Herring Salad in Phu Quoc: Savoring Vietnam’s Coastal Culinary Gem

Phu Quoc, a tropical ward of Kien Giang Province, Vietnam, is the country’s largest island, nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, renowned as the “Pearl Island” for its pristine beaches and vibrant culinary heritage within the UNESCO Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve. Among its gastronomic treasures, herring salad (gỏi cá trích) stands out as a signature dish, celebrated for its fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients and coastal flavors. Crafted from wild-caught herring abundant in Phu Quoc’s waters, this dish combines thinly sliced fish with herbs, coconut, and a tangy Phu Quoc fish sauce dip, rolled in rice paper for a healthy, omega-3-packed meal. A staple at local markets and restaurants, it embodies the island’s seafood culture and draws foodies seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine. As a sustainable tourism leader, Legend Travel Group curates eco-friendly culinary tours to savor herring salad, with seamless booking via links around this guide. Ready to taste Phu Quoc’s coastal delight? Reserve your tour today

Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Vietnam experiences with expert English-speaking guides, sustainable practices, and tailored itineraries. Our Phu Quoc culinary tours pair herring salad tastings with island adventures like Sao Beach visits, fish sauce factory tours, and An Thoi Archipelago snorkeling, ensuring a holistic journey. Committed to sustainable tourism, we support local vendors and align with Phu Quoc’s 2030 goal to eliminate petrol vehicles, using eco-friendly transport like VinBus. With transparent pricing and free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, we prioritize your satisfaction. Discover our curated packages to indulge in Phu Quoc’s flavors!

Herring salad is a quintessential Phu Quoc dish, blending fresh, raw herring (cá trích) with local ingredients for a vibrant, healthy meal. The herring, caught daily in Phu Quoc’s nutrient-rich waters, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supporting brain health and overall wellness. Thinly sliced and lightly cured with lime or vinegar to remove any fishy taste, the fish is paired with shredded coconut, sliced onions, mint, basil, and chili, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Served with rice paper, fresh lettuce, cucumber, and a dipping sauce of Phu Quoc fish sauce (nuoc mam), garlic, chili, lime, and roasted peanuts, the dish is rolled into a wrap, offering a crunchy, aromatic bite. Its cultural significance and fresh preparation make it a must-try, reflecting Phu Quoc’s coastal identity and culinary artistry.

Preparing authentic Phu Quoc herring salad is simple yet requires fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• Fresh herring: 500 g (cleaned, filleted, sliced thinly)

• Lime juice: 2 tbsp (for curing)

• Shredded coconut: 100 g (freshly grated)

• Onion: 1 medium (thinly sliced)

• Fresh herbs: Mint, basil, rau ram (Vietnamese coriander) (50 g total)

• Chili: 1–2 (sliced, adjust to taste)

• Rice paper: 12–16 sheets

• Fresh vegetables: Lettuce, cucumber, starfruit (sliced thinly)

• Roasted peanuts: 50 g (crushed)

• Dipping Sauce:

  • Phu Quoc fish sauce: 3 tbsp (PDO-certified, 35–43°N)

  • Lime juice: 2 tbsp

  • Sugar: 1 tbsp

  • Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)

  • Chili: 1 (minced)

  • Water: 2 tbsp

Instructions

1. Prepare Herring: Rinse herring fillets, pat dry, and slice into thin, bite-sized pieces. Marinate with 2 tbsp lime juice for 5–10 minutes to cure and remove fishy odor. Drain excess liquid.

2. Mix Salad: In a bowl, combine cured herring, shredded coconut, sliced onion, herbs, and chili. Toss gently to blend flavors.

3. Make Dipping Sauce: Mix fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, chili, and water until sugar dissolves. Adjust to taste; top with crushed peanuts.

4. Assemble Rolls: Soften rice paper in warm water (5–10 seconds). Place a lettuce leaf, cucumber, starfruit, and a spoonful of herring mixture on the lower third. Roll tightly, tucking in sides.

5. Serve: Arrange rolls on a platter with dipping sauce and extra peanuts. Enjoy immediately for maximum freshness.

Tip: Source PDO-certified Phu Quoc fish sauce for authenticity; buy fresh herring at Duong Phong Market for optimal quality.

Herring salad is widely available across Phu Quoc, from bustling markets to upscale restaurants. Below are top spots, with current costs and details:

1. Dinh Cau Night Market

This vibrant market on Vo Thi Sau Street, Duong Phong, open 6:00 PM–11:30 PM, offers herring salad at street stalls like Kien Xay, alongside other seafood like grilled squid ($2–$5).

• Price: $2–$4/plate (50,000–100,000 VND, serves 2).

• Highlights: “Authentic and affordable” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).

• Tip: Visit early (6:00–7:00 PM) for freshest options; pair with Sim wine ($1–$2). Included in our Night Market Foodie Walk ($50–$70).

2. My Lan Resort & Restaurant (Sao Beach)

Located on Sao Beach, 28 km from Duong Phong, My Lan serves herring salad with ocean views, using daily-caught herring and local herbs.

• Price: $5–$7/plate (125,000–175,000 VND, serves 2).

• Highlights: “Fresh and scenic dining” (Legendtravelgroup.com).

• Tip: Combine with a beach visit; taxi $10–$14 from Duong Phong. Book our Sao Beach Seafood Feast ($65–$85).

3. Crab House (Duong Phong)

At 26 Nguyen Trai Street, Crab House is renowned for seafood combos, including herring salad with customizable spice levels, paired with ice-cold beer ($2–$5).

• Price: $4–$6/plate (100,000–150,000 VND, serves 2).

• Highlights: “Top-tier seafood” (Legendtravelgroup.com).

• Tip: Book tables for dinner (6:00–8:00 PM); try the tamarind crab ($5–$15/kg). Included in our Local Eats Tour($60–$80).

4. Ham Ninh Fishing Village

This east-coast village, 14 km from Duong Phong, offers herring salad at local eateries, prepared with fish caught by nearby fishermen, alongside Ham Ninh crab ($5–$15/kg).

• Price: $3–$5/plate (75,000–125,000 VND, serves 2).

• Highlights: “Rustic and authentic” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).

• Tip: Visit at dawn for bustling markets; taxi $6–$10. Book our Ham Ninh Culinary Tour ($55–$75).

5. Duong Phong Market

Buy fresh herring ($2–$4/kg) at this morning market (5:00 AM–10:00 AM) on Bach Dang Street to prepare your own salad or sample it at nearby stalls for budget-friendly prices.

• Price: $1–$3/plate (25,000–75,000 VND, serves 2).

• Highlights: “Cheapest and freshest” (Legendtravelgroup.com).

• Tip: Bargain for herring; combine with a market tour. Included in our Market & Culture Tour ($50–$70).

• Herring Salad: $1–$7/plate (market stalls $1–$4, restaurants $4–$7, serves 2).

• Fresh Herring: $2–$4/kg at Duong Phong Market.

• Transport:

  • Motorbike: $6–$10/day from Duong Phong.

  • Taxi/Grab: $2–$14 one-way ($2–$5 to Duong Phong eateries, $10–$14 to Sao Beach).

  • Private car: $30–$50/day for multi-stop tours.

• Drinks: Coffee $1–$2; beer $0.50–$2; Sim wine $1–$2.

• Total Daily Cost: $10–$50 (budget: $10–$20 for market dining; mid-range: $20–$35 for restaurants; luxury: $35–$50 for upscale venues like My Lan).

• Tip: Book tours for included meals and transfers; use VND for markets; ATMs in Duong Phong (TPBank, VPBank) offer low fees.

• Dry Season (November–April): Sunny, 25–32°C, ideal for beachside dining and market visits. Fresh herring is abundant; book tours 1–2 weeks ahead for peak months (December–February).

• Shoulder Season (April–June, October): Warm, occasional showers, fewer crowds, 20–30% cheaper. Good for fresh catches and quieter eateries.

• Rainy Season (July–September): Budget-friendly with 30–50% discounts, but afternoon showers may limit outdoor dining. Herring remains available; focus on indoor venues like Crab House.

Note: Herring is available year-round, but peak fishing season (January–March) ensures the freshest supply.

• Plan Ahead: Book restaurant tables or tours 1–2 weeks in advance for dry season via restaurant websites, Baolau.com, or Legend Travel Group; same-day bookings often available in rainy season.

• Pack Smart: Reusable utensils for markets; lightweight clothing; carry a small cooler for fresh herring purchases; raincoats for rainy season.

• Budget Wisely: Expect $10–$50/day (dining $1–$7, transport $2–$14, activities $5–$40, accommodation $20–$300). Use VND for small vendors; confirm prices to avoid tourist surcharges.

• Stay Safe: Choose busy stalls for fresh preparation; ensure herring is properly cured to avoid foodborne issues; secure valuables at markets.

• Sustainability: Support local vendors at Ham Ninh or Duong Phong Market to sustain fishing communities; choose PDO-certified fish sauce for authenticity. Our tours promote eco-friendly dining practices.

• Cultural Respect: Ask vendors for preparation tips; tip ($1–$5) for excellent service; engage with locals for culinary insights.

• Join a Guided Tour: Our tours ensure vetted dining spots, English-speaking guides, and sustainable itineraries for an authentic experience.

Our eco-friendly tours immerse you in Phu Quoc’s culinary heritage, blending herring salad tastings with sustainable island adventures:

• Half-Day Night Market Foodie Walk ($50–$70/person): Sample herring salad ($2–$4) at Dinh Cau Night Market, try Sim wine ($1–$2), and visit a fish sauce factory ($5–$10). Includes transfers and snacks.

• Full-Day Coastal Culinary Journey ($90–$130/person): Dine on herring salad at My Lan ($5–$7), snorkel An Thoi Archipelago ($15–$40), and tour Ham Ninh Village ($3–$5). Includes meals and transfers.

• Private Food & Heritage Experience ($120–$180/person, min. 2): Customize with herring salad at Crab House ($4–$6), visit Phu Quoc Prison ($8–$12), and explore a pepper farm ($5–$10). Includes private guide, dinner, and transfers.

• Sao Beach & Seafood Feast ($80–$110/person): Enjoy herring salad at Sao Beach ($5–$7), kayak ($4–$8), and visit Dinh Cau Night Market ($2–$10). Includes transfers and meals.

• Multi-Day Phu Quoc Foodie Odyssey ($300–$500/person, 3–4 days): Cover herring salad tastings, VinWonders ($22–$30), Vinpearl Safari ($22–$30), and eco-lodge stays ($20–$50/night). Includes all activities and meals.

Prices include guides, transfers, activities, and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) and seasonal promotions available. Book now via the links on this page!

• Flights: Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) serves direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City ($20–$80, 50 minutes), Hanoi ($30–$100), and Bangkok ($80–$150). Book via vietjetair.com or Traveloka.

• Ferries: High-speed ferries from Rach Gia or Ha Tien ($7–$15, 1.5–2.5 hours) to Bai Vong or An Thoi Port. Book via superdong.com.vn.

• Visa: 30-day visa-free entry for direct arrivals to Phu Quoc; E-Visa ($25) for mainland Vietnam, obtainable at evisa.gov.vn 7 days in advance. Verify on official Vietnamese immigration websites.

Herring salad (gỏi cá trích), Phu Quoc’s culinary masterpiece in Kien Giang Province, blends fresh herring, local herbs, and iconic fish sauce into a healthy, flavorful dish that captures the Pearl Island’s coastal essence. Whether savored at Dinh Cau Night Market’s bustling stalls, My Lan’s beachside haven, or Crab House’s refined setting, this omega-3-rich delicacy offers a vibrant taste of Phu Quoc’s food culture. Legend Travel Group’s Phu Quoc Tours ensure you experience herring salad authentically, blending sustainable dining with eco-friendly adventures across Phu Quoc’s beaches, markets, and heritage sites like Suoi Tranh Waterfall. Don’t miss this gastronomic delight—browse our featured tours and book your herring salad experience today!
Ready to savor Phu Quoc’s coastal flavors? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into Vietnam’s island jewel!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Phu Quoc Culinary Information: vietnam.travel, phuquocislandguide.com, vinpearl.com, vietnamcoracle.com