Best Food in Phu Quoc for Travelers Exploring Phu Quoc Tour

Top Must-Try Dishes in Phu Quoc (2025)

1. Bun Quay (Stirring Rice Noodles)

Bun Quay is more than a meal, it’s a ritual. Hailing from Phu Quoc, this fresh rice noodle soup pairs freshly made bun rice noodles, shrimp paste, and fish paste with a hot broth. Why’s it unique? You get to stir and “Quay" (combine) your bowl with your favorite sauce, customization makes it part of its allure. It’s light, tasty, and characteristically Phu Quoc.

Why it’s a must-try:

• Interactive experience
• Prepared fresh on the spot
• Packed with local seafood’s umami

Price range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl

 Best places to try:

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

This is a quintessential part of Phu Quoc’s best food experience, and can also be served up at Phu Quoc Night Market for after-dark cravings.

2. Goi Ca Trich (Herring Salad)

Goi Ca Trich is Phu Quoc’s ceviche alternative, thinly sliced raw herring blended with grated coconut, onions, chili, and peanuts. Rolled up in rice paper with herbs, then dipped in Phu Quoc’s characteristic fish sauce, it forms a perfect balance of freshness, crunch, and sea taste.

Why it’s a must-try:

• A signature dish of Phu Quoc Local Specialties
• Blends fresh seafood with island ingredients
• Ideal for bold tastes

Price range: 120,000 – 200,000 VND/plate (serves 2)

 Where to eat:

• Nha hang Xin Chao, 66 Tran Hung Dao, Duong Dong
• Ra Khoi, 131 Duong 30/4, Duong Dong
• Widely available nightly at Phu Quoc Night Market

This is among Phu Quoc’s leading food items, best demonstrating the use of local ingredients and local culinary tradition.

3. Bun Ken

Exclusive to Phu Quoc, Bun Ken consists of a coconut-filled, creamy noodle soup made from minced fish, lemongrass, turmeric, and chili. It’s served over rice noodles with toppings of shredded green papaya, herbs, and bean sprouts. This can be found served at home-style restaurants, a treasure even a few Vietnamese travelers remain unaware of.

Why it’s a must-try:

• Distinctive, well-balanced flavors (sweet, salty)
• Strongly embedded in local culture
• Among the few unique dishes found in Phu Quoc

Price range: 20,000 – 35,000 VND/bowl

 Best places to try:

• Bun Ken Ut Luom, 87 Duong 30/4, Duong Dong
• Bun Ken Co Thu, 98 Tran Quoc Toan, An Thoi

It’s not a well-known dish outside the island, yet it’s highly prized by locals as one of the most genuine, if not one of the most delicious, expressions of the best food in Phu Quoc.

4. Ghe Ham Ninh (Ham Ninh Crab)

No menu listing would be complete without Ghe Ham Ninh, sweet, firm-fleshed crab fresh from Phu Quoc’s eastern beaches. They may be small crabs, unimposing physically, but one bite of their sweet natural meat will convince you otherwise. Locals best enjoy it steamed with a dab in a sauce made from lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Why it’s a must-try:

• Among one of the freshest Phu Quoc local specialties
• Best served steamed to preserve the natural taste of the crab
• Regularly prepared right at beach restaurants or floating restaurants

Price range: 150,000 – 300,000 VND/kg

 Where to eat:

• Lang Chai Ham Ninh (local fishing village experience)
• Nha Be Be Ghe, Ham Ninh
• Nha Be Tu Thang, Ham Ninh

5. Nhum Bien (Grilled Sea Urchin)

If you want to get a taste of something exciting and full-flavored, grilled sea urchin, called Nhum Bien by locals, is a jewel among the best food in Phu Quoc. The prickly gems from the sea are bursting full of roe with a strong umami taste, providing a creamy, slightly salty bite that foodies are crazy about.

How to serve it? You can enjoy Nhum Bien grilled with roasted peanuts and scallion oil (the best-selling way), eaten fresh with a pinch of mustard and a splash of lime, or served simmered in hot seafood porridge. It is not only nutritious, but also thrilling, and highly traditional in Phu Quoc Local Specialties.

Price range: 20,000 – 30,000 VND/con

 Where to try it fresh:

• Ham Ninh fishing village – A natural, rustic environment to relish fresh catch
• Phu Quoc Night Market – A bustling destination where one can taste this dish hot off the grill

Whether you like it grilled or a bolder raw bite, Nhum Bien is one of Phu Quoc’s boldest flavors in the island’s best cuisine and something not to be missed by those looking for the ultimate Phu Quoc food experience.

6. Banh Canh Cha Ca & Banh Canh Ghe

Craving a comforting food with a native touch, venture into traditional Vietnamese soup noodles with Banh Canh Cha Ca (fish cake thick noodles) and Banh Canh Ghe (crab thick noodles). The two are staples in Phu Quoc cuisine and enjoyed by locals and tourists alike for their straightforwardness and coziness.

The difference:

• Banh Canh Cha Ca consists of delicate, handcrafted fishcakes suspended in a fragrant, translucent broth
• Fresh crab meat (occasionally served with a whole crab) dominates Banh Canh Ghe, a richer, sweeter crab broth made from shell-simmered crab

Price range:

• Fish cake version: 25,000 – 40,000 VND
• Crab version: 60,000 – 120,000 VND
  

Best places to try:

•  Banh Canh Phung – 27 Bach Dang, Duong Dong, is known for its balance of flavor
•  Banh Canh Minh Thu – 70 Tran Hung Dao, Duong Dong, loved by locals for its fresh ingredients

These are easy, comforting bowls, a favorite with local Vietnamese food lovers. They’re also suitable for those sensitive to gluten, thanks to rice flour noodles, a safe choice for everyone.

You can commonly see these dishes at Phu Quoc Night Market, once again demonstrating why they are among Phu Quoc’s best street food.

7. Coi Bien Mai Nuong (Grilled Scallop Muscle)

Looking for a taste of smokiness, earthiness, and quintessential Phu Quoc? Your best bet is a Coi Bien Mai Nuong, otherwise known as grilled scallop muscle. Derived from a large marine mussel called Bien Mai, this one ranks among the tastiest bites in Phu Quoc cuisine.

How it’s made: The scallop muscle is marinated in chili, garlic, or scallion oil and char-grilled 

until crisp outside yet tender inside. Paired with herbs and a dipping sauce, it makes a yummy seafood snack perfect with a cold drink and sea fresh air.

Price range: 60,000 – 90,000 VND/plate

 Where to eat:

•  Oc 343 – 343 Duong 30/4, Phu Quoc, a popular restaurant for all things shellfish
•  Song Xanh Restaurant – 217 Duong 30/4, Duong Dong, is known for its riverside ambiance and authentic preparation

Coi Bien Mai distinguishes itself from other seafood meals by its consistency and depth. It’s a taste one would never forget, a must-try for anyone looking for the best cuisine in Phu Quoc.

8. Tom Mu Ni Nuong (Grilled Slipper Lobster)

Let’s discuss sea luxury—grilled slipper lobster, also known as Tom Mu Ni, is one of the most indulgent seafood treats you’ll get to enjoy from among the best food in Phu Quoc. It may not be quite so pretty as your average lobster, but this broad-bodied crustacean packs a quadruple punch in terms of sweetness and butteriness. “Lobster with a twist," they call it for a reason: Its meat is lighter, more tender, packed more with flavor, and even without a lot of added seasonings.

It’s distinguished by how it’s cooked: grilled slipper lobster is opened up and placed over hot coals, then dabbed with garlic butter or chili oil. The outcome? A partially charred shell covering succulent, melt-in-your-mouth meat full of natural sweetness.

Price range: 200,000 – 500,000 VND/con, depending on size

 Where to try it:

•  Ra Khoi, 131 Duong 30/4, Duong Dong – renowned for consistent quality
•  Cau Ba, To 12, Ap Rach Ham, Ham Ninh – a favorite for seafood connoisseurs

This is premium Phu Quoc cuisine at its best, and it’s one of Phu Quoc’s most popular Local Specialties—particularly for those wanting to indulge in fresh seafood in island-style.

9. Muc Trung Nuong (Grilled Egg Squid)

If you’re looking for something simple yet indulgent, grilled egg squid, also known as Muc Trung Nuong, could very well be your taste adventure. These bite-sized squids are full of creamy roe with a distinct contrast between the solid flesh and soft, rich filling within. It’s not your average grilled squid, more flavorful and irresistibly addictive.

This is one of our best food Phu Quoc top picks, even more so at night when the smell of grilled squid can fill up each corner of this island.

How it’s done: Marinated lightly and grilled over coals until the skin gets crispy and a little brown, the roe within turning golden and soft. Dip it in a concoction of salt, pepper, lime, or a green chili sauce, and you’ll know why locals are addicted.

Price range: 60,000 – 90,000 VND/portion

• Phu Quoc Night Market – where Phu Quoc’s best street food truly comes alive
• Seafood BBQ restaurants along Duong Tran Hung Dao – providing informal yet delicious island cuisine

Popular with both locals and visitors, this one’s a must-try if you are looking to taste the best of local grilling methods using local ingredients fresh from the sea.

10. Tiet Canh Cua (Crab Blood Pudding)

Now this one’s for the fearless! Tiet Canh Cua, or crab blood pudding, sits at the top of the most unique and most adventurous food items in Phu Quoc’s best food list. The clear “blood" from fresh crab is congealed by nature, after which it’s blended with crab meat, tamarind, and roasted peanuts.

It is served cold, usually with herbs, rice paper, and pickled starfruit. It’s silky to the touch and slightly gelatinous, with a rich taste imbued with the sweetness of the sea. It’s a delicacy few Vietnamese from other parts have even tasted, so it’s a precious specialty among Phu Quoc Locals.

Why it’s loved:

• Regarded by coastal families as a delicacy
• Very rich in marine minerals and highly nutritious
• Fantastic topic for food enthusiasts willing to experiment

Price range: 200,000 – 300,000 VND/plate (usually serves 2–3)

 Where to try:

• Look for Ra Khoi Restaurant, located at 131 Duong 30/4, Duong Dong – one of the few popular restaurants serving up this rare delicacy

Delicious and Affordable Street Food You Shouldn’t Miss

1. Banh Mi Ca Thu (Mackerel Baguette)

This isn’t your average Vietnamese sandwich. The Banh Mi Ca Thu, a local favorite, replaces traditional pork with flaky, full-of-flavor mackerel. Topped with pickled carrots, cucumber, fresh herbs, and a zip of hot fish sauce, you have a handheld work of art that belongs among Phu Quoc’s best food.

• Price: 20,000 – 30,000 VND
•  Where to try it: Street stalls near Duong Dong Market and the lively stalls at Phu Quoc Night Market

2. Banh Bo Thot Not (Palm Sugar Sponge Cake)

Light, delicate, and sweet by nature, these palm sugar cakes are steamed in banana leaves and flavored with a subtle caramel taste from Thot Not (jaggery). They are a favorite Phu Quoc Local Specialty, great for dessert or a convenient quick bite when heading out.

• Price: 10,000 – 15,000 VND per portion
• Where to find it: Vendors at the southern part of Phu Quoc Night Market, primarily at stalls serving desserts

3. Chuoi Nep Nuong (Grilled Sticky Rice Banana)

A warm traditional Vietnamese comfort food example, Chuoi Nep Nuong consists of ripe bananas wrapped in sticky rice, grilled to a golden brown, topped with coconut milk, and crunchy peanuts. It’s sweet, creamy, and crunchy—simultaneously.

• Price: 15,000 – 20,000 VND
•  Where to enjoy it: You’ll catch a whiff before a glimpse—grilled banana stalls are located throughout Phu Quoc Night Market and outside La Veranda Resort in Duong Dong

4. Cha Ca Thu (Fried Mackerel Fish Cake)

These crispy, golden, round fried fish cakes are composed of freshly minced mackerel flavored with garlic, black pepper, and green onion. They’re a quick, protein-filled bite when served alone, a favorite Phu Quoc food snack served tucked inside a sandwich.

• Price: 10,000 – 25,000 VND per piece
• Where to try: Phu Quoc Night Market (main square entrance area), or at small vendors near Ham Ninh Village

5. Grilled Snails & Oysters

This is where fresh seafood crosses paths with fire and spices. Snails fried with tamarind sauce or grilled oysters with scallion oil are traditional local favorites and a favorite among daring food adventurers hungry for real seafood cuisine.

• Price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND per plate
• Where to spot them: At any seafood stall at Phu Quoc Night Market, specifically where there’s an open grill at the center lane

Tips for a Delicious Journey

Respect the Rhythm: Local Dining Etiquette

Breakfasts are not to be taken lightly in Phu Quoc. Locals have breakfast at around 6–8 AM, lunch at noon, and dinner at 7 PM. When eating while at a popular restaurant or enjoying a meal at a street food stand, one should:

• Wait to be seated or ask the staff before claiming a table.
• Use two hands when giving or receiving items, particularly food or money.
• Say “Cam on" (thank you) upon finishing each meal with a smile.

Don’t be surprised if food comes in variable portions—most local Vietnamese cuisine is served family-style with shared plates and flexible timing. Roll with it!

Feast Season: Best Time to Visit for Food Lovers

If your visit revolves around Phu Quoc’s best cuisine, try to visit from November to April—the dry season. The sea is calm, air is crisp, and fresh seafood abounds. It’s also peak season for Phu Quoc Local Specialties festivals, particularly during Lunar New Year (Tet) when markets are full of traditional cakes, pickles, as well as specialty seafood items.

Come for the ultimate sensory experience in December or March. That’s when Phu Quoc Night Market is most active, with sidewalk stalls full of treats uniquely available during each season, grilled sea urchins, Bun Quay Kien Xay, and tropical desserts made from fresh local ingredients.

Eat Like Royalty for Less Than $10/Day

Yes, it’s possible, and ridiculously easy to dine on Phu Quoc’s best food for less. For a mere 200,000 VND (less than USD 10), you can enjoy:

• Seafood breakfast served fresh, for example, grilled egg squid
• A warm bowl of noodle soup or Banh Canh Ghe for lunch
• A grilled slipper lobster dinner of sweet sticky rice and fresh juice at Phu Quoc Night Market

Conclusion

From sizzling bites at Phu Quoc Night Market to secret gems with Phu Quoc Local Specialties, each meal on this island is a taste adventure. The best Phu Quoc food showcases traditional Vietnamese cooking while celebrating Phu Quoc’s rich culture and local essence. Whether you’re here for a seafood extravaganza or a speedy street food bite, Phu Quoc Island travel offers unforgettable food moments. Are you ready to eat your way throughout Phu Quoc? Bookmark this page and share it with your foodie friends!