Phu Quoc Culinary Guide: Must-Try Dishes & Dining Spots on Vietnam’s Pearl Island

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 rich cultural heritage. Beyond its 150-km coastline and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, Phu Quoc is a culinary paradise, offering fresh seafood, unique local specialties like fish sauce and black pepper, and a growing international dining scene. From bustling night markets to beachfront fine dining, the island’s food reflects its coastal bounty and vibrant traditions. Whether you’re tasting herring salad at Dinh Cau Night Market or savoring French-inspired seafood at a luxury resort, Phu Quoc’s flavors captivate every palate. As a premier local tour operator, Legend Travel Group curates eco-friendly culinary tours to immerse you in this gastronomic haven, with seamless booking via links around this guide. Ready to indulge in Phu Quoc’s delights? 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 combine dining at top spots with activities like beach visits, temple tours, and snorkeling, ensuring a holistic island adventure. With transparent pricing and free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, we prioritize your satisfaction. Discover our curated packages to embark on a flavorful journey!

Phu Quoc’s cuisine is a celebration of its coastal location and fertile lands, offering fresh seafood, tropical specialties, and international influences. Below are must-try dishes, dining costs, and top restaurants, with prices in USD (1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND).

Must-Try Dishes

• Herring Salad (Gỏi Cá Trích): Fresh herring fillets rolled with herbs, onions, and shredded coconut in rice paper, served with Phu Quoc’s fish sauce dip. Rich in omega-3, it’s a healthy, flavorful staple. Price: $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND) at restaurants; $2–$4 at markets.

• Bun Quay (Stirred Noodle Soup): A Phu Quoc original with shrimp, fish, and squid in a savory broth, customizable with fish sauce, chili, and lime. Price: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).

• Sea Urchin (Nhum Biển): Served raw with lime and wasabi or grilled with scallion oil, this briny delicacy is a local favorite. Price: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND) at restaurants; $1–$2 at markets.

• Ham Ninh Crab: Sweet, firm crabs steamed with beer or grilled with tamarind, best with salt-pepper-lime dip. Price: $5–$15/kg (125,000–375,000 VND) at restaurants; $3–$7/kg at markets.

• Fish Sauce (Nuoc Mam): Phu Quoc’s iconic condiment, made from Coc Sieu anchovies, enhances every dish. Sample at factories or buy bottles ($2–$5/500ml).

• Sim Wine: A sweet, low-alcohol drink from rose myrtle berries, perfect with seafood. Price: $1–$2/glass (25,000–50,000 VND); $6–$10/750ml bottle (150,000–250,000 VND).

Dining Costs

• Street Food & Markets: $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND) for dishes like pho, banh mi, or bun quay.

• Local Restaurants: $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND) for seafood or Vietnamese meals.

• Mid-Range Restaurants: $7–$15 (175,000–375,000 VND) for Vietnamese or international cuisine.

• Upscale Dining: $15–$50 (375,000–1,250,000 VND) at fine-dining venues like The Pepper Tree.

• Drinks: Vietnamese coffee $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND), local beer $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND), cocktails $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND).

Phu Quoc’s dining scene ranges from bustling markets to upscale restaurants, offering authentic Vietnamese flavors and international cuisine. Here are the top spots, updated with current details:

Dinh Cau Night Market

This vibrant market on Vo Thi Sau Street, Duong Phong, is Phu Quoc’s culinary heart, open daily from 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM. Stalls serve fresh seafood like grilled scallops, steamed squid, and lobster, alongside local dishes like herring salad and boiled snails. It’s a budget-friendly spot with a lively atmosphere.

• Price: Dishes $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND); drinks $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Highlights: “A foodie paradise with unbeatable seafood” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).

• Tip: Try flower crab rice noodles; visit early to avoid crowds. Included in our Night Market Foodie Walk ($50–$70).

The Pepper Tree at La Veranda Resort

Located at La Veranda Resort on Long Beach, The Pepper Tree offers fine dining with French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine, using fresh local seafood and Phu Quoc pepper. Its colonial decor and ocean views make it ideal for romantic dinners or special occasions.

• Price: Mains $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND); wine $5–$10/glass (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Location: Tran Hung Dao, Long Beach; taxi $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) from Duong Phong.

• Highlights: “Exquisite flavors in a stunning setting” (Tripadvisor, 4.7/5 stars).

• Tip: Reserve a table for sunset; try the pepper-crusted fish. Book our Fine Dining & Sunset Tour ($100–$150).

Com Bac 123

Formerly Song Bien 123, this Duong Phong restaurant is a local favorite for authentic Vietnamese dishes in a clean, casual setting. Known for seafood like grilled barracuda and affordable beers, it offers English menus and friendly service, though peak hours (12:00–2:00 PM, 6:00–8:00 PM) can be crowded.

• Price: Dishes $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND); beers $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Location: Bach Dang Street, Duong Phong; walkable from Dinh Cau Night Market.

• Highlights: “Great value for fresh seafood” (Tripadvisor, 4.3/5 stars).

• Tip: Arrive before peak hours; try the steamed prawns. Included in our Local Eats Tour ($60–$80).

Gop Gio Restaurant

A beloved spot on Tran Hung Dao Street, Gop Gio is renowned for its fresh seafood sourced from Duong Phong Port, including eel, shrimp, and barracuda. The casual vibe and English menus make it welcoming, though staff may rely on translation apps for communication.

• Price: Mains $3–$10 (75,000–250,000 VND); drinks $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Highlights: “Authentic and affordable” (Legendtravelgroup.com).

• Tip: Order the grilled squid; visit for lunch to avoid crowds. Book our Seafood Feast Tour ($65–$85).

Bup Restaurant

This family-run eatery on 30/4 Street, Duong Phong, offers a cozy atmosphere and a wide menu of Vietnamese seafood and vegetarian dishes, including fried tofu with lemongrass and grilled octopus. The English-speaking owner provides personalized recommendations.

• Price: Dishes $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND); drinks $1–$3.

• Highlights: “Flavorful and welcoming” (Tripadvisor, 4.4/5 stars).

• Tip: Try the shrimp in garlic butter; ideal for vegetarians. Included in our Duong Phong Dining Tour ($55–$75).

Thu Phuong Restaurant

A hidden gem in Duong Phong, this small, family-run restaurant serves home-cooked Vietnamese dishes like braised pork in clay pot and vegetable spring rolls. The husband’s cooking and wife’s warm service create a homely experience, perfect for authentic flavors.

• Price: Mains $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND); drinks $1–$2.

• Location: Near Duong Phong Market; taxi $2–$3 from Long Beach.

• Highlights: “Simple, delicious, and heartfelt” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).

• Tip: Order the pan-fried cobra fish; visit for dinner. Book our Home-Cooked Vietnamese Tour ($50–$70).

Phu Quoc’s growing expat community has fostered a diverse international dining scene, particularly along Tran Hung Dao Street and Long Beach. Notable spots include:

• Winston’s Burgers & Beer: American-style burgers and craft beers in a laid-back setting. Price: $5–$12 (125,000–300,000 VND). Location: Long Beach.

• Pink Pearl by Olivier E.: French fine dining with seafood and wine pairings at Premier Village. Price: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND).

• Namaste India: Authentic Indian cuisine, including curries and naan. Price: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND). Location: Duong Phong.

• Getting There: Fly to Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) from Ho Chi Minh City ($20–$80, 50 minutes), Hanoi ($30–$100), or Bangkok ($80–$150). Ferries from Rach Gia or Ha Tien cost $7–$15 (1.5–2.5 hours).

• Getting Around: Motorbikes ($6–$10/day), Grab/Xanh SM taxis ($7–$14 to Sao Beach), or free VinBus for key routes. Our tours include transfers.

• Visa: 30-day visa-free entry for direct arrivals to Phu Quoc; E-Visa ($25) for mainland Vietnam. Verify on official Vietnamese immigration websites.

• Best Time: Dry season (November–April) for outdoor dining; shoulder seasons (April–June, October) for savings; rainy season (July–September) for budget indoor options.

• Sustainability: Phu Quoc aims to eliminate petrol vehicles by 2030. Our tours use eco-friendly VinBus and support local vendors to preserve the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

• Plan Ahead: Book restaurant tables and tours 1–2 weeks in advance for dry season; check menus on GrabFood or Baemin for deals.

• Pack Smart: Bring reusable utensils for markets; carry a water bottle to save on drinks ($0.30–$0.50).

• Budget Wisely: Expect $2–$50/meal, $1–$7 for drinks, $3–$14 for transport. Use VND for small transactions; ATMs (TPBank, VPBank) in Duong Phong offer low fees.

• Stay Safe: Choose busy stalls for fresh food; secure valuables at markets; confirm prices to avoid tourist surcharges.

• Respect Culture: Ask vendors for dish insights; tip for excellent service; support family-run spots like Thu Phuong.

• Join a Guided Tour: Our tours offer vetted dining experiences, priority seating, and insider tips to avoid crowds.

Our eco-friendly tours immerse you in Phu Quoc’s food scene, blending dining with island adventures:

• Half-Day Night Market Feast ($50–$70/person): Sample herring salad and grilled scallops at Dinh Cau Night Market, with Sim wine tasting ($1–$2). Includes transfers.

• Full-Day Culinary Journey ($90–$130/person): Dine at Com Bac 123, tour a fish sauce factory, and visit Ham Ninh for crab ($5–$15/kg). Includes lunch and cooking class ($10–$15).

• Private Food & Heritage Tour ($120–$180/person, min. 2): Enjoy fine dining at The Pepper Tree ($15–$30), visit Sung Hung Pagoda, and snorkel An Thoi ($12–$25). Includes dinner and transfers.

• Beach & Bites Combo ($80–$110/person): Lunch at Bup Restaurant ($3–$8), sunset at Sao Beach, and market dining. Includes transfers.

• Multi-Day Foodie Explorer ($250–$400/person, 3–4 days): Cover all dining spots, stay in eco-lodges ($20–$50/night), and visit Vinpearl Safari ($25–$35). Includes all meals and activities.

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!

Phu Quoc’s culinary scene is as vibrant as its beaches, offering fresh seafood, local specialties like herring salad and fish sauce, and a growing international dining landscape. From the bustling Dinh Cau Night Market to the refined Pepper Tree, the island caters to every taste and budget. Legend Travel Group’s Phu Quoc Tours guide you to savor Phu Quoc’s flavors authentically, ensuring a sustainable Phu Quoc Travel experience with curated dining and eco-friendly practices. Don’t miss this gastronomic paradise—browse our featured tours on this page and book your Phu Quoc culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste the Pearl Island’s culinary treasures? Reserve your tour with Legend Travel Group and indulge in Vietnam’s island flavors!

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

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group