Here’s your ultimate guide to Phu Quoc’s must-try foods, featuring fresh seafood, unique local dishes, and unforgettable flavors:
Grilled Sea Urchin (Nhím Biển Nướng)
Why Try? Creamy, briny, caramelized with scallion oil.
Best Spot: Dinh Cậu Night Market (sold live, grilled to order).
Herring Salad (Gỏi Cá Trích)
Why Try? Fresh herring, coconut, herbs, and crispy rice paper.
Pro Tip: Wrap in mustard leaf for explosive textures.
Steamed Mantis Shrimp (Tôm Tít Hấp)
Why Try? Sweet, lobster-like meat, best dipped in salt-lime-pepper.
Season: March–August (peaks in May).
Blood Cockle Clams (Sò Huyết)
Why Try? Juicy, iron-rich, grilled with lemongrass.
Caution: Eat fresh (avoid if shells don’t open when cooked).
Bún Quậy (Swirling Rice Noodles)
Why Try? DIY noodle dip with pork, fish sauce, and Phu Quoc pepper.
Where: Bún Quậy Kiên Xay (local favorite).
Phu Quoc Fish Sauce (Mắm Phú Quốc)
Why Try? UNESCO-recognized, aged 12+ months.
Do This: Visit Khải Hoàn Fish Sauce Factory for free tastings.
Banh Canh Crab Noodles
Why Try? Thick udon-like noodles in rich crab broth.
Hidden Gem: Street stalls near Dương Đông Market.
Sim Wine (Rượu Sim)
Why Try? Made from wild myrtle berries, unique to the island.
Pair With: Dried squid or fresh mango.
Coconut Ice Cream (Kem Dừa)
Why Try? Served in a young coconut with sticky rice.
Best Place: Rory’s Beach Bar (Ossie Beach).
Pepper Crab (Cua Tiêu)
Why Try? Phu Quoc’s famous black pepper crusted crab.
Where: Crab House Phu Quoc (pepper farm views).
Night Markets:
Dinh Cậu Night Market (best for grilled seafood).
Phu Quoc Night Market (more touristy but lively).
Local Eateries:
Bún Quậy Kiên Xay (for swirling noodles).
Gành Gió Restaurant (romantic oceanfront dining).
✔ Eat street food early (6–8PM for freshest seafood).
✔ Avoid frozen seafood (ask “tươi sống?” = fresh?).
✔ Try “ốc nhồi” (stuffed snails) if you’re adventurous!
If you’re craving Indian food in Phu Quoc, you’re in luck! While Vietnamese cuisine dominates the island, there are a few solid spots for Indian flavors. Here’s your guide to the best options, tips, and alternatives:
Namaste India Restaurant (Duong Dong Town)
Why go? Authentic North & South Indian dishes, tandoori, and vegetarian-friendly.
Must-try: Butter chicken, garlic naan, paneer tikka.
Location: 122 Tran Hung Dao St.
Ganesh Indian Restaurant (Long Beach area)
Why go? Beachfront dining with flavorful curries and biryanis.
Must-try: Lamb rogan josh, vegetable korma.
Location: Opposite Sea Star Resort.
Tandoori Nights (Ong Lang Beach)
Why go? Cozy vibe, homemade spices, and seafood options.
Must-try: Fish curry, mango lassi.
Price Range: 150K–400K VND per dish (slightly pricier than local food).
Spice Levels: Ask for “mild,” “medium,” or “spicy” (Vietnamese-Indian fusion sometimes tones down heat).
Vegetarian Options: Most places offer dal, palak paneer, and chana masala.
✔ Check reviews – Some smaller spots fluctuate in quality.
✔ Order ahead – Popular places get busy during peak season.
✔ Try lunch buffets – Namaste India offers affordable midday spreads.
❌ Avoid generic “Indian” menus at beach bars – Often lack authenticity.
Vietnamese Dishes with Indian Vibes:
Bánh mì curry (ask for curry-spiced fillings).
Coconut-based soups (similar to South Indian flavors).
Cook yourself: Buy spices at VinMart or local markets (turmeric, cumin, coriander).
Spices: Look for small Indian grocery stalls near Duong Dong Market.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro/mint at night markets.
Here’s your ultimate guide to Phu Quoc’s local food scene, featuring must-try dishes, best places to eat, and insider tips for an authentic culinary adventure!
What it is: Fresh rice noodles served with pork, fish cake, herbs, and a rich broth.
Why try it? Unique to Phu Quoc—named after the swirling motion when mixing.
Best place: Bún Quậy Cô Huệ (Duong Dong).
What it is: Raw herring marinated in lime, chili, coconut milk, served with rice crackers.
Why try it? A Phu Quoc specialty—tangy, spicy, and refreshing!
Best place: Gỏi Cá Trích Ông Tạ (Dinh Cau Night Market).
What it is: Fresh squid, scallops, prawns, and fish grilled with lemongrass, chili, and garlic.
Why try it? Phu Quoc’s seafood is insanely fresh and cheap!
Best place: Rach Vem Seafood Village (for oceanfront dining).
What it is: Rice topped with tiny clams, herbs, peanuts, and crispy pork skin.
Why try it? A local comfort food with a crunchy, savory mix.
Best place: Cơm Hến Bà Dưỡng (near Long Beach).
What it is: Fresh crab steamed with lemongrass, beer, or tamarind sauce.
Why try it? Sweet, juicy meat—best eaten with muối tiêu chanh (salt-pepper-lime dip).
Best place: Dinh Cau Night Market stalls.
What it is: Minced mackerel mixed with spices, grilled on bamboo sticks.
Why try it? Smoky, slightly sweet, and addictive!
Best place: Street vendors near Duong Dong Market.
What it is: Coconut milk-based dessert with beans, jelly, and fruits.
Why try it? Cool down with chè bắp (corn pudding) or chè đậu xanh (mung bean).
Best place: Chè Liên (Duong Dong).
Dinh Cau Night Market – Seafood heaven, must-try herring salad.
Phu Quoc Night Market (Chợ Đêm Phú Quốc) – More touristy but great for grilled squid & banh xeo.
Bún Quậy Cô Huệ – Famous for swirling noodles.
Nhà Hàng Crab House – Best for chili crab & garlic butter prawns.
Rach Vem Seafood Village – Ultra-fresh, cheap, and rustic.
Oc Dao Seafood – Famous for ốc (snails) and scallops.
Street food / market dishes: 30,000–80,000 VND (1.20–3.50).
Seafood platter (for 2): 200,000–500,000 VND (8–20).
Fresh coconut: 20,000–30,000 VND (0.80–1.20).
✔ Eat at local markets for the cheapest, most authentic flavors.
✔ Avoid seafood restaurants without prices listed (ask first!).
✔ Try “ốc len xào dừa” (stir-fried snails in coconut milk)—a hidden gem!
✔ Bring cash—many places don’t accept cards.
Sim Wine (Rượu Sim) – Made from local rose myrtle berries.
Fresh Sugar Cane Juice (Nước Mía) – Best at Dinh Cau Market.
While Phu Quoc is best known for its fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and Vietnamese street food, you can still find fast food options—both Western chains and local quick bites. Here’s a guide to fast food in Phu Quoc:
Lotteria (Korean-style burgers & fried chicken)
Location: Vinpearl Land / Phu Quoc Night Market area.
What to Try: Bulgogi burger, shrimp burger, or crispy chicken.
Jollibee (Filipino-style fried chicken & spaghetti)
Location: Near Dinh Cậu Night Market.
What to Try: Chickenjoy (crispy fried chicken) or sweet-style spaghetti.
KFC (Limited presence, but available in some resorts/tourist zones).
If you want something fast but still authentic, try:
Bánh Mì (Vietnamese baguette sandwich)
Best Spots: Street vendors near Duong Dong Market.
What to Try: Bánh mì thịt nướng (grilled pork), pâté, or egg.
Bánh Tráng Trộn (Rice paper salad)
A quick, tangy snack with dried shrimp, quail eggs, and chili.
Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh spring rolls)
Sold at street stalls—ready to eat in seconds!
Bún Chả Cá (Fish cake noodle soup)
A fast, flavorful bowl at local eateries.
Many high-end resorts (like Vinpearl, JW Marriott, or Novotel) have:
Poolside burger bars
Pizza delivery (check Grab/Foody apps)
International snack shacks (hot dogs, fries, etc.)
✔ Street food is faster (and tastier) than chains.
✔ Use Grab/Foody for delivery (limited McDonald’s/Burger King).
✔ Try Vietnamese twists—like durian pizza or seafood burgers!
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best tropical fruits in Phu Quoc, Vietnam—where to find them, seasonal picks, and how to enjoy them like a local!
Why Special? Grown in red basalt soil, sweeter & creamier than mainland durian
Season: May-August
Best Way to Eat: Try at Dinh Cậu Night Market (fresh or in desserts)
Flavor: Sweet-tart purple fruit with snow-white segments
Season: May-September
Tip: Look for plump fruits with green stems
Local Variety: Extra sweet, smaller than mainland rambutan
Season: June-October
How to Pick: Bright red with fresh green “hairs”
Specialty: Eaten young with fish sauce dip
Season: March-June
Must-Try: Mango salad with dried squid
Best Enjoyed: Straight from the shell at beachside stalls
Try: Coconut ice cream with sticky rice
Local Style: Served with salt, chili and shredded young mango
Season: Year-round
Phu Quoc Twist: Red-fleshed variety sweeter than white
Season: May-October
Only Found: In Phu Quoc’s wild forests
Special Product: Sim wine (must-try local liquor)
Dinh Cậu Night Market (Duong Dong) – Best for durian & tropical fruits
Phu Quoc Central Market – Morning fresh picks
Local Farms – Visit durian orchards in Cua Can area
Along Tran Hung Dao Street (main tourist road)
Near beaches like Long Beach & Ong Lang Beach
✔ Fruit Shakes – Try soursop or avocado blends
✔ Trái Cây Lắc – Fruits shaken with chili salt (addictive!)
✔ Desserts – Durian sticky rice, mango with sweet coconut rice
Best Time to Buy: Early morning (freshest picks)
Price Range: Durian 80,000-150,000 VND/kg; Mangosteen 50,000-80,000 VND/kg
Avoid: Fruits sold near cruise ports (often overpriced)
Wash Well: Use bottled water for raw fruits
Sim Wine Tasting – At local distilleries
Durian Farm Tour – Learn about growing Vietnam’s smelliest fruit
Fruit Picking – Some orchards allow visitors to harvest