Ham Ninh Crab A Must Try Seafood Delicacy in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc The Pearl Island of Vietnam is not only famous for its stunning beaches but also attracts visitors with its rich culinary scene. Among its many delicacies, Ham Ninh crab is a must-try speciality when visiting this beautiful island. Join Bdatrip in exploring this delicious treat.

1. Ham Ninh Crab A Famous Phu Quoc Delicacy

Ham Ninh, a quaint fishing village nestled on the eastern coast of Phu Quoc, is not only home to a simple yet charming way of life but also renowned for its abundant supply of fresh seafood. Among these, Ham Ninh crab stands out as a celebrated speciality that captivates food lovers.

Although not particularly large, Ham Ninh crabs have firm, succulent meat, thin shells, and strikingly bright roe. Most notably, they possess a naturally sweet and rich flavour that surpasses crabs from many other coastal regions. Just one bite, and the taste will linger in your memory forever.

2. How to Identify Fresh Ham Ninh Crabs

To fully enjoy the delicious taste of Ham Ninh crab, consider these tips when choosing the best ones:

• Select live crabs that move actively to ensure freshness.
• Choose crabs with hard shells that feel firm when held, as this indicates they are mature and meaty.
• Look for crabs with pale pink undersides a sign of plump and firm meat.
• Choose based on preference: male crabs tend to have more meat, while female crabs have rich, creamy roe, perfect for those who enjoy a buttery taste.

3. Delicious Dishes Made from Ham Ninh Crab

Ham Ninh crabs are not only fresh but can also be prepared in various mouthwatering ways, satisfying all food lovers:

• Steamed Crab: A simple preparation that retains the natural sweetness of the crab. Best enjoyed with salt, pepper, and lime for an enhanced flavour.
• Tamarind Crab: A perfect combination of sweet and sour tamarind sauce with the chewy and sweet crab meat, creating an irresistible dish.
• Grilled Crab: Firm, smoky crab meat grilled over charcoal, ideal for an exciting outdoor BBQ experience.
• Garlic Butter Crab: Infused with the rich aroma of butter and crispy fried garlic, making it a truly indulgent treat.

Each dish highlights the distinct freshness of Ham Ninh crab. Try them all and discover your favourite.

4. Where to Buy Fresh Ham Ninh Crab at a Reasonable Price

When visiting Phu Quoc, you can easily find fresh Ham Ninh crab at the following locations:

• Ham Ninh Fishing Village: Offers freshly caught crabs at competitive prices, ensuring premium quality.
• Duong Dong Market: One of Phu Quoc’s largest seafood markets, providing a variety of crabs at reasonable prices.
• Seaside Seafood Restaurants: Perfect for enjoying fresh crab while admiring the picturesque coastal scenery.

Price Range: Ham Ninh crab typically costs between 250,000  500,000 VND per kilogram, depending on size and season. For the best quality and price, visit in the early morning when fishing boats return with the freshest catch.

5. Tips for Enjoying Ham Ninh Crab

To savour Ham Ninh crab at its best, follow these tips:

• Eat immediately after cooking to retain its natural sweetness and freshness.
• If taking it home, store it properly in newspaper or a styrofoam box with ice to maintain freshness.
• Avoid consuming crab if you have seafood allergies or digestive issues.

Ham Ninh crab is not just a local delicacy but also an essential part of Phu Quoc’s culinary heritage. If you ever visit this stunning island, don’t miss out on tasting Ham Ninh crab and bringing some home as a special gift for your loved ones.

6. Top Restaurants to Enjoy the Best Ham Ninh Crab

For seafood lovers searching for the best places to enjoy Ham Ninh crab, here are some top recommendations:

6.1 Be Ghe Floating Restaurant The Signature Taste of Ham Ninh Crab

• Location: Ham Ninh Fishing Village, Phu Quoc
• Opening Hours: 09:00 - 22:00
• Hotline: 034 2756666 - 038 7252535
• Price Range: 100,000 - 500,000 VND

Bé Ghẹ Floating Restaurant is a must-visit destination in Ham Ninh. Specialising in fresh seafood with a diverse menu, they serve everything from grilled squid and steamed fish to the unmissable steamed crab with green chilli salt dip a delicacy that will captivate your taste buds from the very first bite.

6.2 Bien Xanh Restaurant Savour Seafood in a Romantic Setting

• Location: Hamlet 8, Ham Ninh, Phu Quoc
• Opening Hours: 08:30 - 22:00
• Hotline: 097 744 7734
• Price Range: 500,000 – 1,100,000 VND

If you’re looking for a seafood restaurant with both delicious food and a romantic atmosphere, Bien Xanh Restaurant is the perfect choice. Overlooking the tranquil sea, it offers an idyllic setting for a sunset dinner.

The restaurant features a modern and airy design, providing a comfortable and relaxing dining experience. Signature dishes include:

• Live lobster, cooked to order, preserving its delicate sweetness.
• Grilled sea urchin with scallion oil, rich and fragrant.
• Steamed squid eggs with ginger, tender and flavourful.

And of course, the Ham Ninh crab is a must-try. With its firm, sweet meat and bold natural taste, it pairs wonderfully with the spicy green chilli salt.

6.3 Kim Cương 1 Restaurant Premium Seafood Dining Experience

• Location: Rach Ham Hamlet, Ham Ninh, Phu Quoc
• Opening Hours: 10:00 - 22:00
• Hotline: 0773 997 678 - 0918 996 676
• Price Range: 100,000 - 220,000 VND

With over 20 years of experience, Kim Cuong 1 Restaurant is a favourite among seafood lovers visiting Ham Ninh. This restaurant is particularly popular because it allows guests to hand-pick live seafood and have it cooked to their preference.

Key highlights include:

• Fresh Ham Ninh crab firm, naturally sweet, and best enjoyed with spicy lime salt.
• A diverse seafood menu hotpot with cobia fish, creamy sea urchin, steamed lobster, and more.
• Spacious and airy ambiance, making it ideal for families, groups, or large tour parties.

Other Must Try Specialities in Phu Quoc

Besides Ham Ninh crab, Phu Quoc offers an array of other delicious local dishes, such as:

• Herring Salad Fresh raw herring mixed with onions, herbs, and a tangy dressing.
• Sea Cucumber Soup A nutritious and flavourful dish, highly valued in Vietnamese cuisine.
• Grilled Sea Urchin Rich, creamy, and perfectly paired with salt, lime, and chilli.
• Bun Quay Stirred Noodle Soup A Phu Quoc speciality with fresh seafood, served with a unique dipping sauce.

Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or simply an adventurous eater, Phu Quoc promises a memorable culinary journey. Don’t miss the chance to savour these delectable dishes.