Moon crab is one of the rarest and most sought-after seafood specialties on Phu Quy Island (Binh Thuan). To enjoy this unique dish, visitors typically pay around 700,000 VND per kilogram—well worth it for a flavor found almost nowhere else.
What makes this crab so distinctive is its striking appearance. Its shell is covered with vivid circular patterns in deep red and bright pink, resembling the shape of a full moon. Because of these round “craters,” locals call it cua mặt trăng—the Moon Crab.
At night, when divers descend into the water, the crab’s glowing “moon marks” make it surprisingly easy to spot. The species usually hides among coral rock crevices, moves slowly, and is therefore easy to catch—yet ironically, it is still one of the scarcest seafoods on the island. Its rarity is such that islanders often reserve it exclusively for honored guests, and it is rarely brought to the mainland.
Moon crabs live in coral-rock areas surrounding the many islets of Phu Quy—such as Hon Tranh, Hon Trứng, Hon Khoai, and Hon Tằm—but they only appear during the south-wind season. Fishermen take small boats to these islets to catch them when conditions are right. Many islanders who return home after decades away still struggle to find Moon Crab if they come during the wrong season.
Its scarcity is matched by its exceptional flavor. The meat is firm, high in protein, aromatic, and unusually sweet. Visitors who have had the chance to enjoy Moon Crab—steamed or grilled over charcoal and served immediately—never forget its taste. Some of the island’s reputable spots to try this delicacy include Cột Buồm Restaurant, Lộc Phát 68, Ông Già Seafood, and Công viên Hải Sản.
Steamed Moon Crab dipped in salt, pepper, and lime is considered the purest way to enjoy its natural sweetness. Today, not every restaurant on the island offers it. Asking for Moon Crab is a sign that a visitor truly understands the culinary treasures of Phu Quy. For local fishermen, this crab is even more precious than the Emperor Crab, especially during major family gatherings or ancestral ceremonies.
Moon Crab has become a rising star in the culinary scene of Phu Quy Island. If you ever visit this “rich island of the East Sea,” located about 58 nautical miles from Phan Thiet, make sure you experience this unforgettable dish. Its taste will stay with you long after you leave—just like the memory of this beautiful island in the middle of the open sea.
