Dong Nung fermented fish has a rich, authentic taste of the countryside.

In the ancient Thượng Nông region (now Dân Quyền commune, Tam Nông district), where the gentle Đà River flows, nature has generously bestowed abundant aquatic resources, creating favorable conditions for the people to develop their traditional occupation. Taking advantage of this, the people here have created a rustic dish with a distinctly local flavor - Đồng Nung fermented fish.

Dong Nung fermented fish was recognized as a 3-star OCOP product by the Provincial People's Committee in 2022.

For a long time, fermented fish has not only been a traditional dish but also a stable source of income for many households. The dish is meticulously prepared from various types of fish such as carp, tilapia, and catfish, raised naturally in clean ponds, ensuring the preservation of their fresh, sweet, and distinctive rural flavor.

After cleaning, the fish is salted, sun-dried, and then mixed with thính – a fragrant powder made from roasted and finely ground glutinous rice. The fish is then fermented in earthenware jars for at least a month. When ready to be cooked, it is usually deep-fried until crispy or grilled over charcoal. The golden-brown, crispy outer layer, the fragrant aroma, and the rich flavor of the fish combined with the nutty, salty thính create an unforgettable taste.

Beyond being just a traditional dish, Dong Nung fermented fish has now become a 3-star OCOP product. This is a significant milestone that helps the product reach a wider market and elevate its brand.

Mr. Nguyen Manh Thang, Director of Thuong Nong Agricultural Cooperative, shared: “Dong Nung fermented fish is made entirely from fresh fish, raised in a natural environment, so it always retains its distinctive flavor. We produce it using traditional methods, without preservatives, ensuring food safety. Currently, the product is not only consumed within the district and province but also expanded to neighboring localities. Previously, fermented fish was mainly consumed through restaurants or ordered as gifts, and word-of-mouth recommendations were made through acquaintances. Although we didn't advertise extensively, the product sold out as soon as it was produced. Now, to reach consumers more effectively, the Cooperative has expanded its sales channels on e-commerce platforms while maintaining traditional sales methods. As a result, Dong Nung fermented fish is becoming increasingly well-known and loved.”

Dong Nung fermented fish products, with their attractive packaging and traceability, are increasingly building consumer trust both within and outside the province.

According to Mr. Thang, being recognized as an OCOP product has motivated the cooperative to actively invest in packaging, labeling, traceability, and building a professional distribution system for its products. "Currently, we not only sell in Phu Tho but also deliver to Hanoi , Hai Phong, and even some customers in Ho Chi Minh City order it as gifts. Fermented fish has become a meaningful local gift," Mr. Thang proudly stated.

Impressed from the first taste, Đồng Nung fermented fish has now become a familiar dish for the family of Ms. Khuất Thị Vân Anh in Gia Cẩm ward, Việt Trì city. Ms. Vân Anh said: “I learned about Đồng Nung fermented fish during a visit to the Phú Thọ OCOP Fair. My family loves this dish. I often buy it as a gift for relatives returning from afar as a way of sending them the familiar taste of my hometown.”

From a simple dish, Đồng Nung fermented fish has now become a staple in many family meals, an indispensable part of the local culinary heritage. This dish, deeply rooted in the identity of the midland region, has captivated diners with its rich flavor and genuine, unpretentious nature, just like the people of that rural area.

Thuy Phuong

Source: https://baophutho.vn/ca-thinh-dong-nung-dam-da-huong-vi-que-231738.htm