Phu Quoc fish sauce is a renowned specialty known for its rich, savory flavor, delightful taste, and health benefits. Because of being made from fresh anchovies and aged through a traditional fermentation process, it has become a unique cultural hallmark of the region. Let’s check out the best Phu Quoc fish sauce brands below!
Phu Quoc fish sauce is one of the most famous and renowned specialties across the country.
According to historical records, the craft of making Phu Quoc fish sauce has been established and developed for over 200 years, in the late 19th century. It is related to the settlement and pioneering efforts of the island's inhabitants. Between 1965 and 1975, the Phu Quoc fish sauce craft experienced significant growth, with an increasing number of traditional fermentation houses. Phu Quoc fish sauce is consumed widely domestically and exported to many countries worldwide.
Over time, the production of Phu Quoc fish sauce has evolved from primitive methods to mechanization. However, it has maintained the rich, delicious flavor of traditional fish sauce through a secret recipe passed down through generations.
Traditional Phu Quoc fish sauce has a well-balanced salty taste with a refined, lingering sweetness.
Throughout many ups and downs in history, the craft of making fish sauce on "The Pearl Island" has gained significant achievements. In June 2001, Phu Quoc fish sauce officially received designation of origin status. By 2022, the craft of Phu Quoc fish sauce was formally recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, categorized as a traditional craft.
The craft of making Phu Quoc fish sauce was officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022.
To create the finest fish sauce, the people of Phu Quoc have preserved and applied traditional methods passed down through generations. Although Phu Quoc fish sauce production is straightforward, it requires meticulous attention to detail to achieve the highest quality products. You can explore the Phu Quoc fish sauce production process below.
The main ingredients for making Phu Quoc fish sauce are anchovies, salt, and additional seasonings. Among these, striped anchovies and black anchovies produce the best-tasting fish sauce. The fish must be fresh and not spoiled, and they should be of the same type and size to ensure an even fermentation process. Successful fermentation process helps achieve a flavorful fish sauce with an attractive color.
Anchovies are the primary ingredient used to make Phu Quoc fish sauce.
The salt used for curing anchovies in Phu Quoc fish sauce must be sea salt harvested at the beginning of autumn when the salt is at its driest and most refined. High-quality salt is opaque white, with uniform grains, a clear edge, and minimal impurities.
Currently, Phu Hai (Phan Thiet) and Ba Ria-Vung Tau are the regions providing the best quality salt for Phu Quoc fish sauce production. Notably, immediately after purchasing, the salt will be stored for at least three months to eliminate bitterness, astringency, and harmful metals.
After being salted, the anchovies must reach the proper dryness before being placed in wooden barrels for fermentation.
Depending on the specific stage of production, different equipment and tools are used.
Fermentation barrels: These are used to cure the anchovies until the fish sauce is ready. These barrels are made from wood, typically from Litsea Glusinosa, and are sealed with rattan bands to prevent leaks. The gaps between the wooden planks are sealed with bark from the cajeput tree. The barrels are elevated at least 50 cm off the ground. Each barrel can hold between 12 to 15 tons of fish and yields between 4,000 to 10,000 liters of fish sauce.
Tap hole: This is used to extract the fish sauce from the barrel. The tap hole is drilled into the side of the barrel, 20 to 30 cm above the bottom, and fitted with a spout. There are two types including one with a lock and one without.
Collecting barrel: Used to filter and hold the finished fish sauce, with a capacity ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 liters. The largest kind of collecting barrel can hold up to 10,000 liters.
Filtering material: Prevents fish particles from entering the tap hole, ensuring the clarity of the fish sauce. It is made by splitting rattan into strips, bundling them into a brush-like tool, and placing it inside the fermentation barrel at the tap hole. The brush is covered with a layer of rattan and a bag of coarse salt.
Pressing weights: Two wooden beams are placed across the top of the fermentation barrel, secured at the rim to keep the pressing plate from coming loose.
Pressing plate: Made from thin bamboo strips or wooden planks and used to press down on the salted fish in the barrel.
Covering leaves: Made from nipa palm leaves. These cover the salted fish in the barrel to protect them.
Basket: A rattan basket used for transporting fish and salt, with a capacity of around 100 kg.
Scraper: A tool used to scrape the fish that has been mixed with salt when placing it into the fermentation barrel.
Pressing weights: Used to keep the pressing plate tightly in place inside the barrel, usually consisting of large stones or small, short wooden beams.
Containers: Available in plastic or glass bottles, used to store the finished fish sauce.
Salted fish will be fermented in wooden barrels with good salt resistance to ensure that no substances are released that could affect the flavor and color of the fish sauce. The traditional fermentation process for Phu Quoc fish sauce lasts between 9 to 15 months without the addition of any chemicals or preservatives. During this period, the proteins in the fish naturally break down into amino acids, creating the distinctive flavor of the fish sauce.
The salted anchovies are aged in wooden barrels
During the fermentation period, the fish sauce will mature, develop a strong, pungent aroma, and acquire its distinctive reddish-brown color. At this stage, the fish sauce is extracted from the barrel with a professional technique. This process is continuous and involves filtering repeatedly until the fish sauce reaches a honey-like clarity.
Filter the fish sauce continuously until it reaches a honey-like clarity
Finished fish sauce
Here are some renowned Phu Quoc fish sauce brands that you should consider visiting.
Ong Ky Fish Sauce is a hallmark of Phu Quoc Island’s rich culinary tradition, known for its exceptional quality and authentic taste. For generations, this fish sauce has been crafted using only the finest ingredients - freshly caught anchovies from the pristine waters surrounding the island and natural sea salt. These ingredients are fermented in traditional wooden barrels for over a year, allowing the flavors to develop and mature into the rich, amber liquid that is a staple in Vietnamese kitchens.
What sets Ong Ky apart besides its commitment to preserving the time-honored techniques is the exclusion of any additives or preservatives throughout its process. This dedication to tradition ensures that every drop of fish sauce is safe to consume and maintains the deep umami flavor and complex aroma that has made Phu Quoc fish sauce famous worldwide.
Whether used as a dipping sauce, a marinade, or a key ingredient in your favorite dishes, Ong Ky Fish Sauce brings an authentic taste of Vietnam to your table. It’s not just a condiment; it’s a connection to the island’s heritage, crafted with care and passion. Let’s experience the essence of Phu Quoc with Ông Ky Fish Sauce, where tradition and quality come together in every bottle.
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Ong Ky fish sauce - An ideal specialty gift
Address: Group 3, Hung Vuong Street, Quarter 1, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province.
The price of Ong Ky Fish Sauce products
Type of fish sauce | Prices (VNĐ) |
35% Nitrogen | Approximately 100,000 per 525ml bottle |
38% Nitrogen | Approximately 110,000 per 525ml bottle |
40% Nitrogen | Approximately 116,000 per 525ml bottle |
43% Nitrogen | Approximately 185,000 per 525ml bottle |
Khai Hoan is one of the most renowned and long-established fish sauce brands in Phu Quoc, with over 100 years of traditional fish sauce production. Whenever visiting Phu Quoc, Khai Hoan Fish Sauce is always a top choice for visitors looking to buy gifts.
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Khai Hoan Phu Quoc Fish Sauce - The soul of Vietnamese cuisine
Being made from fresh anchovies caught from the sea, Khai Hoan Phu Quoc fish sauce is fermented in large wooden barrels under strict management procedures. This traditional fish sauce brand has earned prestigious awards, including the "High-Quality Vietnamese Goods" title in 2016 that is voted by consumers, and it was listed in the top 10 "Golden Quality Seafood Awards" in Vietnam for the third time in 2014.
Currently, Khai Hoan Fish Sauce offers two product lines: 40% Nitrogen and 43% Nitrogen.
Address: 11 Hung Vuong, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province.
The price of Khai Hoan Fish Sauce products:
Type of fish sauce | Prices (VNĐ) |
40% Nitrogen | Approximately 495,000 per 6-bottle case (520ml each) |
43% Nitrogen | Approximately 1,339,000 per 12-bottle case (520ml each) |
Hung Thinh Fish Sauce is a renowned brand from Phu Quoc, established with over 50 years of experience in the industry. It has consistently received the "High-Quality Vietnamese Goods" award for 11 years and meets international food safety standards under HACCP certification.
Hung Thinh Fish Sauce delivers delicious flavor
Hung Thinh stands out with its fish sauce containing up to 98% anchovy extract and a high salinity level of 40 degrees. The products not only impart a rich and savory flavor to dishes but also are beneficial for health. Currently, Hung Thinh Phu Quoc offers a variety of fish sauces, including premium fish sauce, golden fish sauce, deluxe fish sauce, and specialty Phu Quoc fish sauce.
Address: 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province.
Reference Prices:
Fish Sauce Type | Price (VND) |
35% Nitrogen | Approximately 420,000 per carton (10 bottles of 620ml) |
40% Nitrogen | Approximately 720,000 per carton (13 bottles of 750ml) |
Because of excellent quality and competitive pricing, Phu Hung Phu Quoc fish sauce is popular with tourists. With a closed production process from fish preparation to bottling, Phu Hung is committed to delivering the finest and most refined fish sauce to customers.
With a traditional salty flavor, Phu Hung Fish Sauce is a top choice for tourists looking for a gift when visiting Phu Quoc.
Phu Hung Phu Quoc Fish Sauce with rich flavor
Address: 32 Le Hong Phong, Quarter 5, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province.
Reference Prices:
Fish Sauce Type | Price (VND) |
40% Nitrogen | Approximately 85,000 per bottle (650ml) |
43% Nitrogen | Approximately 75,000 per bottle (480ml) |
Thinh Phat Phu Quoc Fish Sauce, a brand renowned for over 50 years, is famous for a traditional recipe passed down through generations. Thanks to a classic method of fermenting anchovies in wooden barrels, the products deliver a rich, salty, and rippled essence of pure anchovy extract.
With the commitment to “preserving and promoting Vietnamese traditional values,” Thinh Phat Fish Sauce ensures the original anchovy flavor without any preservatives or artificial colors. The brand has received numerous awards, including the Safe Food for Public Health Award in 2014 and the Vietnam Trust Food Award in 2014.
Thinh Phat Phu Quoc Fish Sauce - A range of varieties
Address: 30 Street, Quarter 1, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province.
The price of Thinh Phat Phu Quoc Fish Sauce:
Type of fish sauce | Prices (VNĐ) |
40% Nitrogen | Approximately 150,000 per 2-bottle box (500ml each) |
43% Nitrogen | Approximately 170,000 per 2-bottle box (500ml each) |
Thanh Quoc Phu Quoc Fish Sauce is the first to meet Japanese quality standards, so you can trust its quality. With a nitrogen content of up to 40%, Thanh Quoc Fish Sauce is made from carefully selected fresh anchovies from Phu Quoc. The anchovies aged with coarse salt resulted in Thanh Quoc Fish Sauce's clean and salty flavor, which is perfect for enhancing the taste of your dishes.
Thanh Quoc Phu Quoc Fish Sauce - Japanese Quality Standards
Address: 36 Phan Dinh Phung, KP1, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang Province.
The price of Thanh Quoc Phu Quoc Fish Sauce:
Type of fish sauce | Price (VNĐ) |
35% Nitrogen | Approximately 65,000 per 500ml bottle |
40% Nitrogen | Approximately 75,000 per 500ml bottle |
43% Nitrogen | Approximately 105,000 per 500ml bottle |
Established in the late 1990s, Phung Hung Fish Sauce has firmly established its reputation. The products use a traditional method and a closed technology process to ensure hygiene.
Phung Hung Phu Quoc Fish Sauce is characterized by its deep amber color, rippled texture, and high content of amino acids, minerals, and trace elements. This makes it an excellent choice for pregnant women, children, individuals recovering their health, or anyone needing a nutritious boost.
Phung Hung Phu Quoc Fish Sauce
Address: Nguyen Van Cu, An Thoi Town, Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province.
The price of Phung Hung Phu Quoc Fish Sauce:
Type of fish sauce | Price (VNĐ) |
40% Nitrogen | Approximately 170,000 for 2 bottles (500ml each) |
45% Nitrogen | Approximately 220,000 for 2 bottles (500ml each) |
In addition to enjoying various recreational activities and relaxation, you have an opportunity to buy these delicious local specialties as souvenirs when visiting Phu Quoc.
Phu Quoc fish sauce
Phu Quoc pepper
Dried sea cucumber
Bitter bolete (Tylopilus felleus)
Banh Kheo (Pies of Skillfulness)
Sim wine
Cockspur Thorn wine.
ChouChou peanuts
Pearls
Cylinder sticky rice cake wrapped in Rhapis leaves
Palm sugar honeycomb cake
Sea ginseng tea
Sim wine - A famous specialty of Phu Quoc island
Visiting a fish sauce factory Phu Quoc is an unmissable experience for tourists. Here are some of the exciting experiences you can have during your visit
Learn about the history and tradition of fish sauce production.
Explore the production process.
Taste different types of Phu Quoc fish sauce.
Take memorable photos.
Purchase Phu Quoc fish sauce as a special gift.
Phu Quoc fish sauce is a traditional condiment that many visitors choose to buy for personal use or as a gift. If you have the chance to visit this lovely island, let’s check out the fish sauce locations recommended by Salinda Resort.
