Tasting specialities in Phan Thiet

Phan Thiet food is one of the highlights for travelers visiting this coastal city in southern Vietnam. Known for its fresh seafood, unique specialties, and lively food streets, Phan Thiet and Mui Ne offer culinary experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From spade fish salad to grilled squid teeth, here are the must-try Phan Thiet specialties that make this beach destination unforgettable. For a complete trip plan, check our Mui Ne – Phan Thiet travel guide.

Spade Fish Salad – A Refreshing Phan Thiet Specialty

Spade fish salad (goi ca mai) is one of the most iconic Phan Thiet food dishes. The fish, similar to anchovy but with silver scales and no blood, has a clean taste without any fishy smell. The fillets are marinated with vinegar or lime juice, then mixed with sliced carrot, shallot, basil, laksa leaves, roasted peanuts, and fish sauce dressing. Wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs, this salad is a light and flavorful seafood dish loved by both locals and tourists.

Price: around 60,000 – 170,000 VND (≈ 2.3 – 6.5 USD) per portion, depending on the restaurant (street food vs. seafood restaurants). (USD estimates use 1 USD ≈ 26,000 VND.)

Tip (allergy/safety): Because the fish is prepared rare, travelers with weak stomachs, small children, pregnant people, or anyone with seafood allergies should avoid this dish or only try it at trusted restaurants.

Ca Loi Xoi Mo – Loi Fish with Pork Grease

This dish may sound unusual, but it is one of the best food in Phan Thiet. A fresh loi fish (1–2 kg is ideal) is steamed, then topped with hot pork grease, fried shallots, roasted peanuts, and served with rice paper, herbs, and dipping sauce. The tender fish contrasts beautifully with the crispy toppings, creating a flavor combination that makes this a true Phan Thiet specialty.

Price: 100,000 – 350,000 VND (≈ 3.8 – 13.5 USD) per dish, depending on fish size and venue.

Tip (family-friendly): Rich in oil and toppings, this dish can feel heavy for kids or anyone with digestive issues. Best shared in a group with plenty of herbs and rice paper.

Banh Xeo – Vietnamese Crepe in Mui Ne Food Streets

No list of what to eat in Phan Thiet would be complete without banh xeo. In Phan Thiet, head to Tuyen Quang Street, where small eateries specialize in these crispy crepes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Dip them in fish sauce with herbs and you’ll understand why this dish is a favorite part of Mui Ne food culture.

Price: about 30,000 – 50,000 VND (≈ 1.1 – 1.9 USD) per plate.

Tip (kids-friendly): Generally safe and popular with families; can be slightly oily. Pair with lots of fresh vegetables.

Banh Can – A Local Snack You Must Try

Banh can are small round rice cakes cooked in clay molds and topped with shrimp, minced meat, or green beans. Locals enjoy them with sweet fish sauce, peanut broth, or seasoned dipping sauce, always with fresh herbs. Popular places include Ba Xu House on Ngu Ong Street or Number 8 Hai Thuong Street. This is a street food favorite that defines Phan Thiet food culture.

Price: 30,000 – 60,000 VND (≈ 1.1 – 2.3 USD) per portion (usually a set of 5–10 cakes).

Tip (allergy options): Ask for vegetarian toppings (egg or mung beans) if someone in your group is allergic to shrimp/shellfish.

Grilled Squid Teeth – A Unique Phan Thiet Seafood Snack

Grilled squid teeth (rang muc nuong) may surprise travelers at first, but it is one of the most popular Phan Thiet seafood snacks. Found along Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, these chewy bites can be grilled, stir-fried, or deep-fried, depending on your taste. They are smoky, flavorful, and best enjoyed with a cold beer on a warm night in Mui Ne.

Price: around 50,000 – 100,000 VND (≈ 1.9 – 3.8 USD) per portion.

Tip (texture caution): The texture is chewy; small children and older people may find it hard to eat. Avoid if you have seafood allergies.

Grilled Iguana – An Unusual Phan Thiet Specialty

Phan Thiet is also known for its grilled iguana – giong dat nuong. Along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, restaurants serve this dish in different styles: grilled, in sausages, salads, or porridge. Its distinctive flavor has made it one of the more unusual but unforgettable Phan Thiet specialties for adventurous food lovers.

Price: around 150,000 – 300,000 VND (≈ 5.8 – 11.5 USD) per dish, depending on how it is prepared.

Tip (adventurous only): Not recommended for picky eaters or small children due to its exotic taste and texture.

Enjoying Phan Thiet Food on Your Trip

From fresh seafood to exotic local snacks, Phan Thiet food offers a unique culinary journey for travelers. Whether you are exploring beachside restaurants or busy night streets, each dish tells a story of coastal life and culture. Don’t forget to combine these flavors with your beach trip, sand dune adventures, and fishing village visits. For more ideas, read our full Mui Ne – Phan Thiet travel guide.

Note: USD prices are approximate, converted at 1 USD ≈ 26,000 VND. Actual prices can vary by venue and season.