Phu Quoc fish sauce – What brings this specialty to the world class?

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Phu Quoc fish sauce is produced according to a traditional recipe which ensures a high protein level, characteristic color and rich flavor. If you are looking for the best kind of Phu Quoc fish sauce, where to buy it and how much it costs, don’t ignore any piece of information in this article!

1. Phu Quoc fish sauce – A famous specialty to buy as gifts

Phu Quoc fish sauce is known as a unique element which brings cultural beauty to the cuisine of the pearl island. Traveling to Phu Quoc, visitors have a chance to fully learn about the traditional fish sauce making process with a history of hundreds of years. In addition, you can buy genuine fish sauce as gifts for your relatives and friends.

Phu Quoc fish sauce is a special gift which you should bring home after traveling to the pearl island (Source: Collected)

1.1. The history of fish sauce making tradition in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc fish sauce making is a traditional craft that helps to sustain the lives of thousands of residents in Phu Quoc Island. According to historical documents, this profession was established more than 200 years ago, around the end of the 19th century. In the years from 1965 to 1975, the profession of making fish sauce entered the peak growth period and Phu Quoc fish sauce bottles were exported to many countries around the world.

After many ups and downs, the profession of making fish sauce in the pearl island has achieved certain achievements. On October 8th, 2012, the European Commission granted a protection title to the geographical origin of Phu Quoc fish sauce. This is also the first product of Vietnam to be protected on the market of EU countries. Thanks to that, more people know about this famous specialty of Vietnam.

Phu Quoc fish sauce making is a long-lasting tradition (Source: Collected)

On May 27th, 2021, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam officially recognized the fish sauce making profession in Phu Quoc as a national intangible cultural heritage in the form of traditional crafts. Now, when visiting Phu Quoc Island, you can see Phu Quoc fish sauce in any specialty store with many choices in terms of brand and volume.

Phu Quoc fish sauce has retained its traditional flavor for many generations (Source: Collected)

1.2. The outstanding features of Phu Quoc fish sauce making

The main Phu Quoc fish sauce ingredients are anchovies, salt, and some food additives like flavor enhancers and sugar. The best anchovies used to produce quality fish sauce are anchovies caught in the waters of Phu Quoc. The right time to catch the stout, nutritious anchovies is from August to February of the lunar calendar.

The salt for marinating fish to make fish sauce must be sea salt harvested in early autumn. This is the time when the dryness of grain salt is best guaranteed. The standard salt will be opaque white, evenly grained, dry, and less mixed with impurities. The best salt-producing regions are Phu Hai Ward (Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province) and Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province.

Anchovies are the main ingredient for processing Phu Quoc fish sauce (Source: Collected)

Depending on each specific stage of fish sauce making, people use the corresponding equipments and tools, particularly:

• Incubation tank: This is used to marinate fish until the fish sauce is produced. It is made of Litsea wood and braced with rattan so that there are no gaps. It is placed at least 50 centimeters below ground. On average, a tank has a capacity of 12 – 15 tons of fish, having an output of 4,000 – 10,000 liters of fish sauce.
• Hole (lỗ lù): This is used to draw fish sauce out of the brewing tank. The hole is drilled on the side of the incubation tank, about 20 – 30 centimeters up from the bottom of the barrel, and attached to a faucet.
• Collecting tank: This is used to store the finished fish sauce. It usually has a volume of 1000 – 2000 liters, with the largest one being able to hold up to 10,000 liters.
• Filter: People use it to prevent fish carcasses from entering the hole, thus ensuring the clarity of the fish sauce.

Besides, there are many other items like wooden bars, bamboo blisters, planks, cover plates, scratching tables, ballasts, fasteners, cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles, etc., to be used to optimize the process of making Phu Quoc fish sauce.

Phu Quoc fish sauce is produced by the compression method. Anchovies, after being caught, will be cleaned and salted right at the ship to maintain their freshness. After the ship docks, the salted fish will be put into an incubation tank, covered with a thick layer of salt and then compressed in a clean environment. The incubation time usually lasts at least 9 – 15 months to produce the best finished fish sauce.

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2. Which Phu Quoc fish sauce brands are the best?

There are many Phu Quoc fish sauce brands for tourists to choose from in the trip to Phu Quoc. Among them, the following are some famous brands that you should note:

2.1. Nam Ngu

Nam Ngu fish sauce is brewed and bottled at Nam Ngu barrel house in Phu Quoc. This is a premium fish sauce which is kept in a glass bottle and contains more than 15 essential amino acids for the body. Many housewives use Nam Ngu fish sauce to marinate meat or season dishes as a flavor enhancer. The price of a 500-milliliter bottle of Nam Ngu fish sauce is about 50,000 VND.

Nam Ngu is one of the best Vietnamese fish sauce brands (Source: Collected)

2.2. Phung Hung

Phung Hung fish sauce has made a name for itself since the late 90s. Its products are all produced by a family tradition method with closed technology, thus ensuring hygiene in food processing and manufacturing. This kind of fish sauce has a dark brown color. Especially, it provides a high content of amino acids and trace elements, which are extremely good for pregnant women, young children, malnourished people, etc.

The referential prices in correspondence with different types of Phung Hung fish sauce are as follows:

• Protein level of 40N: About 180,000 VND/2 bottles of 500 milliliters
• Protein level of 43N: About 205,000 VND/2 bottles of 500 milliliters

2.3. Hung Thinh

Hung Thinh is one of the most famous traditional fish sauce brands in Phu Quoc Island. Its fish sauce products are now available in most provinces of Vietnam. In addition to the 40N-protein-level fish sauce, Hung Thinh also produces the Phu Quoc premium fish sauce or the 35N-protein-level fish sauce, which are suitable for food dipping to satisfy your taste buds.

The referential prices in correspondence with different types of Hung Thinh fish sauce are as follows:

• Protein level of 35N: About 420,000 VND/13 bottles of 750 milliliters
• Protein level of 40N: About 720,000 VND/13 bottles of 750 milliliters

2.4. Thinh Phat

Thinh Phat fish sauce is a traditional brand in Phu Quoc that has been preserved for 3 generations. All the products of Thinh Phat are handcrafted and of high quality. The genuine Thinh Phat fish sauce has a dark red color with mild salty taste so it is chosen by many diners for their meals.

The referential prices in correspondence with different types of Thinh Phat fish sauce are as follows:

• Protein level of 40N: About 150,000 VND/2 bottles of 500 milliliters
• Protein level of 43N: About 170,000 VND/2 bottles of 500 milliliters

2.5. Khai Hoan

Khai Hoan is one of the oldest barrel houses in Phu Quoc. It has more than 100 years of traditional fish sauce production. Also made from anchovies caught at sea, Khai Hoan fish sauce is brewed in large wooden crates, following strict management procedures. Up till now, this brand not only has a large number of loyal Vietnamese customers but its products are also exported to many countries around the world.

The referential prices in correspondence with different types of Khai Hoan fish sauce are as follows:

• Protein level of 40N: About 175,000 VND/2 bottles of 520 milliliters
• Protein level of 43N: About 238,000 VND/2 bottles of 520 milliliters

The above brands all provide delicious and reputable fish sauce products in the domestic and international markets. Each type of fish sauce has its own unique taste. Therefore, depending on your preferences and needs, you can choose the most suitable type of fish sauce for your family.

3. Fish sauce barrel houses – The interesting tourist destinations in Phu Quoc

Visiting Phu Quoc fish sauce factories is one of the activities that you should not miss out on when you travel to Phu Quoc. During the tour, you will definitely have tons of memorable experiences, specifically:

• Learn about the establishment and development history of Phu Quoc fish sauce barrel houses
• See the standard making process of fish sauce with your own eyes
• Taste the delicious and rich flavor of Phu Quoc fish sauce
• Take pictures in front of giant fish sauce brewing tanks
• Have the opportunity to buy genuine Phu Quoc fish sauce as gifts

Note down the addresses of fish sauce barrel houses in Phu Quoc that are open to visitors below and plan a visit right away!

• Phung Hung fish sauce barrel house: Nguyen Van Cu, Quarter 4, An Thoi, Phu Quoc
• Khai Hoan fish sauce barrel house: 11 Hung Vuong, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc
• Thinh Phat fish sauce barrel house: Street 30, Quarter 1, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc
• Nam Ngu fish sauce barrel house: Group 1, Suoi Da Hamlet, Duong To

In fish sauce factory Phu Quoc, you can learn more about the fish sauce making process (Source: Collected)

Around the fish sauce barrel houses, there are also many famous Phu Quoc tourist attractions that you can visit on the way such as Da Ban Stream, Ong Lang Beach, Ganh Dau Phu Quoc, Cua Can Phu Quoc, etc., or VinWonders Phu Quoc and Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc in the super complex Phu Quoc United Center.

VinWonders Phu Quoc is considered as the top-rated theme park in Asia and the largest one in Vietnam. It has 6 wondrous subdivisions modeled after 12 human civilizations and many thrilling games for tourists of all ages. Therefore, this place will definitely give you endless fun in your trip to Phu Quoc.

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc to complete your trip with plenty of excitement!

Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc is the first semi-wild conservation park in Vietnam with a total area of ​​up to 380 hectares. There are more than 3,000 animals of more than 150 species living there, including rare species that need to be preserved. Coming there, tourists have a chance to see the animals, feed them, or take a lot of nice pictures with them in a great background.

>>> Book combo VinWonders + Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc to save your travel expenses!

4. How to choose the best quality fish sauce in your Phu Quoc trip?

When buying Phu Quoc fish sauce, you should consider the following things to get the genuine products for serving in your meals or giving to your beloved after the trip:

• Label: The traditional logo, which comes in three major colors: dark red, blue, and pale yellow, is the first thing to look at when choosing a bottle of fish sauce. The yellow geographic logo can also be found at the bottom of the bottle.
• Protein level: The authentic fish sauce has a high protein level, ranging from 35N to 45N. If you come across other items with a lower protein level, chances are they are not up to par or have been diluted.
• Savor and color: Fermented for over a year, Phu Quoc pure fish sauce has a puce color and a strong salty flavor with natural richness. The presence of salt crystals at the bottom or the neck of the bottle when the temperature rapidly changes is a distinguishing feature of an authentic fish sauce.

Color is an important factor that determine whether this is a high quality fish sauce or not (Source: Collected)

Phu Quoc fish sauce is a famous specialty of the pearl island, which is popular and well-received by both domestic and foreign consumers as well as tourists. If you have not had the opportunity to visit the fish sauce barrel houses and buy the authentic fish sauce, hurry up and book voucher, combo, tour to Phu Quoc at a good price to visit the island now! Remember to book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc to fill your trip with enjoyment!