1. Discover the Nam O fish sauce traditional village
1.1. Geographical location
The Nam O fish sauce traditional village is located in Hai Van ward, Da Nang City, about 17 km northwest of the city center. To get here, visitors depart from Nguyen Tat Thanh street, follow national highway 1A or Nguyen Luong Bang coastal road to the Nam O intersection.
The advantageous location by Da Nang Bay, between green mountains and the Cu De river, creates a rich natural environment. Thanks to nature's favor, Nam O always has an abundant supply of fresh black anchovies, forming the main ingredient for the famous specialty fish sauce craft.
> > > See more: Which season is the most beautiful for tourism in Da Nang?
1.2. History of the Nam O fish sauce traditional village formation
The fish sauce making craft in the Nam O fish sauce traditional village has been associated with the fishing village since the time of the Vietnamese - Cham resident community in the 17th century. For over 400 years, the traditional village has not only maintained its traditional secrets but has also become a unique cultural symbol of the Central Vietnamese coast.
In 2019, the Nam O fish sauce traditional village was officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This is not only a source of pride for the local people but also a testament to the sustainable value of the traditional fish sauce making craft, which has been intertwined with the lives of coastal people for generations. This recognition contributes to honoring the quintessence of Vietnamese culture and cuisine and affirms Nam O as an important part of Da Nang's coastal identity.
Each family practicing the craft here has its own stories of passing down the trade, from selecting fish, salting, to the secret of controlling the natural fermentation process.
Nam Ô fish sauce village becomes National Intangible Cultural Heritage. (Source: Collected)
Process of making Nam Ô fish sauce
Characteristic ingredients: black anchovy and Cà Ná salt
Black anchovy is the most important ingredient of Nam Ô fish sauce, usually caught during two main seasons each year. Among these, the Southern fishing season from the 2nd to the 3rd lunar month, anchovies have thick flesh, rich in protein, and are always highly rated for quality. The Northern fishing season falls in the 7th to 8th lunar month; although not as prominent, it still ensures the deliciousness of the product.
Cà Ná salt from the Central region, with its characteristic large grains and moderate saltiness, is chosen as a complementary ingredient. Before use, the salt is carefully processed by sun-drying on sand to remove impurities, creating ideal conditions for the fish sauce fermentation process without affecting the natural color or flavor.
Thanks to the blend between fresh black anchovy and clean salt, Nam Ô fish sauce stands out with its deep reddish-brown color, characteristic salty taste, and a mild sweet aftertaste that captivates diners.
The stages of making traditional Nam Ô fish sauce
The production process of Nam Ô fish sauce begins with selecting the freshest anchovies; after being washed clean, they are completely drained. Artisans use a ratio of 3 parts fish to 1 part salt to mix thoroughly, preserving the traditional flavor for the batch of fish sauce.
Anchovies are washed clean by the people before processing. (Source: Collected)
The mixture of fish and salt is then put into quality earthenware jars or ceramic pots, most of which are produced by the pottery village of Lai Thieu, Binh Duong. Layers of fish and salt are arranged alternately and are compacted with bamboo strips or covered with cloth to create optimal fermentation conditions.
The fermentation period lasts from 12 to 24 months depending on the workshop and quality requirements. Artisans regularly check, stir, and observe the fermentation process to ensure the sauce does not develop a film or any strange phenomena. When the standard is met, the core fish sauce will be filtered through cloth and bamboo funnels to retain all nutrients, creating the purest fish sauce.
2.3. Identifying characteristics of Nam O fish sauce
Pure Nam O fish sauce has a deep, clear, mahogany red color that shimmers when poured into a glass. The aroma blends the scent of the sea with natural fermentation, it does not have a fishy or strong odor.
When tasted, the fish sauce offers a rich salty taste, with a distinct sweet aftertaste that lingers after consumption. The protein content of the fish sauce ranges from 28 to 32 degrees, meeting the standard of traditional Central Vietnamese fish sauce, superior to most common products.
Pure Nam O fish sauce has a deep mahogany red color. (Source: Collected)
The most recognizable characteristic of Nam O fish sauce is its absolute purity, containing no preservatives, additives, or dilution. The sea-infused flavor helps diners easily recognize the difference compared to mass-produced fish sauces.
3. Experience the Nam O Fish Sauce Village Combined with Tourism
3.1. Visit Production Workshops
Fish sauce workshops in Nam O fish sauce village warmly welcome visitors to witness each step of fish sauce production, such as fermentation, mixing, and draining. Reputable workshops like "Huong Lang Co" and "Bui Thanh Phu" offer detailed guided tours, helping visitors understand the long-standing traditional craft process.
Right at the workshop, visitors can personally select fresh fish, learn the standard way to mix salt, and hear stories about the trade from experienced artisans. Especially, the experience of tasting the fish sauce right at the production site will leave a deep impression about the salty, original flavor of the traditional product.
To make the visit complete, it is advisable to contact the workshops in advance to book an appointment, to arrange for a knowledgeable guide, as well as participate in practical activities.
3.2. Buy "Authentic" Nam O Fish Sauce
Households in the Village Association are reliable sources for tourists to buy quality Nam O fish sauce. Many workshops like Huong Lang Co, Phu Gia, and Thanh Phu are all granted geographical indications and have undergone strict inspections.
Huong Lang Co Workshop is one of the reputable addresses for the Nam Ô fish sauce brand. (Source: Lao Dong Newspaper)
Visitors should observe the characteristic mahogany red color to choose the genuine product. When tasting, a rich salty taste, a natural sweet aftertaste, and a mild aroma are easily recognizable signs. Genuine products always have a geographical indication protection label and show no signs of strange sediment or chemical odors.
Buying fish sauce directly from families who practice the craft not only ensures quality but also helps visitors understand more about the effort and dedication of the local people in preserving their traditions.
4. Guide to exploring the Nam Ô fish sauce village
4.1. Ideal time and notes for visiting Nam Ô village
The period from February to April of the lunar calendar is the most suitable time to visit the Nam Ô fish sauce village , coinciding with the peak anchovy season. At that time, the fish sauce workshops are bustling, allowing visitors to explore everything from selecting fresh fish to the fish sauce fermentation process. The secondary fishing season from July to August of the lunar calendar also offers an interesting experience, though less vibrant than the early part of the year.
Starting early in the morning will help you enjoy the fresh air and immerse yourself in the vibrant life of the craft village. Choosing light, brightly colored clothing will make you stand out against the coastal village scenery. Remember to prepare a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen as the Central Vietnamese sun can be quite intense during the day. When visiting, pay attention to maintaining order, respecting the living spaces, and asking for permission before entering special production areas of the village.
Scenery of a fishing village at the beautiful Da Nang beach.
4.2. Suggestions for specialties and cuisine to try when visiting Nam O village
Nam O fish sauce pure is often used as a dipping sauce for fresh seafood, boiled meat, or fish cakes rolled with rice paper, creating an unforgettable special flavor. Nam O fish salad is a prominent dish, using fresh herring, wild vegetables, rice paper, and fish sauce concentrate to create the culinary identity of the coastal region.
Dishes like fish vermicelli, pork rolled with rice paper, when served with Nam O fish sauce bring a unique delicious taste, very different from regular fish sauce. Local seafood such as shrimp, crab, and clams are grilled fragrantly, dipped with fish sauce concentrate, and will easily conquer discerning diners.
Enjoying cuisine right at the Nam O fish sauce craft village is not only a way to explore culture but also helps you deeply feel the locals' passion for their profession.
4.3. Some unique photo-taking and check-in tips at the craft village
The Nam O village gate and the fishing pier at dawn will provide beautiful frames with the brilliant early morning light. Images of neatly arranged rows of fish sauce jars, artisans stirring the sauce, or filtering the fish sauce are artistic photo angles.
At the Nam O reef area, the rocky shore and the blue bay offer many ideal backdrops for souvenir photos. If shooting through a fish sauce jar under the sun or capturing the color of fish sauce in a glass will create vivid lighting effects, resulting in an impressive photo set.
Wearing an Ao Dai or bright-colored clothing will help you stand out in the traditional setting. Choose early morning or late afternoon hours for the best natural light, enhancing the quality of your check-in photos.
After visiting the Nam O fish sauce craft village, if time permits, visitors can continue their journey to Sun World Ba Na Hills to experience the beauty of the mountains and forests, play in the modern entertainment area, and enjoy iconic landmarks such as the cable car, Golden Bridge, or the French village. The blend of the traditional charm of the craft village and the modern space at Ba Na Hills will offer a rich, complete, and memorable trip.
French Village at Sun World Ba Na Hills with outstanding unique architecture.
Nam O fish sauce village is not only the pride of the people of Da Nang but also a vivid testament to the value of a 400-year-old cultural heritage. The salty, rich, characteristic flavor of the fish sauce here carries within it the story of the sea, of the people, and of traditions preserved through generations. Come to the Nam O fish sauce village to fully experience the quintessence of Central Vietnamese cuisine and culture!
