh herbs, red chili, coconut milk, and fish broth.
• Flavor: The dish offers a unique combination of the natural sweetness of freshwater fish, the creamy richness of coconut milk and the refreshing taste of herbs.

Delicious bowl of vermicelli noodles at Bun trumpet Ut Luom - Photo source: Facebook Bun trumpet Ut Luom 

3 places to enjoy Ken Noodles:

Tips for choosing and enjoying Ken Noodles:

• Adding chopped chili, lime or shrimp paste to suit your taste.
• Enjoying the hot noodles for better experience
• Having the noodles with fresh herbs to enhance the freshness and reduce the heaviness of the coconut milk.

>> Phu Quoc is a food lover’s paradise, offering fresh seafood, unique local dishes, and vibrant night markets. As you explore its culinary delights, you might also wonder where is Phu Quoc Island located? Our article provides all the details about its location and what makes this island a must-visit destination.

2. Stirring Noodles (Bun Quay)

Bun quay - the most famous street food on the pearl island, can be found on every street and corner of Phu Quoc. The dish has a form quite similar to noodle soup, a variation of Binh Dinh's shrimp noodle dish.

• Ingredients: The broth is made from simmered pork bones and dried shrimp. The dish includes fresh seafood such as squid, shrimp, fish cakes, and various fresh vegetables. The dipping sauce is made with a special recipe.
• Flavor: The noodles are soft and chewy, while the broth is light and sweet, made from bones and seafood. The unique dipping sauce, made by mixing together spicy, salty, sour, and sweet flavors, adds an extra layer of taste.

Stir-fried vermicelli noodles feature a cool, natural flavor - Photo source: Facebook Bun Quoc Phu Quoc 

>> If you're planning a visit, it's good to check the Phu Quoc Island visa requirements to ensure a smooth trip.

3 places to enjoy Stirring Noodles:

Tips for enjoying Stirring Noodles:

• Preparing the dipping sauce to your liking, however, not making it too sweet overpowers the natural seafood flavor.
• Stirring the noodles well while the broth is still hot.

3. Vietnamese Herring Salad (Goi Ca Trich)

Herring salad is a familiar dish often found in the local households of Phu Quoc. When served at restaurants, it is carefully prepared, making it a delicacy fit for royalty. If you're searching for what to eat in Phu Quoc, herring salad is a unique specialty that shouldn't be missed!

• Ingredients: The dish uses carefully selected fresh herring fish, which is mixed with onions, wild herbs, mint, and a dipping sauce made of garlic, chili, and lime juice. When served, customers can wrap the salad in rice paper to enhance the crunch.
• Flavor: The salad usually has a fresh, sweet taste, with no strong fishy smell. However, some restaurants intentionally leave a mild fishiness to preserve the oceanic flavor.

New delicious dishes that should not be missed when visiting Phu Quoc waters - Photo source: Facebook Herring Salad - Thuan An Fish Hotpot   

3 places to enjoy Vietnamese Herring Salad:

Tips for choosing and enjoying Vietnamese Herring Salad:

• Enjoying the dish with Phu Quoc's sim wine.
• Choosing restaurants that carefully remove all fishy taste if you prefer a sweeter and milder flavor.

4. Grilled Sea Urchin

Grilled sea urchin is the dish that visitors must eat in Phu Quoc. These plump, fatty sea urchins can be prepared in many ways, such as sea urchin porridge, steamed with eggs, or grilled with scallions. The most popular preparation is grilled with scallion oil, bringing out its rich, umami flavor that perfectly captures the essence of Phu Quoc’s seafood delights.

• Ingredients: The sea urchins are cleaned, halved, topped with scallion oil, peanuts, and lime pepper, then grilled over low heat.
• Flavor: The sea urchin has a rich, aromatic taste with a fresh, sweet flavor that pairs well with the nutty taste of scallion oil and lime pepper.

Sea urchin grilled with onion fat is delicious and greasy - Photo source: Facebook Vietnam Airlines 

3 places to enjoy Grilled Sea Urchin:

Tips for enjoying Grilled Sea Urchin:

• Enjoying it during barbecue gatherings with family or friends is best.
• Serving it hot enhances the flavor.
• Advising moderation in consumption is important due to the high protein and fat content of sea urchins to avoid indigestion.

5. Melaleuca Mushroom

Phu Quoc Melaleuca mushroom is not only a culinary ingredient but also a valuable medicine in traditional medicine. Mushrooms often grow wild in forests, under piles of wet leaves and are collected by people during harvest seasons.

• Ingredients: The main ingredient in seafood soups, broths, and porridge.
• Flavor: A light, distinctive flavor that is felt at the tip of the tongue, followed by a sweet, delicate aftertaste.

Melaleuca mushrooms can be combined with a variety of other ingredients - Photo source: Facebook Melaleuca Mushrooms - Melaleuca Acacia Mushrooms 

3 places to enjoy Melaleuca Mushroom:

Tips for choosing and enjoying Melaleuca Mushroom:

• Visiting during the months of April to May or August to September when it is ideal for enjoying seasonal melaleuca mushrooms and a variety of dishes.
• Having the mushrooms with shrimp or squid to balance their naturally bitter taste.
• Trying a small portion of the mushrooms first if you are first-time eaters to ensure there are no allergic symptoms.

6. Ham Ninh Sentinel Crab

Located about 20 km east of Duong Dong Ward, Ham Ninh ancient fishing village is a fantastic spot for seafood lovers wondering what to eat in Phu Quoc. This charming village is famous for its sentinel crabs, which are usually prepared in various ways, with the most popular methods being steamed or boiled with sea salt, allowing diners to enjoy their naturally sweet and tender meat.

• Ingredients: The crabs are typically prepared with sea salt and steamed or boiled for freshness. They can also be served with a dipping sauce made from green chili and salt.
• Flavor: The Ham Ninh crab is known for its sweet, tender meat. It has a natural sweetness with a firm texture, and its flavor is intensified by the traditional saltwater boil, enhancing its pure and fresh taste.

Ham Ninh crab is sweeter and has firmer meat than other sea areas - Photo source: Facebook THUAN KIEU 2 - Ham Ninh Phu Quoc seafood raft house 

3 places to enjoy Ham Ninh Sentinel Crab:

Tips for choosing and enjoying Ham Ninh Sentinel Crabs:

• Choosing fresh crabs with shiny shells and large, firm claws by pressing gently on the crab’s belly can help confirm its freshness.
• Not overcooking the crabs, and enjoying them immediately after preparation.
• Not skipping the claws and belly which are known as the sweetest and most fragrant meat of the sentinel crabs.

7. Char-grilled Grouper Fish

The allure and unique flavor of grilled grouper fish provide a comprehensive experience of Phu Quoc’s culinary landscape. This dish is a standout specialty that many visitors highly rate. The fresh grouper is grilled over glowing charcoal, making it perfect for enjoying with family and friends in an open-air, cozy setting.

• Ingredients: Fresh grouper, with seasoning of salt, pepper, cooking oil, and green onions. It can be paired with Phu Quoc’s traditional fish sauce and fresh vegetables.
• Flavor: The crispy golden skin, tender, naturally sweet fish meat, and the delicious aroma of grilling complemented with tangy fish sauce and chili-lime dipping sauce make for a sensory delight.

Grilled grouper fish is loved by many tourists - Photo source: Foody.vn Tuan Anh Restaurant - Family Dishes 

3 places to enjoy Char-grilled Grouper Fish:

Tips for choosing and enjoying Char-grilled Grouper Fish:

• Grilling the fish over low heat until the skin is crispy and aromatic.
• Balancing the naturally sweet and mildly fishy flavor of the grouper by adding ginger and lime leaves to reduce the fishiness.
• Using the sweet fish head and bones for making soup or serving with rice.

8. Field Chicken

Field Chicken is a free-range breed native to Phu Quoc Island, known for its lean, firm meat and minimal fat. Each chicken weighs around 1.5 to 2 kg and is prepared in various famous dishes, such as grilled chicken or shredded boiled chicken.

• Ingredients: Fresh field chicken, marinated with salt and pepper, lemongrass and chili, adding some lemon leaves or mac mol leaves.
• Flavor: Sweet chicken is imbued with aromatic spicy flavor from spices. The chicken skin is crispy and fragrant with the characteristic scent of grilled smoke.

Phu Quoc's upland chicken is prepared simply but still retains its special flavor - Photo source: Facebook Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc 

3 places to enjoy Field Chicken:

Tips for choosing and enjoying Field Chicken:

• Using your hands to eat the chicken so that you can fully feel its firm, tasty texture.
• Having the chicken with herbs like lime leaves or basil enhances the flavor.

9. Sea Cucumber

A premium delicacy highly sought after by tourists visiting Phu Quoc, sea cucumbers, also known locally as “Don Dot” or “Dot Ngau”, are popular as both a culinary treat and a unique gift. Visitors can enjoy sea cucumber dishes like porridge and soup at a range of restaurants, from budget-friendly to upscale establishments.

• Ingredients: Fresh sea cucumbers from Phú Quốc, often paired with ginger, garlic, scallions, mushrooms, or light seafood broth.
• Flavor: Mild, slightly briny, with a soft, gelatinous texture that absorbs surrounding flavors, perfect for soups or stir-fries.

Belonging to a premium dish, the price of sea cucumber is quite high - Photo source: Facebook Vietnam Airlines 

3 places to enjoy Sea Cucumbers:

Tips for choosing and enjoying Sea Cucumbers:

• Avoiding overeating to prevent digestive discomfort, even though the dish is nutritious.
• Being cautious, especially for those with recent surgeries or open wounds, as sea cucumbers contain anticoagulants.
• Trying a small bite first to check if you have any seafood allergies.

10. Grilled Horn Scallop

A rare delicacy for many first-time visitors, horn scallop clams are a triangular shellfish living on the seabed. Each clam weighs over 1 kg and is about the size of an adult's hand. Due to its soft flesh, locals primarily use the round, white adductor muscle to prepare dishes.

• Ingredients: Fresh horn scallops, minced garlic, scallions, chili, and a blend of spices like salt, pepper, sugar, fish sauce, oil, and scallion oil.
• Flavor: The scallop is crunchy, sweet, and infused with a delightful blend of salty, spicy, and aromatic flavors.

Grilled horn scallop specialty in Phu Quoc - Photo source: Facebook Vietnam Airlines 

3 places to enjoy Grilled Horn Scallop:

Tips for choosing and enjoying Grilled Horn Scallop:

• Asking restaurant staff for assistance because grilling scallops requires skills.
• Having the scallops with a lime-pepper dipping sauce.

11. Vietnamese Crab Noodle Soup with Mackerel

Kickstart your day with a bowl of mackerel noodle soup for a wholesome and delightful culinary experience. Phu Quoc’s unique version stands out with its fresh mackerel and golden-fried fish cakes.

• Ingredients: Handcrafted chewy noodles, fresh mackerel directly sourced from local fishermen (minimally frozen), and golden fried fish cakes.
• Flavor: The broth is light and refreshing, with tender, flavorful noodles and succulent mackerel pieces.

Mackerel soup is a great choice for breakfast or lunch - Photo source: Facebook Shipper Win 

3 places to enjoy Crab Noodle Soup with Mackerel:

Tips for choosing and enjoying Crab Noodle Soup with Mackerel:

• Visiting the restaurant in the morning as it is the best time to be served with the soup.
• Be cautious with small and hidden bones.

12. Crab Blood Pudding

This uniquely named dish piques the curiosity of many travelers with its flavor and origins. Crab blood jelly originated from the hurried meals of fishermen who lacked access to fresh water while fishing far offshore. Fishermen would break the claws of crabs and drink the salty-sweet, slightly fishy white fluid. Inspired by this practice, crab blood jelly was created and has become a popular specialty in coastal areas.

• Ingredients: Crabs with roe, a bit of rice wine, aromatic herbs, and traditional seasonings.
• Taste: The jelly has a distinctive salty flavor, complemented by the soft, tender crab meat and the rich sweetness of the roe. Fresh herbs such as coriander, fish mint, sour starfruit, and green banana add a refreshing touch.

The specialty crab blood pudding is both delicious and nutritious - Photo source: Dinh Cao ReView Facebook  

3 places to enjoy Crab Blood Pudding:

Tips for choosing and enjoying Crab Blood Pudding:

• Choosing large and fresh crabs with plenty of roe hue.
• Gently skimming off the watery layer on top before sprinkling with peanuts and coriander for the best experience.

13. Grilled Stuffed Squid

Phu Quoc is one of the few coastal regions known for its abundant supply of squid roe, a must - eat in Phu Quoc. These squid are about the length of a handspan, slightly thicker than an adult’s thumb. The roe inside takes up almost the entire body of the squid, plump and rich in flavor.

• Ingredients: Fresh squid marinated with salt and chili, grilled over hot coals. Served with fish sauce or salt with lime.
• Taste: The squid is crispy on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside, with rich, creamy roe. The smoky aroma adds a delightful complexity.

Grilled squid with eggs rich in sea flavor - Photo source: Facebook Nguyen Yen Nhi 

3 places to enjoy Grilled Stuffed Squid:

Tips for choosing and enjoying Grilled Stuffed Squid:

• Choosing fresh squids with shiny body and plump egg inside
• Being careful with the squid head which may contain some sharp spines that need to be chewed carefully to avoid choking
• Squeezing some lemon onto the dipping sauce to avoid overpowering the characteristic fatty flavor of the squid

14. Cactus Thorn Snails

The cactus spiny snail comes from the special appearance of this snail variety. The outer shell is rough, large and has sharp thorns sticking out like cacti. Snail dishes can be processed into many unique specialties of Phu Quoc, notably the recipes grilled with butter and grilled with onion fat.

• Ingredients: Fresh snails, butter, scallions, garlic, chili and oil.
• Taste: The snail meat is naturally sweet and mildly chewy, with a smoky aroma enhanced by melted butter and a tangy lime-salt dip.

Cactus spiny snails bring an unforgettable culinary experience - Bien Hoa Fresh Seafood Facebook 

3 places to enjoy Cactus Thorn Snails:

Tips for choosing and enjoying Cactus Thorn Snails:

• Grilling and cooking the snails thoroughly to ensure the snail meat is soft and fragrant
• Being careful with the sharp spines
• Having the snails with raw vegetables such as lettuce, cucumbers, and herbs

15. Grilled Fish Cake with Turmeric

Pretty little cakes are a famous snack of Phu Quoc people. Each cake has a different shape such as fish, flowers, crabs and many other funny shapes. The dish has profound cultural significance, demonstrating the exquisite ingenuity of Phu Quoc women and is often made on holidays and to treat distinguished guests.

• Ingredients: Rice flour, sugar, shredded coconut, eggs, and other family-specific additions.
• Taste: Lightly sweet with a creamy coconut filling and a hint of egg aroma.

Each Phu Quoc Kheo cake contains the love and sophistication of the artisan - Photo source: Facebook Phu Quoc Kheo cake specialties 

3 places to enjoy Grilled Fish Cake with Turmeric:

Tips for choosing and enjoying Grilled Fish Cake with Turmeric:

• Choose fresh cakes with thin crust, golden color, and natural aroma
• A meaningful gift that visitors can buy for relatives and friends 

Secrets to discovering cuisine in Phu Quoc for tourists

Tourists immediately save the following tips to have a memorable Phu Quoc culinary experience:

• Seeking Local Advice: You might ask hotel staff, vendors, or tour guides for some advice on what to eat in Phu Quoc. Their insights into the best restaurants and dishes can be invaluable.
• Following the Crowd: Popular eateries with long queues often indicate delicious, worthwhile dishes.
• Being Open to New Flavors: Phu Quoc’s diverse culinary scene is an invitation to explore and savor unique tastes.
• Exploring local markets: You should take a tour around the following places: 
• Ninh Cau Night Market: A street food haven offering fresh seafood and iconic snacks.
• Duong Dong Market: A traditional market with an array of fresh seafood and produce.
• Ham Ninh Market: Famous for Hàm Ninh crabs, served steamed or grilled right on site.
• Grand World Dining Area: A sophisticated setting with diverse restaurants for a more upscale experience.

Pro Tip: Hone your bargaining skills when purchasing fresh seafood at the markets to ensure a great deal.

This article has compiled over 15 of the best recommendations for those wondering what to eat in Phu Quoc. Each dish not only delivers a unique and delightful culinary experience but also reflects the rich cultural essence of the land and its people. After savoring these delicacies, visitors can complement their journey by exploring popular attractions like Sao Beach, Hòn Thơm, and Fishing Village for a truly fulfilling and meaningful trip.

If you're still unsure about planning your Phu Quoc culinary adventure, let Joytime – a leading and trusted travel brand – accompany you every step of the way. Contact us now to embark on an unforgettable journey!