When the first light of day breaks over the sea, it is also the time when fishing boats begin to dock, filled with fresh anchovies from the first catch of the season. This is a crucial time of year for traditional fish sauce makers like Hòa Hiệp. Because anchovies that are in season, fresh, and of high quality are not always available to start a batch of quality fish sauce.
Anchovies are the first factor that determines the quality of fish sauce.
For Hoa Hiep, the quality of fish sauce always starts with the selection of ingredients. Anchovies are the main ingredient and also an essential component of traditional fish sauce. They must be the type of anchovies caught at the right season when the fish are fatty, firm, and rich in protein.
As soon as the ship docked, Hòa Hiệp’s team was present at the port to directly inspect and purchase the fish. This is a meticulous selection process to ensure that every drop of fish sauce later has a pure, gentle yet rich flavor that meets traditional standards.
TUncle Lộc is the supervisor directly overseeing the process of buying anchovies in Hòa Hiệp.
he source of anchovies from the famous coastal areas: Con Dao and Phu Quoc.
Hoa Hiep purchases anchovies from two famous coastal areas: Con Dao and Phu Quoc. These two localities have clean waters and a stable climate, suitable for the natural growth of anchovies. This natural environment has contributed to the exceptional quality of the fish here, resulting in firm, fragrant flesh and producing fish sauce with an attractive amber color and a rich, distinctive flavor.
By selecting from reputable marine areas, Hoa Hiep not only ensures a supply of fresh and delicious ingredients but also upholds its commitment to product quality and transparency of origin, providing absolute peace of mind for consumers.
Salt the anchovies on the same day to preserve their flavor.
One of the secrets to preserving the natural flavor of anchovies is to salt them on the same day. After being purchased, the fish are brought to the workshop and mixed evenly with sea salt in the traditional ratio of 3 fish to 1 salt. This ratio not only helps to preserve the fish but also facilitates the natural fermentation process, gradually creating the distinctive flavor of fish sauce without the need for additives or preservatives.
The salt used for marinating is also selected by Hoa Hiep from clean salt fields, sun-dried, with a mild salty taste and free from impurities. All of this serves a single purpose: to produce pure, exquisite fish sauce that retains the full flavor of the sea.
Each batch of anchovies is a journey to preserve tradition.
In Hòa Hiệp, each batch of anchovies is not just an ingredient, but the beginning of a journey to preserve the essence of Vietnamese fish sauce. From the stages of purchasing, salting, fermenting to bottling – everything is done manually, meticulously, and with great passion. Each drop of fish sauce extracted from the wooden barrel is the culmination of time, effort, and love for traditional cuisine.
Connecting with Vietnamese meals through the simplest things.
Not just a seasoning, traditional fish sauce is also a bridge between the present and memories. It is the aroma that my mother would add when cooking sour soup, the rich flavor in my grandmother’s evening meals, and the seasoning that evokes nostalgia for home during days spent away. For this reason, Hòa Hiệp always hopes that each drop of its fish sauce will become a trusted companion in every family meal.
Each drop of Hòa Hiệp fish sauce is the result of meticulous care right from the very first step, using fresh anchovies selected from the harbor at the start of the season. It is a journey not only of the craft of fish sauce making but also of love for the homeland, of respect for tradition, and a commitment to delivering quality, safe products for every Vietnamese family.
Let’s take a look at the photos at Hòa Hiệp:
