Tiếng ViệtBeyond its stunning natural beauty, Phu Quoc Island, also known as the Pearl Island, captivates visitors with its delicious seafood, including Sea Urchin. Considered a local delicacy, it’s a must-try when visiting Phu Quoc this summer. Join KK2Trip as we explore this unique dish!
General Characteristics of Phu Quoc Sea Urchins
Sea urchins are related to mussels and clams, but their bodies are not smooth like their relatives. Instead, they are covered in sharp spines, resembling a hedgehog. This is why they are often called sea hedgehogs. There are many types of sea urchins in Phu Quoc: long-spined urchins with sharp, spear-like spines; white or orange-yellow slate pencil urchins with short spines and less meat; and black urchins, favoured for their abundant, delicious, and fatty meat. 
Black Sea Urchin in Phu Quoc When young, sea urchins resemble rambutans and are dark black. As they mature, they become flat and round, with a diameter of about 8-15cm. A fully grown sea urchin can be as large as a tennis ball but flatter, about three fingers thick. Covered in spines resembling porcupine quills, they are also known as sea hedgehogs. Sea urchins often live in colonies in Vietnam’s coastal areas, most notably in Ca Na, Ninh Thuan, and Phu Quoc, Kien Giang. They congregate in areas rich in coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and caves, feeding on seaweed, seagrass, and especially tape seagrass. Harvesting sea urchins is a laborious task due to their sharp spines. Fishermen use iron hooks to extract them, iron (or bamboo) baskets lined with foam to keep them afloat, and professional diving gear. Since urchins often live in crevices and cling to coral in near-shore waters, divers must plunge 1-5m deep to catch them. 
Fisherman diving for Sea Urchin in Phu Quoc
Nutritional Value of Sea Urchins
- Rich in Protein – Sea urchin roe is packed with protein. Each 100g of sea urchin roe contains at least 13.3 grams of protein, beneficial for the body.
- Zinc – Sea urchins are an excellent source of zinc, which plays a crucial role in wound healing. Additionally, zinc supports the reproductive system and boosts the immune system.
- Immune System – Sea urchin roe contains Vitamin C, a vitamin known for its immune-boosting properties.
Sea Urchin Roe Modern science has revealed that sea urchins are rich in protein, vitamins A, B2, B1, fats, and various trace elements, especially easily absorbed zinc, known to enhance male vitality.
Sea Urchin Dishes
Sea urchins are a seafood delicacy with high nutritional and culinary value. They can be prepared in various delicious and nutritious dishes. Here are some excellent suggestions:
Grilled Sea Urchin with Scallions and Oil
Preparing grilled sea urchin with scallions and oil is incredibly simple. Freshly caught sea urchins are cleaned, and the top half of the shell is carefully removed, leaving the bottom part for grilling directly over a fire. 
Grilled Sea Urchin with Scallions and Oil The opened sea urchin is seasoned with salt and topped with fragrant fried scallions and oil before grilling. Once cooked, the sea urchin meat turns yellow, indicating it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Grilled Sea Urchin with Egg
The preparation is similar to grilled sea urchin with scallions and oil. However, instead of using scallions and oil, quail eggs are cracked into the sea urchin shell. 
Grilled Sea Urchin with Quail Egg Enjoy the rich, creamy flavour of the sea urchin combined with the savoury aroma of grilled eggs.
Fresh Sea Urchin Sushi
Raw food is a hallmark of Japanese cuisine. Sea urchin roe is a popular sushi ingredient. Pieces of sea urchin roe are marinated in apple cider vinegar and rolled with rice and seaweed. Enjoy it with a touch of wasabi for enhanced flavour. 
Sea Urchin Sushi
Sea Urchin Porridge
Sea urchin porridge is a unique dish of coastal communities. The sea urchin meat is seasoned and stir-fried with onions and oil. The stir-fried sea urchin is then mixed with hot white porridge. Add some ground pepper and perilla leaves for an even more delightful experience.
Phu Quoc Sea Urchin Cake
While pork, fish, and squid cakes are common, sea urchin cake is a unique Phu Quoc speciality. To make it, fresh sea urchin meat is mixed with pepper, onions, fish sauce, and thoroughly mashed. The mixture is then formed into patties and deep-fried in hot oil. The patties are flipped until golden brown and fragrant, then drained and served with grilled sesame rice paper. 
Phu Quoc Sea Urchin Cake These are just a few of the delicious dishes made from Phu Quoc sea urchins. When visiting Phu Quoc, join local fishermen on a sea urchin harvesting trip and learn how to prepare these delectable dishes. The exquisite taste of the sea will undoubtedly make your trip even more memorable. Don’t forget to book your Phu Quoc transportation with KK2TRIP for a more enjoyable experience. With years of experience in the Pearl Island’s tourism industry and a team of professional and dedicated staff, KK2TRIP has built a reputation for “Professionalism – Prestige – Quality” in Phu Quoc. KK2TRIP offers a wide range of 4, 7, 16, and 29-seater vehicles for your convenience, including self-drive car rentals for exploring Phu Quoc independently. If you’re looking for a quality and affordable car rental service to explore Phu Quoc, KK2TRIP is the perfect choice. Contact us for advice and assistance!