Namplaa / Nuoc-Mam / Patis

[yuuteya]

I tried the 3 fish sauces from Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines. From what I noticed is the Thai Nampla is lighter and sweeter with a more orangey color, the Philippines Patis is heavyer, saltier and browner, while the Vietnamese Nuoc-Mam is somewhere in between... Personally I like Nampla best since I like cooking those kinds of dishes, next I like Nuoc-Mam. The Philippines patis is too strong for my taste, but I guess it can be diluted with water.

Of course fish sauce smells fishy, but I think the Thai Nampla is not as strong and is milder. Philippines Patis seems to be the strongest smelling one.

What do you think?
Do you like fish sauce flavors and smell?

[ism]

Well, I'm used to patis, and usually add some garlic and lemon (or calamanci if available) in there. I haven't tried the other sauces, but then again, I don't use patis with every fish. It tends to complement the Philippine national fish (Bangus, milkfish) very well steamed.

Can't really say what's my favorite but then again I don't have a favorite hot sauce or meat sauce since it depends on what I'm putting it on.

[truMp]

I was raised on the vietnamese one; can't leave it.

[kasia]

it really depends on what i'm eating. i like the thai fish sauce with egg rolls, lumpia, etc., but i like the regular vietnamese nuoc-mum with rice dishes.

[yuuteya]

Fish Sauce Review
Fish Sauce Basics (http://www.templeofthai.com/fish_sauce_recipes/fish_sauce_recipes.html)


How Do They Make Nampla ?
A Fishy Story (http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/features/fishsauce1.html)

[NtshiabLiDej]

Personally, I like using the "Three-Crabs" brand. I think it's Vietnamese.