20 Must-Try Foods in Phu Quoc for Every Food Lover (2025)

Phu Quoc, often hailed as Vietnam’s “Pearl Island,” is a paradise not only for its stunning beaches but also for its diverse culinary scene. Whether you’re indulging in street food, savoring authentic dishes, or enjoying fine dining, here are 20 must-try foods in Phu Quoc.

1. Stirring Rice Noodles (Bún Quậy)

A bowl of Bun Quay, a famous noodle dish in Phu Quoc, with fresh herbs and seafood

This unique dish features freshly made rice noodles in a fragrant broth made with minced shrimp and fish paste. A popular breakfast choice, Bún Quậy is best enjoyed at Bún Quậy Kiến Xây.

2. Herring Salad (Gỏi Cá Trích)

A plate of Goi Ca Trich, a fresh herring salad with herbs and dipping sauce

This refreshing seafood salad combines thinly sliced herring, shredded coconut, fresh herbs, and a tangy fish sauce, offering a delightful balance of flavors.

3. Ken Vermicelli (Bún Kèn)

A bowl of Bun Ken, a Phu Quoc noodle dish with coconut milk and fish

A rare noodle dish in Phu Quoc, Bún Kèn is made with minced fish, coconut milk, and a blend of lemongrass and turmeric. Try it at Bún Kèn Út Lượm.

4. Grilled Scallops (Còi Biên Mai Nướng)

Grilled scallops with scallion oil and crushed peanuts

These scallops are grilled to perfection with scallion oil and crushed peanuts, offering a smoky, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor.

5. Sea Urchin (Nhum Biển)

Grilled sea urchins with scallion oil, served on a plate

Often enjoyed grilled with scallion oil or eaten raw with lime, sea urchin is a delicacy prized for its rich, briny flavor and high nutritional value.

6. Ham Ninh Crab (Ghẹ Hàm Ninh)

Steamed Ham Ninh crab served with dipping sauce

Hàm Ninh crabs are known for their sweet, tender meat, best enjoyed steamed to highlight their natural flavors.

7. Fish Cake Thick Rice Noodles Soup (Bánh Canh Chả Cá)

A steaming bowl of fish cake thick noodle soup with herbs

A comforting soup with thick rice noodles, flavorful fish cakes, and a savory broth, best tried at Bánh Canh Phụng.

8. Skillful Cake (Bánh Khéo)

Colorful, flower-shaped Banh Kheo pastries with mung bean and coconut fillings

These intricately designed pastries are filled with coconut, mung bean, or taro, offering a light and mildly sweet treat.

9. Jaggery Beef Cake (Bánh Bò Thốt Nốt)

Steamed jaggery rice cakes with a golden color

Despite its name, this steamed cake contains no beef. Made from rice flour and jaggery, it has a spongy texture and a caramel-like sweetness.

10. Forest Chicken (Gà Rẫy)

Grilled forest chicken served with herbs and dipping sauce

These free-range chickens are prized for their lean meat and rich flavor, best enjoyed grilled or steamed with fresh herbs.

Tet Cake with Honey (Bánh Tét Mật Cật)

Bánh Tét Mật Cật wrapped in honey plant leaves, sliced to reveal sticky rice and filling

Bánh Tét Mật Cật is a special version of the traditional Vietnamese sticky rice cake. Wrapped in honey plant leaves, it has a distinct fragrance and is commonly filled with mung bean and pork or sweetened with honey. Deeply connected to local culture, it is especially popular during celebrations.

The preparation takes skill, particularly in the wrapping process to ensure the rice stays soft and flavorful when cooked. You can find excellent Bánh Tét Mật Cật at Chợ Dương Đông (Duong Dong Market) or Nhà Hàng Vườn Táo, where it is still made using traditional methods.

Fermented Fish Noodle Soup (Bún Mắm)

Bowl of Bún Mắm with noodles, seafood, herbs, and fermented fish broth

Bún Mắm is a bold noodle soup made with fermented fish broth, seafood, and fresh vegetables. Known for its strong aroma and deep flavor, it’s a beloved dish in the Mekong Delta and a top choice for food lovers in Phu Quoc.

The broth is enriched with lemongrass, chili, and tamarind, offering a balanced complexity. Visit Quán Bún Mắm Phú Quốc or Bún Mắm Dì Ba for an authentic taste of this robust Vietnamese dish.

Mackerel Thick Noodle Soup (Bánh Canh Cá Thu)

Bánh Canh Cá Thu bowl with grilled mackerel and thick noodles in broth

This local favorite features thick rice noodles and mackerel in a savory, light broth. The mackerel is typically grilled or fried first, adding a slightly smoky and sweet flavor.

Fresh, locally caught mackerel ensures quality. Head to Bánh Canh Cá Thu Đường Hùng Vương or Quán Cá Thu Kiên Giang for some of the best versions on the island.

Kien Giang Fish Noodle Soup (Bún Cá Kiên Giang)

Clear bowl of Bún Cá Kiên Giang garnished with banana blossom and herbs

Originally from Kiên Giang province, this light noodle soup features fresh fish, vermicelli, and a clear herb-infused broth. It has become a well-loved staple in Phu Quoc.

The soup is topped with shredded banana blossoms, bean sprouts, and herbs for added texture and flavor. Enjoy it at Quán Bún Cá Kiên Giang or Nhà Hàng Hải Phương for a taste of local tradition.

Rose Myrtle Wine (Rượu Sim)

Bottles of Rượu Sim wine made from rose myrtle berries on display

Rượu Sim is a Phu Quoc specialty crafted from fermented rose myrtle berries. Slightly tangy and sweet, this wine is a popular after-meal drink and a great souvenir.

Visit local distilleries like Sim Sơn or Sim Bảy Gáo to buy the wine and learn more about its production.

Grilled Egg Squid (Mực Trứng Nướng)

Grilled egg squid with dipping sauce served on a plate

This grilled seafood delicacy features squid filled with tiny eggs, cooked over charcoal for a smoky, slightly crispy finish. A popular street food in Phu Quoc, it’s often served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Get the freshest servings at Phu Quoc Night Market or Hàm Ninh Fishing Village.

Grilled Slipper Lobster (Tôm Mũ Ni Nướng)

Grilled slipper lobster topped with garlic butter on a seafood platter

Tôm Mũ Ni is grilled slipper lobster, served with garlic butter or chili salt. Its rich, tender meat makes it a favorite across both upscale and casual restaurants on the island.

Try it at Nhà Hàng Ra Khơi or Làng Chài Hàm Ninh, where it’s freshly prepared in a range of styles.

Melaleuca Mushroom (Nấm Tràm)

Nấm Tràm mushrooms in a bowl, prepared in a traditional soup

Nấm Tràm is a seasonal mushroom known for its firm texture and slightly bitter, earthy flavor. It’s commonly added to soups, stir-fries, and stews.

Dishes featuring these mushrooms can be found at Nhà Hàng Zen or Quán Lá Dứa, showcasing their culinary versatility.

Fine Rice Vermicelli (Bánh Hỏi)

Plate of Bánh Hỏi with grilled pork, herbs, and dipping sauce

Bánh Hỏi is made from delicate rice vermicelli, typically served with grilled meats, herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. It’s a classic Vietnamese dish appreciated for its elegance.

Sample freshly prepared Bánh Hỏi at Nhà Hàng Bánh Hỏi Phú Quốc or Quán Bánh Hỏi Cô Ba.

Crab Thick Noodle Soup (Bánh Canh Ghẹ)

Bánh Canh Ghẹ bowl with crab legs, thick noodles, and green onions

This comforting soup features thick noodles and fresh crab in a savory broth. It’s a satisfying dish that showcases Phu Quoc’s seafood offerings.

Enjoy a bowl at Bánh Canh Ghẹ 30/4 or Nhà Hàng Ra Khơi, where the crabs are sourced and cooked fresh daily.

Conclusion

Phu Quoc is a true culinary paradise, offering a diverse range of dishes that showcase Vietnam’s rich flavors and cultural heritage. Whether you’re exploring local street food or enjoying gourmet dining, these must-try dishes promise an unforgettable journey for your taste buds.

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