Phu Quoc crab noodle soup (Bánh Canh Ghẹ) is one of the island’s most beloved breakfast dishes, capturing the essence of coastal life in every bowl. A serving typically features a generous amount of fresh crab meat, chewy translucent noodles made from rice and tapioca, slices of fragrant mackerel fish cake, and a sprinkle of pepper and herbs, creating an aroma that blends perfectly with the gentle morning sea breeze.
What makes this dish special lies in its broth. The soup is simmered from pork bones, dried shrimp, and especially mackerel heads, giving it a naturally sweet, clear, and ocean-rich flavor. The fish cakes are hand-made from freshly scraped mackerel, seasoned with pepper, garlic, shallots, and Phu Quoc fish sauce, then pounded until smooth and bouncy. Fresh blue swimming crabs from Hàm Ninh—firm, sweet, and packed with flavor—ensure that the dish carries the unmistakable taste of the island.
Crab noodle soup is a familiar morning meal for locals, often enjoyed with a small dish of authentic Phu Quoc fish sauce to enhance the sweetness of the crab. From markets to small roadside stalls, this dish appears everywhere across the island and remains a must-try for visitors who want to experience true Phu Quoc flavors.
More than just a bowl of noodles, Bánh Canh Ghẹ represents the freshness of Phu Quoc’s seafood and the simplicity of its coastal lifestyle. Its sweet crab meat, fragrant broth, and silky noodles leave a lasting impression on anyone who tastes it.
Thanh Hoang
