Alongside famous dishes like herring salad and grilled squid eggs, còi biên mai is always on the must-try list for anyone visiting Phu Quoc. Its sweet, chewy texture and rich ocean flavor make it one of the island’s most beloved specialties.
What is còi biên mai?
Biên mai is a triangular-shaped marine scallop, resembling a folded fan. While the inner flesh is soft and not very tasty, the prized part is the adductor muscle—known as còi biên mai. This white, thick, naturally crunchy piece is the best part of the scallop and the only section used for cooking.
In Phu Quoc, travelers can even join snorkeling tours to “hunt biên mai” and collect scallops from the seabed—an exciting hands-on experience.
Why is grilled còi biên mai with chili salt the best version?
Còi biên mai can be stir-fried, steamed, cooked in porridge or hotpot, but the most flavorful and authentic version is grilled with chili salt or grilled with satay. Over charcoal heat, each piece becomes firm, absorbs the salty-spicy seasoning, and releases a fragrant aroma that leaves a lasting impression.
The grilling process requires precision:
- Too much heat → burnt outside, raw inside
- Grilled too long → dry, tough, losing sweetness
The perfect còi is lightly golden, juicy, and aromatic.
When served, it’s commonly paired with chili-salt lime or fermented tofu dipping sauce, along with herbs, lettuce, wild banana slices, cucumber, and pineapple—enhancing both flavor and balance.
Prices in Phu Quoc
At local eateries: 80,000 – 150,000 VND/plate (for 2 people)
Frozen còi biên mai to take home: 250,000 – 350,000 VND/kg
It’s an excellent choice to purchase as a gift or to prepare yourself at home.
A culinary experience not to miss
Sitting by a charcoal grill, enjoying freshly grilled còi biên mai in the sea breeze, is one of the most memorable dining moments on the Pearl Island. This is absolutely a dish you should try at least once when visiting Phu Quoc.
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