A trip to Phu Quy Island wouldn’t be complete without savoring its signature local dishes. From freshly caught seafood to unique island-style specialties, Phu Quy offers a delightful culinary experience at very affordable prices. Some of the must-try dishes include Phu Quy hot beef, sea urchin, stone oysters, jelly dessert made with eucheuma seaweed, and many more. These dishes capture the true flavors of the sea and the vibrant island lifestyle.
Phu Quy Hot Beef (Bò Nóng Phú Quý)
One of the most famous specialties of Phu Quy Island is hot beef, made from young island-raised cattle. Cows are grazed naturally on coastal grasslands, which results in tender meat with minimal fat. After slaughtering, the skin is singed using ngũ trảo wood, giving the beef a distinctive aroma.
Beef is sold by the kilogram and prepared in a variety of styles:
- Grilled beef roll (bò nướng)
- Lime-cured rare beef (bò tái chanh)
- Beef in vinegar hotpot (bò nhúng dấm)
- Stir-fried beef (bò xào lăn)
- Ginger-steamed beef (bò hấp gừng)
And don’t forget the island favorite: hot beef porridge, perfect for a hearty finish.
Popular places to try Phu Quy hot beef include Hoa Thuong, Ngoc Tinh, Thanh Binh, and Thu Vien.
Phu Quy Sea Urchin (Nhum Biển)
Sea urchin is one of the island’s most iconic delicacies, prepared in many creative ways. The most exciting experience is eating it right on the boat, moments after harvesting. Locals gently pry open the shell with a bamboo stick, scoop out the creamy roe, and serve it with lime salt, soy sauce, or wasabi.
The combination of rich, buttery sea urchin with a touch of acidity and heat creates an unforgettable flavor. For an enhanced taste, islanders often add roasted peanuts, chili, and mustard greens—just like true sea folk enjoying their daily catch.
The most beloved recipe is sea urchin porridge (cháo nhum). Fresh urchin is cleaned, seasoned, sautéed with scallion oil, and then added to a simmering pot of congee. When the grains bloom and the roe turns golden, the dish is ready.
A bowl of sea urchin porridge is topped with:
- A splash of premium fish sauce
- Chopped scallions and herbs
- A sprinkle of black pepper
Enjoyed hot, it is sweet, creamy, fragrant, and deeply satisfying—a true taste of Phu Quy.
Grilled Stone Oysters with Scallion Oil
Just hearing the name is enough to imagine its deliciousness. Stone oysters are placed on a glowing charcoal grill, then glazed with sizzling scallion oil.
As the oysters heat up, you’ll hear the fat bubbling and smell the irresistible aroma filling the air. Their naturally firm, crunchy texture pairs beautifully with the richness of the scallion oil and a dash of sweet-and-sour fish sauce.
Enjoyed piping hot, this dish is nothing short of addictive.
Natural Sashimi – Fresh from the Sea
Visiting an island without trying natural sashimi would be a serious mistake—and be careful, it’s so good you might not want to return to the mainland!
Fishermen often serve sashimi straight from their boats or floating fish farms, using only the freshest seafood:
- Grouper (various species)
- Tuna
- Sea prawns
- Octopus
- Squid
- Shellfish
Simply pair with wasabi, fresh lime, soy sauce, and shiso leaves, and you’ll have a dish that rivals authentic Japanese cuisine—yet with the unmistakable flavor of the Vietnamese sea.
