Following Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, Phu Quoc has become the fourth destination in Vietnam to be visited by the Michelin Guide for restaurant surveys and evaluations. The selection list, which includes establishments on the island, will be announced as part of the Michelin Guide Vietnam 2027, expected in the middle of next year.
This information sparks anticipation regarding which restaurants might achieve their first star rating, as well as opportunities for eateries that have made a name for themselves in Phu Quoc's culinary scene . From high-end restaurants to familiar noodle shops, the Pearl Island offers many places for reviewers to explore.
The promising candidates
In the high-end dining category, Pink Pearl by Olivier E. at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort is a noteworthy name. The restaurant is housed in a pink mansion designed by Bill Bensley, with a story based on the residence of Madame Pearl Collins, the wife of the headmistress in the resort's fictional Lamarck University.
This concept creates a dining experience in a mansion with its own story, connected to the hotel's overarching architectural theme, and is likened to the lavish dinners of the great Gatsby.
Pink Pearl's interior is said to have stepped right out of the novel *The Great Gatsby*.
The cuisine at Pink Pearl follows a French style with Mediterranean influences, under the guidance of Olivier Elzer, a Michelin-starred chef. This specialized approach and the chef's experience form the basis for the restaurant's strong contender for Michelin stars.
The cuisine at Pink Pearl by Olivier E. blends French and Mediterranean influences, with the signature touch of chef Olivier Elzer.
At La Festa Phu Quoc - Curio Collection by Hilton in Sunset Town, Seta and Mare offer two distinct styles. Seta serves contemporary Cantonese cuisine, featuring handcrafted dim sum and roasted dishes, while Mare focuses on Italian and Mediterranean flavors.
At other resorts, seafood and local ingredients are common features of their signature restaurants. Corallo at Premier Village Phu Quoc combines fresh seafood with imported ingredients; COCO Beach House at New World Phu Quoc features grilled seafood in the Vietnamese style. Herring Bar at Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, on the other hand, includes familiar dishes such as herring salad, baby squid, and sun-dried mackerel on its menu.
Seta restaurant at La Festa Phu Quoc - Curio Collection by Hilton features a contemporary Cantonese style, highlighted by handcrafted dim sum and roasted dishes.
Beyond its hotel chain, The Home Pizza makes its mark by combining pizza with Vietnamese specialties. The herring salad pizza brings the flavors of Phu Quoc into Italian cuisine, alongside options like H'Mong duck pizza or durian pizza.
Among the budget-friendly eateries, Kien Xay, Thanh Hung, and Ut Luom's Bun Ken have an advantage with dishes that reflect local identity. Bun Quay – Phu Quoc's most famous specialty – is appealing because of its fresh noodles, shrimp cakes, fish cakes, and dipping sauce that diners can mix themselves. Bun Ken has a unique flavor thanks to the combination of sea fish, coconut milk, and accompanying vegetables. If they maintain consistent quality and reasonable prices, these restaurants could potentially achieve Bib Gourmand or Michelin Select status.
The Ruby Beach Hotel Boulevard is expected to further expand the list of noteworthy culinary destinations in Phu Quoc in the coming years.
These addresses are just predictions; the final results depend on Michelin's anonymous and independent assessment process. The list of highly anticipated properties could also expand further once the Ruby Beach hotel boulevard and Rixos Phu Quoc Vietnam become operational.
Why did Michelin choose Phu Quoc?
According to Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, Phu Quoc impresses with its blend of fishing village culinary culture and an increasingly diverse restaurant market, featuring international talent. The connection to the sea and local products like fish sauce and pepper create the island's unique identity.
This advantage is evident in many familiar dishes, from steamed Ham Ninh crab and herring salad wrapped in rice paper to grilled sea urchin and barracuda. The simple cooking methods help preserve the natural sweetness of the seafood, while fish sauce and pepper contribute to its distinctive flavor.
Herring salad wrapped in rice paper is one of the signature dishes of Phu Quoc.
(Source: Compiled from various sources)
Building upon the local culinary tradition, the development of the resort system has introduced new cooking techniques and ways of using ingredients. Tourists can enjoy "bun quay" (a type of noodle dish) in the morning, eat seafood at a fishing village, and then choose a high-end dinner. This diversity creates opportunities for Phu Quoc to develop travel itineraries for food lovers.
The presence of Michelin stars can help make these experiences more accessible to international visitors. A restaurant with a Michelin star can become a reason for diners to plan a trip to the island; a well-regarded, budget-friendly eatery can attract visitors to explore the surrounding area and increase spending beyond accommodation.
The presence of the Michelin Guide at a time when Phu Quoc is preparing to host APEC 2027 opens up an opportunity for the Pearl Island to affirm its appeal through both cultural depth and culinary excellence. With the introduction of local fishing village dishes and international restaurants to global diners, Phu Quoc gains a stronger foundation to become a destination that travelers are willing to visit for a culinary experience. The long-term value of this milestone lies in its ability to transform the island's unique flavors into a competitive advantage, attracting tourists and generating sustainable revenue after the APEC year.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/michelin-den-phu-quoc-nhung-nha-hang-nao-co-co-hoi-dat-sao-dau-tien-185261003121025756.htm
