Phan Thiet City is famous for its stunning beaches, white sand dunes and many tourist attractions. It has also gained a reputation for its cuisine, especially seafood specialties, and for its trademark fish sauce.
Vietnam is internationally acknowledged for its diverse seafood, with squid being one of the most popular items on many menus. Phan Thiet City has built its image on a particular squid dish known as sun-dried squid, which has attracted many chefs and revelers to the city.
Muc mot nangis fresh squid that has been dried in the sun for one day. The squid, grilled with chilies and lemon and served in fish sauce, is available anywhere in the city but one of the best places to try this tasty specialty is Cay Bang Restaurant.
Another local favorite is steamed bo hom fish, nicknamed thiet giap bien (sea armour) because of its square shape and the patterns on its body. It is sweet, juicy and nutritious, especially when combined with the flavors of aromatic herbs, salty fish sauce and sweet Phu Long griddle cake. Revelers can enjoy bo hom at many of the eateries on Pham Van Dong St along Ca Ty River.
While steamed bo hom fish is typically a low-priced dish, steamed mu fish, mixed with fragrant vegetables and fish sauce prepared with lemon, sugar, garlic and chilies, is more expensive and provides high nutrition. Toan Duong Restaurant near Doi Duong Beach and Sao Bien Restaurant are two of the more popular venues for this dish.
In addition to distinctive seafood Phan Thiet is also known for recipes made with dong. The dong is a reptile shaped like a lizard found in and around the sand dunes. It is served grilled, steamed, fried or minced with citronella and chilly at seafood restaurants around Hon Rom Resort. Ca Ty Restaurant is famous for its grilled dong.