In the crystalline waters off the coast of Vietnam lies a paradise island known for its palm-fringed beaches, lush greenery, and a culinary scene that promises to whisk your taste buds on a sublime journey. Welcome to Phu Quoc — a gastronomic oasis with a rich array of flavours deep-rooted in the heritage of the Indo-Chinese culture.

As we pull back the culinary curtain, prepare to discover mouth-watering street food gems, dine in sophisticated eateries that hosts world-class chefs, and savour overwhelming seafood delicacies freshly pulled from the azure ocean.

This guide is your one-stop resource for uncovering the crème de la crème of culinary artistry in Phu Quoc. Now, fasten your seatbelts, food lovers; we're embarking on a journey of flavourful exploration!

Read more: Cat Cat Village in Sapa, Vietnam

Table of Content

1. Goi Ca Trich - Raw Herring Salad
2. Bún Quậy - Seafood Noodle Soup
3. Sweet and Sour Fish Soup
4. Crab Soup
5. Coconut Candy
6. Phu Quoc Craft Beer
7. Seafood BBQ & Hot Pot

Best Food in Phu Quoc

Best Food in Phu Quoc: A Guide to the Island's Gastronomic Wonders

Rich Culinary History of Phu Quoc

Food in Phu Quoc is tantamount to a historical tapestry, craftsman-woven from strands of cultural influences steeped in rich tradition. From the spicy whispers of indigenous land tribes to the dominant notes of French colonialism and the robust flavours of neighbouring Asian kitchens, the island's culinary identity tells a story of transformation, evolution, and harmony.

Cheap Eats & Street Food in Phu Quoc

Navigating the labyrinth of Phu Quoc flavours can be as exhilarating as it is overwhelming. Fear not, for this selection will help delineate authentic must-try delights from the merely pedestrian.

Goi Ca Trich - Raw Herring Salad

First on our gastronomic agenda is the famed red herring salad — an eclectic diffusion of smoked fish, star fruit, herbs, and rice paper. This salad serves as a testament to Phu Quoc's dedication to combining contrasting textures and flavours seamlessly. Squid peppered with red chillies, tart star fruit, crispy shallots, and velvety fresh herbs are all tangled together in optimal harmony for an exploration of flavours that leaves the palate captivated.

Goi Ca Trich or Raw Herring Salad is a popular local dish in Phu Quoc

Goi Ca Trich or Raw Herring Salad in Phu Quoc

Bún Quậy - Seafood Noodle Soup

Phu Quoc is not just about seafood; it's also a realm that caters to your noodle cravings. Taking center stage is Bun Quay, a rice noodle soup that's been delighting locals and tourists alike for years. The succulent pieces of fish, tangled with soft rice noodles within a robust, earthy broth offer an indulgent experience that caters to the soul and introduces you to the island’s exquisite culinary narrative.

Bún Quậy Seafood Noodle Soup in Phu Quoc

Sweet and Sour Fish Soup

Next on your culinary exploration should be Canh chua cá, or sweet and sour fish soup. It is a delicious dichotomy of zesty and subtly sweet flavours, punctuated by the spiciness of chilli. Fresh line-caught fish, the tartness of tamarind, and the sweetness of pineapples blend effortlessly, paying tribute to the island's rich coastal resources and creating a symphony of taste that cascades over your taste buds.

Crab Soup

One cannot deprive their palate of the epitome of Phu Quoc's culinary charm: the crab soup. This luxurious dish is a celebration of the day’s catch from the island’s bountiful waters – a velvety, rich crab broth crackling with the flavour of fresh crab, culminating in a feast that leaves one savouring every spoonful.

Coconut Candy

The gastronomic journey through Phu Quoc would be incomplete without surrendering to the delightful crunch and mellow sweetness of the locally-produced coconut candy. Crafted from the island’s copious coconut groves, these candies offer a sublime nod to Phu Quoc's traditional confectionary craft, serving as a simple yet powerful reminder of the sweet marvels that await in this humble tropical paradise.

Coconut Candy is a popular snack in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc Craft Beer

Finalising our tour is none other than the locally brewed craft beer of Phu Quoc, representing the innovative spirit of this vibrant island. The booming brewing scene— a testament to the island's entrepreneurial spirit—offers a plethora of flavours to discerning palates.

Each frothy swig is a salute to the craftsmanship and the vibrant community that Phu Quoc nurtures. Here’s to the myriad enchantments of the island, contained blissfully within a pint glass!

Local craft beer in Phu Quoc

Seafood BBQ & Hot Pot

Picture an array of the freshest, most succulent seafood, straight from the azure depths, seared to perfection on a sizzling grill or bubbling warmly in a richly flavoured hot pot. This traditional delicacy unlocks a whole new realm of gastronomic pleasures for travellers, as they get to handpick their preferred oceanic morsels and watch them transform into an unforgettable, tantalising feast.

Engage in this sensory experience that marries the tantalising smokiness of the BBQ with the hearty comfort of hotpot, crowned by the delicate flavours of the freshest seafood medley. It's not just a meal, but a euphoric immersion into Phu Quoc's vibrant culinary landscape. Taste the essence of the sea, grilled to perfection or stewed in a heartwarming broth, and raise a toast to the unmatched gastronomic treasures of this island.

Seafood BBQ in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc greets you under swaying coconut palms, beckons you into its lush green interiors, and engages you with an ever-evolving culinary landscape. Its diversity of flavours captures the essence of the island's history, cultural amalgamation, and indomitable spirit.

As your gastronomic expedition draws to a close, remember, eating in Phu Quoc is more than satisfying hunger; it's about immersing yourself in the island's culinary narrative that is as multifaceted and mesmerising as the destination itself.

Unfurl the windows to your travel and dining memories by sharing them with us on Instagram. Pen your digital travelogue using @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace. Happy globe-trotting!