Traveling to Phu Yen is always a top pick for those seeking both breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable flavors. Beyond its pristine beaches and peaceful charm, this coastal gem serves up a one-of-a-kind culinary experience that keeps food lovers coming back for more. Not sure what to eat on your street food tour? These 10 must-try dishes in Phu Yen are the perfect place to start.

A Glimpse into Phu Yen—A Coastal Gem of Central Vietnam

Nestled along Vietnam’s South Central Coast, Phu Yen is bordered by Binh Dinh to the north, Khanh Hoa to the south, Gia Lai and Dak Lak to the west, and the vast East Sea to the east. Despite its low profile compared to other tourist hotspots, Phu Yen has quietly captured the hearts of travelers with its pristine beauty and serene charm.

This coastal province is home to a collection of breathtaking natural wonders—from the dramatic rock formations of Ganh Da Dia (The Cliff of Stone Plates) to the golden sands of Bai Xep Beach, the tranquil waters of Vung Ro Bay, and the peaceful O Loan Lagoon. These landscapes are not just postcard-perfect—they are deeply woven into the soul of Phu Yen’s culture and cuisine.

What truly sets Phu Yen apart is its untouched nature, the sincerity of its people, and the calm rhythm of everyday life. The warm hospitality of the locals, the quiet fishing villages, and the gentle sea breeze are all reflected in its food—simple, honest, and full of heart.

What Makes Phu Yen’s Cuisine Truly Unique

Phu Yen’s cuisine is a reflection of its coastal geography and down-to-earth way of life. Thanks to its long coastline, the region boasts an abundance of fresh seafood, which plays a starring role in many local dishes. The flavors here are clean, well-balanced, and never overly sweet—mirroring the gentle, sincere spirit of its people.

What sets Phu Yen’s food apart is its simplicity and authenticity. Most dishes are prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and minimal seasoning, allowing the natural flavors to shine through. This honest approach to cooking creates a sense of purity and warmth in every bite.

More than just nourishment, Phu Yen’s cuisine embodies the deep-rooted connection between nature and community. Recipes are handed down through generations, carrying with them the stories, values, and traditions of this peaceful province by the sea.

Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in Phu Yen

Bánh Hỏi Lòng Heo (Steamed Rice Vermicelli with Pork Offal)

Bánh hỏi lòng heo is one of the most beloved breakfast dishes in Phu Yen, offering a true taste of local daily life. The dish features delicate sheets of steamed rice vermicelli, neatly layered and served with slices of boiled pork belly, pork offal, and fresh herbs. What ties everything together is a flavorful dipping sauce—a tangy, slightly sweet fish sauce that brings balance and depth to each bite.

More than just a meal, bánh hỏi lòng heo reflects the simplicity and authenticity of Phu Yen’s cuisine. It’s best enjoyed at traditional morning eateries in Tuy Hoa city or from humble roadside stalls where the flavors remain as honest and comforting as the locals who prepare them.

For the best Bánh hỏi lòng heo, head to:

Bánh hỏi lòng heo Hoà Đa

Address: National Highway 1A, Tuy An District, Phu Yen

Opening hours: 07:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Price range: 25,000 VND – 100,000 VND

Bánh hỏi lòng heo Bà Triệu

Address: 123 Đường Điện Biên Phủ, P. 7, TP. Tuy Hòa, Phú Yên

Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Price range: 10,000 VND – 100,000 VND

Chả Dông (Fried Lizard Spring Rolls)

A true specialty of Phu Yen, chả dông is not for the faint of heart — but for adventurous food lovers, it’s a must-try. This unique dish is made from ground meat of dông, a type of sand lizard that lives in the coastal dunes of the region. The meat is carefully cleaned, marinated with aromatic herbs and spices, then wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried until golden and crispy.

Despite its unusual main ingredient, chả dông is beloved by locals for its rich, savory flavor and tender texture. It’s often served with fresh herbs and a spicy fish sauce-based dip, creating a delicious contrast of flavors. The dish also carries local pride — catching and preparing dông requires skill and tradition, passed down in rural communities.

Don’t miss these top places to taste chả dông while in Phu Yen

Nem Nướng 92 – Chả Dông

Address: 92 Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Ward 3, Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen.

Opening hours: 3:00 PM – 10:30 PM

Price range: 15,000đ – 33,000đ

Chả Dông Phượng

Address: 90 Nguyễn Công Trứ, P. 3, Thành phố Tuy Hòa, Phú Yên

Opening hour: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Price range: 20,000 VND – 30,000 VND

Sò Huyết Đầm Ô Loan (Blood Cockles from O Loan Lagoon)

Sò Huyết Đầm Ô Loan is one of Phú Yên’s most iconic seafood specialties. Harvested fresh from the brackish waters of Đầm Ô Loan—a peaceful coastal lagoon—these blood cockles are plump, sweet, and rich in iron. Locals prepare them in various ways: grilled over charcoal for a smoky taste, stir-fried with tamarind for a tangy kick, or simply steamed to highlight their natural flavor.

This dish is best enjoyed at humble riverside eateries or seafood shacks around the lagoon, where the ingredients are freshly caught and cooked to order. Watching the sunset over Ô Loan while dipping cockles into spicy salt-lime sauce is an experience not to miss. For seafood lovers seeking authentic coastal flavor, sò huyết Đầm Ô Loan offers a true taste of Phú Yên’s culinary soul.

Where to eat sò huyết đầm Ô Loan like a local:

Chúc Xíu – Hải Sản Tươi Sống

Address: Bờ Kè Bạch Đằng, P. 3, Thành phố Tuy Hòa, Phú Yên

Opening hour: 09:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Price range: 40,000 VND – 500,000 VND

Quán Tuấn Hải Sản Phú Yên

Address: An Ninh Đông, Tuy An, Phú Yên

Opening hour: 09:00 AM – 08:00 PM

Price range: 35,000 VND – 300,000 VND

Bún Mực (Phu Yen-style Squid Noodle Soup)

Bún Mực is a beloved local dish that perfectly reflects the coastal flavors of the region. Unlike heavier seafood soups, Phú Yên’s version features a clear, subtly sweet broth made from simmered squid and bones, creating a light yet satisfying base. The highlight is the tender, freshly caught squid—often served whole or sliced—along with rice vermicelli, tomatoes, pineapple, and herbs that add a refreshing balance.

This dish is commonly enjoyed for breakfast or lunch by locals looking for a warm, energizing meal without being too heavy. It’s both comforting and wholesome, especially on cooler mornings or after a long day of travel. For visitors, bún mực offers an authentic taste of daily life in Phú Yên—simple, flavorful, and deeply rooted in the sea.

A few must-try places for bún mực include

Bún Cá Hoàng Linh

Address: 166 Hùng Vương, Thành phố Tuy Hòa, Phú Yên

Opening hour: 06:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Price range: 20,000 VND – 50,000 VND

Bún Cá Đất Phú

Address: 169 Lê Thánh Tôn, Phường 5, Tuy Hòa, Phú Yên

Opening hour: 06:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Price range: 20,000 VND – 100,000 VND

Cá Nục Hấp Cuốn Bánh Tráng (Steamed Mackerel Rolls)

If you’re not sure what to eat in Phu Yen, Cá Nục Hấp Cuốn Bánh Tráng is a rustic yet beloved dish that beautifully showcases the essence of coastal Vietnamese cuisine. Whole mackerel is gently steamed until tender, then served alongside a generous platter of fresh herbs, sliced cucumbers, and rice vermicelli. Diners wrap the fish and vegetables in rice paper, creating their own fresh spring rolls at the table.

What truly elevates this dish is the dipping sauce—a bold, fermented anchovy sauce (mắm nêm) that’s rich, savory, and slightly tangy, balancing out the natural sweetness of the fish. Simple yet full of flavor, this dish is beloved by locals and is sure to impress even the most demanding foodies.

Here are some of the best places to try cá nục hấp cuốn bánh tráng:

Quán Lâm Hùng – Hải Sản Tươi Sống

Address: Cầu Long Phú, Xã An Cư, Huyện Tuy An, Phú Yên

Opening hour: 09:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Price range: 50,000 VND – 150,000 VND

Lê Hằng Gift – Đặc Sản Phú Yên

Address: 120 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, P. 7, Thành phố Tuy Hòa, Phú Yên

Opening hour: 09:00 AM – 09:00 PM

Price range: 20,000 VND – 100,000 VND

Gỏi Cá Mai (Raw Fish Salad)

Gỏi Cá Mai is a standout delicacy in Phú Yên, crafted from thinly sliced raw cá mai — a type of local white fish known for its delicate texture and mild taste. The fish is gently marinated in lime juice to reduce any fishiness, then tossed with fresh herbs like basil and mint, thinly sliced onions, chili, and topped with crushed roasted peanuts for extra crunch.

What makes this dish special is how it’s served: usually with crispy rice paper and a dipping sauce made from fermented anchovy or peanut sauce. It’s light, tangy, and incredibly refreshing. While raw fish might not appeal to everyone, adventurous eaters will be rewarded with a burst of vibrant, clean flavors that perfectly capture the coastal essence of Phú Yên.

For the best gỏi cá mai, head to:

Thúy Kiều – Hải Sản Đầm Ô Loan

Address: Đầm Ô Loan, Xã An Hải, Huyện Tuy An, Phú Yên

Opening hour: 08:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Price range: 50,000 VND – 400,000 VND

Hải Sản Năm Ánh

Address: 301–303 Hùng Vương, P. 7, Thành phố Tuy Hòa, Phú Yên

Opening hour: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Price range: 25,000 VND – 1,000,000 VND

Bánh Canh Hẹ (Thick Chive Noodle Soup)

If you’re not sure what to have for breakfast in Phu Yen, bánh canh hẹ is a must-try. This humble yet flavorful dish has won the hearts of many locals and visitors alike. It features soft, chewy noodles paired with fragrant fish cake, and a naturally sweet broth made from small coastal fish. What truly defines the dish is the generous topping of fresh chives (hẹ), which add a distinctive aroma and vibrant green color.

For an authentic taste of bánh canh hẹ in Tuy Hoa, you can visit:

Bánh Canh Hẹ Bột Gạo – Nguyễn Trãi

Address: 48B Nguyễn Trãi, P. 4, Thành phố Tuy Hòa, Phú Yên

Opening hour: 02:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Price range: 12,000 VND

Bánh Canh Hẹ – Ngô Quyền

Address: Ngã tư Ngô Quyền – Lê Lợi, Thành phố Tuy Hòa, Phú Yên

Opening hour: 02:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Price range: 15,000 VND

Mắt Cá Ngừ Đại Dương (Tuna Eye Stew)

This bold Phu Yen specialty features giant tuna eyes—each about the size of a golf ball—slow-simmered with medicinal herbs like goji berries, jujube, and green onions. The result is a rich, gelatinous broth believed to be highly nutritious, especially for eye health. While the appearance may challenge some diners, adventurous foodies often find it surprisingly delicious and full of umami.

For the best mắt cá ngừ đại dương, head to:

Quán Bà Tám – Cá Ngừ Đại Dương

Address: Số 287, 289 và 293 Lê Duẩn, Thành phố Tuy Hòa, Phú Yên

Opening hour: 08:00 AM – 08:00 PM

Price range: 30,000 VND – 150,000 VND

Quán Sơn Cầu Gỗ

Address: Đường Bạch Đằng, Phường 4, Thành phố Tuy Hòa, Phú Yên

Opening hour: Open 24 hours (daily)

Price range: 100,000 VND – 200,000 VND

Bánh Xèo Phú Yên (Phu Yen-style Sizzling Pancake)

If you visit Phu Yen without tasting its signature sizzling pancakes topped with fresh shrimp and squid, your food tour isn’t quite complete. Phu Yen-style bánh xèo wins over diners with its irresistible aroma and flavor. Each pancake is small — just the size of an adult’s hand — but always served piping hot and golden-crisp. The filling of fragrant seafood makes every bite memorable. These pancakes are best enjoyed with fresh herbs and dipped in either traditional fish sauce or bold, savory fermented anchovy sauce (mắm nêm) that locals swear by.

Where to try Phu Yen-style bánh xèo:

Bánh Xèo – Lê Thánh Tôn

Address: 20 Lê Thánh Tôn, P. 1, Thành phố Tuy Hòa, Phú Yên

Opening hour: 06:30 AM – 09:00 AM | 03:00 PM – 09:30 PM

Price range: 15,000 VND – 30,000 VND

Bánh Xèo Đại Nam

Address: 25/6 Chu Mạnh Trinh, P. 3, Thành phố Tuy Hòa, Phú Yên

Opening hour: 09:00 AM – 09:00 PM

Price range: 10,000 VND – 20,000 VND

Kem Trộn Tuy Hòa (Tuy Hoa-style Mixed Ice Cream)

Mixed Ice Cream (Kem Trộn) is one of the most beloved street treats in Phu Yen — especially on hot summer days. The ice cream here is known for its light sweetness and smooth, non-sticky texture that suits a wide range of tastes. What makes kem trộn special is its mix of toppings: from jelly, dried coconut, roasted peanuts, to chewy mochi or jackfruit slices — offering a fun and flavorful combination in every spoon.

Where to try mixed ice cream in Phu Yen:

Kem Trộn Duy Tân – Kè Bạch Đằng

Address: Kè Bạch Đằng, P. 4, Thành phố Tuy Hòa, Phú Yên

Opening hour: 02:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Price range: 8,000 VND – 30,000 VND

Tips for Your Unforgettable Phu Yen Street Food Adventure

To make the most of your culinary journey through Phu Yen, keep these practical tips in mind:

Travel during the dry season (January–August): This is the best time to explore street food stalls without weather disruptions, especially near beaches or outdoor markets.

Eat like a local: Start your day early with noodle dishes like bánh canh hẹ or bún cá, and save the late afternoon or evening for seafood feasts and sweet street treats along the coast.

Explore local markets: Places like Tuy Hoa Market offer more than fresh ingredients—they’re vibrant cultural hubs where you can try snacks made on the spot and observe daily life unfold.

Bring cash: Most street food vendors only accept Vietnamese Dong in cash, so keep small bills handy to avoid any hassle.

Join a food tour: A guided local food tour is a great way to uncover hidden culinary gems, learn food stories, and experience the authentic flavors of Phu Yen through the eyes (and taste buds) of a native.

Final Thoughts 

Phu Yen’s food doesn’t try to dazzle with complexity—it wins hearts through honesty, freshness, and a deep sense of place. From squid noodle soup to steamed mackerel rolls and sweet childhood ice cream, every dish tells a story of love for the land and sea. Eating in Phu Yen isn’t just a pleasure—it’s a heartfelt cultural journey that you’ll carry long after you leave.

>>> Explore Phu Yen Vietnam: Complete Travel Guide

>>> Best things To Do & Travel Tips to Phu Yen Vietnam