Top 10 Most Famous Phu Quoc Specialties You Should Try and Buy as Gifts

Besides its beautiful beaches and relaxing lifestyle, Phu Quoc also attracts visitors with a cuisine deeply influenced by island and coastal culture. Fresh seafood, local specialties, and renowned regional products not only enrich the travel experience but also preserve the unique flavors of Pearl Island. Below are some of the most outstanding specialties to enjoy during your trip and bring home as gifts.

5 Must-Try Phu Quoc Specialties on the Island

Experiencing the cuisine of Phu Quoc is not simply about enjoying delicious food but also about feeling the rhythm of life on Pearl Island. From seaside eateries to long-established fishing villages, each dish carries the flavors of the ocean and the distinctive local culture.

1. Bun Quay – The Signature Flavor of Pearl Island

For many visitors, their culinary journey in Phu Quoc begins with a hot bowl of Bun Quay. The uniqueness of this dish lies in its freshly prepared shrimp and fish paste, made to order, combined with freshly made rice noodles and naturally sweet broth.

The name “Bun Quay” comes from the way diners mix their own dipping sauce according to personal taste using salt, sugar, calamansi, and fresh chili. When enjoyed, the sweetness of the seafood blends with the rich dipping sauce, creating an experience that is both familiar and uniquely local.

Bun Quay Kien Xay System:

• Branch 1: 28 Bach Dang, Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc 
• Branch 2: 71A Tran Hung Dao, Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc 
• Branch 3: Alley opposite 222 Tran Phu, Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc 
• Branch 4: Nguyen Trung Truc Street, Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc 
• Branch 5: SA-01-43, Shanghai Quarter, Grand World, Bai Dai, Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc 
• Branch 6: AT100, New An Thoi, An Thoi Ward, Phu Quoc 

2. Herring Salad – The Fresh Taste of the Sea

Herring salad clearly reflects the close connection between the people of Phu Quoc and the sea. Fresh herring slices are mixed with grated coconut, shallots, and local herbs, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness, richness, and freshness.

Wrapped in rice paper with fresh vegetables and dipped in flavorful fish sauce, the dish delivers a light and refreshing taste, much like the island atmosphere during a relaxing vacation.

Visitors can enjoy herring salad at the following locations:

• Ando Bistro Restaurant: Andochine Resort & Spa Phu Quoc, Bai Truong, Phu Quoc
• Ra Khoi Restaurant: 131 30 Thang 4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc
• Xin Chao Restaurant: 66 Tran Hung Dao, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

3. Ham Ninh Crab – A Delicacy from the Coastal Fishing Village

When talking about Phu Quoc specialties, Ham Ninh crab is always among the top recommendations. Although not very large, these crabs are famous for their firm, naturally sweet, and flavorful meat.

The most popular way to enjoy them is simply steamed or boiled to preserve their authentic taste. Paired with salt, pepper, and lime, the rich sweetness of the crab creates a memorable seaside dining experience.

Visitors can enjoy Ham Ninh crab at:

• Bien Xanh Ham Ninh Restaurant: Ham Ninh Fishing Village, Phu Quoc
• Hanh Nhung Restaurant: Ham Ninh Fishing Village, Phu Quoc

4. Scallop Adductor Muscle (Coi Bien Mai) – A Crispy and Memorable Delicacy

Coi Bien Mai is the most prized part of the pen shell, a species found in the waters of Phu Quoc. The meat has a naturally crunchy and chewy texture and is commonly grilled or stir-fried.

When cooked over charcoal, the firm meat releases an enticing aroma while retaining the natural sweetness of fresh seafood. It is an ideal dish for leisurely afternoons by the beach with family and friends.

Visitors can enjoy Coi Bien Mai at:

• Bien Hai Quan: Cluster 1, Ganh Dau Hamlet, Ganh Dau Commune, Phu Quoc
• Xin Chao Restaurant: 66 Tran Hung Dao, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

5. Sea Urchin – A Unique Flavor of the Ocean

Beneath its spiky exterior lies the rich and creamy flesh of the sea urchin, a favorite among seafood lovers. Sea urchin is often grilled with scallion oil or served fresh to fully appreciate its natural sweetness.

When enjoyed, its buttery texture melts in the mouth, blending with the essence of the sea to create a truly distinctive flavor. It is one of the specialties that offers a new culinary experience for those wishing to explore the island’s cuisine more deeply.

To enjoy fresh sea urchin, visitors can visit:

• Seafood stalls at Phu Quoc Night Market: Nguyen Trai Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc
• Rach Vem Fishing Village: Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc

5 Phu Quoc Specialties to Buy as Gifts

In addition to dishes enjoyed on the island, Phu Quoc also offers many specialties that make excellent souvenirs, allowing visitors to bring home the flavors of their journey. From traditional seasonings to gifts inspired by the sea and forests, each product reflects the unique identity of Pearl Island.

6. Phu Quoc Fish Sauce – The Essence of the Sea

Phu Quoc fish sauce has long been a symbol of the island’s culinary heritage. Produced from anchovies and sea salt using traditional fermentation methods, it is known for its beautiful amber color, rich aroma, and naturally sweet aftertaste.

More than just a seasoning, it represents the long-standing fish sauce-making tradition of the local coastal community.

Suggested places to buy:

• Khai Hoan Fish Sauce Factory: No. 11 Hung Vuong Bridge, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc
• Thinh Phat Fish Sauce Factory: 30/4 Street, Quarter 1, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc
• Hung Thinh Fish Sauce Factory: 30/4 Street, Quarter 1, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc

7. Phu Quoc Pepper – The Distinctive Aroma of Pearl Island

Beyond its coastline, the red basalt soil of Phu Quoc provides ideal conditions for lush pepper gardens year-round. The pepper grown here is renowned for its intense aroma, spicy flavor, and high essential oil content.

Compact and easy to store, Phu Quoc pepper is a popular gift that brings the island’s unique flavors into home kitchens.

Suggested places to buy:

• Khu Tuong Pepper Garden: Cua Duong, Phu Quoc
• Duc Thanh Pepper Garden: Suoi Da Hamlet, Duong To Commune, Phu Quoc

8. Sim Wine – A Flavor from the Tropical Forests

Sim wine is one of the specialties closely associated with the hills and forests of the island. Made from ripe purple rose myrtle berries harvested seasonally, it offers an attractive color and a mildly sweet, easy-to-enjoy flavor.

A bottle of sim wine is often considered a meaningful gift that carries a touch of Phu Quoc’s natural charm home after a trip.

Suggested places to buy:

• Thanh Long Sim Garden: Cluster 3, Suoi May Hamlet, Phu Quoc
• Bay Gao Sim Wine: 124 30/4 Street, Quarter 1, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

9. Dried Seafood – Bringing the Taste of the Sea Home

For many visitors, dried seafood is a convenient way to bring the flavors of the island back to the mainland. From dried squid and sun-dried squid to dried shrimp and fish, these products are processed and packaged for easy transportation.

Their rich flavors and long shelf life make them a familiar gift choice after visiting Phu Quoc.

Suggested places to buy:

• Ham Ninh Market, Phu Quoc
• Duong Dong Market, Phu Quoc
• An Phu Dried Seafood Store, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

10. Banh Kheo – A Sweet Gift from Pearl Island

Banh Kheo is a simple pastry with a unique charm that represents Phu Quoc. These small handcrafted cakes come in various shapes and fillings such as mung bean, coconut, and taro.

Its mild sweetness and attractive appearance make it a suitable gift for all ages while evoking memories of leisurely days spent on the island.

Suggested places to buy:

• Co Dung Banh Kheo Shop: 43 30 Thang 4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc Special Zone

A Convenient Stop at TR Mart Phu Quoc

After days of relaxing by the sea, enjoying fresh seafood, and watching sunsets over the island, many visitors wish to bring home a taste of Phu Quoc as a souvenir. Instead of spending time traveling between multiple locations, finding a convenient shopping destination near their accommodation helps make the journey smoother and more complete.

Located in the Bai Truong area, TR Mart Phu Quoc is a familiar stop for many visitors during the final days of their trip. Its well-organized shopping space and convenient location make choosing local specialties simple and enjoyable.

Here, visitors can easily find many signature products of Pearl Island, including Phu Quoc fish sauce, Phu Quoc pepper, sim wine, and dried seafood. Products are arranged systematically, making it easy to select gifts for family and friends or to preserve the flavors of the journey.

In addition to local specialties, TR Mart also offers a wide range of daily essentials for travelers. Thanks to its flexible operating hours and convenient location within the resort area, it serves as a comfortable final stop before concluding an island adventure.

Let the Blue Ocean Hospitality ecosystem accompany your journey of discovering Phu Quoc, from relaxing seaside vacations to local culinary and shopping experiences. The convenience, comfort, and tranquil lifestyle here will help create unforgettable memories on Pearl Island.