During our field trip on Phú Quý Island, the Travelin.vn team had the chance to experience several unique local products that are rarely seen in traditional markets or specialty shops. Among them are pufferfish skin and fish maw—two surprising yet highly valued items in the island’s coastal communities.
Pufferfish Skin
Visitors may be astonished to see pufferfish skin being sun-dried across Phú Quý’s coastal fishing villages. Yet for locals, this is an extremely valuable product destined primarily for export.
Although Vietnam issues strong warnings against consuming pufferfish meat, locals emphasize that pufferfish skin from Phú Quý is not used as food but holds significant commercial and artisanal value. It is commonly used in:
- Decorative handicrafts
- The leather and fashion industry
- Specialized medical applications (rumored to be used for certain types of absorbable surgical sutures)
One of the rarest species is the black-spotted porcupine pufferfish. Though present in several coastal areas, it is caught in very small quantities. Fishermen often keep it for personal use or for honored guests — meaning even seaside restaurants may not always have it available for sale.
Fish Maw in Phú Quý
Historically, fish maw (dried swim bladder) was considered one of the imperial “Eight Treasures”—a collection of the rarest and most nourishing foods once served to royalty. These delicacies were believed to provide exceptional health benefits such as supporting blood circulation, strengthening kidneys, enhancing vitality, and improving longevity.
In ancient Vietnam, the Eight Treasures included delicacies like peacock rolls, phoenix pâté, rhino skin, bear paw, deer tendon, orangutan lips, elephant feet, and bird’s nest.
The modern “Eight Treasures” list features more familiar luxury foods: bird’s nest, deer tendon, shark fin, abalone, sea cucumber, fish maw, scallops, and foie gras.
Fish maw is prized not only for its flavor but also for its rich nutritional profile. It is suitable for all ages thanks to its wide-ranging benefits:
- High calcium content supports bone and brain development in children
- Abundant natural collagen helps women maintain youthful, firm, glowing skin
- Vitamin A and trace minerals promote digestive health and ease conditions such as indigestion or constipation
Provides steady natural energy, boosts memory, enhances vitality, and supports better sleep—especially helpful for the elderly
