Discover the origin and flavor of Do Xuyen fish sauce 2025

1. General Introduction to Do Xuyen Fish Sauce

1.1 Origin of Do Xuyen Fish Sauce

On the map of Vietnamese cuisine, Do Xuyen Fish Sauce is the pride of the Thanh Hoa coastal region. Not only does it captivate diners with its rich, distinctive flavor, but the product is also associated with the traditional stories and cultural depth of the coastal people here. Do Xuyen Fish Sauce is produced in the Do Xuyen traditional craft village, now part of Tinh Hai ward, Thanh Hoa province. The fish sauce making craft here was formed in the early 20th century, having gone through over 100 years of development alongside the lives of fishermen.

Pure fish sauce is favored by many diners. (Source: Collected)

With a secret family recipe preserved through many generations, the Do Xuyen fish sauce product continues to affirm its position and the trust of consumers. Production facilities in the craft village still adhere to the traditional fermentation method, ensuring a delicious, rich flavor and high quality. Notably, in 2014, the Do Xuyen fish sauce product was granted a collective trademark certificate by the Intellectual Property Office, creating a solid foundation for the recovery and development of the traditional brand of the Thanh Hoa coastal region.

1.2 Characteristics and cultural significance of Do Xuyen fish sauce

Do Xuyen fish sauce is one of the famous specialties of the Thanh Hoa coastal region, passed down through generations with a unique processing formula. What makes the Do Xuyen fish sauce brand special lies in the traditional fermentation secret. The main ingredient is fresh anchovy caught in the third lunar month, when the fish are at their fattiest and most delicious of the year.

After being caught, the fish are mixed thoroughly with clean sea salt right on the shore and not rinsed with fresh water, to preserve their natural rich and fresh flavor. This mixture is fermented in barrels, jars, or pots made from rosewood or jackfruit wood. These types of wood help stabilize temperature, retain flavor and characteristic color throughout the months-long fermentation process.

The finished Do Xuyen fish sauce has a natural glossy amber color, is clear, not cloudy; a high viscosity, and a mild, characteristic aroma of fermented fish. The fish sauce has a moderate saltiness, a clean sweet aftertaste, creating a full-bodied, rich flavor that is not harsh. When gently shaken, the fish sauce clings evenly to the glass - a sign of high protein content and the superior quality of the traditional product.

More than just a familiar seasoning in every meal, Do Xuyen fish sauce also holds deep cultural significance for the people of Thanh Hoa. It is a symbol of diligence, creativity, and pride in the craft village, reflecting the fishermen's connection to the sea. The product often appears in local traditional festivals, becoming a meaningful hometown gift, contributing to preserving the unique maritime cultural identity and affirming the position of Thanh Hoa's specialty on Vietnam's culinary map.

2. Traditional Do Xuyen fish sauce production process

The quality and characteristic flavor of Do Xuyen fish sauce are created from the traditional manual processing method, preserved and passed down through generations by the households in the craft village. Each stage is meticulously carried out, strictly adhering to traditional standards to create a rich and distinctive 'essence of the sea'.

2.1 Ingredients for fish sauce

The main ingredient for making Do Xuyen fish sauce is fresh black anchovy. This type of fish has firm flesh, few bones, and high protein content. Depending on the season, people may also add scad or herring caught in the waters of Thanh Hoa.

 

Anchovies are the main ingredient that creates the flavor of fish sauce. (Source: Collected)

The distinctive point that makes the brand is the type of salt used to marinate the fish: the salt is taken from the Tinh Gia (Thanh Hoa) coastal area, with fine white, large, mature grains, sun-dried thoroughly, absolutely not exposed to rainwater. After harvesting, the salt is dried on a dry cement surface for 5-7 days to remove bitterness, then aged in jars for several years before use. Thanks to this, the salt has a mild, pure saltiness, helping the fish ferment slowly and retain its characteristic sweet aftertaste.

2.2 Processing method of Do Xuyen fish sauce

After catching, the fish are mixed with salt right on the beach to maintain freshness. During the mixing process, the artisan skillfully ensures the fish are evenly coated with salt, without being crushed, then gradually layers fish and salt alternately into jars or wooden barrels.

The top is covered with a layer of woven bamboo mats or dried betel nut leaves, tightly pressed to secure the fish mass. The fermentation barrels are tightly sealed, placed in a dark, dry, clean, and wind-tight room to maintain a stable temperature. After about six to seven months, the maker will open the lid, mix the salt again for the first time, and then continue to age it.

Large jars are often used in the fish fermentation stage. (Source: Collected)

When a white layer of yeast appears on the surface of the pressing rack, the artisan gently removes the rack, scoops away this yeast layer, it is a sign that the fermentation process has reached "maturity". By the third lunar month, near Tet, production households begin to filter the fish sauce: the pressing rack is removed, the fish is mixed thoroughly and filtered through a fine cloth. The stream of fish sauce flows slowly, thick and viscous, with a dark reddish-brown color like mahogany, emitting a distinctive, captivating aroma.

2.3 The secret to preserving the natural flavor, different from industrial fish sauce

What creates the unique identity of Do Xuyen fish sauce is that it is not diluted, does not use additives or preservatives. All stages rely on natural fermentation and the experience of the village artisans. As a result, the finished product has a viscosity like honey, clarity like amber, a mild salty taste, and a deep sweet aftertaste. Just a small drop is enough to feel the quintessential ocean flavor of Thanh land.

Thanh Hoa fish sauce craft villages still maintain traditional fish sauce making steps. (Source: Collected)

It is the skillful hands, diligence, and heart of the artisans that have helped Do Xuyen fish sauce win the hearts of diners near and far, become the pride of the people in Thanh's coastal region, and a symbol of the quintessence of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

3. Do Xuyen fish sauce price and preservation methods

3.1 Reference price

The price of Do Xuyen fish sauce will vary depending on the protein content, usually from 25°N to 40°N. In 2024-2025, according to OCOP products in Thanh Hoa, the price for a 500 ml bottle ranges from about 70,000-120,000 VND depending on the type, with premium lines being even more expensive. For a 1-liter bottle, the price is around 120,000-250,000 VND.

For premium traditional Do Xuyen fish sauce products, this price is slightly higher than industrial fish sauce, however, it is entirely commensurate with its natural quality, food safety, and unique flavor that is hard to find in other products.

3.2 Preservation methods

Do Xuyen fish sauce should be stored in a dry, cool place, avoiding direct exposure to strong light. Once opened, it should be tightly sealed to prevent evaporation and reduce oxidation. If used over a long period, it can be stored in the refrigerator's cool compartment to maintain its natural color and aroma.

Avoid placing Do Xuyen fish sauce in humid environments or places with fluctuating temperatures as this can affect its quality. If stored correctly, the product will retain its flavor and quality for a long time.

3.3 Notes on identifying authentic Do Xuyen fish sauce

To distinguish real Do Xuyen fish sauce, pay attention to its glossy, clear, amber color, free from impurities. It has a mild aroma, similar to naturally fermented fish, without any strange chemical odors. It has a high viscosity; when gently shaken, a thin layer will adhere evenly to the glass, not flowing down quickly.

When tasted, Do Xuyen fish sauce presents a rich flavor on the tongue, with a mild sweet aftertaste, leaving no astringent or unpleasant feeling after swallowing, and no strange sediment. These are the characteristics that help identify a quality traditional product in the market.

4. Suggestions for enjoying Do Xuyen fish sauce

Do Xuyen fish sauce is an indispensable condiment in Vietnamese meals, bringing an unforgettable traditional flavor. Thanks to its high protein content and the mild aroma of naturally salted anchovies, the fish sauce can be used directly as a dipping sauce for boiled or steamed dishes such as boiled pork belly, steamed fish, steamed shrimp, fried spring rolls, or hot rolled rice paper. Its rich flavor and sweet aftertaste help highlight the original taste of the dish without overpowering its characteristic aroma, making each taste a full, refined aftertaste.

Additionally, many people enjoy making dipping sauces from Do Xuyen fish sauce with lime, garlic, chili, and sugar to create a condiment that balances sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors. This is very suitable for everyday family meals. Just a few drops of pure fish sauce are enough to enhance the aroma, making the dish more appealing.

 

Chili garlic fish sauce is suitable for dipping with all dishes. (Source: Collected)

Not only used for dipping, Do Xuyen fish sauce is also a secret ingredient in traditional braised dishes. When used to braise fish or meat, the fish sauce helps the dish achieve a beautiful mahogany brown color, emit a natural aroma, and a characteristic rich flavor. Thanks to its high protein content, the fish sauce deeply penetrates every strand of meat, helping the dish have a harmonious sweet and savory taste, full-bodied, and a longer-lasting aroma. Therefore, many chefs consider Do Xuyen fish sauce the “soul” of the Thanh Hoa region cuisine - a simple seasoning that contains the essence of the sea.

5. Buying Do Xuyen fish sauce as a gift

For the people of Thanh Hoa, Do Xuyen fish sauce is not only a traditional product but also a rustic gift containing affection. Each bottle of fish sauce is a crystallization of the sun, wind, and the salty taste of the sea, the result of diligent labor and the passion for the craft of the fishing village people.

 

Artisans at the Do Xuyen fish sauce village. (Source: Collected)

Products are currently bottled or canned neatly and securely, convenient for transportation and storage. Therefore, Do Xuyen fish sauce becomes an ideal choice as a gift for relatives, friends, partners, or distant guests. The gift not only carries the culinary flavor of the sea region but also reflects sophistication and the spirit of sharing hometown specialties.

Many tourists visiting Thanh Hoa often choose to buy fish sauce to bring back as a souvenir with a strong flavor of the sea region. They not only bring back the flavor of the specialty but also contribute to spreading the reputation of the traditional craft village, helping Do Xuyen fish sauce continue to assert its position on the Vietnamese culinary map.

Reference address to find and buy authentic Do Xuyen fish sauce:

Showroom 1: Ba Lang TH rest stop, National Highway 1A, Song Tao bridge foot, Hoang Cat, Hoang Hoa, Thanh Hoa.

Showroom 2: Ba Lang rest stop, National Highway 1A, Tung Lam Commune, Nghi Son Town, Thanh Hoa.

6. Combine beach tourism in Thanh Hoa

6.1 Do Xuyen - Ba Lang fish sauce village

Visiting the Do Xuyen - Ba Lang fish sauce village, tourists have the opportunity to directly observe the traditional fermentation process that has existed for over a hundred years. Amidst the peaceful space of the Tinh Hai sea area, wooden barrels of fermenting fish sauce are neatly arranged, emitting a gentle aroma of salted anchovies. This is a place that clearly demonstrates the spirit of persistent labor and the pride of the sea craft of the people of Thanh Hoa. A stroll around the craft village, chatting with long-time fish sauce makers will help tourists better understand the cultural values, traditions, and soul of Thanh Hoa's sea.

6.2 Sam Son Beach

From Do Xuyen - Ba Lang, it takes tourists about over 1 hour to travel to Sam Son beach town - one of the most famous tourist destinations in the North. Not only does it boast a long beach, fine sand, and beautiful waves, Sam Son is also a high-class resort and entertainment center of Thanh Hoa.

 

Sun World Sam Son is a destination for every family. (Source: Collection)

Here, visitors can experience Sun World Sam Son - the largest modern entertainment, recreation, and resort complex in Thanh Hoa. This complex offers a modern coastal experience, including a seaside amusement park, a culinary area, a beach square, and many international-standard utility services. Sun World Sam Son not only transforms the tourism landscape of Thanh Hoa but also affirms Sam Son's position as a new “coastal tourism capital” of the North.

6.3 Hai Tien and Hai Hoa Tourist Areas

If you love a peaceful space, visitors can visit Hai Tien beach. This is a famous beach with long sandy shores, rustling casuarina trees, and poetic seaside resorts. This is an ideal place to relax, swim, and enjoy the fresh air of the North Central Coast region.

 

Hai Tien Beach is a prominent destination alongside Sam Son. (Source: Collection)

A little further south is Hai Hoa Beach , a new and pristine destination, very close to the Do Xuyen fish sauce village . Visitors can combine visiting the fish sauce production, buying local specialties , then strolling along Hai Hoa beach to watch the sunset - a gentle, authentic local experience.

Do Xuyen fish sauce is not simply a culinary product but also a cultural bridge, helping visitors understand more about the traditional fishing villages in Thanh Hoa. Each drop of fish sauce is a crystallization of sun and wind, the salty taste of the sea, and the dedication of the people of Thanh Hoa, bringing a rich, sweet aftertaste, imbued with hometown affection. Don't forget to visit to fully experience the salty, delicious taste of the sea captured in every drop of Thanh Hoa fish sauce.