According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, after reviewing the craft’s historical roots, production methods, and distinctive cultural values -and cross-referencing the national heritage inventory -the agency found the tradition to meet all necessary criteria for heritage recognition.

As a result, the department has proposed that the provincial government assign a lead unit to coordinate with relevant agencies and complete the necessary procedures to finalize a scientific dossier. Once completed, the application will be submitted to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for review in 2026.

The Phan Thiet fish sauce craft has been practiced for about three centuries by coastal communities in south-central Vietnam. Beyond providing livelihoods, the trade has played a vital role in shaping the cultural identity of the Phan Thiet region across generations.

Today, the city is home to over 200 facilities involved in fish sauce production and distribution. Collectively, they supply tens of millions of liters of various fish sauce products to the market annually.

While traditional production methods remain largely unchanged, each facility maintains its own secret in ingredient selection and flavor blending, resulting in distinctive taste profiles for different brands.

The Phan Thiet Fish Sauce Association currently counts 48 members, including five joint-stock companies, 29 limited liability companies, one private enterprise, and 13 production facilities. This core group is credited with preserving the traditional craft while driving innovation and integrating cultural preservation with commercial growth.

The move to seek national heritage status is expected to safeguard the cultural identity embedded in Phan Thiet’s fish sauce brand, enhancing its visibility and value both domestically and internationally.

Xuan Ngoc