Phú Yên Province

Braised yellowfin tuna eye from Phú Yên's deep-sea fishing fleet - the eyeball is the size of a golf ball and contains layers of different textures from gelatinous outer membrane to a firm central lens, braised in fish sauce and ginger until tender, a prized delicacy eaten by fishermen as the choicest part of the catch

Fresh squid noodle soup from Phú Yên's coastal fishing villages - squid pulled from boats that morning is grilled over charcoal then simmered in a light tomato and lemongrass broth, the flesh still sweet and tender, eaten at open-air seafood stalls overlooking the fishing harbour at Tuy Hòa

Fine woven rice vermicelli served with pork offal - the intricate lace-like noodle sheets are laid over grilled spring onion oil and eaten with stir-fried pork intestine, liver, and heart, a central Vietnamese specialty eaten as a ceremonial breakfast at Phú Yên weddings and family gatherings

Thick tapioca noodle soup with garlic chives - the noodles are hand-rolled and cooked in a rich pork and shrimp broth loaded with fresh chives harvested from coastal farms, the chive flavour permeating the entire dish, a Phú Yên breakfast specialty rarely found outside the province

Steamed rice flour saucers in ceramic cups topped with dried shrimp, pork crackling, and spring onion oil - the Phú Yên version has a slightly thicker, chewier base than the Huế original and a saltier, more savoury topping, eaten stacked in towers of ten at afternoon street stalls throughout Tuy Hòa

Beef dried for one day in Phú Yên's fierce coastal sun - the intense heat concentrates the flavour while leaving the interior tender, grilled over charcoal and eaten with muối kiến vàng weaver ant salt, lá lốt leaves, and rice paper, a south-central coast specialty that Phú Yên claims as its own invention

Husband and wife cakes made with tapioca and pandan - the translucent green jelly-like exterior reveals a sweetened mung bean and coconut filling, traditionally exchanged between families at Phú Yên wedding ceremonies as a symbol of marital harmony, with a chewy, fragrant texture unique to the coastal version