Phu Quoc flavors
Rượu Sim (Sim Wine)
A ruby liqueur fermented from wild rose myrtle (sim) berries that grow across Phu Quoc's hills. Sweet, mildly tannic, around 12–29% ABV — drunk as a digestif and reputed to aid circulation.
About this dish
The sim, or rose myrtle, is a hardy shrub that grows wild across the hills and forest margins of Phu Quoc, producing small dark-purple berries each summer that islanders have long gathered and fermented into a sweet ruby liqueur. Rượu sim is made by steeping the ripe berries with sugar and either fermenting the mash or blending the resulting extract with rice spirit, yielding a drink that ranges from a gentle 12% fermented wine to a fortified version closer to 29% ABV. The flavour is fruity and sweet with a mild tannic grip, and locals drink small glasses as a digestif after seafood feasts, crediting it with benefits for circulation, digestion, and aching joints. Production has become a point of island pride, with dedicated distilleries such as Bảy Gáo and Sim Sơn opening their doors for tastings — sim wine is the souvenir most likely to come home tucked beside a bottle of fish sauce.
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 sim distilleries (tastings and bottles); shops along Nguyễn Trung Trực