Phu Quoc, Vietnam's “Pearl Island,” is set to host the 2025 Fish Sauce Festival this July, celebrating one of the nation's most iconic and culturally significant culinary treasures: traditional Phu Quoc fish sauce.

The three-day festival, organized by the Phu Quoc People’s Committee in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, will take place from July 26 to 28, 2025, at Dinh Cau night market area and several famous fish sauce production sites across the island.

Honoring a National Heritage

Phu Quoc fish sauce, renowned for its rich amber color and deep umami flavor, was officially recognized as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product by the EU in 2013. The festival aims to spotlight this proud heritage, offering locals and visitors a unique opportunity to explore the history, craftsmanship, and cultural importance behind each drop of the island’s most famous export.

What to Expect

The festival program includes:

• Tours of traditional fish sauce factories where visitors can witness the centuries-old process of fermentation in giant wooden barrels.

• Cooking demonstrations by top Vietnamese chefs using Phu Quoc fish sauce in both traditional and modern recipes.

• Cultural performances, including folk music, lion dances, and boat parades.

• A “Fish Sauce Market” showcasing products from over 20 local producers, offering tastings, workshops, and limited-edition bottles.

• Seminars on the protection of traditional food heritage and sustainable production practices.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism

The 2025 Fish Sauce Festival also aligns with Phu Quoc’s vision of becoming a sustainable tourism destination. Organizers have partnered with environmental NGOs to promote eco-friendly packaging and waste reduction initiatives throughout the event.

“This is not just a celebration of flavor — it’s a celebration of culture, identity, and sustainable development,” said Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu, head of the festival organizing committee. “Phu Quoc fish sauce is more than a condiment; it tells the story of generations of islanders.”

A Taste of the Island

With increasing interest from international travelers in cultural and gastronomic tourism, the festival is expected to draw over 50,000 visitors this year, including chefs, food bloggers, and media from across Asia and Europe.