Must-try Dishes
Phu Quoc Fish Sauce - Nước Mắm Phú Quốc (savory dip) - This famous fish sauce is made from fermented anchovies and salt, giving it a rich umami flavor. Locals drizzle it over many dishes or use it as a dipping sauce, often served fresh with seafood.
Fried Spring Rolls - Chả Giò (crispy rolls) - Filled with a mixture of minced pork, shrimp, and vegetables, these golden spring rolls are deep-fried to crispy perfection. They're a popular choice for street food, often enjoyed as a snack or quick meal on the go.
Vietnamese Pancake - Bánh Xèo (savory crepe) - This large, crispy pancake is filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and a tangy dipping sauce. Dinner time is common for enjoying this dish, especially during family gatherings where everyone shares plates.
Grilled Squid - Mực Nướng (seasoned seafood) - Simply marinated and grilled, squid is a local specialty here; its smoky flavor pairs beautifully with fresh lime. You’ll typically find it at beachside barbecue stalls, offering a perfect light dinner option while watching the sunset.
Rice and Fish with Mango - Cơm Hến (unexpected combo) - Stir-fried rice with tiny clams and fresh mango creates a surprising yet delightful clash of flavors and textures. It’s often enjoyed as a lunch dish with a side of herbs, and locals say the freshness is key.
Egg Coffee - Cà Phê Trứng (seasonal twist) - Made from whipped egg yolk and coconut milk mixed with coffee, this unique beverage sometimes appears in winter to warm you up. Locals love sipping it as a mid-morning treat, so timing is everything to get it fresh.
Tuna Salad - Gỏi Cá Ngừ (refreshing dish) - This dish combines fresh tuna, herbs, and crunchy vegetables, typically served with rice paper for wrapping. It is best enjoyed during lunch in casual settings, where it's often shared among friends and family.
Desserts & Drinks
Cà Phê Sữa Đá - (Vietnamese iced coffee) - Strong Vietnamese coffee brewed using a drip filter, mixed with sweetened condensed milk and served over ice. A favorite afternoon pick-me-up, it's enjoyed mostly in local cafes nestled on the streets where friends gather to chat and share stories.
Nước Mía - (sugarcane juice) - Freshly pressed sugarcane juice, sweet, refreshing, and often served with a dash of lime for an extra zing. You’ll find it on sunny days around the beaches, where locals sip it to cool down after a swim, often standing at a street cart with friends.
Bia Hà Nội - (Hanoi beer) - A light lager with a crisp flavor, brewed locally and best enjoyed cold. It’s common to see locals sharing a few bottles during sunset at beachside bars, creating a casual and friendly atmosphere that captures the island's vibe.
Bánh Flan - (flan dessert) - Creamy caramel custard made with eggs, milk, and condensed milk, often topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce. This chilled dessert is a popular treat after meals and often seen at family gatherings, making it a cozy comfort food for many locals.
Sorbet dừa - (coconut sorbet) - Refreshing coconut sorbet made from fresh coconut water and flesh, often served in a coconut shell. Best enjoyed in the tropical heat, it’s a must-have during the summer months, particularly along the beaches, where you can find it being sold by vendors.
By the way, don’t be surprised if locals order their coffee with ice after a meal — it’s quite common!