Taking your first steps into veganism can be exciting. You join a caring community of people who want to make kinder choices. But learning the details of a vegan diet can sometimes feel a bit confusing. Many ingredients you’ve used for years may not be as simple as they seem.
One ingredient that surprises many new vegans is fish sauce. It is used often, even in dishes that look plant-based at first glance.
In this guide, we’ll explain what fish sauce is, why it isn’t vegan, where you might find it in food, and what you can use instead. We’ll keep everything simple and clear so you feel confident in your choices.
What Is Fish Sauce?
Fish sauce is a liquid seasoning used in many East and Southeast Asian dishes. It adds a salty, savoury flavour to soups, noodles, stir-fries, and dipping sauces.
To make fish sauce, fish or krill are mixed with salt and left to ferment for months or even up to two years. Different regions use different types of fish, but the process is similar everywhere.
Is It Vegan?
No — fish sauce is not vegan.
Because it is made directly from fish, fish sauce can’t be considered vegan or vegetarian.
The name sounds simple, and it is. Fish sauce really does come from fish.
How Is Fish Sauce Made?
Although each country has its own style, the basic steps are the same:
- Small fish like anchovies or mackerel are coated in salt.
- The mixture is placed in wooden barrels.
- It ferments for 6 months to 2 years.
- The liquid is strained or pressed to create fish sauce.
Some regions keep the leftover fish pulp for cooking. Others throw it away.
Why Do Chefs Use It?
The process might not sound very appealing, especially for vegans, but chefs love fish sauce because it adds umami.
Umami is one of the five main tastes, along with sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. It creates a warm, savoury, “deep” flavour. Many Asian dishes use fish sauce to make their flavours stronger and more balanced.
This is why fish sauce is sometimes called “the flavour of deliciousness.”
Which Cuisines Use Fish Sauce?
Fish sauce is common in many Asian cuisines.
East Asia
Countries like China, Japan, and Korea often use:
- sardines
- squid
- sandfish
- anchovies
- sand lances
- mackerel
Southeast Asia
Countries like Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam often use:
- sardines
- anchovies
- scabbard fish
- krill
Fish sauce shows up in many dishes across these cuisines.
Which Restaurant Dishes Might Contain Fish Sauce?
Avoiding fish sauce in restaurants can be tricky. Some dishes look completely vegan but still include it. Talking to the staff can help, and many places are happy to leave it out if possible.
Here are common dishes that often include fish sauce:
Thai Cuisine
- curries
- soups
- stir-fries
- noodle dishes like pad thai
Japanese Cuisine
- shottsuru nabe
- ishin kaiyaki
- some sashimi dishes
- shottsuru yakisoba
- asazuke (light pickles)
Vietnamese Cuisine
- pho
- dipping sauces like nuoc cham
- dressings for fresh spring or summer rolls
Korean Cuisine
- kimchi
- dumplings
- soups and stews
- lettuce salads
If you are unsure, simply ask. Many kitchens can substitute the fish sauce or guide you to a suitable dish.
How Can You Substitute When Cooking?
Even though fish sauce is not vegan, you can still enjoy delicious Asian recipes using simple plant-based swaps.
1) Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans and salt. It gives a similar salty, savoury flavour.
2) Vegan Fish Sauce
There are vegan versions made from fermented seaweed instead of fish. You can often find these in Vietnamese markets, Asian grocery stores, or vegan shops.
3) Golden Mountain Sauce
This is a popular seasoning found in many Asian supermarkets. It tastes like soy sauce but is often a bit sweeter and saltier.
All of these can give your food the same kind of rich, savoury flavour that fish sauce brings.
How to Avoid Fish Sauce When Eating Out or Traveling
Communication is very important. Fish sauce is used so often that restaurant staff may add it without thinking.
When ordering, you can say something simple like:
“Please make this without fish sauce.”
When traveling, it helps to know the local names:
- Thai: nam pla
- Vietnamese: nuoc mam
- Japanese: gyosho
- Korean: eojang
- Chinese: yúlù
Learning just one of these terms can make things easier when ordering vegan food anywhere in Asia.
Final Thoughts
Fish sauce is not vegan because it is made from fermented fish. It is common in many Asian cuisines and adds a strong umami flavour.
The good news is that there are plenty of plant-based alternatives such as soy sauce, vegan fish sauce, and Golden Mountain Sauce. With a few simple swaps and clear communication when eating out, it’s easy to enjoy your favourite dishes in a fully vegan way.
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