Blessed with warm, calm waters all year round, Phu Quy Island is home to an abundant population of slipper lobsters (locally known as tôm mũ ni). This species is easy for local divers to spot thanks to its distinctive appearance: a broad, plate-like antenna in front of the head resembling a traditional ear-covering hat, which inspired the name “mũ ni.”
Slipper lobster is one of Phu Quy’s most famous delicacies, prized for its sweet, fragrant and exceptionally nutritious meat—often considered even tastier than spiny lobster. Because the ingredient itself is already premium, it doesn’t require overly complicated cooking techniques to become an outstanding dish.
The simplest and most popular preparations include steaming, boiling, grilling with lemongrass, garlic and chili, or salt-roasting. The key to a perfect slipper lobster dish is freshness. When steamed or grilled, the shell turns golden, while the meat inside remains snowy white, firm, thick and naturally sweet. Just a pinch of salt, pepper and lime is enough to elevate the flavor.
Local cooks often clean the lobster, marinate it lightly, and steam it. When it is nearly done, they add tuyết nhĩ (white fungus) and steam for an additional three minutes. The result is beautifully pink, aromatic, tender-yet-chewy meat with a rich sweetness.
For seasoned food lovers, steamed slipper lobster served with fresh herbs, green banana, cucumber, a touch of mustard, and a glass of chilled white wine is the perfect combination. Another favorite variation is slipper lobster baked with cheese: the lobster is split lengthwise, brushed with a creamy cheese sauce and baked until golden—a mouthwatering harmony of sweet lobster meat and rich, melting cheese.
As mentioned earlier, Phu Quy’s warm-water environment plays a major role in the abundance of slipper lobster. Summer sea-surface temperatures typically range from 28°C–29°C, while winter temperatures only drop to 25°C–26°C, creating a stable marine habitat with an annual variation of just 2°C–3°C.
With its naturally sweet flavor, rich texture and versatile preparation methods, slipper lobster is truly a must-try when visiting Phu Quy Island—delicious no matter how many times you eat it.
