Discover Phu Quoc Fish Sauce and Its Top 5 Famous Producers

Phu Quoc Island captivates visitors not only with its stunning natural landscapes and luxurious resorts but also with its distinctive island cuisine. Among the culinary delights to discover in Phu Quoc, fish sauce stands out as a renowned specialty made from the essence of the sea. With its intense aroma and harmonious salty flavor, Phu Quoc fish sauce has conquered countless diners and become a must-buy souvenir for any Phu Quoc trip.

Join Rooty Trip in exploring the unique characteristics that have made Phu Quoc fish sauce famous and discover the top 5 renowned fish sauce factories on the island!

Exploring the Special Features of Phu Quoc Fish Sauce – Top 5 Fish Sauce Factories

1. How long has Phu Quoc fish sauce been around?

Phu Quoc fish sauce is made from two main ingredients: anchovies and salt. The production process follows traditional manual techniques that have been passed down through generations for centuries. Over the centuries of its development, Phu Quoc fish sauce has become a renowned brand not only domestically but also internationally.

The long history of Phu Quoc fish sauce is closely linked to the development of the island. Blessed with an abundant source of anchovies, the people of Phu Quoc Island quickly took advantage of this to develop the fish sauce industry in the 1800s.

• From 1965 to 1975, fish sauce became one of the most valuable export commodities, famous throughout Asia and exported to many European countries such as France, Germany, and Italy.
• In 2023, the Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Association had 54 members with about 7,000 fermentation tanks and an annual fish sauce production of 20-30 million liters.

Phu Quoc fish sauce is the first Vietnamese product to be granted the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certification by the European Union. This confirms that the fish sauce production method is unique to Phu Quoc Island. The certification also confirms that Phu Quoc fish sauce has undergone strict technical requirements at each stage of production and is of guaranteed quality.

To date, there are over 100 fish sauce factories operating in Phu Quoc. On May 27, 2021, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism issued a decision recognizing the fish sauce making craft in Phu Quoc, Duong Dong ward, An Thoi ward, Phu Quoc city, Kien Giang province as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Phu Quoc Fish Sauce

2. What are the unique characteristics of Phu Quoc fish sauce?

The most distinctive feature of Phu Quoc fish sauce is its characteristic cockroach wing color. This is the natural color of the fish sauce and no coloring agents are added. Through a strict process of selecting fresh fish and a long fermentation time, Phu Quoc fish sauce has a strong, captivating aroma with a rich flavor that is not too salty. The umami flavor balances this out with a subtle sweetness.

Compared to fish sauce from the North and Central regions of Vietnam, Phu Quoc fish sauce has a lighter aroma and is not too strong. This makes it a perfect gift choice for visitors to the Pearl Island.

Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Considered as the “National Soul” of Vietnam

According to the heritage file, Phu Quoc fish sauce is produced using the pressing method, and each step contributes to its unique flavor. Anchovies used to make fish sauce must be caught and immediately brined with high-quality salt on the boat to ensure freshness. The fish are then salted again in a specific ratio and carefully fermented in large wooden barrels for 12 to 15 months at 27 degrees Celsius. Maintaining a stable temperature helps ensure the quality, color, protein content, and characteristic flavor of Phu Quoc fish sauce.

The secrets behind the unique flavor of Phu Quoc fish sauce lie in the following:

• High-quality anchovies: Thanks to the abundant food and clean marine environment, Phu Quoc anchovies have high nutritional content and a special delicious flavor.
• Fermentation process: The fish are naturally fermented in ideal climatic conditions for a long period, creating a high protein content, giving the fish sauce a harmonious salty taste and a strong anchovy flavor.
• Water used to make fish sauce: This is well water with a depth of over 100 meters. The natural pH in this type of water is very suitable for the fish sauce fermentation process.
• Fermentation technique: The fermentation process is carried out using traditional techniques by skilled workers, adhering to strict standards, ensuring the absolute quality of the product.

Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Owns a Special Taste Thanks to High-Quality Ingredients and Traditional Brewing Techniques

If you have the opportunity to visit Phu Quoc Island, don’t miss the chance to visit the traditional long-standing fish sauce factories to learn more about the origin and discover the production process of this quintessential fish sauce.

So, which fish sauce factory is the most worth visiting? This question is difficult to answer because each fish sauce factory in Phu Quoc has its own unique brewing secret, if we talk about the professional aspect of the craft. Therefore, Rooty Trip will suggest the 5 most famous factories, from which you can visit on your own or if you go on a tour, one of the following places will most likely be included in your itinerary.

3. 5 Famous Fish Sauce Factories in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc fish sauce is highly reputable both domestically and internationally. Here are 5 addresses of famous fish sauce factories in Phu Quoc that tourists cannot miss when visiting the Pearl Island.

3.1 Khai Hoan Fish Sauce Factory

Khai Hoan is one of the oldest fish sauce factories in Phu Quoc, with over 200 years of experience producing traditional fish sauce. It was awarded the Vietnam Golden Quality Seafood Award for the third time in 2014. Khai Hoan fish sauce is made from anchovies caught at sea, then fermented in large wooden barrels and strictly follows a strict management process.

Visiting the Khai Hoan fish sauce factory, visitors will be overwhelmed by hundreds of giant wooden barrels running along the workshop, containing the quintessence of fish sauce that is gradually fermenting. In parallel, there is a modern fishing boat system and a closed, large-scale production process.

• Address: 11 Hung Vuong, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang
• Opening hours: 7:30 am – 7:00 pm
• Entrance fee: Free

Phu Quoc Khai Hoan Fish Sauce

3.2 Phu Quoc Thinh Phat Fish Sauce Factory

Phu Quoc Thinh Phat fish sauce has been passed down for 3 generations. The production line here is built according to the traditional model, ensuring the best quality products. The fish sauce here is characterized by its dark red color and moderate salty taste, which is very popular with diners.

Currently, Thinh Phat owns two large-scale branches in Phu Quoc, both of which impress visitors with their excellent quality and reasonable prices. Visiting the Thinh Phat fish sauce factory, visitors have the opportunity to explore the traditional fish sauce production model, visit the barrel houses and factories, and experience shopping here.

• Address: 30 Street, Ward 1, Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc
• Opening hours: 8am – 5pm
• Entrance fee: Free

Phu Quoc Thinh Phat Fish Sauce

3.3 Phu Quoc Phung Hung Fish Sauce Factory

Phu Quoc Phung Hung fish sauce has been famous since the 1990s. It is produced according to a secret method with a closed technology and ensures food safety and hygiene. The finished product has a beautiful cockroach wing color, high amino acid content and trace elements, suitable for malnourished people, children and pregnant women.

Visiting the Phu Quoc Phung Hung fish sauce factory, visitors will be impressed by more than 100 large wooden barrels arranged in 10 long rows. There is also a professional fishing team and modern boats, ensuring the best service for the fish sauce production process.

• Address: 471 Nguyen Van Cu, Ward 4, Phu Quoc District
• Opening hours: 9am – 9pm
• Entrance fee: Free

Phu Quoc Phung Hung Fish Sauce

3.4 Nam Ngư Fish Sauce Factory

Nam Ngư fish sauce is probably a familiar brand to many people, known as the most famous fish sauce factory in Phu Quoc. With a large scale with a total area of up to 22,000 m2, visitors will be overwhelmed by the massive and magnificent scale of the system of more than 500 brewing barrels with a capacity of up to 13 tons of fish and the ability to produce about 388 million liters of premium fish sauce/year.

Meticulous to every ingredient, every detail, Nam Ngư fish sauce is produced in a closed process, based on a modern production line that blends with the traditional formula, bringing delicious and quality fish sauce to every drop.

• Address: Group 1, Suoi Da Hamlet, Duong To, Phu Quoc
• Opening hours: 8am – 5pm
• Entrance fee: Free

Phu Quoc Nam Ngư Fish Sauce

3.5 Phu Quoc Hung Thinh Fish Sauce

Hung Thinh is one of the long-standing fish sauce brands in Phu Quoc. For 11 consecutive years, it has been awarded the title of High-Quality Vietnamese Goods and has met international standards for food hygiene and safety. Phu Quoc Hung Thinh fish sauce is famous for its mild, non-mixed aroma and high protein content of up to 10 to 40 degrees thanks to the natural protein content of Phu Quoc anchovies.

Visiting the Hung Thinh fish sauce factory, visitors not only admire the large-scale production line with a system of 350 brewing barrels, but also have the opportunity to learn more about the process of creating pure fish sauce.

• Address: 30/4, Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc Hung Thinh Fish Sauce

4. How much does Phu Quoc fish sauce cost?

The price of Phu Quoc fish sauce usually fluctuates between 150,000 – 200,000 VND/1 liter. This price is somewhat higher than the popular fish sauces sold on the market, in supermarkets, grocery stores, markets, etc. This is understandable because Phu Quoc fish sauce goes through a strict and closed production process, meticulous from every stage of fishing, salting fish to the brewing stage.

In fact, the price of a bottle of Phu Quoc fish sauce also depends on many factors, including:

• Production address: Famous, long-standing fish sauce production facilities with delicious and fragrant quality will certainly have a higher price than those that are not yet experienced.
• Fish sauce nitrogen content: The higher the nitrogen content, the thicker the fish sauce and the richer the flavor. Therefore, this factor also greatly affects the price of a bottle of fish sauce.
• Fish sauce capacity: Phu Quoc fish sauce will be bottled in many different capacities, commonly 200ml, 250ml, 350ml, 500ml. Depending on the capacity of the bottle, the price will also be different.
• Packaging specifications: Phu Quoc fish sauce is usually packaged in plastic bottles and glass bottles. This factor also affects the specific price.

Reference price list of Phu Quoc fish sauce:

The Price of Fish Sauce Fluctuates Around 150,000 – 200,000 VND/1 Liter

5. Tips for buying Phu Quoc fish sauce for tourists

5.1 How to choose delicious fish sauce:

Observe and feel:

• Observe the color, viscosity, and aroma of the fish sauce. Good fish sauce has a beautiful cockroach wing color and a smooth viscosity.
• Choose fish sauce brands with the PDO label to ensure quality and traditional production methods.
• Smell the fish sauce and choose those with a strong but pleasant characteristic aroma.
• Taste to feel the flavor. Good fish sauce has a harmonious salty taste, a slightly sweet aftertaste, and no bitter or harsh taste.

Listen to advice:

• Ask the staff carefully about the production process, nitrogen content, usage, and storage of fish sauce.
• Request the staff to show the product quality certification papers to avoid buying fake or low-quality goods.

Some tips:

• Buy fish sauce at the end of the trip to avoid spoilage during transportation.
• You can send goods home via express delivery service.
• Buy the whole bottle and the whole box to ensure quality.
• Bottled fish sauce is convenient for use and storage.

5.2 What kind of fish sauce should you buy?

Phu Quoc fish sauce has many types, from pure fish sauce, fish sauce, and pure fish sauce. Each type has a different flavor and nitrogen content. The nitrogen content is indicated by °N on the label – the higher the number, the stronger the flavor. The average nitrogen content (about 30-40°N) creates a versatile fish sauce suitable for balanced dipping sauce and general seasoning. Meanwhile, high nitrogen content from 40°N onwards will be ideal for strong marinated dishes. Choose the type that suits your needs.

Here are the outstanding features of some types of Phu Quoc fish sauce:

• Pure fish sauce is the first type of fish sauce extracted during the brewing process. It has the highest nitrogen content (from 40 degrees nitrogen or more). It has a straw yellow color, clear and thick. The aroma is strong and characteristic, the salty taste is strong and used for cooking, braising meat, fish, and has the highest price.
• Fish sauce is the type of fish sauce extracted after pure fish sauce. It has a lower nitrogen content than pure fish sauce (from 20-30 degrees nitrogen). It has a light yellow color, slightly cloudy. The aroma is gentle. The salty and sweet taste is harmonious, so it should be used for direct dipping or making dipping sauce. The price is cheaper than pure fish sauce.
• Pure fish sauce is a type of fish sauce mixed from pure fish sauce and fish sauce. It has an average nitrogen content (from 30-40 degrees nitrogen). It has a cockroach wing color, clear. The aroma is strong and harmonious. The salty and sweet taste is balanced. Can be used for both cooking and direct dipping. The price is at the average level.

You should consider how much fish sauce to buy depending on your needs and storage time. You should buy enough for use within 6 months to 1 year. If the purpose of buying Phu Quoc fish sauce is as a gift, please see the instructions for buying beautiful capacity and brand models.

Choosing the Right Type of Fish Sauce for Your Needs

5.3 What size of fish sauce bottle should you buy?

If you buy it for use:

• 500ml – 1 liter: Suitable for a family of 4-5 people, using regularly. Choose a bottle with a spout for easy use and storage.
• 2 liters: Save costs, suitable for large families or long-term use. Choose the type with a handle for easy carrying.

If you buy it as a gift:

• 250ml – 300ml: Compact, luxurious capacity, suitable for personal gifts or colleagues. Choose a thick glass bottle with a beautiful design.
• 500ml: Popular capacity, suitable for many subjects. Choose the type with a gift box to increase the value of the gift.

Rooty Trip recommends that you buy brands with beautiful packaging below:

• Phung Hung: Impressed with the luxurious and sophisticated design, embossed logo and beautiful gift box, showing the class of the gift.
• Khai Hoan: Modern packaging, eye-catching, attracting the eye. Outstanding with many different capacities and models, suitable for many needs.
• Nam Ngư: Traditional with a thick glass bottle, embossed logo, creating a sense of trust in product quality.
• Hung Thinh: Simple and elegant packaging, showing sophistication. High-class glass bottles bring a luxurious look to the gift.

To make your visit to Phu Quoc fish sauce factory complete and memorable, you need to pay attention to some things like the price of fish sauce, notes when buying fish sauce at the factory or whether fish sauce is allowed to be carried on the plane.

5.4 Is it possible to bring fish sauce on the plane when traveling to Phu Quoc?

Currently, only Vietjet Air allows fish sauce to be carried on the plane as checked baggage. Because fish sauce is liquid and has a strong characteristic odor, it needs to be carefully packaged when carried on the plane.

Vietjet’s regulations are as follows:

• Each passenger is only allowed to check in a maximum of 4 liters of fish sauce.
• Fish sauce must be divided into small bottles, each bottle not exceeding 1 liter and the amount of water not exceeding 95% of the bottle volume.
• Fish sauce must be packed securely in plastic bottles, not in glass bottles, to avoid breakage during transportation.

If you want to buy Phu Quoc fish sauce as a gift for your family, you need to note the following 3 things:

• Fish sauce bottled in glass will have a longer shelf life than fish sauce bottled in plastic. Therefore, you should choose a glass fish sauce bottle if you want to give as a gift or use it for a long time.
• Fish sauce carried on the plane must be ensured to be carefully and securely packaged and the origin of the product must be confirmed with genuine stamps.
• Quality fish sauce will have a high nitrogen content. Therefore, this will be a factor that greatly affects the price of the product. A bottle of fish sauce with a higher nitrogen content will have a better taste, but the price will also be much higher.

Above is some information about fish sauce and the addresses of famous fish sauce factories in Phu Quoc that you should not miss if you have the opportunity to visit this place. Hopefully, with the detailed sharing of the above characteristics, it will help you have a more general view of this specialty, and at the same time learn useful experiences when visiting the fish sauce factory in Phu Quoc.

If you are looking for a quality Phu Quoc tour that includes visiting a fish sauce factory, don’t forget to contact Rooty Trip – the number 1 Phu Quoc tour brand because we have a lot of tours and combos to have a wonderful experience with your family and friends.

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