How Red Boat Fish Sauce is Made in Vietnam — Vendors

The best fish sauce in the world can be found in Phú Quốc, Vietnam. On the island, Red Boat Fish Sauce harvests local black anchovies, known for their strong umami flavor, and ferments them in wooden barrels for 12 months to make its premium fish sauce. Listen to how this iconic ingredient inspired Cuong Pham, the founder and CEO, to keep the 150-year-old tradition alive.

Credits:
Series Lead & Producer: Carla Francescutti
Directors: Carla Francescutti, Nguyen Le Hang
Fixer: Nguyen Le Hang
Director of Photography: Hoang Lien Son
Camera: Nguyen Khanh Duy, Maylea Saito
Sound Operator: Nguyen Duc Cong
Production Assistant: Nguyen Phuong Anh
Technician: Nguyen Quoc Cuong
Editor: Howie Burbidge
Assistant Editor: Daniel Card
Production Coordinator: Nick Mazzocchi

Executive Producer: Stephen Pelletteri
Director of Production: Stefania Orrù
Supervising Producer, Development: Gabriella Lewis
Post-Production Supervisor: Lucy Morales Carlisle
Audience Engagement: Frances Dumlao
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[johnnytran]

I actually met Mr. Pham without knowing who he was! I stopped by the warehouse and happened to run into him while coming through the front door. I initially thought he was a warehouse worker based on his apparel and watching him wheel a cart of supplies into the building. It took a formal introduction from one of the employees there that I then learned who he was. VERY humble, kind and quiet man. Great product, even greater founder. Also my preferred fish sauce.

[rainzerdesu]

The most lovely thing i take away from this is how respectful Cuong Pham is. The little things you take for granted or dont think about. Like we can see he speaks perfect english but when with his production manager, he speaks Vietnamese because she doesnt speak english so that when talking about her she understands and that its more important she understands than the camera.

[Anton-yxfi]

Loved the part where Cuong Pham talked about his mother almost tearing up when tasting the saice that he brought back. Its the tiny things from our childhood that transport us directly to our good memories. Big respect for creating the company from that experience.

[williamcr]

I can tell Mr. Cuong had to fight back tears when speaking about his mom. It's evident he is in this business for a genuine reason! I was fortunate to visit Phu Quoc island about 10 years ago. Seems it has already changed a lot there since then. But this production remains the same as always. Love it!

[juliannguyen]

I love this “Vendors” series, but this is even better because I get to learn more about a brand I use often from my own culture!

[hoangnguyenle]

Be a vietnamese, fish sauce is soul of vietnam cuisine. Combining A fish sauce bowl that get mixed with garlic, Chilli, lemon, little bit sugar and pork fat with hot rice. Boom, happiness that’s it.

[dwaynekoblitz]

Dating a Vietnamese woman 30+ years ago a single drop of fish sauce would ruin food for me. Our 30th anniversary is November, and fish sauce is MANDATORY!! I can't eat food without it. I literally put it on everything. I'll be ordering Red Boat here in a minute.

[theblobfish]

He is very respectful, speaking vietnamese when his employee is present, because she doesnt understand english. It shows a certain trustworthyness👍👍👍

[-UnknownX-]

I tried many fish sauces Hong Kong, Thailand... but Vietnamese fish sauce is the best! I feel the sweet, salty, seafood mixed in fish sauce.

[takk]

Phú Quốc born here! I grew up in America but every time I returned to the island, my family always makes sure I have the best fish sauce bc they know that’s the only thing I crave for😀. I can understand how Mr. Cường feels bc I feel the same way. RB is the only fish sauce brand I pay for the high price tag because it’s the best compared with other brands which usually leave the weird after taste when used as a straight dipping sauce. I hate it so much when these brands called theirs Phu Quoc fish sauce. I have several friends whose families have been producing fish sauce for generations in Phu Quoc and 1 of them gifted me 10 bottles of fish sauce last year and let me tell you, they’re like liquid gold in my family. It tastes heavenly! Sorry RB I have to hold off on buying more bc of this.

[kuruptzZz]

I'm not even vietnamese, but I need this sauce in my life. And this founder seems like a lovely person

[lobabobloblaw]

There’s so much beauty and calm throughout this video. I’m blown away

[ditmemayconcho]

This is the best fish sauce I've ever had, add some garlic and chili, and it’s good to go. I love the bold flavor. it’s perfect with boiled pork belly, fried tofu, or spring rolls

[FriendsAndFoes]

Thanks EATER for introducing our nước mắm and Red Boat <3

[fightingmink]

It’s soooo good. I’m so glad Costco carries this. I sneak this in dishes that need salt. It’s an umami bomb.

[hukmai]

Nothing taste better than humble memories from the homeland

[helenemalenfant]

I just happened upon this. I have a bottle in my kitchen. I can’t remember where I saw a recommendation. But there really is a difference. How lovely to hear the history behind the company.

[umamizaddy]

Red Boat is the only brand I buy. This video made me emotional. Bravo!

[pjithmanyu]

One of the most beautiful videos eater has ever made. This episode will touch one million views.

[ooooolooooo]

My favourite fish sauce. We stock our pantry with Red Boat all the time. More expensive but the best