$11.5 plate of 6 prawns in Vietnam’s Phu Quoc draws online attention to pricing

The online discussion began when the tourist posted on a local Phu Quoc community page on Facebook, sharing two photos of a plate of prawns and a bill issued at noon on Sunday by Com Nieu 66 Restaurant.

“After four years returning to Phu Quoc, we were shocked by a VND300,000 plate of prawns that smelled fishy. The food quality was not commensurate with the price,” the post read.

The post quickly attracted a wave of comments.

Many social media users argued that the price was understandable, noting that seafood prices traditionally surge during the Lunar New Year holiday, or Tet, which ran from February 14 to February 22.

One commenter wrote that prawns were already selling for VND500,000 ($19) per kilogram at markets during the holiday.

Another agreed, commenting, "Everything went up during Tet.”

Others pointed out that tiger prawns were being sold at VND500,000 ($19) to VND600,000 ($23) per kilogram depending on size, making VND300,000 for a restaurant dish unsurprising.

One Phu Quoc resident shared that she had purchased live tiger prawns at Duong Dong Market for VND800,000 ($30.6) per kilogram on the 28th of the twelfth lunar month.

On normal days, the price would be around VND280,000 ($10.7) per kilogram.

Food prices at restaurants often double or triple the base price, especially during Tet when staff wages are higher, she added.

However, some Facebook users sided with the original complaint, arguing that the price was excessive regardless of market fluctuations.

One long-term Phu Quoc resident said that in 10 years of living on the island, he had never encountered such pricing at a restaurant.

Nguyen Thi Kim Loan, vice-chairwoman of the People’s Committee of Phu Quoc Special Zone, said on Tuesday morning that local authorities had directed relevant units to inspect the case and promptly rectify and handle any violations in trading and business activities that could negatively affect visitors.

The owner of Com Nieu 66 stated that prices are clearly listed at the restaurant.

The owner explained that large tiger prawns were expensive during the Lunar New Year holiday, and that charging VND300,000 for a plate of six was reasonable given market conditions.

Officials have reminded the restaurateur to publicly display prices, ensure food quality and safety, and avoid misunderstandings that could impact tourists.

Phu Quoc is one of Vietnam’s most popular island destinations, drawing both domestic and international tourists.

During the recent nine-day Tet holiday, the island welcomed some 366,000 visitors, including more than 92,000 international arrivals.

Four- and five-star accommodations were fully booked throughout the holiday.