1. Phu Quoc Herring Salad (Gỏi cá trích)
A true island specialty, herring salad is made with thin slices of fresh herring mixed with grated coconut, onions, herbs, and dipped in a spicy fish sauce. It's light, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with a cold beer by the sea.
Where to try it:
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Ra Khoi Restaurant - 131 30/4 Street, Duong Dong
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Song Xanh Restaurant - 30/4 Street, Duong Dong
Tip: Locals often wrap it in rice paper with herbs and dip it in chili fish sauce.
Phu Quoc Herring Salad
2. Grilled Sea Urchin (Nhum nướng mỡ hành)
If you're wondering what to eat in Phu Quoc that’s truly unique, try grilled sea urchin. Topped with scallion oil and peanuts, this dish is creamy, smoky, and rich in flavor.
Where to try it:
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Ham Ninh Fishing Village - a seafood haven with freshly caught urchins
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Dinh Cau Night Market - great for trying a sample plate
Grilled Sea Urchin
3. Phu Quoc Seafood Hotpot (Lẩu hải sản Phú Quốc)
Nothing beats sitting down to a steaming seafood hotpot with views of the ocean. Fresh squid, shrimp, crab, and fish are simmered in a fragrant broth with lemongrass and tamarind.
Where to try it:
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Quan Viet Xua - 261 Nguyen Trung Truc, Duong Dong
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Búp Restaurant - 108 Tran Hung Dao
Average price: Around 250,000–400,000 VND per pot (serves 2–3 people)
Phu Quoc Seafood Hotpot
4. Crab with Black Pepper (Ghẹ tiêu Phú Quốc)
Phu Quoc pepper is famous across Vietnam, and locals love using it to stir-fry fresh crab. The spicy, sweet, and slightly earthy flavor makes it unforgettable.
Where to try it:
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Nghieu So Restaurant - Ganh Dau area
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Crab House - 21 Tran Hung Dao, Duong Dong
Crab with Black Pepper
5. Sea Cucumber Soup (Súp hải sâm)
A delicacy often reserved for special occasions, sea cucumber soup is nourishing and subtle in flavor. It's said to be good for your skin and digestion.
Where to try it:
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Sailing Club Restaurant - Ong Lang Beach
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Chen Sea Resort Restaurant - upmarket but worth the splurge
Sea Cucumber Soup
6. Bun Quay (Self-mix vermicelli)
Originating in Phu Quoc, this interactive noodle dish lets you mix your own dipping sauce. The noodles are freshly made, served with minced shrimp patties and sliced squid.
Where to try it:
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Bun Quay Kien Xay - 28 Bach Dang Street, Duong Dong
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Bun Quay Thanh Hung - 77 30/4 Street
Price: Around 35,000–50,000 VND per bowl
Bun Quay Phu Quoc
7. Grilled Mackerel (Cá sòng nướng)
Grilled whole mackerel is often served at local eateries and beach shacks. The meat is firm and flavorful, typically wrapped with rice paper, herbs, and dipped in fish sauce.
Where to try it:
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Quán Ra Khơi - loved by locals for affordable seafood
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Oc 343 - for a casual, no-frills experience
Grilled Mackerel in Phu Quoc
8. Sim Wine (Rượu sim)
After all that food, enjoy a glass of sim wine made from wild rose myrtle fruit grown in the island’s forests. It’s mildly sweet, slightly sour, and makes for a lovely gift too.
Where to buy it:
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Sim Son Winery - DT47, Suoi Da Hamlet
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Bay Gao Sim Winehouse - popular stop for tourists
Phu Quoc Sim Wine
Final Tips on What to Eat in Phu Quoc
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Visit Dinh Cau Night Market: It’s the perfect place to sample many dishes in one evening.
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Try local condiments: Phu Quoc fish sauce and pepper are top-quality, ask for them when ordering.
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Ask locals for recommendations: Taxi drivers and hosts often know the best hidden food gems.
Still unsure what to eat in Phu Quoc or where to begin your food journey? Let New Asia Tours guide you through the island’s culinary landscape. From seafood feasts to local noodle shops, our Vietnam tours offer authentic tastes and local experiences you won’t find in guidebooks.
