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'Bun Quay' stands out as one of the unique delicacies of Phu Quoc, carrying the distinctive flavors and spirit of this beautiful coastal region. Although this dish has gained popularity across many provinces, it is only when you visit the pearl island that you can savor its most authentic taste. Let Mytour guide you through the world of Phu Quoc's Bun Quay and discover the most famous dining spots below.
1. Fascinating Insights into Phu Quoc's 'Bun Quay'
'Bun Quay' proudly holds its status as the island's signature dish, originally rooted in Binh Dinh. Through a cultural evolution, the people of Phu Quoc have ingeniously transformed it, offering a unique taste of their own. Thanks to its fame, attracting millions of tourists each year, the dish has become widely popular. Many places have adopted the 'Bun Quay Phu Quoc' brand to establish eateries, bringing this dish to an even larger audience.
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Bun Quay is an exquisite blend of mildly sweet broth, enjoyed with vermicelli and various ingredients like squid, shrimp cake, and fish cake. The most unique element is the dipping sauce, which diners customarily mix to suit their taste buds. The sauce is a simple combination of broth seasoning, sugar, kumquat, ground chili, and a dash of MSG, stirred until the spices blend into a vibrant orange-red hue. Diners take part in the unique ritual of stirring their special dipping sauce and the savory broth, where shrimp cake, squid, and fish cake are cooked – giving origin to the name 'Bun Quay.' This dipping sauce, paired with seafood and various delectable cakes, creates an exquisite experience. Unlike other visually vibrant noodle dishes like 'Bun Rieu' or normal 'Bun Oc,' Bun Quay may lack eye-catching colors. However, the broth infused with a hint of fresh herbs brings simplicity and familiarity to this dish.
2. Renowned Bun Quay Eateries in Phu Quoc
As a specialty of Phu Quoc, the pearl island boasts numerous Bun Quay establishments. However, not every place serves an authentic bowl that captures the unique flavors of this region. The following addresses represent the essence meticulously filtered for you to undoubtedly explore at least once.
Bun Quay KIEN – XAY
- Address: 28 Bach Dang Street, Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang
- Opening hours: 07:00–23:00
- Price range: 15,000 – 35,000 VND
KIEN – XAY is the birthplace of Phu Quoc's distinctive Bun Quay, with a long-standing reputation known to locals and far-flung travelers alike. The restaurant's space is uniquely designed, balancing modernity with a warm and cozy atmosphere. The place is always bustling with customers, often forming long queues. Notably, the brand Kien – Xay prioritizes customer safety, using unique seasoning for the broth and dipping sauce. The restaurant provides guidance to ensure this seasoning won't compromise the health of its patrons.
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Bun Quay Kien – Xay stands out with its rich, clear broth, leaving a lingering taste in the mouth. The cakes are crafted from finely ground shrimp or fish, blended with hot broth to ensure they are perfectly cooked—neither too dry nor with an unpleasant odor. The dipping sauce is undoubtedly a personal affair, as customers customarily 'quay' it according to their preferences. For an enhanced flavor, add more spice, sourness, and salt to prevent the dish from becoming monotonous, allowing the essence of the cakes to shine.
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Explore more: Dragonfly Bistro & Bar
Bun Quay Cay Xanh
- Address: Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang
- Opening hours: 7:00 – 22:00
- Price range: 30,000 – 40,000 VND
This is a reasonably priced Bun Quay spot highly favored by locals. It gets particularly crowded in the morning and late evening, providing quicker service compared to other Bun Quay places. The atmosphere is casual, offering indoor and sidewalk seating. If you desire a relaxed dining space without fuss, Cây Xanh remains the ideal choice.
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The excellence of the noodles here lies in the broth, skillfully crafted to be refreshing and subtly sweet. The sweetness doesn't come from an overpowering seasoning but is infused from various seafood, including shrimp heads and shells. The cakes are meticulously made, perfectly seasoned and complemented by a dipping sauce with its own rich flavor. Some customer reviews highlight concerns about the freshness of seafood, which may be attributed to late-night visits. Hence, opting for meals during regular dining hours is recommended.
Bun Quay Thanh Hung 2
- Address: 77 30 Thang 4 Street, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang
- Opening hours: 06:00–00:00
- Price range: 20,000 – 25,000 VND
Thanh Hung 2 is a popular budget-friendly Bun Quay spot with a spacious setting in Phu Quoc. It caters to both local residents and tourists alike. If you're dining in a group and seeking affordable yet quality Bun Quay, Thanh Hung is a sensible choice. Conveniently located in the city center with easy access, reasonable parking, and proximity to various guesthouses and hotels. What sets Thanh Hung apart is the self-service concept, where diners handle everything from making their own dipping sauce to mixing ingredients.
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The noodles at this eatery are crafted from the finest rice in Duong Dong, resulting in translucent white strands that offer a chewy and satisfying texture. The broth cleverly utilizes the sweetness of seafood, perfectly seasoned. The cakes are freshly made, marinated intensely, and finely ground, ensuring they remain firm even after simmering in the broth. The variety of shrimp and fish cakes, expertly prepared, do not lose their tenderness when mixed into the broth. Additionally, each bowl includes fresh squid, with the potential for enhanced flavor during the squid egg season. To truly appreciate the unique deliciousness, savor the dish immediately after being served!
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Bun Quay Hai Ngan
- Address: 32 Bach Dang Street, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang
- Opening hours: 06:30–22:30
- Price range: 40,000 – 60,000 VND
When it comes to Bun Quay in Phu Quoc, Hai Ngan cannot be overlooked. Although the ambiance may not boast exquisite elegance, it provides a refreshing and comfortable dining experience without disturbing others. Despite not being widely known, the establishment has a loyal customer base, making it challenging to explore alternative options once you've dined here. As the restaurant's slogan goes, 'Not expecting 1000 customers at once – Only hoping for one customer 1000 times.'
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The broth at Hai Ngan boasts a sweet and clear flavor, with squid and shrimp cakes that are exceptionally chewy, fresh, and notably odorless. The broth is consistently piping hot to ensure even cooking of the ingredients. The vermicelli here is delicious, not overly thin, and made on-site to guarantee better quality. The owner's unique seasoning style suits various palates, making the bowl visually enticing and irresistibly appealing.
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Bun Quay Aladanh Phu Quoc
- Address: 141 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang
- Opening hours: 8:00 – 21:00
- Price range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND
Aladanh is a relatively new eatery but has swiftly gained favor with diners. The place is budget-friendly, exceptionally clean, and the owner warmly engages with customers. Many have adopted the habit of having breakfast here, and frequent patrons are not uncommon. Situated along a main road with a spacious view, it offers a convenient and comfortable setting for patrons to indulge in their meals.
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The noodle dish from this establishment features a rich and delicious broth, not overly seasoned with artificial flavoring. The predominant sweetness comes from the broth itself, allowing a prolonged sweet sensation. The ingredients are consistently fresh and delightful, including squid, shrimp, and fish cakes. The steaming hot broth, infused with the fragrant pepper of Phu Quoc, the aroma of spring onions, and the harmonious blend of seafood, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
Phu Quoc Market
Has anyone ever told you that to experience the unique flavors of each region, you should visit the local markets? Markets are where life, activity, and the culture of each land converge. This holds true for Bun Quay, and by simply exploring the markets in Phu Quoc, you'll find dozens of delightful and incredibly affordable Bun shops. Whether it's the night market, Cau Sau Phu Quoc Market, Ham Ninh Market, Ganh Dau Phu Quoc Market, you're sure to discover a wide array of delicious options.
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Above is a list of renowned Bun Quay establishments in Phu Quoc that you can explore. Wishing you fantastic culinary experiences here. And don't forget to follow Mytour for more captivating travel and food information!
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