Phu Quoc Fish Sauce

Phu Quoc is a beautiful island abundant in seafood. It has brought forth the traditional craft of making fish sauce. Phu Quoc fish sauce is not only renowned as a premium type within the country but also highly regarded by international friends for its quality and nutritional value.

Things To Buy In Phu Quoc

Fish sauce is fermented from anchovies and salt in large wooden barrels

The process of making Phu Quoc fish sauce is meticulous to achieve excellent quality. Anchovies are immediately salted upon catching and fermented in large wooden barrels for about 12 to 15 months. With the secrets of traditional craftsmanship, Phu Quoc fish sauce is rich in protein, low in impurities, and boasts an enchanting flavor.

Things To Buy In Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc fish sauce has high protein content and nutritional value

The price of Phu Quoc fish sauce varies depending on its protein content, generally ranging from $5.9 to $7.9 per liter. The price may be higher if you opt for a glass bottle instead of a plastic one.

Here are some highly recommended brands of Phu Quoc fish sauce:

  • Khai Hoan Phu Quoc Fish Sauce

  • Phu Quoc Phung Hung Fish Sauce

  • Phu Quoc Thinh Phat Fish Sauce

  • Phu Quoc Hung Thinh Fish Sauce

  • Nam Ngu Phu Quoc Fish Sauce

Phu Quoc Pepper

Phu Quoc is also a provider of high-quality black pepper in Vietnam. As a tourist, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit the pepper gardens to explore the production process and purchase quality pepper products.

Things To Buy In Phu Quoc

Tourists visiting the pepper garden in Phu Quoc

The pepper products from this "pepper kingdom" are known for their strong and perfect aroma, adding soul to various dishes. Phu Quoc pepper offers three main types for you to choose from: black pepper, red pepper, and white pepper. Their prices range from $7.8 to $17.7 per kilogram, depending on the variety.

Things To Buy In Phu Quoc

Pepper is one of the best things to buy in Phu Quoc

Buying pepper directly from the gardens will often offer better prices compared to purchasing from stores or markets. Here are some pepper gardens you can visit and buy pepper from:

  • Khu Tuong Pepper Garden

  • Huynh Thy Pepper Garden

  • Suoi Da Pepper Garden

  • Suoi Lon Pepper Garden

  • Bac Dao Pepper Garden

Kheo Cake

One tempting snack that you should try is "banh kheo". Its name implies the dexterity and meticulousness required to make this delicacy. The pastry is made from wheat flour and is typically filled with coconut, mung bean, or taro.

Not only are these pastries delicious, but they also come in various beautiful shapes crafted with love by skilled bakers. From flower-shaped to spiral, hedgehog, crab, or sphere-shaped, they are all adorned with vibrant colors.

Things To Buy In Phu Quoc

Delicious cakes with various adorable shapes and vibrant colors

The price of kheo cake ranges from $2 to $4.7 per kilogram, and you can also purchase them in small boxes for around $0.8 to $1.2 per box. Some reputable addresses to buy kheo cake include:

  • 195 Ngo Quyen, Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc

  • 43, 30/4 Road, Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc

  • Bach Dang, Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc

Sim Wine

This is a special beverage only found in Phu Quoc. The fortunate island is blessed with abundant sim forests, and ripe sim fruits are harvested and fermented with rock sugar for one month.

Things To Buy In Phu Quoc

Ripe sim fruits are harvested and fermented to make wine

The wine has a sweet and slightly bitter taste, making it worth a try if you are a wine enthusiast. This unique product is perfect as a souvenir for friends and family.

things to buy in phu quoc

Sim wine has a unique flavor and attractive color

The price of a bottle of sim wine ranges from $5.5 to $10.6. Here are some recommended places to buy high-quality sim wine:

  • 124, 30/4 Road, Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc

  • Group 1, Cua Lap Hamlet, Phu Quoc

  • DT47, Duong To, Phu Quoc

Chou Chou Peanuts

The perfect fusion of Vietnamese peanuts and traditional French caramel-making techniques by a French family has resulted in the unmistakable Chouchou peanuts. It is also a specialty of the island of Phu Quoc.

things to buy in phu quoc

Special local snacks only available in Phu Quoc

Chou Chou peanuts offer a selection of 30 flavors for you to choose from, including tamarind, passion fruit, chili, coconut, pepper, durian, and mint, among others. All of them provide a delightful and unique crunchy peanut experience. 

The price for each box of Chou Chou peanuts ranges from $1.4 to $5.1. You can visit the original store located at the Phu Quoc Night Market to make your purchase.

Dry Seafood

Phu Quoc is a seafood paradise, so don't hesitate to buy dried seafood as gifts for your family. Some popular types of dried seafood include dried squid, dried mackerel, dried anchovies, dried yellow croaker, and dried shrimp. They all have a delicious aroma since they are marinated and meticulously processed.

things to buy in phu quoc

Dried seafood stall at the market

The prices of these dried seafood products range from $11.8 to $39.3 per kilogram, and you can also purchase them in small boxes of each type. Here are some recommended places to buy delicious dried seafood:

  • 225 Tran Phu Road, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

  • Duong Dong Market

  • An Thoi Market

  • Ham Ninh Port

Melaleuca Mushroom

This mushroom captivates many tourists with its subtle bitterness, richness, and sweet aftertaste. It is a specialty harvested in the wet mangrove forest areas. You can prepare it by cooking it with meat or stir-frying it with various vegetables.

things to buy in phu quoc

Melaleuca mushroom, one of the best things to buy in Phu Quoc

Dried melaleuca mushrooms have an average price ranging from $5.9 to $7.9 per kilogram, which is more expensive compared to fresh melaleuca mushrooms. 

You can purchase melaleuca mushrooms at local markets on the island, such as Phu Quoc Market, Duong Dong Market, An Thoi Market, and other community markets.

Phu Quoc Pearl

Blessed by nature, the Pearl Island is home to high-quality pearls, making them the most sought-after items in Phu Quoc. The intricate process of pearl cultivation takes around 6 to 12 months for low-quality pearls and approximately 6 to 8 years for high-quality pearls.

things to buy in phu quoc

Phu Quoc pearls are highly regarded for their quality

The finished products you can purchase from pearls are diverse and include rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. The price of pearls depends on their quality and color. Black pearls are the most expensive, with prices ranging up to $1000 per piece, while white and silver pearls typically range from $40 to $50 per piece.

Here are some long-standing pearl shops in Phu Quoc:

  • Ngoc Hien Pearl: Group 1, Duong To Hamlet, Phu Quoc.

  • Quoc An Pearl Farm: Suoi May Hamlet, Duong To, Phu Quoc.

Tips for Shopping

  • It is advisable to ask for prices before making a purchase, especially when selecting seafood at the Phu Quoc night market.

  • Be sure to carefully check the weight when buying items sold by weight.

  • Inquire with the seller about the products and quantities allowed to be taken on board an airplane.

  • Exercise caution when visiting crowded areas like the market.

  • Always check the expiration dates and quality when purchasing food items.

To gain more insights, navigate to our post about travel guide to Vietnam!

We’re sure you've already discovered the best things to buy in Phu Quoc. The information provided by New Asia Tours will certainly help you have a great experience during and after your trip. If you need further advice on Vietnam package tours, don't hesitate to contact us.