Buzz
When you set foot on Phu Quy Island, you not only soak in the serene beauty of nature but also indulge in a variety of delicacies at reasonable prices.
Phu Quy Island Travel: Must-try high-end, budget-friendly specialties
1. Moon Crab
The Moon Crab dish stands out as a rare delicacy at the top tier on Phu Quy Island. The vibrant red circles, blending into fresh pink hues on the crab's shell, resemble the moon – hence the distinctive name.
Moon Crabs live concealed in coral rock crevices, renowned for their sweet, fragrant, and firm flesh. Especially during the moonrise, these crabs outshine others, which tend to be less active during this period. Whether steamed or grilled over charcoal, served with a dash of salt, pepper, and lime, the crab meat is so delectable that a single taste will leave a lasting impression.
Prices at local markets hover around 200,000-300,000 VND per kilogram.
2. Emperor Crab
Emperor Crabs boast a vibrant pink-red color with square-shaped shells. Characterized by long claws, short legs, and tails, this crab species is most abundant in lunar December.
Not only is the crab meat firm, but the crab roe is also aromatic and rich. Emperor Crabs can be prepared in various ways, including steaming, grilling over charcoal, with a particular highlight being crab congee.
After a thorough wash, the crab is steamed to retain its sweetness. The crab roe is separated, and the seasoned crab meat is briefly sautéed in hot oil. The congee, enriched with the crab meat, is then garnished with crab roe, sliced onions, scallions, and a sprinkle of pepper. The resulting bowl of congee, adorned with the golden hue of fat, the red of crab roe, and the white of crab meat, is not only visually appealing but also irresistibly enticing.
Prices are approximately 500,000 VND per kilogram.
3. Lobster
Diving for lobsters is a traditional occupation for local fishermen. Lobster meat is firm, sweet, interspersed with crispy fibers, making it a dish you can't miss when setting foot on Phu Quy Island.
Whether at the pier or local seafood restaurants, this specialty is readily available. There are various ways to savor the enticing flavor of lobster, including steaming, grilling, making salads, or preparing congee. When cooked, the lobster reveals a layer of tender, delicious white meat.
Prices range around 700,000 VND per kilogram for small lobsters and 1 million VND per kilogram for large ones.
4. Red Grouper
Considered the top choice for its firm, sweet flesh and natural fragrance, the red grouper is best enjoyed in the form of steamed fish with ginger.
Steamed fish with ginger, shredded onions, soy sauce, perfectly cooked to reveal a crispy layer of fresh, red skin, tender white meat, and an enticing aroma that captivates both the sense of smell and taste. Additionally, the fried red grouper with tamarind sauce is a highly appealing choice for discerning diners.
Prices are around 300,000 VND per kilogram (farmed fish) and 680,000 VND per kilogram (wild-caught fish).
5. Flower Grouper
The flower grouper on Phu Quy Island is vibrant, with a sleek and well-filled body. Feeding exclusively on live prey such as shrimp and crab gives the meat a fragrant and sweet flavor, often cooked sour or stir-fried with tomatoes, star fruits, and herbs.
However, the highlight is the 1cm-thick black skin, adorned with turmeric-yellow spots and occasional orange hues, resembling a glossy glaze. The dried fish skin is cut into small pieces, toasted, soaked to expand, and mixed with roasted peanuts, finely chopped coriander, garlic, chili, and fish sauce.
This unique dish, with a chewy yet tender texture and the rich aroma of fish skin, will surprise and leave you wanting to savor it endlessly.
Prices are approximately 250,000 VND per kilogram.
6. Sea Cucumber
According to fishermen, there are around 100 species of sea cucumbers here, but they mainly distinguish 10 types. Sea cucumbers, also known as trepang, are a precious and expensive delicacy due to their high nutritional value and their role as a tonic. Sea cucumbers are often cooked with traditional Chinese herbs along with pigeon meat, free-range chicken, pig's trotters, beef tendons, and deer sinews.
Prices range from 250,000 to 600,000 VND per sea cucumber (approximately 0.7-1.5kg per sea cucumber).
7. Tuna Fish
Phu Quy Island, originally known as Thu Isle, is abundant in tuna fish. The island's tuna is exceptionally flavorful and is transformed into various dishes with distinct tastes.
Tuna prices in Phu Quy are around 220,000 VND per kilogram.
8. Phu Quy Beef
Phu Quy, being an island renowned for its seafood, is notably famous for its 'hot beef.' Phu Quy cattle are free-range, grazing on natural grass, resulting in tender, sweet, lean meat. The term 'hot beef' refers to freshly processed and sold beef, ensuring a more aromatic flavor as it's all sold within the day.
Guests can choose fresh meat on the spot and prepare it into various diverse dishes. Notable options include beef wrapped in lime leaves with fresh vegetables, fragrant grilled beef with crispy yet tender skin, stir-fried beef rolls, and ginger-steamed beef. Not to forget the beef porridge – a unique specialty that visitors should not miss when coming to Phu Quy Island.
Phu Quy Beef is priced at approximately 200,000 VND per kilogram.
Source: Zing News
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourMay 20, 2016
