The Tasty Delights of Phan Thiet: 20 Local Specialties to Savour and Gift

"Phan Thiet is renowned for its delectable array of local specialties, offering a culinary journey through the region's unique flavors. Immerse yourself in a gastronomic adventure as you explore the 20 best Phan Thiet delicacies that will tantalize your taste buds and provide a memorable dining experience. Indulge, savor, and discover the essence of this captivating coastal city through its rich and diverse cuisine."

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Phan Thiet is not only famous for its seafood but also for its unique and mouth-watering specialties. Join us today as we explore the top 20 must-try specialties of Phan Thiet.

1. Introduction to Phan Thiet Tourism

Phan Thiet is a renowned “beach tourism paradise” loved by both domestic and international tourists. When visiting Phan Thiet, make sure to stop by Truong Duc Thanh, Dinh Van Thuy Tu, Lau Ong Hoang, and Po Sah Inu Tower, among other beautiful beaches in the area.

Introduction to Phan Thiet Tourism

2. Top 20 Must-Try Phan Thiet Specialties

Specialties to Try When Visiting Phan Thiet

Crab and Dragon Fruit Salad

Crab and Dragon Fruit Salad

As the name suggests, this dish is a delicious combination of sweet and crunchy textures.

The sweet and juicy dragon fruit complements the fresh crab meat, creating a unique and tasty salad.

Grilled Squid Teeth

Grilled Squid Teeth

Grilled squid teeth have a fragrant aroma and a chewy, crunchy texture that is very satisfying. They are marinated with spicy and stimulating flavors, making them addictive and hard to stop eating.

Phan Thiet Pancakes

Phan Thiet Pancakes

These pancakes have a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful filling that includes shrimp, beansprouts, and onions. What makes this dish unique is its small size.

It is typically served with a plate of herbs and a slightly sweet and spicy dipping sauce to balance the flavors and enhance the taste.

Cup Cakes

Cup Cakes

Cup cakes are a traditional dish and a daily breakfast staple for the people of Mui Ne. Although the cakes themselves are slightly sweet, when combined with shrimp, pork, and other ingredients, they create a perfectly balanced and mouthwatering dish.

For more information: Check out our guide on how to make delicious cup cakes with shrimp and pork filling.

Rice Noodles with Pork Offal

Rice Noodles with Pork Offal

This dish typically consists of a plate of chewy pork offal and a plate of creamy, fatty rice noodles.

It is commonly served with fresh herbs and a sweet and sour dipping sauce, creating a harmonious and flavorful dish.

Phan Thiet Rice Cakes

Phan Thiet Rice Cakes

Although they resemble khọt cakes in appearance, Phan Thiet rice cakes are made solely from rice flour, giving them a distinctive white color that is both eye-catching and appealing.

After being fried to a crispy texture, these cakes are commonly enjoyed with fish sauce, scallions, and chili, enhancing their flavor and making them truly unique.

Crackers with Shrimp Paste

Crackers with Shrimp Paste

Shrimp paste crackers are made from triangular rice crackers topped with sesame seeds, scallions, and other toppings, with shrimp paste as the key ingredient.

The distinctive aroma of the shrimp paste blends perfectly with the crispy crackers, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Fish Cake Noodle Soup

Unlike other regions, Phan Thiet’s fish cake noodle soup features a unique combination of chewy fish cake and bouncy noodle textures.

The mild sweetness of the broth further enhances the appeal of this dish.

Ham Tan Grilled Pork Skewers

Ham Tan Grilled Pork Skewers

Ham Tan grilled pork skewers are made by skewering pieces of pork and grilling them over charcoal.

The result is a crispy exterior and a juicy, fatty interior that is best enjoyed with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a spicy dipping sauce.

Phan Thiet Quang Noodles

Phan Thiet Quang Noodles

In Phan Thiet, Quang noodles feature a rich broth and are served with a variety of toppings similar to those found in pho.

Additionally, ingredients such as quail eggs or shrimp are added to the broth to make the dish even more appealing. A fresh plate of herbs is also served on the side to complement the noodles.

Phan Thiet Fish Salad

Phan Thiet Fish Salad

This dish is a perfect blend of spicy and sour flavors from ingredients such as chili, lemongrass, and lime juice, which permeate the fresh and firm fish meat without making it fishy. The sweet and sour dipping sauce adds depth and balances the flavors.

Bánh Mì Chờ (Waiting Bread)

Bánh Mì Chờ

This dish is a favorite among students and young people. The hot and crispy bread is filled with a variety of toppings, including pâté, meatballs, and other delicious fillings. Its simplicity and mouthwatering taste make it a memorable treat.

Red Bandfish Hot Pot

Red Bandfish Hot Pot

This hot pot features a rich and flavorful broth that infuses the fresh and fatty slices of red bandfish. It is served with tofu, morning glory, and a spicy chili fish sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

The combination of salty, sweet, sour, and slightly bitter tastes makes this hot pot a truly exceptional dish.

Bánh Quai Vạc (Vạc Cake)

Bánh Quai Vạc

Bánh Quai Vạc in Mui Ne features a chewy exterior made from rice flour and a savory filling of meat and shrimp. It is topped with scallions and served with a sweet and sour fish sauce, resulting in a harmonious and flavorful dish.

Fish Cake

Fish Cake

The fish cakes in Mui Ne are handmade by the locals, resulting in a unique texture and flavor that cannot be found elsewhere. Depending on the season, different types of fish, such as mackerel or sardines, may be used to make these cakes.

Phan Thiet Specialties to Buy as Gifts

Phan Thiet Fish Sauce

Phan Thiet Fish Sauce

Phan Thiet fish sauce is a well-known specialty made from fresh anchovies and a unique production process, resulting in a product with a distinctive flavor and quality associated with its brand.

Estimated price: VND 165,000 – 210,000

Address: Nước Mắm Tĩn: 360 Nguyen Thong, Phu Hai, Phan Thiet – Mui Ne.

Phan Thiet Squid with Tamarind Sauce

Phan Thiet Squid with Tamarind Sauce

The tamarind squid in Phan Thiet has a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from other regions. It is made from fresh or pre-processed squid, grilled, and seasoned with various spices, ranging from mild to spicy, and flavored with garlic or five-spice powder. The final product is a delicious tamarind squid that Phan Thiet is famous for.

Estimated price: VND 35,000 – 60,000

Address: Khanh Huong Phan Thiet Specialty Store: 137 Ton Duc Thang, Phu Thuy Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province.

Phan Thiet Dried Fish

Frequently asked questions

There are many delicious local specialties in Phan Thiet that visitors should not miss. Some of the must-tries include ‘Chao Lau Ca Ke’, a type of porridge made with local fish, and ‘Com Luon Nuong La Chuoi’, grilled eel with banana leaves. Other unique dishes to savour are ‘Goi Ca Mai’, a fresh raw fish salad, and ‘Che Vai’, a sweet dessert soup made with glutinous rice and local fruits.

Phan Thiet’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its coastal location, with an abundance of seafood dishes and unique fishing village recipes. The local specialties often feature fresh, high-quality ingredients, with an emphasis on balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours. Many dishes also incorporate tropical fruits and herbs, reflecting the region’s agricultural bounty.

Yes, one unique beverage to try in Phan Thiet is ‘Ruou Sim’, a type of wine made from rose myrtle leaves. This drink is believed to have medicinal properties and is often enjoyed during special occasions. In addition, visitors can also try local Vietnamese coffee, which is strong and flavourful, often served with sweet condensed milk.

Absolutely! Phan Thiet offers a variety of food souvenirs that showcase the region’s culinary delights. Visitors can purchase dried seafood products, such as shrimp and squid, as well as local spices and condiments. Other popular souvenirs include ‘Banh Hoi’, thin rice noodles, and ‘Nuoc Mam’, the famous Vietnamese fish sauce, which is produced in the region.

For an authentic dining experience, visitors can explore the local markets, such as Phan Thiet Central Market, where they can find a variety of street food stalls and fresh produce. There are also seafood restaurants along the coast, offering fresh catches of the day. Additionally, the area surrounding the Duc Thanh School is known for its delicious local eateries.