Phu Quoc Bun Quay - Renowned Specialty of the Emerald Island

If you visit Phu Quoc primarily for its rich and beautiful landscapes, then gastronomy is the captivating element that will make you remember and cherish forever. Phu Quoc cuisine, if described as just delicious, is not enough to express the uniqueness and rich flavor that lingers in one's memory. Especially the Phu Quoc bun quay - a renowned dish that you must try when setting foot here. Let's explore this famous specialty with Mytour Blog!

Introduction to Phu Quoc bun quay

Phu Quoc bun quay is a famous specialty known far and wide, a dish that harmoniously combines unique ingredients and flavors.

What is Bun Quay? Why is it called Bun Quay?

Bun quay is also known as seafood fresh noodles. This dish originated from shrimp noodles in the Central region, then imported to Phu Quoc and slightly modified to suit the locals here. Phu Quoc bun quay was born from there and has become a renowned specialty of this land.

The unique name 'bun quay' reflects the unique way of enjoying this dish. Customers will eat it with a self-made dipping sauce consisting of: soup powder, sugar, MSG, tamarind juice, chili. You have to stir it quickly until all the spices dissolve and reach the right consistency. Then, diners will directly pour the sauce onto the bowl of noodles, adjusting the amount according to their taste.

When Did Bun Quay Originate?

According to local residents, this dish originally stemmed from shrimp noodles in the Central region. Bun quay was introduced to Phu Quoc Island around the early 2000s. However, due to differences in taste preferences between regions, it underwent some modifications by adding or removing a few ingredients to better suit local tastes.

How to Cook Phu Quoc Bun Quay

Bun quay primarily focuses on seafood and spices. To make this specialty dish perfectly, you'll need ingredients such as fresh shrimp, dried shrimp, snakehead fish, vermicelli, spring onions, shallots, lemongrass, tamarind, chili, cooking oil, and various seasonings (fish sauce, sugar, salt, MSG, etc.).

• Step 1: Prepare the ingredients:

• Peel and clean the shrimp.
• Grind the shrimp meat with some finely chopped shallots.
• Soak the dried shrimp and pound the lemongrass, finely chop 1 stalk of lemongrass, slice the spring onions, blanch the vermicelli in boiling water.
• Step 2: Marinate the ground shrimp meat and snakehead fish:

• Add ½ tablespoon of finely chopped shallots, ½ teaspoon of ground pepper, and ½ teaspoon of MSG to the ground shrimp meat and snakehead fish mixture, then mix well.
• Wrap them with cling film and store in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Step 3: Prepare the broth:

• Stir-fry lemongrass until fragrant, then add shrimp heads and shells and sauté briefly, then add the soaked dried shrimp.
• Once the water has dried out, transfer to a large pot, add just enough water and bring to a boil, add lemongrass, pounded shallots, and simmer.
• After the broth has boiled for about 5 minutes, turn off the heat, strain to remove all the shells and season with spices.

Note: You should skim off the foam frequently to make the broth clearer.

• Step 4: Prepare the dipping sauce and serve the dish:

• Use a spoon to spread the fish cake and shrimp cake into thin layers on the bottom of the bowl, then slowly pour the boiling broth into the bowl, cover and let sit for about 5 minutes.
• When the cakes are cooked, add the vermicelli to the bowl, sprinkle with some finely chopped spring onions. Use a small bowl to 'stir' the dipping sauce.

With just these simple cooking steps above, you can enjoy a delicious authentic Phu Quoc-style bún quậy right at home!

Best bún quậy spots in Phu Quoc

1. Kiến Xây Restaurant – Delicious Phu Quoc-style bún quậy spot

As a resident of Phu Quoc, everyone knows about Kiến Xây's bún quậy, a spot that leaves diners with unforgettable memories.

A bowl of bún quậy at this restaurant is packed with signature ingredients like seafood, along with a rich and uniquely flavorful broth. Diners who have the chance to indulge never fail to praise its deliciousness.

Address: 28 Bạch Đằng, Dương Đông Ward, Phu Quoc

Opening hours: 6:30 AM - 11:59 PM

Price Range: 15,000-30,000 VND

2. Thanh Hùng's Bún Quậy – Renowned Bún Quậy in Phu Quoc

Though born after Kiến Xây's bún quậy establishment, if you're craving the distinctive flavors of this famous dish, Thanh Hùng's is not a bad choice at all.

Address:

• Location 1: Duong To Town, Phu Quoc.
• Location 2: 77 30 April Street, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Price Range: 20,000-25,000 VND

Best Bun Quay Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Tan Binh Restaurant – Famous Bun Quay Restaurant in Phu Quoc

Where to eat the best bun quay in Ho Chi Minh City? The answer for you is Tan Binh Restaurant.

A bowl of bun quay comes with a variety of toppings such as squid, fish cake, shrimp, beef... They are mixed with a rich and flavorful dipping sauce prepared by the owner. Moreover, both vegetables and noodles are free to request!

Address: 09 Block A, Bau Cat Apartment, 2 Thai Thi Nhan, Phu Thuan Ward, Tan Binh

Opening Hours: 6:30 AM - 9:45 PM

Price Range: 30,000-50,000 VND

2. Gò Vấp Restaurant

If you're seeking a place to enjoy delicious bun quay but located far from the city center, don't hesitate to visit Gò Vấp area.

The noodles are incredibly smooth, handmade by the owner. The broth is carefully simmered, offering a sweet taste of bones. In a bowl of bun, there are various fresh seafood such as shrimp, fish cake, squid, and even beef. Anyone who has tasted it once will hardly forget this bun quay shop.

Address: 736 Phan Văn Trị, Ward 10, Gò Vấp District

Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Price range: 30,000-55,000 VND

3. Phú Nhuận Bun Quay Restaurant

Even if you're a first-time visitor, you'll surely be impressed by this Phú Nhuận Bun Quay restaurant. Although the space is not very large, it's always clean, and the service is excellent. The noodles are chewy and delicious, accompanied by a variety of vegetables, meats, and seafood, all served with a divine dipping sauce.

Address: 311 Phan Đình Phùng, Ward 15, Phú Nhuận District

Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Price: 35,000-60,000 VND

4. Trường Sa Restaurant – Affordable Phu Quoc Bun Quay

If you're a hardcore fan of bun quay, then Trường Sa Restaurant will never disappoint you. A bowl of bun quay here comes with a variety of seafood and beef, with a special touch of chili salt. Not only serving the traditional bun quay, the restaurant also offers a new twist with dry bun quay served with delicious fresh octopus, which is simply outstanding.

Address: Alley 796 Trường Sa, Ward 14, District 3

Opening Hours: 9:00-22:00

Price: 25,000-30,000 VND

5. Thanh Hùng Restaurant

After making waves in Phu Quoc, Thanh Hùng Bun Quay Restaurant has now arrived in Ho Chi Minh City.

Thanh Hùng Bun Quay always ensures delicious and clean dishes, saying no to fat. Each strand of noodles is made with high quality, no additives. Other ingredients are also fresh and flavorful.

Address: 210 Nguyễn Tri Phương, Ward 4, District 10

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Price Range: 30,000 - 60,000 VND

6. Kiến Xây Eatery

Just like Thanh Hùng Bun Quay, Kiến Xây Eatery has quickly opened a branch in Saigon. This is great news for many Saigonese who miss the taste of Kiến Xây Bun Quay in Phu Quoc.

Address: 402 Dien Bien Phu, Ward 4, District 10

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 10:05 PM

Price Range: 35,000 - 50,000 VND

In the above article, Mytour has compiled everything for you about the specialty dish Phu Quoc Bun Quay and the most reputable, quality, and delicious bun quay addresses. This summer, let's head straight to Phu Quoc with your rolling suitcase!

We hope you will have wonderful experiences with this unique dish. Don't forget to visit Mytour.vn - Vietnam's leading reputable e-commerce website for amazing deals.

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