Phu Quoc, Vietnam's famous Pearl Island, is not only impressive with its beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts but also a culinary paradise with countless unique delicacies. So, what should you eat in Phu Quoc to make sure you don't miss out on its wonderful local specialties? Below is a list of irresistible dishes you should try when visiting this beautiful island.

Some specialty dishes in Phu Quoc

1. Phu Quoc Squid Cake
Crispy and fragrant, Phu Quoc squid cake is one of the island's standout specialties. Made from fresh squid, the dish is often prepared in various ways such as deep-fried, grilled over charcoal, or steamed. It is a must-try dish when you visit Phu Quoc's southern islands, a place known not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its rich cuisine.
2. Ham Ninh Crabs
Ham Ninh crabs are another must-try delicacy in Phu Quoc. Caught in Ham Ninh fishing village, these crabs are famous for their sweet, firm meat. Whether steamed or grilled, Ham Ninh crabs always deliver a rich, mild sweetness that can't be found anywhere else.
3. Herring Salad
Herring salad is a traditional dish of the Phu Quoc people, made from fresh herring sliced thin and mixed with herbs, grated coconut, and peanuts. The salad offers the natural sweetness of the fish combined with the nutty flavor of peanuts and coconut, creating an unforgettable taste. You can find the best herring salad at Duong Dong Market, one of Phu Quoc’s most famous markets.
4. Grilled Sea Urchin
Phu Quoc sea urchin is one of the island’s unique seafood specialties. It can be grilled with scallions or steamed and served with salt and pepper, giving it a rich, creamy, and delicious flavor. This dish is especially popular in seaside restaurants and is well-loved by tourists.
5. Sea Cucumber
Sea cucumber is a premium dish often found in high-end restaurants in Phu Quoc. With high nutritional value and a unique flavor, sea cucumber is usually prepared in dishes like soup, stir-fry, or steamed. If you're looking to enjoy top-quality sea cucumber in a luxurious setting, Salinda Resort Phu Quoc is the perfect choice, with its upscale restaurant offering a wide variety of both local and international dishes.


Sea cucumber is a premium dish often found in high-end restaurants

6. Grilled Bien Mai Scallops
Biên Mai scallop meat is the edible part of the Biên Mai clam, a seafood delicacy in Phu Quoc. It can be grilled, stir-fried, or steamed, but grilled with scallions is the most popular preparation. The sweet and chewy scallop meat, when grilled, releases an irresistible aroma that can satisfy even the most discerning diners.
7. Bun Ken (Fish Noodle Soup)
Bún Kèn is a popular breakfast dish in Phu Quoc, with a rich broth made from sea fish, coconut milk, and various unique spices. The dish combines the sweet richness of coconut milk, the heat from chili, and the fragrance of fresh herbs, creating an unforgettable flavor.
8. Fish Cake Noodle Soup
Fish cake noodle soup is a common street food in Phu Quoc. The broth is simmered from fish bones and fresh fish cakes, combined with chewy noodles to create a rich and appealing dish. It’s an ideal meal to enjoy in the morning or afternoon, before embarking on your journey to explore the island.
Phu Quoc is not only known for its natural beauty but also for being a culinary paradise with many irresistible dishes. Don’t forget to visit Duong Dong Market to taste the local specialties, and if you want to enjoy a luxurious atmosphere with gourmet cuisine, head to Salinda Resort Phu Quoc – where you can experience wonderful dining amidst the majestic natural scenery.