Phu Quoc has long been known as Vietnam’s “Pearl Island Paradise,” blessed with crystal-blue waters, white sandy beaches, golden sunshine, fresh air, and a rich ecosystem filled with scenic wonders. Yet what truly lingers in the memory of visitors is the island’s fresh seafood—especially Ham Ninh crab, the most famous delicacy of Phu Quoc, renowned for its firm texture, natural sweetness, and unmistakable flavor found nowhere else.
Ham Ninh Fishing Village – The birthplace of the legendary crab
Ham Ninh is a coastal fishing village on the eastern side of Phu Quoc Island, located about 20 km from Duong Dong Town. It is the oldest fishing village on the island, still preserving its rustic beauty with thatched houses, wooden piers stretching out to the sea, and the simple life of fishermen who head out to the ocean every day.
The livelihood of Ham Ninh residents comes mainly from:
- Near-shore fishing
- Pearl diving
- Setting nets to catch crab – the most traditional and famous craft in the village
Thanks to its untouched marine ecosystem—especially the lush seagrass meadows—Ham Ninh provides the ideal habitat for crabs to grow, feed, and thrive.
What makes Ham Ninh crab special?
Unlike the larger green crabs of Central Vietnam or Ha Long, Ham Ninh crabs are small but exceptionally firm, sweet, and fragrant. This superior quality comes from their natural habitat: clean water, a depth of 3–10m, seagrass beds, and sandy shoals—all of which create nutrient-rich conditions that help crabs develop thick, flavorful meat.
Key distinctions of Ham Ninh crab:
- Best size: 5–7 crabs per kilogram
- Female crabs: lots of roe, rich and creamy
- Male crabs: more meat, sweet and firm
- Live in clean water: less salty accumulation, better meat quality
Crabs are harvested year-round, but the best time to enjoy them is at the beginning and end of the lunar month.
Ham Ninh crab prices & how to choose the best ones
Ham Ninh crab is usually priced between 150,000 – 250,000 VND/kg, depending on season and size.
Tips for choosing the best crabs:
- Avoid very large crabs → meat becomes loose and less sweet
- Avoid very small crabs → not much meat
- Ideal size: 6–7 crabs per kilogram
- Want roe? → Choose female crabs
- Want lots of meat? → Choose male crabs
Most visitors enjoy crabs freshly caught and boiled right at the village—the shell turns bright red-orange, the aroma is irresistible.
The best ways to enjoy Ham Ninh crab
Though there are many delicious ways to prepare Ham Ninh crab, the most beloved remains:
1. Steamed or boiled crab with lime pepper salt – the true taste of Phu Quoc
- Boil with crushed lemongrass to enhance fragrance
- Do not overcook to preserve natural sweetness
- Dip in lime pepper salt mixed with spicy Phu Quoc pepper
A pull of the white, glossy crab meat and a slow chew will reveal the full sweetness of the sea.
Other popular dishes:
- Tamarind crab
- Salted egg yolk crab
- Garlic butter crab
- Spicy-sour crab soup
- Chili salt crab claws
- Ham Ninh crab fried rice
Ham Ninh crabbing tradition & national recognition
On February 8, 2022, the National Office of Intellectual Property officially granted:
👉 Collective Trademark Certification: “Ham Ninh Crab – Phu Quoc”
This marks a major milestone in protecting the origin and elevating the national value of Ham Ninh crab.
According to Mrs. Nguyễn Kim Tới, Vice Chairwoman of Ham Ninh Commune:
“Building a brand is difficult, but preserving and enhancing its value is even harder. Our commune continues to protect the crabbing grounds and prevent large-capacity boats from damaging the seagrass beds—the natural habitat of the crab.”
This effort ensures the long-term sustainability of Ham Ninh crab.
⭐ A National Record: 100 Dishes Made from Ham Ninh Crab (2023)
In early 2023, the Phu Quoc Professional Chefs Association organized:
“Vietnam National Record – 100 Dishes from Ham Ninh Crab”
Signature creations included: Crab with salted egg yolk, XO crab, Hong Kong salted crab, Singapore-style crab, three-color crab noodles, royal crab spring rolls, imperial crab pâté, king crab soup, tamarind crab, green chili crab rice…
Over 100 crab dishes were showcased, greatly promoting the culinary brand “Ham Ninh Crab – Phu Quoc.”
Ham Ninh Crab – The culinary soul of Phu Quoc
Within the colorful tapestry of Phu Quoc tourism, Ham Ninh crab represents:
- The purity of the sea
- A natural, nutritious food source
- The cultural identity of coastal fishing life
- The creativity of local cuisine
Ham Ninh crab is more than just a delicious dish—it is a symbol of Phu Quoc’s culinary heritage, carrying with it the flavor of the ocean and the humble stories of fishing life.
Visiting Phu Quoc without tasting Ham Ninh crab means your journey is not truly complete!
