15 Must-Try Phu Quoc Specialties That You Will Love

Phu Quoc is not only a tropical island paradise with breathtaking landscapes but also a food haven in southern Vietnam. The island’s specialty dishes capture the fresh flavors of the sea while offering unique and enticing preparations that leave a lasting impression on visitors.

If you’re looking for a list of must-try Phu Quoc dishes along with authentic restaurants at reasonable prices, this guide is for you. Join Let’s Fly Travel as we explore the 15 best dishes on Pearl Island.

What to Eat in Phu Quoc? Top 15 Must-Try Dishes

1. Phu Quoc Herring Salad – A Taste of the Ocean

When talking about Phu Quoc specialties, herring salad is an absolute must-try. This dish showcases the fresh and delicate flavors of the sea.

Thinly sliced fresh herring is mixed with grated coconut, onions, aromatic herbs, and roasted peanuts. The key highlight is the special dipping sauce, made from Phu Quoc fish sauce, lime, garlic, and chili, creating a harmonious balance of sour, spicy, and sweet flavors.

To eat, diners wrap the herring salad in rice paper with fresh herbs and dip it in the rich fish sauce, enjoying the creamy coconut, sweet fish, crunchy onions, and tangy-spicy dipping sauce—a truly unforgettable combination.

Recommended Restaurants:

Vuon Tao Restaurant – Cua Lap, Duong To, Phu Quoc
Goi Ca Trich 7 Hoa Restaurant – 77 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

2. Coconut Curry Rice Noodles (Bun Ken) – A Unique Noodle Dish Found Only in Phu Quoc

Coconut Curry Rice Noodles is a signature breakfast dish of the people of Phu Quoc, distinct from other traditional Vietnamese noodle soups.

What sets this dish apart is its rich, flavorful broth, made from pureed nau fish or ngan fish, combined with coconut milk, curry powder, lemongrass, fried garlic, and ground chili. This blend creates a golden, aromatic, and creamy broth that is both visually appealing and delicious.

When served, Bun Ken is topped with a generous amount of broth, accompanied by fresh herbs, bean sprouts, cucumber, and roasted peanuts. Each spoonful offers a harmonious combination of coconut richness, chili spiciness, and the natural sweetness of fresh fish.

Recommended Restaurants:

Ut Luom Restaurant – 87 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc
Di Hong Restaurant – 4 Nguyen Trai Street, Phu Quoc

3. Ham Ninh Sentinel Crab – An Irresistible Seafood Specialty

Ham Ninh Sentinel Crab is one of the most famous seafood dishes in Phu Quoc, known for its firm, naturally sweet meat, which is far superior to farmed crabs.

These crabs can be prepared in various ways, such as steamed, stir-fried with tamarind, or cooked into porridge. However, the best way to enjoy them is steamed and dipped in lime salt and pepper. The natural sweetness of the crab, combined with the spicy and tangy dipping sauce, enhances the fresh, delicious flavors of the seafood.

Recommended Restaurants:

Kim Cuong Floating Restaurant – Cau Rach Goc, Ham Ninh, Phu Quoc
Bien Xanh Restaurant – Ham Ninh Bridge, Phu Quoc
Ham Ninh Fishing Village – Duong Dong Market, An Thoi Market, Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc 2 island vip tour – Hon Thom cable car

Visit Phu Quoc’s top pearl farm.
Check in at An Thoi Station with its unique architecture, large stone walls, giant pillars, man-made ruins and many warrior statues, fountains, etc.
Experience the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car, Hon Thom.
Experience the most modern and fast canoe, visit the 3 most beautiful islands and participate in exciting activities.
Take photos with a mechanical camera, shoot a fancy flycam, and check in at the super hot Ban Sup completely free of charge.
Visit the coral park, dive to see natural coral, diving glasses and snorkels.

$ 50

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4. Stirring Rice Noodles (Bun Quay) – A Unique Phu Quoc Dish

Stirring rice noodles is a one-of-a-kind noodle dish, where diners must prepare their own dipping sauce to match their personal taste.

This dish features freshly made rice noodles, served with minced fish cake, shrimp paste, and a clear yet flavorful broth. When eaten, you’ll experience a natural sweetness from the seafood, balanced by the spicy kick of black pepper and the bold flavors of the custom-made dipping sauce.

Recommended Restaurants:

Bun Quay Kien Xay Restaurant – 28 Bach Dang Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc
Thanh Hung Restaurant – 77 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

5. Phu Quoc Free-Range Chicken – A Flavorful Taste of the Highlands

Phu Quoc free-range chicken is known for its firm, fragrant meat, unlike the softer texture of industrially farmed chicken.

Popular dishes made from Phu Quoc chicken include grilled chicken with salt and chili, steamed chicken with lime leaves, and sour leaf chicken hotpot. Each dish has its own distinctive flavor, yet all retain the natural sweetness of free-range, farm-raised chicken.

Recommended Restaurants:

Ga Ray Vuon Tao Restaurant – Cua Lap, Duong To, Phu Quoc
Xin Chao Restaurant – 66 Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

6. Sentinel Crab Noodle Soup – A Rich and Flavorful Seafood Dish

Phu Quoc’s sentinel crab noodle soup is a must-try dish, featuring a lightly sweet, fragrant broth made from fresh crab.

The dish consists of chewy, tender noodles, served with firm crab meat, crispy fish cake, fried shallots, fresh herbs, and a touch of spicy chili. The perfect balance of textures and flavors makes this an unforgettable seafood delicacy.

Recommended Restaurants: Quoc Anh Restaurant – 47 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

North Phu Quoc island tour – Rach Vem , Ham Rong

Check in Rach Vem fishing village, explore the ancient fishing village with the famous herring salad.
Get on the boat and start exploring the waters of Mui Ham Rong – North Island.
Become a fisherman, participate in activities such as fishing, swimming in the Mui Ham Rong area.
Check in with Sao Bien and other activities.
Flycam (free) to capture moments at the most beautiful and pristine beach in Phu Quoc

$ 36

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7. Grilled Slipper Lobster – A Premium Seafood Specialty

Slipper lobster is a highly nutritious seafood delicacy, known for its firm, sweet, and calcium-rich meat. Often called a “mini version of lobster”, slipper lobster is best enjoyed grilled or steamed with beer, preserving its natural sweetness.

When eating, you’ll savor the tender, flavorful lobster meat, perfectly enhanced by Phu Quoc’s signature lime salt and pepper dip or fish sauce, creating a truly unforgettable taste.

Recommended Restaurants:

Xin Chao Restaurant – 66 Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc
Oc 343 Restaurant – 343 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

8. Phu Quoc Sea Cucumber – A Nutritious Delicacy

Sea cucumber is one of the rarest and most valuable seafood in Phu Quoc, known for its health-boosting benefits and ability to enhance vitality.

In Phu Quoc, sea cucumber is commonly prepared as sea cucumber porridge, herbal braised sea cucumber, or stir-fried with mushrooms. It has a naturally chewy and slightly crunchy texture, and when combined with herbs or vegetables, it creates a dish that is both delicious and highly nutritious.

Recommended Restaurants:

Trung Duong Marina Restaurant – 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc
Vinpearl Phu Quoc Restaurant System – Bai Dai, Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc

9. Grilled Sea Urchin – A Unique and Exotic Delicacy

Sea urchin (called “cầu gai” in Vietnamese) is a highly nutritious seafood with a rich, creamy texture. It can be prepared in various ways, such as sea urchin porridge, raw sea urchin with lime, or grilled with scallion oil. Among these, grilled sea urchin is considered the most delicious.

When grilled, the soft, buttery sea urchin meat melts and blends perfectly with the richness of scallion oil, creating an irresistibly sweet, nutty, and savory flavor.

Recommended Restaurants:

Hanh Nhung Luxury Restaurant – 100 Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Quoc
Song Bien Restaurant – 161 Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Quoc

10. Mackerel Noodle Soup – A Traditional Breakfast Dish

Mackerel noodle soup is a popular breakfast choice among the locals in Phu Quoc.

The broth is clear and naturally sweet, made by simmering mackerel bones, while the chewy, tender noodles pair perfectly with crispy golden-fried mackerel. This dish delivers a rich and authentic taste of the sea in every bite.

Recommended Restaurants: Phung Noodle Soup Restaurant – 27 Bach Dang Street, Phu Quoc

11. Phu Quoc Palm Sugar Honeycomb Cake – A Delightful Sweet Treat

Palm Sugar Honeycomb Cake is a famous Phu Quoc snack, made from rice flour, palm sugar, and coconut milk. The cake has a distinct golden color, a soft and fluffy texture, and a fragrant aroma of coconut and palm sugar. Its taste is lightly sweet and creamy, making it an irresistible treat.

Recommended Restaurants: Duong Dong Market – Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

12. Phu Quoc Pies of Skillfulness – A Perfect Souvenir Gift

Pies of skillfulness is a delicate sweet pastry available in various beautiful shapes, with fillings such as mung bean, coconut, or taro. The crisp, light crust and mildly sweet, nutty filling make it delicious without being overly rich, making it a great gift to bring home.

Recommended Restaurants: Co Dung Banh Kheo Bakery – 30/4 Street, Phu Quoc

13. Crab Blood Pudding – A Unique Dish Found Only in Phu Quoc

Crab blood pudding is an unusual and visually striking delicacy, made from the roe and natural “blood” of fresh sea crabs, which are then chilled until they solidify.

Despite its name, the dish has a refreshing, mildly sweet taste with no fishy odor. It is usually garnished with roasted peanuts and fresh herbs, creating a one-of-a-kind flavor experience.

Recommended Restaurants: Ra Khoi Restaurant – 131 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

Want to Experience the Full Culinary Scene of Phu Quoc? Book a Phu Quoc 3 days 2 nights tour or Phu Quoc 4 days 3 nights tour now for the ultimate food adventure!

14. Phu Quoc Fermented Crab Sauce – A Perfect Local Gift

Fermented crab sauce is a specialty made from fresh crabs, offering a rich, well-balanced salty-sweet flavor.

This unique sauce is often used as a dip for fresh vegetables, served with steaming hot rice, or as a flavorful seafood dipping sauce.

Recommended Restaurants: Duong Dong Market – Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

15. Grilled Grouper – A Signature Seafood Dish

Grouper is a firm-textured, low-bone fish, best enjoyed when grilled whole to preserve its natural flavors.

When cooked, the fish develops a golden, crispy exterior and a rich, smoky aroma. The best way to enjoy it is by dipping it in lime salt and pepper or Phu Quoc fish sauce, which enhances its savory and fresh seafood taste.

Recommended Restaurants:

Song Bien Restaurant – 161 Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Quoc
Trung Duong Marina Restaurant – 136 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

3 islands Phu Quoc tour – Discover An Thoi island

Visit the Pearl Farm – Where precious pearls are produced, cared for and cultured from the ocean floor.
Discover the most beautiful spots: Hon Mong Tay – Hon Gam Ghi – Hon May Rut.
Dive to see colorful corals, walk on the seabed at the Coral Park.
Check in at the Greek road at An Thoi Station.

$ 32

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Above is a list of 15 must-try Phu Quoc specialties that you can’t miss when visiting Pearl Island. We hope this guide helps you have an unforgettable food journey. Save this list of top restaurants and book a Phu Quoc tour today to explore all these incredible dishes!