1. Specialty of Binh Luc Fish Sauce and its Traditional Story.

1.1. Understanding Binh Luc Fish Sauce from Origin to Characteristic Flavor

Binh Luc Fish Sauce is a long-standing specialty of Binh Luc district, former Ha Nam province (now belonging to Ninh Binh province), closely associated with the rice-water cuisine of the Northern Delta region. The main ingredient of the dish is 'cay', a small crustacean species commonly found in brackish water areas such as Binh Luc, Kim Bang, and Thanh Liem. However, the most famous fish sauce making craft still belongs to the Binh Luc region, where traditional techniques and family secrets create a unique characteristic flavor, different from other places.

What makes Binh Luc Fish Sauce unique compared to other regions is the process of selecting fresh 'cay', the unique spice formula, and especially the traditional earth-burying fermentation technique. The exquisite blend of the salty taste of salt, the rich, nutty taste of galangal, along with the warm, rich aroma of ginger has created a fish sauce with an eye-catching color and harmonious consistency. Because of these characteristics, Binh Luc Fish Sauce is not just a delicious dish but also becomes a symbol associated with homeland memories, preserved in the hearts of many generations of people in the Northern Delta.

1.2. Traditional Ingredients that Create Binh Luc Fish Sauce

To create the characteristic flavor of Binh Luc Fish Sauce , the ingredient selection process is carried out meticulously. The 'cay' must be fresh, with a thick shell, and harvested from the brackish water areas of Binh Luc. This way, the finished fish sauce will have a natural aroma, no longer have a fishy smell, but still retain its unique flavor.

Binh Luc cáy paste is made from fresh, quality cáy. (Source: VietNamNet)

Salt is chosen to be pure, mixed in just enough to balance the saltiness, and also helps preserve the mixture longer. Fresh galangal, after preparation and finely grinding, will bring a warm, rich aroma along with a mild spiciness, both neutralizing the fishy smell and enhancing the richness of the cáy paste. Mature ginger plays a role in balancing the flavor and supporting natural preservation. Each ingredient contributes to its unique character, creating the difference and special appeal of Binh Luc cáy paste compared to other types of paste.

1.3. Why is Binh Luc cáy paste loved in 2025?

Binh Luc cáy paste has become an indispensable part of the journey to explore traditional cuisine and craft village products in 2025, as more and more people seek out long-standing cultural values. This paste is not just a simple dish, but also evokes childhood memories and warm family gatherings in the Northern region, where families gather around the meal table, enjoying the rich flavor of cáy paste.

With clean ingredients and no preservatives, Binh Luc cáy paste meets the demand for safe food among consumers today, as health and environmental protection are increasingly prioritized. Its unique flavor, a delicate combination of salty, rich taste from galangal and ginger, has made this paste not only loved but also a meaningful gift. Cáy paste is a gift that evokes memories of home, sincerely conveying affection to those living abroad or for tourists visiting Ha Nam province.

The blend of tradition and modernity has made Binh Luc cáy paste increasingly popular, becoming an indispensable part of the lives of those who love Northern Vietnamese culinary culture and wish to preserve long-standing cultural values.

2. Traditional Binh Luc cáy paste making process

Steps for selecting and preparing authentic Binh Luc cáy:

The process of making Binh Luc cáy paste begins with selecting cáy. The cáy must be fresh, with hard shells, dark green color, uniform size, and active. This first step is extremely important, as only healthy cáy ensures a delicious flavor after processing.

The cáy cleaning process is also meticulous; the cáy must be washed thoroughly multiple times to remove all mud and dirt, ensuring the cáy paste is not fishy. After cleaning, the cáy is drained or lightly sun-dried to firm up the flesh, while also reducing the fishy smell. This preparation process plays a decisive role in the future quality of Binh Luc cáy paste.

How to pound cáy and mix with salt, galangal, and ginger:

Once the preparation is complete, the cáy is pounded in a stone mortar to retain its natural flavor. While pounding, fine salt is added gradually in appropriate proportions, ensuring each cáy is evenly coated with salt.

Galangal and ginger, after being pounded or crushed, are added to the cáy and salt mixture, stirred well to create a rich aroma and characteristic mild spiciness. This process requires not only skill but also patience for the ingredients to blend perfectly, resulting in a distinctive cáy paste flavor.

Fermenting Binh Luc cáy paste – Burying in the ground and the secret to delicious fermentation:

After the mixture of cáy, salt, galangal, and ginger is well combined, it will be placed into earthenware jars or ceramic pots, covered with cloth to prevent insect intrusion. Before burying, the cáy paste jars will be sun-dried for hygiene. Then, the jars will be buried in the garden soil, with the mouth of the jar placed below ground level, creating an ideal environment for the paste to ferment.

Fermented shrimp paste is fermented in earthenware jars for a long time, preserving the traditional flavor. (Source: Collected)

The longer the paste is fermented, the more fragrant and richer the flavor becomes. Burying the fermented shrimp paste underground helps stabilize the temperature, promoting natural fermentation, preserving the quality and special flavor of Binh Luc fermented shrimp paste . This is the secret passed down through generations, giving the fermented shrimp paste its smooth texture and unique aroma that only Binh Luc fermented shrimp paste possesses.

3. How to enjoy Binh Luc fermented shrimp paste perfectly

Binh Luc fermented shrimp paste is a wonderful specialty when combined with many rustic dishes, bringing an unmistakable characteristic flavor. Fermented shrimp paste is especially suitable as a dipping sauce for boiled meat dishes like pork belly, lean pork shoulder, along with boiled vegetables such as water spinach, mustard greens, sweet potatoes, amaranth, and Malabar spinach. The rich flavor of the fermented shrimp paste blends with the natural sweetness and freshness of the dishes, creating a wonderful combination and an unforgettable experience for the diner.

Fermented shrimp paste is best eaten with boiled dishes. (Source: FPT Shop)

In addition, cucumbers, pickled figs, pickled eggplant, and grilled eggplant are also very suitable dishes to eat with Binh Luc fermented shrimp paste, adding richness to the meal. Fermented shrimp paste is not just a dipping sauce but also a wonderful seasoning in braised fish, braised meat, or stir-fried vegetables, helping to enhance the flavor of the dish, making rustic dishes easier to eat and more delicious.

When making a dipping sauce from Binh Luc fermented shrimp paste, you can add garlic, lime, and chili according to your taste to add more appeal, creating a fragrant, rich dipping sauce that easily conquers all diners.

4. Binh Luc fermented shrimp paste in cultural life

4.1. The meaning of Binh Luc fermented shrimp paste for the people of the Northern Delta region

Binh Luc fermented shrimp paste is not just a dish but also a cultural symbol associated with the lives of the people of Binh Luc in particular and the Northern Delta region in general. This specialty demonstrates the skill and creativity in the way farmers use natural products, making the dish not only delicious but also imbued with traditional cultural imprints.

Through generations, Binh Luc fermented shrimp paste has become an indispensable part of the delta's culinary culture, contributing to the warm, cozy atmosphere of every family meal. When enjoying this paste, many people feel the taste of childhood memories, images of old homes and neighborly affection. Binh Luc fermented shrimp paste is a connecting thread between the past and the present, between tradition and modernity, bringing diners back to the deep and sacred values of their homeland.

Mam Cay is an indispensable dish in the meals of the people of Binh Luc. (Source: Collected)

4.2. Festivals and traditional feasts where Mam Cay is indispensable

Binh Luc Mam Cay is an indispensable dipping sauce on the feast table during death anniversary feasts, weddings, village festivals, or traditional Tet in Ha Nam. On each festive occasion, Mam Cay not only enhances the richness of the dishes but also connects family members and the community, creating a warm and reunion atmosphere.

Especially, during wedding ceremonies or village festivals, Binh Luc Mam Cay plays an important role in creating an atmosphere of togetherness and solidarity. This dish is not just a part of the feast but also conveys people's affection for their homeland, serving as a way for the locals to honor traditional values through its familiar flavor. The presence of Binh Luc Mam Cay on these special occasions highlights the profound cultural role the dish brings, being an indispensable part of the memorable moments of rural life.

5. Secrets to buying delicious, authentic Binh Luc Mam Cay in 2025

5.1. Experience in choosing quality Binh Luc Mam Cay at markets and online

To find satisfactory Binh Luc Mam Cay, you should first pay attention to the color. Standard Mam Cay must have a bright reddish-brown color, shimmering with a hint of amber, not turning dark or developing a strange film. This is a sign that the fermentation process has proceeded correctly.

The aroma is the second important factor in assessing the quality of Binh Luc Mam Cay. Standard Mam Cay must have a natural strong aroma, blended with a mild spiciness, not too pungent, and without any strange odors. When shaken gently, Binh Luc Mam Cay should have a moderate consistency, not too thin and not lumpy, ensuring perfect quality for the dish.

To choose quality Mam Cay, it is best to buy from branded specialty stores or directly from traditional craft villages in Binh Luc. This helps you avoid purchasing products of unknown origin, ensuring the safety and original flavor of Binh Luc Mam Cay.

5.2. Suggested places to buy authentic Binh Luc Mam Cay in 2025

The craft village in Binh Luc commune, Ninh Binh province is famous throughout the region for its traditional Binh Luc Mam Cay making craft. Visitors can come directly to visit and learn about the Mam Cay making process, as well as buy the traditional authentic product right at the craft village. This is a great opportunity for you to experience the making process firsthand, as well as savor the characteristic flavor of Binh Luc Mam Cay.

In addition, specialty stores in Phu Ly and Binh Luc market are also highly trusted for their Mam Cay quality. Some other notable suppliers include units with OCOP certification, specialty suppliers on e-commerce platforms, and regional specialty websites that also distribute quality Binh Luc Mam Cay.

5.3. Notes on storing and using Binh Luc Mam Cay

Binh Luc Mam Cay should be stored in a dry, cool place, with the lid tightly closed, avoiding direct sunlight and damp areas. When using, use a clean, dry spoon to prevent contamination, helping to extend the usage time up to 6 months or even longer.

If sediment settles down after a long time, you can stir it well or take the liquid from the top to use. Proper storage will help Binh Luc Mam Cay retain its delicious flavor and protect the health of the consumer.

Guide to preserving Binh Luc fermented crab paste to retain its full flavor. (Source: FPT Shop)

The cultural and culinary value of Binh Luc fermented crab paste is not only reflected in its rich flavor or elaborate processing, but also in the cherished memories of the Northern Vietnamese countryside. This is a meaningful gift bearing the imprint of Ha Nam for those who love traditional delicacies. Don't forget to experience Binh Luc fermented crab paste on your trip to Ha Nam in 2025 to fully enjoy the quintessence of Northern Vietnamese cuisine. If you visit Ninh Binh to buy Binh Luc fermented crab paste, take time to explore Sun World Ha Nam for a chance to have fun and experience exciting games there.