Seafood, bún kèn (a type of noodle), gỏi cá trích (fish salad), and many other delicious dishes contribute to the allure of Phú Quốc cuisine. Visiting Phú Quốc without indulging in its culinary delights would be a missed opportunity. One of the specialties that leaves a lasting impression on travelers is bún quậy.
Origin of Bún Quậy – Phú Quốc’s Famous Specialty Bún quậy is the most famous and popular dish in Phú Quốc. Many people mistakenly believe that it originated from this island, but in fact, bún quậy has its roots in Bình Định province. It is a variation of the famous Bình Định shrimp noodle dish, brought here by fishermen and transformed into the bún quậy we know today.
But why is it called bún quậy? Locals explain that this dish is served with a dipping sauce made from powdered soup base, sugar, ground chili, seasoning powder, and lime juice. To create a delicious dipping sauce, it must be vigorously stirred. When the ingredients are well dissolved, the sauce becomes thick and irresistibly red, the perfect consistency.
Enjoying bún quậy is a unique experience. Diners personally prepare their dipping sauce to suit their taste preferences. The staff at the restaurant will guide you on how to make a delicious sauce, but many places now offer pre-made dipping sauce with their own secret recipe.
What Makes Bún Quậy So Appealing? Although bún quậy is made from simple ingredients, it leaves a lasting impression on food enthusiasts. The secret to its appeal lies in the broth and the dipping sauce.
The broth is fragrant with the aroma of lemongrass and the sweet umami flavor of shrimp. Chefs sauté finely chopped lemongrass, then add shrimp heads to enhance the aroma before simmering the broth with seafood. The broth of bún quậy is intentionally lighter in flavor because it is meant to be accompanied by the dipping sauce. This allows the delicate and sweet flavor of the shrimp to shine through.
The dipping sauce is a harmonious blend of flavors, with just the right balance of sourness, spiciness, saltiness, and sweetness to tantalize your taste buds. Adding a sprinkle of Phú Quốc ground pepper takes it to another level of irresistible deliciousness.
In a bowl of bún quậy with “full toppings,” you will find fish paste, fresh shrimp paste, boiled squid eggs, fish fillets, and sometimes even beef. The fresh noodles, similar to northern-style rice noodles, are made daily, ensuring a non-sour and light dining experience.
Indulge in the delightful world of bún quậy, where every bite takes you on a flavorful journey.