On October 1, the Michelin Guide announced that it would extend its restaurant selection to Phu Quoc. The first list of establishments on the island is expected in mid-2027, when Phu Quoc will host APEC Economic Leaders' Week.
VietnamPlus said the timing could draw more attention to the island's cuisine. Delegations and business travellers attending APEC would have another reason to explore Phu Quoc, while food could influence leisure travellers when choosing a destination.
How food could lengthen stays
The effect of the Michelin selection will depend on whether hotels, event organisers and tour operators include recommended establishments in bookable programmes. VietnamPlus listed private dinners, hospitality programmes and local-food itineraries as possible formats.
For hotels, the opportunity is not limited to restaurant bookings. Seasonal menus, private dinners and packages combining accommodation with food tours could increase revenue from each stay. Restaurants could also become part of event programmes that combine conferences with the island's sea, fish sauce, pepper and local produce.
Organisers would still need to assess capacity, simultaneous service, dietary requirements, privacy and transport. A Michelin-listed restaurant may not be suitable for a gala dinner for several hundred people.
Local dishes and itineraries
Tour operators could combine resort restaurants with the island's local food culture. A possible itinerary could start with breakfast in Duong Dong, continue with a visit to a fish sauce producer or pepper farm, and end with dinner by the sea.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, said Phu Quoc's culinary identity combines fishing-village food culture with restaurants with an international character. The article names Ham Ninh swimming crab, herring salad, bun ken, rice noodles in a coconut-based fish broth, and bun quay, freshly prepared rice noodle soup.
After APEC, Phu Quoc will have to test whether it can maintain interest in its food scene. The article says attention generated in 2027 will need to be supported by consistent food quality and convenient visitor itineraries, rather than only the initial Michelin announcement.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
