Phu Quoc flavors
Mật Sim (Sim Syrup)
The non-alcoholic counterpart to sim wine — rose myrtle berries cooked into a thick, sweet-tart syrup. Diluted with chilled water or soda over ice for a deep-magenta cooler, or taken by the spoon as a tonic.
About this dish
Mật sim is what the sim distilleries make for everyone who isn't drinking — the same wild rose myrtle berries, but cooked slowly down with sugar into a thick, dark, jammy concentrate rather than fermented into alcohol. The syrup is intensely fruity, sweet with a tart edge, and a striking deep magenta. It is most refreshing diluted: a spoonful stirred into a glass of chilled water or soda over ice makes a vivid island cooler that is a favourite with children and non-drinkers, and the same concentrate is taken neat by the spoonful as a folk tonic, valued — like the wine — for digestion and general wellbeing. Sold in bottles right alongside rượu sim at makers like Bảy Gáo and Sim Sơn, it is the family-friendly way to take a taste of Phu Quoc's hillsides home.
Allergen information
Preparation methods may vary by restaurant. Always confirm with staff if you have severe allergies.
Where to try
Bảy Gáo (Bay Gao) and Sim Sơn distilleries (sold alongside sim wine); Dương Đông souvenir shops