Côn Đảo is home to countless unique and delicious seafood dishes, but among them, triggerfish (cá bò giáp) stands out as one of the most sought-after specialties. This species is caught entirely from the wild and is considered a true treasure of the island’s coastal waters.
Triggerfish – rough on the outside, premium on the inside
Triggerfish in Côn Đảo have a dark blue–black color, thick body, and strong teeth. They are considered aggressive reef fish, feeding mainly on crustaceans such as clams, snails, crabs, and even coral. Each fish typically weighs between 1.5 kg and 5 kg.
Despite their rough, unappealing appearance and tough outer skin, the flesh is exceptionally firm, fragrant, and flavorful. The meat is white, but the tail section turns a deep red similar to beef—sweet, chewy, and naturally fatty. Triggerfish are also rich in protein and contain high levels of vitamins A, D, and B12.
Grilled Triggerfish with Salt & Chili – a dish you won’t forget
One of the best ways to enjoy triggerfish is grilled with salt and chili.
- Fresh, live fish are selected with thick, firm flesh
- Cleaned and scored to help absorb flavors
- Crushed chili and spices are rubbed thoroughly onto the fish
- Marinated for 30–45 minutes
- Grilled over glowing charcoal, turned occasionally until fragrant and evenly cooked
The dish is best enjoyed with rice paper, fresh herbs, vermicelli, and a squeeze of lime with salt and pepper.
Price: about 580,000 VND/kg (prepared).
Other delicious triggerfish dishes
Triggerfish can be transformed into many other mouthwatering dishes:
- Sweet–sour triggerfish hotpot
- Steamed triggerfish
- Grilled in banana leaves or foil
- Braised triggerfish
- Triggerfish sashimi with mustard
- Triggerfish porridge
- Crispy fried triggerfish skin – a surprisingly addictive snack
A rare specialty of Côn Đảo
Because triggerfish live in coral reef areas and are difficult to catch, they are considered a rare culinary specialty of Côn Đảo. Their chewy, sweet, and slightly fatty meat combined with bold seasoning creates a flavor that leaves diners wanting more.
