seafood on the beach phu quoc (Fresh Squid on Phu Quoc Beach)

Fresh Squid on Phu Quoc Beach: A Must-Try Seaside Seafood Experience

I, mr.hotsia, had the opportunity to visitPhu Quoc Islandthe seafood paradise in Kiên Giang province, Vietnam, and I want to share my unforgettable experience tasting freshly fried squid right on the beach here. It is one of the memories I will never forget.

Phu Quoc Island is famous for its fresh and very affordable seafood because it is an island with abundant marine resources and a fishing community that relies heavily on the sea. I spent a full day riding a motorcycle around the island (read my storyMotorcycling Around Phu Quoc Island). Along the way, I saw locals catching squid on the beach, so I bought fresh squid from them and asked them to fry it for me right there. This seaside setting makes the fried squid taste much better than what I've had in the city or regular restaurants.

The squid caught was large and very fresh. I still remember the crispy outside and tender inside fried squid, richly flavored with the islanders' special dipping sauce that has a perfect balance of sour, sweet, and spicy. I ate it with steamed rice kindly shared by the locals. It was a simple but unforgettable lunch.

Lifestyle and Fresh Seafood on Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc Island is known as a diverse seafood hub with over 20 seafood restaurants scattered along the walking street called “Night Plaza,” open from evening until late at night. The seafood here includes clams, fish, shrimp, and fresh squid, which I especially enjoyed. These are the main dishes loved by both tourists and locals.

While I was here, I tried a hot pot dish called “Lau” in Vietnamese, which includes fish, squid, shrimp, glass noodles, and various vegetables, priced around 100,000 VND (about 150 THB) per set. It was very worth it considering the quantity and freshness of the ingredients. I recommend ordering grilled eggplant as a side dish because it is fragrant, sweet, and really helps cut through the richness.

If you have a chance to visit Phu Quoc Island, don’t forget to try grilled bobtail squid or fresh squid caught by locals right on the beach, just like I did. For more details, you can read my articleSeafood on Phu Quoc Islandthat I wrote.

Renting a Motorcycle to Explore Phu Quoc Island: Convenient and Fun

Getting around Phu Quoc Island is very convenient for those who like motorcycling like me. I rented a bike from my hotel. The rental price is about 100,000 VND for a manual and 150,000 VND for an automatic (around 150 THB per day). Renting requires minimal paperwork; just pay and ride away.

The roads on the island are not fully developed yet; some are single lanes and dusty in parts. Taxis drive fast, but it adds to the challenge and fun of riding around. I recommend motorcycling so you can stop wherever you want, such as the beach where I met locals frying squid or fishing villages with simple yet charming lifestyles.

Connection to Kiên Giang Province and Nearby Cities

Phu Quoc Island is located in Kiên Giang province, a coastal province in the Mekong Delta. Rach Gia city, the provincial capital, is an important economic and cultural center and the main port for convenient travel to Phu Quoc Island.I have also written about Rach Gia city,which helps provide better context about this region.

If you love seafood and want to experience another lively night market or fresh seafood spot in Kiên Giang province, I recommend visiting Ha Tien city as well. It has many seafood restaurants and a variety of interesting shellfish dishes.Read my article about Ha Tien seafoodto see how it differs from Phu Quoc.

Summary from mr.hotsia

For me, tasting freshly fried squid on Phu Quoc beach was a perfect combination of flavor and atmosphere. The sea here is not only beautiful but also full of life from locals who sustainably continue their traditional fishing lifestyle. Exploring the island by motorcycle gave me diverse perspectives of beaches, villages, and fresh seafood markets.

If you are looking for a destination that blends nature, local lifestyle, and delicious fresh seafood, I, mr.hotsia, wholeheartedly recommend Phu Quoc Island as your next stop.