Red grouper from Phú Quý Island can only be caught using fishing rods around the island’s coral reefs. The fish has firm, naturally sweet meat that’s flavorful without being overly rich. Every part of the grouper—head, flesh, bones, skin, tail, and even intestines—can be turned into a variety of unique, mouthwatering dishes.

Popular preparations include steamed red grouper with soy sauce, red grouper porridge, and sashimi-style red grouper salad. Virtually every high-end restaurant on Phú Quý Island features dishes made from this prized fish, with prices ranging from 800,000 to 1.7 million VND per kilogram, depending on its freshness and whether the fish is served live.

Red grouper is considered a true delicacy of this coastal region. Its naturally sweet flavor and tender meat are perfectly complemented by simply steaming the fish with ginger and scallions—a method that brings out its delicate taste and aroma. Today, Phú Quý is the only island district in Bình Thuận Province that has successfully cultivated red grouper using ocean-based fish cages.