Phu Quoc’s Famous Bun Quay: A Must-Try Culinary Delight

Is Phu Quoc’s Bun Quay worth the hype? Why is this dish so popular? Besides exploring the stunning natural scenery, many tourists visiting Phu Quoc are also keen to sample the local delicacies. One dish not to be missed is the renowned Bun Quay, a culinary gem that draws food enthusiasts from far and wide. Let’s delve into this speciality and discover 5 top Bun Quay restaurants in Phu Quoc that offer delicious and affordable meals.

Why is Phu Quoc’s Bun Quay so Popular?

Wondering what to eat in Phu Quoc? You absolutely must try Bun Quay, a signature dish of the island. Although originating from Binh Dinh province, this noodle soup has undergone a transformation in both ingredients and eating style upon reaching the Pearl Island. It’s no wonder that Bun Quay has become a must-try delicacy for every visitor. The name “Bun Quay” (literally “stirred noodles”) comes from the unique way the accompanying dipping sauce is prepared. Locals explain that the sauce, consisting of salt, sugar, ground chilli, lime juice, and a dash of fish sauce, is placed in a bowl and vigorously stirred until it thickens and turns a vibrant reddish-orange. Enjoying this iconic dish requires diners to actively participate in mixing their own dipping sauce. Not only is the eating method distinctive, but Bun Quay also offers another unique aspect: self-service. Diners are responsible for “stirring” the various condiments provided in a metal bowl to create their own personalized dipping sauce, tailored to their taste preferences. The restaurant staff will guide you on how to achieve the perfect flavour balance. A complete bowl of Bun Quay typically includes fish cakes, boiled squid eggs, shrimp cakes, spring onions, and translucent fresh noodles (similar in texture to Northern Vietnamese rice noodles). Diners can also add extra toppings like squid, herring, or beef. The broth is a combination of the noodle cooking liquid and seafood broth.

How to Cook Delicious and Appetising Bun Quay

Bun Quay doesn’t rely on a vast array of ingredients; it primarily focuses on fresh seafood and flavourful spices. To cook this Phu Quoc speciality authentically, you’ll need the following ingredients: Fish cakes (preferably made from snakehead fish), dried shrimp, fresh shrimp, noodles, onions (spring onions and minced shallots), chillies, lemongrass, lime, cooking oil, and common seasonings like salt, fish sauce, seasoning powder, pepper, and sugar.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Peel, devein, and wash the fresh shrimp.
• Grind the shrimp meat together with the minced shallots.
• Soak the dried shrimp and prepare other ingredients (crush and finely chop lemongrass, chop spring onions, blanch the noodles in boiling water).

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp and Fish Cakes

• Add ½ a spoonful of minced shallots to the fish cakes. Add ½ a teaspoon of pepper and ½ a teaspoon of seasoning powder to both the ground shrimp and fish cakes, then mix well.
• Cover with cling film and refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.

Step 3: Prepare the Broth

• Sauté the chopped lemongrass in cooking oil until fragrant. Add the shrimp heads and shells, followed by the dried shrimp.
• Once the mixture is dry, transfer it to a larger pot, add water, and bring to a boil. Add the crushed lemongrass and whole shallots.
• After simmering for about 5 minutes, remove from heat. Strain the broth through a sieve into another pot and season to taste.
• Note: Skim off any foam that rises to the surface for a clearer broth.

Step 4: Make the Dipping Sauce and Assemble the Bun Quay

• Spread a thin layer of fish and shrimp cakes on the side of a bowl. Slowly pour the boiling broth into the bowl and cover for 5 minutes.
• Once the cakes are cooked, add the blanched noodles and chopped spring onions. Meanwhile, prepare the dipping sauce in a small bowl.

With these simple steps, you can create a delicious and authentic bowl of Bun Quay – a true Phu Quoc speciality!

5 Must-Try Bun Quay Restaurants in Phu Quoc

Following the recipe above, you can easily recreate Bun Quay at home. However, for the quickest and most convenient way to enjoy this famous dish, visit one of the following highly recommended Bun Quay restaurants in Phu Quoc:

Kien Xay Bun Quay – A Renowned Local Favourite

Located at 28 Bach Dang Street, Duong Dong Town, near Dinh Cau Temple, Kien Xay is known as the oldest and most popular Bun Quay restaurant in Phu Quoc. Their Bun Quay is meticulously prepared with fresh ingredients and a flavourful broth that’s hard to beat.

Hai Ngan Bun Quay

Hai Ngan is another excellent choice for Bun Quay in Phu Quoc. A bowl brimming with toppings like squid, shrimp cakes, and fish cakes costs around 50,000 VND. Besides Bun Quay, they also serve other noodle dishes like Bun Nem, Bun Ca (fish noodle soup), and Bun Tom (shrimp noodle soup). Their Bun Ca is particularly noteworthy.

Thanh Hung Bun Quay

Situated in the city centre, Thanh Hung is another popular spot for Bun Quay enthusiasts. The spacious and clean restaurant ensures a comfortable dining experience without long waits. Their Bun Quay stands out with its noodles made from the finest rice flour in Duong Dong, resulting in fresh, translucent strands.

Cay Xanh Bun Quay

Although a small establishment in Duong Dong Town, Cay Xanh is a local favourite. They use fresh, daily sourced ingredients, and their broth boasts a unique and delicious flavour. Moreover, their Bun Quay is affordably priced, making it a great value for money.

United Center Food Court

In addition to the aforementioned restaurants, you can also find Bun Quay at the Phu Quoc United Center Food Court, alongside other local delicacies like Ham Ninh crab, grilled sea urchin, and crab blood pudding. The food court offers a diverse culinary experience with dishes from various regions of Vietnam and around the world. This bustling hub is filled with entertainment, festivals, and international-level events. When exploring Phu Quoc’s culinary scene, Bun Quay is an absolute must-try. We hope this article has provided valuable insights into this beloved dish. Save these recommended Bun Quay restaurants for your Phu Quoc trip and don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your holiday experience by booking convenient transportation with KK2TRIP! To make dining and sightseeing easier, choose a reliable and reputable transportation provider. KK2TRIP is your trusted partner for all your travel needs in Phu Quoc. We offer a wide range of vehicles for hire, including 7-seater, 16-seater, 29-seater, and 45-seater options. With our modern, safe, and clean vehicles and friendly, experienced drivers, KK2TRIP strives to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction. KK2Trip’s Commitments:- Guaranteed vehicle availability (with advance booking), even during peak seasons.

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