Top 10 Must-Try Local Dishes When Traveling to Phu Quoc - Pearl Island Culinary Experience - OnBird

When people think of Phu Quoc, they often picture bustling tourist areas, luxury resorts, or high-end restaurants with premium prices. But have you ever wondered if there’s a way to experience Phu Quoc more authentically and intimately?

The answer lies in the small streets and local eateries where residents regularly gather. These are the places that preserve the true culinary soul of Pearl Island – from unique specialties rarely found anywhere else to familiar dishes prepared in Phu Quoc’s distinctive style. Each bowl of noodles and each sandwich carries within it a cultural story and unforgettable flavors, all at affordable prices that anyone can enjoy.

MAIN CONTENTS

Unique Dishes – The Culinary Soul of Phu Quoc
II. Familiar Dishes – Rich in Local Flavors
💡 Tips for Experiencing Phu Quoc Cuisine Like a Local
👉 Some Other Activity Ideas for Your Phu Quoc Getaway

Unique Dishes – The Culinary Soul of Phu Quoc

To truly understand Phu Quoc’s culinary culture, you cannot miss the distinctive dishes that bear the island’s unique signature. These are the foods beloved by locals and proudly introduced to visitors, typically found at casual eateries in the heart of town.

1. Bún Quậy – The Island’s Signature Specialty

Phu Quoc’s Bun Quay has a very unique preparation and serving method. The bowl features fresh rice noodles made on-site, with finely minced shrimp and fish paste spread thinly on the bowl’s sides, then hot boiling water is poured over to cook them. To enjoy it, diners need to gently stir the bowl so the shrimp and fish paste separates from the sides, then dip with the accompanying sauce (customers can mix according to their taste or follow the restaurant’s guidance). Additional toppings like squid, beef, or extra shrimp and fish cake can be ordered.

The Bun Quay Kien Xay restaurant located on Bach Dang Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc (Source: Collected)

Bun Quay Kien Xay – Menu (Source: Collected)

An enticing Bun Quay bowl featuring shrimp cake, fish cake, beef, and squid toppings (Source: Collected)

Reference price: 40,000 – 90,000 VND per bowl

Locations:

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

2. Bún Kèn – Rich Flavors of the Sea

Bun Ken is Phu Quoc’s most unique dish, featuring a bowl with roughly minced fish cooked in fragrant, creamy coconut milk, crispy sweet green mango salad, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of sweet and sour fish sauce. Visitors can add fresh chilies for an explosive flavor experience, creating an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Bun Ken Ut Luom eatery located on 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc (Source: Collected)

A creamy yet refreshing bowl of Bun Ken with a distinctive taste that delights every bite (Source: Collected)

The soul of the dish lies in the minced fish simmered in creamy coconut milk (Source: Collected)

Reference price: 35,000 VND per bowl

Famous location: Bun Ken Ut Luom – 87 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

3. Bánh Mì Khô Cá Bò (Dried Fish Sandwich) – Rich Traditional Flavors

Banh mi kho ca bo or dried fish sandwich is Phu Quoc’s famous traditional dish featuring crispy, fragrant bread filled with rich ingredients including dried fish – the island’s renowned specialty, creamy pate, fragrant pork floss, Vietnamese ham, char siu, alongside fresh cucumber and herbs. This combination creates deep, multi-layered flavors that remain harmonious and captivating to the palate.

Ut Tam bakery is a beloved local favorite in Phu Quoc (Source: Collected)

The banh mi with dried fish is a flavor-packed local delight (Source: Collected)

Reference price: 20,000 VND

Famous location: Ut Tam Bakery – 307 Nguyen Trung Truc, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

II. Familiar Dishes – Rich in Local Flavors

Besides unique specialties, Phu Quoc also offers familiar dishes prepared by locals in their own distinctive way, creating characteristic flavors that set them apart. These are the “soul foods” of Phu Quoc people, commonly appearing in daily meals and served at family restaurants with affordable prices.

4. Cơm Cháy Kho Quẹt – Rustic Flavors

Cơm cháy kho quẹt is a rustic dish rich in Southwestern Vietnamese flavors. The crispy rice is served with kho quet (fish sauce cooked into caramel with pork fat, pork, and green peppercorns) and various boiled vegetables. It sounds simple, but together they create unforgettably rich flavors.

A chef preparing crispy rice to serve hungry diners (Source: Collected)

This humble combo of crispy rice, pork floss, boiled veggies, and kho quet delivers bold, comforting flavors (Source: Collected)

The menu offers a wide range of combo meals to suit every taste (Source: Collected)

Reference price: from 35,000 VND per serving

Famous location: Near Phu Quoc City Post Office – 10 30th April Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

5. Bò Né – Perfect Breakfast

Bò né in Phu Quoc has a special flavor with fresh, delicious beef, fried eggs, crispy grilled bread, and fresh vegetables. The dish is served on a hot cast iron pan, creating an enticing sizzling sound.

A sizzling hot plate of “bo ne” drenched in rich sauce, served with crispy toasted baguette and a refreshing mixed salad (Source: Collected)

Bo Ne 3 Ngon eatery on Bach Dang Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc (Source: Collected)

Bo Ne 3 Ngon is served on a signature cast-iron skillet for an extra touch of flavor and heat (Source: Collected)

Reference price: 45,000 – 65,000 VND per serving

Famous locations:

Bo Ne – Opposite TP Bank, 87 Nguyen Trung Truc Street, Duong Dong
Bo Ne 3 Ngon – 81c Bach Dang, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

6. Bánh Ướt – Perfect Light Morning Dish

Bánh ướt in Phu Quoc is made from pure fresh rice flour. When eaten, you can smell the very fragrant rice aroma. The rice paper has a smooth texture with a certain chewiness, enjoyed with gio lua, fragrant grilled meat, golden fried shallots and garlic, fresh mint, and characteristic sweet and spicy fish sauce. The rustic yet rich harmonious flavors are extremely captivating.

Banh Uot Co Sau eatery has become a familiar spot for locals in the Duong Dong area (Source: Collected)

A humble yet memorable dish of banh uot topped with crispy shallots and served with a variety of Vietnamese cold cuts and grilled pork — capturing the essence of rustic flavors in a single plate (Source: Collected)

Reference price: 30,000 VND per serving

Famous location: Banh uot Sau – 29 Mac Cuu, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

7. Cơm Tấm – Southern Flavors

Cơm tấm is made from broken rice grains smaller than regular rice, providing a very distinctive flavor and eating experience. The dish is served with fragrant grilled ribs, egg meatloaf, shredded pork skin, pickled vegetables, and characteristic Southern sweet and sour fish sauce.

Com Tam Nhi eatery is frequently mentioned by both locals and travelers from across Vietnam and abroad (Source: Collected)

The aroma of grilled pork ribs from the kitchen draws the attention of anyone passing by (Source: Collected)

A full, hearty meal here is all it takes to satisfy diners after a long day exploring Phu Quoc (Source: Collected)

Reference price: 35,000 – 40,000 VND per serving

Famous location: Com Tam Nhi – 1 Nguyen Trung Truc Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

8. Hủ Tiếu Hải Sản (Seafood Hu Tieu) – Ocean Flavors

A clear bowl of hủ tiếu with fresh seafood like shrimp, squid, mantis shrimp, fish cake, and fish balls, creating rich flavors.

Kim Yen seafood noodle eatery on Mac Cuu Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc (Source: Collected)

A bowl of seafood noodles topped with fresh, crunchy, and naturally sweet seafood – truly irresistible (Source: Collected)

The restaurant’s Bánh canh ghẹ (crab thick noodle soup) is also a favorite among many diners (Source: Collected)

Reference price: 40,000 – 60,000 VND per bowl

Famous location: Hu Tieu Hai San Kim Yen – 2f Mac Cuu Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

9. Mì Tê – Special Handmade Noodles

Mì Tê is a famous handmade noodle dish in Phu Quoc, with noodles made by hand at the restaurant ensuring absolute freshness. Visitors can choose between two versions: dry mixed noodles or noodle soup, both highly popular for their high quality and exceptionally fresh, delicious flavors.

Mi Te noodle shop – Tran Hung Dao branch (Source: Collected)

Mi Te noodle shop – Hung Vuong branch (Source: Collected)

Diners can customize their own meals by choosing between dry or soup noodles and combining various toppings to suit their taste (Source: Collected)

Reference price: 40,000 – 70,000 VND per serving depending on portion size and number of toppings

Famous locations:

126 Tran Hung Dao, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc
36a Hung Vuong, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

10. Hẻm Pizza – High Quality, Affordable Price

Hẻm Pizza is famous among locals for high-quality, fresh pizza made daily on-site. What’s special is the very affordable price averaging 150,000 VND per person, compared to other pizza restaurants in the same area averaging 300,000 VND per person. Besides pizza, the restaurant also serves tea and quality pastries.

Hem Pizza is designed with a modern, youthful style and is one of the favorite dining spots among young people in Phu Quoc (Source: Collected)

A pizza set for two offers a filling meal at a very affordable price (Source: Collected)

Besides savory dishes and pizza, Hem also serves a variety of delicious pastries and soft drinks worth trying (Source: Collected)

Reference price: ~150,000 VND per person

Address: 3 Nguyen Thai Binh Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

💡 Tips for Experiencing Phu Quoc Cuisine Like a Local

Choosing restaurants: Look for eateries crowded with locals – this is the best indicator of quality and authentic flavors. Don’t shy away from small, simple restaurants as they often provide the most genuine culinary experiences.

Timing: Enjoy local dishes in the early morning (6-8 AM) or evening (5-7 PM) when the weather is cool and restaurants are busy serving locals.

Pricing: Local street food prices in Phu Quoc range from 30,000 – 70,000 VND per serving – very affordable compared to tourist restaurants charging hundreds of thousands of dong.

Communication: Don’t hesitate to chat with restaurant owners or local customers – they’re very willing to share about the food and tell interesting stories about island life.

Experience: Try unfamiliar dishes like bun ken and bun quay with an open mind. This is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Phu Quoc people’s unique culinary culture.

Experiencing Phu Quoc cuisine like a local not only helps you save money but also brings genuine and meaningful memories. You’ll discover a different Phu Quoc – intimate, friendly, and full of everyday colors, where culinary flavors serve as a wonderful bridge between visitors and the local people.