1. Overview of Do Xuyen Fish Sauce
1.1. Origin and Reputation of the Do Xuyen Fish Sauce Craft Village
The Do Xuyen fish sauce craft village – Ba Lang (Tinh Gia ward, Thanh Hoa) has long been the pride of the coastal people. Born in the early 20th century, the fish sauce making craft here has been preserved and passed down through many generations. Despite numerous changes, the traditional processing secrets are still cherished and kept. A prime example is the Tac Huy fish sauce facility, which has diligently followed the craft for 4 generations, imbuing each drop of fish sauce not only with flavor but also with passion and love for their homeland.
2014 marked a significant milestone when Do Xuyen fish sauce was officially recognized as a collective trademark by the Intellectual Property Office. This is not only an affirmation of the product's value and reputation but also a "shield" to protect the craft village from the issue of counterfeit and imitation goods. From a small coastal area, Do Xuyen has risen in stature, appearing on Vietnam's culinary map and becoming a familiar choice in the meals of many families across the country.
1.2. Outstanding Characteristics of Do Xuyen Fish Sauce
From the very first taste, Do Xuyen fish sauce captivates diners with its delicate aroma, subtly carrying the salty essence of the sea without being harsh. It has a light sweetness on the tip of the tongue, with a rich aftertaste that lingers, leaving an unforgettable impression. This is something that blended fish sauces can hardly match.
Do Xuyen fish sauce has a mild aroma, is not excessively salty, and leaves a sweet aftertaste when enjoyed. (Source: Dien May Xanh)
The fish sauce has a shimmering color, ranging from light yellow to mahogany, completely natural without the need for artificial coloring or preservatives. Each drop is clear, with no sediment, carrying the flavor of the sea. This is the result of selecting fresh fish from clean waters, combined with carefully processed salt and a traditional fermentation process, preserving its purity and avoiding adulteration.
1.3. Cultural Value and Economic Role of Do Xuyen Fish Sauce
In the culinary life of Thanh Hoa people, Do Xuyen fish sauce is not only a familiar seasoning but also a bond connecting coastal fishermen with cozy family meals. Every Lunar New Year, bottles of traditional fish sauce are often chosen as gifts, conveying the flavors of their homeland and sincere appreciation to relatives and friends.
Not only preserving the essence of local cuisine, the Do Xuyen craft village also provides a stable income for many households. In the final months of the year, when demand increases, fish sauce becomes the main source of revenue, contributing to improving the lives of fishermen. Furthermore, the craft village today offers interesting experiences for tourists to witness firsthand the traditional fish sauce making process, thereby affirming its position and spreading the cultural beauty of Thanh Hoa's sea to a wider community.
2. Traditional Production Process of Do Xuyen Fish Sauce
2.1. Selection of Local Fish and Salt Ingredients
The distinctive flavor of Do Xuyen fish sauce begins with the ingredient selection stage. Only fresh, delicious sea fish such as anchovies, mackerel, and sardines caught directly from the waters of Thanh Hoa are used. The fish must be very fresh, not previously frozen, to retain their natural sweetness and nutrients.
Fish used for making fish sauce must ensure freshness and quality. (Source: Collected)
Salt is also carefully selected, usually clean coarse salt that has been stored for many years to reduce astringency, helping the fermentation process occur harmoniously with fresh fish. It is this strictness from the very beginning of the ingredients that creates the unique, incomparable flavor of Do Xuyen fish sauce.
2.2. The secret mixing ratio creates the characteristic protein content
The people of Do Xuyen have a fish and salt mixing formula passed down through many generations, most commonly 3 parts fresh fish mixed with 1 part pure coarse salt. Each family may adjust slightly based on experience to create their own unique flavor and mark for their product.
Thanks to this balanced ratio, Do Xuyen fish sauce always achieves high protein content and a naturally sweet taste. It is the harmony between the mild saltiness and the umami from the sea fish that makes this product a favorite choice for many chefs and gourmets.
2.3. Natural fermentation in earthenware jars for 12–24 months.
When the fish and salt are mixed to the correct standard, the mixture is placed in earthenware jars or large vats for natural fermentation. This process usually lasts from 12 to 24 months, with some facilities increasing the time up to 36 months to create the deepest flavor and aroma. This is the decisive stage for the final flavor and quality of Do Xuyen fish sauce.
Fish and salt are fermented in earthenware jars for 12 - 24 months. (Source: VOV)
Throughout the fermentation period, artisans perform manual turning and sun-drying under the characteristic sun and wind of the Thanh Hoa coastal region. The combination of sunlight, sea breeze, and the local climate is an ideal condition for the fish sauce to fully ferment, possessing a shimmering color, a naturally sweet aftertaste, as well as retaining maximum nutrients from sea fish.
2.4. Closed filtration and bottling process.
After the fermentation process, the pure fish sauce is extracted, selecting the first layer to ensure the utmost purity. Do Xuyen fish sauce is further filtered multiple times, resulting in a clear product free from impurities.
During the bottling stage, all processes are strictly controlled for hygiene and food safety, adhering to modern standards for 2025. Each bottle of fish sauce features clear labeling: origin, production date, expiry date, and transparent traceability information. Thus, Do Xuyen fish sauce preserves the traditional essence while meeting the stringent requirements of today's market.
3. Typical Do Xuyen Fish Sauce Brands 2025
3.1. Ba Lang TH Fish Sauce
Do Xuyen fish sauce Ba Lang TH is a harmonious blend of traditional craft village essence and modern production methods. Its elegant, convenient packaging and transparent information quickly make it a trusted choice for many families, especially in major cities. The product is also OCOP 4-star certified, affirming the brand's quality and reputation in the market.
The distinguishing factor that creates Ba Lang TH's value is its commitment to no artificial colors, no preservatives, and no synthetic flavorings. Fresh fish from clean seas combined with pure salt, undergoing a long natural fermentation process, results in clear fish sauce with a delicate aroma, a rich, sweet aftertaste, and a shimmering amber color.
More than just a familiar seasoning for family meals, each bottle of Do Xuyen Ba Lang TH fish sauce carries the story of the craft village, becoming a sophisticated gift for holidays and Tet – simple yet rich with the love of the homeland.
The Ba Lang TH brand is trusted and chosen by many consumers. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Traditional Do Xuyen Fish Sauce
This is the Do Xuyen fish sauce line that preserves its ancient values, often identified by the labels “Do Xuyen – Ba Lang” or “Tac Huy”. The product is completely unadulterated, retaining its characteristic golden to mahogany color. Each drop of fish sauce is a crystallization of the traditional handicraft process, bearing the unique mark of each artisan in the village.
This original fish sauce is currently mainly sold directly at the craft village, at specialty fairs at the end of the year, or in reputable local restaurants. For many gourmets, the surest way to get the pure flavor is to order directly from the production facility, where each jar of fish sauce is meticulously fermented and cared for over the years.
Therefore, original Do Xuyen fish sauce is not just a seasoning, but also a "memory of flavor" that preserves the essence of the sea, bringing an unforgettable culinary experience to those who have tasted it.
3.3. Other Outstanding Products from Do Xuyen
Besides the traditional Do Xuyen fish sauce line, production facilities also offer many rich choices such as Vi Thanh fermented shrimp paste, Vi Thanh shrimp paste, or Tac Huy anchovy sauce. All have been certified OCOP 3-4 stars, affirming the quality and reputation of the products. Entering 2025, many units are focusing on innovating packaging and modern designs while steadfastly maintaining the original quality in each product.
Notably, some premium lines are aged longer, bottled in elegant glass jars, especially suitable for corporate gifts or for the export market. This is a new direction that helps the craft village not only preserve traditional values but also elevate its brand.
The diversity of products and designs has helped Do Xuyen fish sauce reach many different customer groups, from household consumers to hotels, restaurants, and even international markets. As a result, the product fully meets the increasingly diverse needs of food lovers.
4. Actual Evaluation: Do Xuyen Fish Sauce in the Eyes of the Press and Consumers
4.1. Opinions of Mainstream Press on Do Xuyen Fish Sauce
Many reputable newspapers such as Dan Tri, VnExpress, and Vietnamnet have published articles introducing and praising Do Xuyen fish sauce, likening it to "golden drops of Thanh Hoa". According to the articles, Do Xuyen not only maintains its title as one of the oldest traditional fish sauce craft villages but also ranks among Vietnam's top quality products. The press has also repeatedly emphasized that Do Xuyen fish sauce is a must-have choice for Tet holiday meals and important family gatherings, as it not only brings a rich flavor but is also associated with family cultural values.
In 2025, the media continues to accompany the craft village by clearly reflecting the process of innovating designs, improving packaging, and tightening food safety standards at production facilities. This updated information helps consumers trust the quality and transparency of the product even more, while also proving that Do Xuyen is constantly adapting to the modern market.
The recognition and support from the press not only contribute to brand promotion but also enhance social awareness of the value of high-quality traditional products. As a result, Do Xuyen – Ba Lang fish sauce increasingly asserts its position, being both the pride of Thanh Hoa and a familiar flavor in Vietnamese culinary life.
4.2. Actual Feedback from Users and Culinary Experts
According to the experience of many consumers, Do Xuyen fish sauce leaves an impression with its rich yet smooth flavor, and a slightly sweet aftertaste. Therefore, the product is often chosen for making dipping sauces or seasoning traditional dishes. Just a little Do Xuyen fish sauce is enough to bring out its characteristic deliciousness, making Vietnamese family meals perfectly balanced.
Not only ordinary users, but many chefs and culinary experts also highly appreciate this type of fish sauce. They note that Do Xuyen possesses a natural sweetness from fish fermented for many years, balancing saltiness and sweetness, making dishes more refined. Do Xuyen fish sauce is often favored by them for dishes that require precise seasoning to retain the authentic taste of the homeland, such as braised fish in clay pots, bun cha, or banh cuon.
For gourmets and professional chefs, Do Xuyen fish sauce is not just a seasoning, but the "soul" of many Vietnamese dishes. It has become an indispensable choice in the kitchens of those who truly cherish and preserve the essence of traditional cuisine.
Do Xuyen fish sauce is highly praised by users and culinary experts for its flavor and quality. (Source: Collected)
5. Experience Suggestions and How to Enjoy Do Xuyen Fish Sauce Correctly
5.1. How to Identify Authentic Do Xuyen Fish Sauce
When choosing to buy Do Xuyen fish sauce, consumers should pay attention to the standard label "Do Xuyen – Ba Lang", along with the specific production address and QR code for origin traceability. Genuine fish sauce typically has a natural color ranging from light yellow to caramel, clear, without any excessively dark, light, or unusually cloudy appearance.
Besides, prioritize products with OCOP certification, accompanied by the latest food safety inspection information. This is a crucial factor for buyers to feel assured about quality and health.
In particular, avoid products with unusually low prices, lacking clear origin information, or sold in unreliable locations. Choosing the right genuine product not only ensures the standard flavor but also contributes to preserving the traditional brand of the Do Xuyen craft village.
5.2. Suggested Dishes to Pair with Do Xuyen Fish Sauce
Do Xuyen fish sauce maximizes its flavor when paired with traditional Vietnamese dishes. From rich braised fish (ca kho to), delicate Thanh Hoa steamed rice rolls (banh cuon), to fragrant Hanoi vermicelli with grilled pork (bun cha) or fresh fish salad (goi ca), each dish becomes more complete with its natural sweet aftertaste and the exquisite balance between saltiness and sweetness. More than just a seasoning, Do Xuyen fish sauce also helps highlight the essence of Vietnamese cuisine, evoking the flavors of home-cooked meals.
When combined with minced garlic, fresh chili, rock sugar, and lime juice, each drop of Do Xuyen fish sauce blends into a harmonious mixture, both rich and distinctively aromatic. This is the secret to creating a "standard flavor" dipping sauce, contributing to a warm and connected atmosphere in every family meal.
Do Xuyen fish sauce mixed with lemon, garlic, and chili is rich and aromatic. (Source: Nong Thon Viet Magazine)
5.3. Reliable places to buy Do Xuyen fish sauce.
To ensure you buy genuine Do Xuyen fish sauce, visit the direct production facilities in Hai Thanh handicraft village – Nghi Son, Thanh Hoa, or choose from Thanh specialty stores in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, online sales systems, such as BaLang.com, along with e-commerce platforms with verified origins, are also reliable purchasing channels.
When ordering online, carefully check OCOP certifications, QR codes for origin traceability, and only buy from reputable distributors verified in 2025. Avoid purchasing from personal accounts or stores without verification certificates to ensure product quality.
Do Xuyen fish sauce continues to hold a leading position for those who cherish traditional values, original flavors, and the depth of Vietnamese culture. Discover and experience the true value of our homeland's fish sauce, and join in spreading the essence of our national cuisine. And if you have the chance to visit Thanh Hoa to buy Do Xuyen fish sauce, don't forget to visit Sun World Sam Son to enjoy exciting games, combining cuisine, tourism, and entertainment in a memorable journey.
