Every morning, the wharf on Nhơn Châu islandcommune comes alive as fishing boats and basket boats return from overnight trips carrying fresh fish and squid. Onshore, traders quickly sort, weigh and purchase the catch before it is transformed into local specialties that have become a major attraction for visitors.
Among the island's signature dishes, instant noodles with squid and squid pancakes are particularly popular. Nguyễn Thị Hơn, who runs an eatery in Thôn Tây, said freshly landed squid is cleaned and cooked immediately before being served with scallions, coriander and spicy fish sauce.
"Visitors to the island often ask for instant noodles with squid first, because the squid is freshly caught, making the meat sweet and crunchy. Each morning, we sell about 20 to 30 bowls, and many customers return or recommend us to their friends," Hơn said.
Phan Thị Hoa, 59, from Ho Chi Minh City, said the dishes were among the highlights of her family's first visit to Nhơn Châu.
"Many people recommended we try the instant noodles with squid and squid pancakes. These rustic dishes have a unique flavor, especially when enjoyed while taking in the peaceful scenery of the island commune," she said.
Beyond restaurants, seafood processing remains an important livelihood for island residents. In Thôn Đông, families prepare fish cakes, dry freshly caught fish and process a range of seafood products using the day's catch.
Trần Thị Chi, a fish cake producer in Thôn Đông, said growing tourism has expanded demand beyond the local market.
"In the past, our family's products were mainly sold to locals on the island. In recent years, as more tourists visit Nhơn Châu, our fish cakes have become well-known and are often bought as gifts. As a result, our output has increased to 20-30 kilograms per day, and sometimes up to 50 kilograms," Chi said.
Fishing remains the backbone of the island's economy. Fisherman Nguyễn Văn Nhiên, who has spent nearly two decades at sea, said squid fishing is most active from after the Lunar New Year until nearly the end of the fourth lunar month, with boats travelling 7-10 nautical miles from the island.
Catch volumes vary widely, with some trips yielding several hundred kilograms of squid and fish while others bring in only a few dozen kilograms. Larger catches are sold in Quy Nhơn ward, while the remainder supplies island households and local eateries.
Fellow fisherman Lê Văn Cường said successful squid fishing depends more on experience than physical strength. Fishermen use lights to attract squid at night before deploying lift nets or stick nets according to tides and sea currents.
"We take whatever the sea gives us. Only by protecting the sea can future generations continue to make a living from it", Cường said.
According to the Nhơn Châu Commune People's Committee, the commune has 175 fishing vessels and 70 aquaculture rafts operated by 31 households. During the first six months of 2026, fishermen landed approximately 540 tonnes of fish and squid.
Alongside fisheries and aquaculture development, local authorities continue to work with relevant agencies to educate fishermen about regulations against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The commune also maintains its "Collecting Plastic Waste from Fishing Boats" initiative to help protect marine resources and the coastal environment.
Dương Hiệp Hưng, Chairman of the Nhơn Châu Commune People's Committee, said the locality has identified cuisine as one of its flagship tourism products alongside its natural attractions.
The commune plans to continue encouraging residents not to collect coral as souvenirs to protect the marine ecosystem, develop OCOP-standard brands for squid and other seafood products, and expand visitor experiences such as net-pulling and night squid fishing to increase the value of local seafood and strengthen the appeal of island tourism.
