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From Phu Quoc International Airport, a short drive takes visitors to Bai Truong Beach – where the Novotel Phu Quoc resort is nestled between the blue sea and tropical gardens. The space unfolds slowly, with the vast ocean horizon in front and the trees embracing the peaceful bungalows behind.
After checking in, the exploration journey doesn't just stop at relaxation. Stepping into the culinary space, guests are led into a world of diverse flavors, where familiar Vietnamese dishes blend with the taste of the sea, opening up a first exquisite experience on the pearl island.
Flavors from the sea and the land.
The meal typically begins with familiar ingredients from the Phu Quoc sea region. Fish, shrimp, and crab are caught daily and brought directly from the sea to the kitchen, preserving their fresh, sweet flavor. Vegetables and spices are also sourced from local gardens, simple yet enough to make the dishes fragrant and flavorful.
On the table might be a plate of charcoal-grilled fish, a steaming pot of shrimp, or a few more elaborately prepared dishes. Regardless of the cooking methods, the common thread is the freshness and distinct flavor in every bite. Such a meal isn't overly fancy, but it leaves a lasting impression due to its natural taste and the refreshing atmosphere by the sea.
The restaurant's ingredients are fresh seafood caught daily from the waters of Phu Quoc.
Using locally sourced ingredients, the chefs find ways to combine them with international cooking styles.
In the morning, a light breakfast is enough to start the day. In the afternoon, after a swim in the sea, a plate of seafood with some green vegetables makes dinner complete. Everything is simple, truly embodying an island experience – fresh, cool, and flavorful.
From Asian-European buffets to local seafood, each dining space aims for intimacy and a natural feel. In another area, the seafood restaurant offers a more relaxed and unhurried atmosphere. The space is airy and modern, but the cooking methods emphasize simplicity to preserve the natural sweetness of the seafood. Fish sauce and Phu Quoc green peppercorns – familiar spices in the islanders' meals – become highlights in many dishes. A plate of fragrant grilled shrimp or steaming hot steamed fish, with a touch of spicy fish sauce, evokes the distinctive flavors of the sea.
In the evening, a cool glass of tea or a cocktail by the pool at sunset is a peaceful respite after a long day under the sun at the beach.
Enjoy a drink and watch the sunset by the pool with ocean views.
The person behind the kitchen
Behind the kitchen is Pham Thanh Giao – Food & Beverage Manager, who views each dish as a story told through the flavors of Phu Quoc.
For Giao, cooking is not just about combining ingredients and techniques, but also about telling a story. Each dish contains the salty taste of the sea, the aroma of green peppercorns, a touch of sweetness from freshly caught seafood, and his affection for Phu Quoc. He often says, "cuisine is the language of emotions," and his wish is for diners to feel his love for the pearl island through every flavor.
Mr. Pham Thanh Giao – Food & Beverage Manager, views each dish as a story told through the flavors of Phu Quoc.
Each dish is like a small stop on the journey, offering just enough surprises while still retaining the essence of Phu Quoc.
Using locally sourced ingredients, the chefs find ways to combine them with international cooking styles, creating a unique experience unlike any other restaurant on the island. While steamed cod with black garlic sauce offers a smooth and delicate texture, steamed free-range chicken with fish sauce evokes a sense of rustic simplicity and familiarity. Each dish is a small stop on the journey, offering just the right amount of surprise while retaining the essence of Phu Quoc.
By shaping a culinary landscape that harmonizes tradition and innovation, the restaurant's kitchen constantly introduces new elements without straying from its core identity. Perhaps that's why each meal here is not just about taste, but also a memorable experience connected to the place.
The restaurant's diverse menu caters to the needs of all types of customers, from families and couples to groups of friends.
The freshness of the ingredients, the skillful hands of the chef, and the inspiring spirit of service combine to create the unique flavor of this pearl island. And what lingers is not just the delicious taste on the tongue, but the moments spent together, sharing, and listening to the sound of the waves crashing offshore.
