On your Vietnam travel trip to Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province, tasting Phan Thiet fish sauce is a must to experience the authentic flavors of this coastal city. With over 300 years of development, this sauce continues to be a treasured culinary gem for its traditional craftsmanship and unparalleled taste.
1. An overview of Phan Thiet fish sauce
Located in Central Vietnam, Phan Thiet is said to be the birthplace of Vietnamese fish sauce. The craft of making Phan Thiet fish sauce has been existing in this coastal city for over 300 years.
In the early 20th century, the Phan Thiet fish sauce manufacturer Lien Thanh appeared and garnered considerable attention. Since then, the fish sauce in Phan Thiet has consistently ranked among Vietnam's best fish sauce brands and spread to neighboring Asian countries.
Phan Thiet fish sauce has a yellowish - brownish color, offering a prominent aroma. It is salty at first but has a sweet aftertaste. Recognized by the Vietnam Record Book as one of the top 10 renowned seasoning sauces in Vietnam, it has become a meaningful gift for tourists to bring home.
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2. What gives Phan Thiet fish sauce its distinctive flavor?
2.1. Ingredients
Phan Thiet fish sauce is primarily made from anchovies, with black or silver anchovy mainly chosen thanks to their delicious taste and short fermenting time. Experienced fish sauce makers emphasize that the quality of fish sauce also depends on the fishing season. It often occurs from May to September when the anchovies are plump, which ensures the finest and most protein-rich fish sauce.
2.2. Processing methods
Phan Thiet fish sauce can be brewed in two methods: incubated in wooden barrels or in ceramic jars.
When fish and salt are mixed and brewed in wooden barrels, the fermentation process is slower but yields a superior taste and flavor. This method avoids direct exposure to sunlight, allowing the mixture of salt and fish to ferment completely in 12 months or more.
After the fish meat is fully extracted into an aromatic liquid, it is filtered by a bamboo spigot. This traditional method helps preserve the distinct taste of fish sauce.
On the contrary, the method of brewing in ceramic jars is typically used in small-scale facilities in Phan Thiet. The main difference is that the jars will be tightly sealed and exposed to sunlight, speeding up the fermentation process.
>>> Check out the best Phan Thiet foods to try on your trip!
3. Some famous brands of Phan Thiet fish sauce
To buy fish sauce as gifts on your Binh Thuan trip, you can refer to the following top-rated fish sauce brands in Phan Thiet:
- Tin fish sauce: 360 Nguyen Thong Street, Phu Hai, Phan Thiet
Tin fish sauce has been a trustworthy Vietnamese fish sauce brand for ages. Their fish sauce is extracted from wooden barrels without preservatives.
- Hai Thang fish sauce: Truong Chinh Street, Phu Hai, Phan Thiet
Renowned for its high safety standards, Hai Thang fish sauce is made with fresh anchovies and 100% pure sea salt, fermented in wooden barrels.
- Thanh The fish sauce: 59 Nguyen Thong Street, Phu Hai, Phan Thiet
With over 20 years of experience, Thanh The is a top-rated fish sauce brand in Binh Thuan Vietnam. Their fish sauce is entirely extracted from hydrolyzed anchovies, providing rich protein and an exquisite flavor.
- Ngoc Dinh fish sauce: 188 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Ham Tien, Phan Thiet
Made from fresh anchovies and sea salt, each bottle of Ngoc Dinh fish sauce is under a strict traditional production method. They have earned the title of Trusted Brand by consumers.
- Tu Tuyet fish sauce: 65 Nguyen Thong Street, Phu Hai, Phan Thiet
Also known as Con Ca Vang fish sauce, Tu Tuyet fish sauce boasts 40% protein content. Its long-standing and exceptional quality make it a perfect choice to buy as gifts.
>>> Have a look at the Phan Thiet map and the best places to visit in this coastal city!
4. Where to go to learn more about Phan Thiet fish sauce?
Exploring the local culture is one of the best things to do in Vietnam. Indeed, a Phan Thiet tour cannot be complete without exploring Lang Chai Xua Fish Sauce Museum - the first and only fish sauce museum in Vietnam. This museum features 14 lively interactive exhibitions, showcasing the 300-year-long history of Phan Thiet’s fishing villages.
As one of the unique Vietnamese museums, Lang Chai Xua gives you a chance to see the role of fishermen going fishing, making salt, and making traditional Phan Thiet fish sauce. The 7-minute documentary here will give you more insight into the process of making fish sauce.
The ticket price of the museum is 100,000 VND for adults and free for children under 1 meter tall. The museum is situated at 360 Nguyen Thong Street, Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, and is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
>>> Browse a complete guide to Central Vietnam itinerary to satisfy your wanderlust!
On your trip to Binh Thuan Province Vietnam, remember to visit Mui Ne Fishing Village, Ke Ga Lighthouse, Ta Cu Mountain, Red Sand Dunes, Fairy Stream, Phan Thiet Market, Hon Rom Island, Phu Quy Island, Co Thach Beach, Poshanu Cham Tower, etc. In addition, don’t forget to savor many delectable Phan Thiet foods, such as grilled seafood, banh re, banh can, goi ca mai, etc.
Apart from Binh Thuan, tourists should explore other captivating destinations in Vietnam, such as Hoi An, Da Nang, Ha Long, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang. Each destination offers many cultural treasures and breathtaking landscapes, promising unforgettable experiences in the S-shaped country.
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Phan Thiet fish sauce is one of the oldest and most prestigious fish sauces in Vietnam. Passed down through generations for over 300 years, the unique technique of making fish sauce is the secret to creating the perfect condiment that cannot be found anywhere else. Don't forget to buy 'Made in Phan Thiet' fish sauce as a meaningful gift for your Binh Thuan trip.
