Unleash Flavor: The Best Fish Sauces to Buy in the UK and Where to Find Them

Why fish sauce deserves a permanent spot in your pantry

If you’ve ever wondered how restaurants coax such deep, savory notes from simple dishes, fish sauce is often the secret weapon. This fermented condiment is all about umami—the savory backbone that turns good food into great food. A few drops can transform a salad dressing, soup, or roast into something bright, salty, and complex. It’s not just for Thai or Vietnamese cooking; think of it as a concentrated hit of sea-salt nostalgia that works across cuisines.

How fish sauce is made (and why it tastes so powerful)

At its simplest, fish sauce is made from anchovies (or other small fish) and salt left to ferment for months, sometimes years. The enzymes and salt break down the fish into complex amino acids, producing a liquid that’s thin but intensely flavorful. That long fermentation is what creates the umami punch—imagine sunlight condensed into a bottle. Because of the process, a little goes a long way, and you’ll use teaspoons rather than tablespoons.

Top fish sauce brands available in the UK

Shopping for fish sauce in the UK offers plenty of options, from supermarket-label versions to artisan imports. Below are brands that often stand out for quality, consistency, and authentic flavor. Each has its own personality: some are lighter and cleaner, others deeper and more funky. Try a couple to see which suits your taste.

Red Boat (premium, clean Vietnamese style)

Red Boat is a favorite among chefs who want a clean, fish-forward taste. Made in Vietnam from anchovies and sea salt, it’s known for a bright, crystal-clear color and a concentrated aroma that mellows on cooking. A small bottle—often around 8.5 fl oz—goes a long way in dressings, dipping sauces, and marinades.

Squid Brand and Tiparos (classic Thai staples)

Squid Brand and Tiparos are both authentic Thai-style fish sauces that are common in UK shops. They tend to be saltier and more assertive than some Vietnamese styles, which makes them ideal for stir-fries, curry pastes, and pad dishes. These brands are widely available in larger bottles such as 16.9 fl oz, making them handy for frequent home cooks.

Three Crabs and Golden Boy (balanced and versatile)

Three Crabs and Golden Boy offer a balanced flavor profile—neither too sharp nor too sweet. They’re excellent all-rounders if you want a dependable bottle for everything from noodle bowls to seafood stews. These are great entry-level bottles if you’re experimenting with fish sauce for the first time.

Blue Dragon and supermarket own-brands (budget-friendly options)

If you prefer convenience and economy, brands like Blue Dragon and supermarket own-label fish sauces do the job. They’re easy to find at major chains and often come in moderate-sized bottles around 13.5 fl oz. While not as nuanced as artisan products, they give you reliable umami without the premium price tag.

Where to buy fish sauce in the UK

Not sure where to shop? Here’s a quick guide to retailers that stock fish sauce—both mainstream and specialist—so you can compare price, size, and variety before you buy.

Major supermarkets: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons

Big supermarket chains typically carry a few mainstream brands of fish sauce, including supermarket labels, Blue Dragon, and sometimes imported Thai or Vietnamese bottles. They’re excellent for everyday use and easy to find in-store or online. Sales and multi-buy deals can also make them a cost-effective choice.

Premium grocers: Waitrose and Marks & Spencer

If you’re after higher-end or specialty labels, Waitrose and Marks & Spencer sometimes stock premium fish sauces like Red Boat or more niche imports. Expect smaller bottle sizes with stronger provenance claims—perfect for cooks who care about production methods and flavor clarity.

Online marketplaces: Ocado, Amazon UK

Online shopping expands your options tremendously. Ocado often mirrors supermarket ranges but can include some gourmet bottles. Amazon UK is home to a wide selection—from large imported bottles to artisan labels—so it’s the place to search if you want something specific or hard to find locally.

Asian supermarkets and specialist stores: Wing Yip, Hoo Hing, local independent grocers

For authentic, regional varieties and larger bottle sizes, head to Asian supermarkets. Wing Yip, Hoo Hing, and independent shops typically carry a broad range of Thai and Vietnamese fish sauces, often sold in bulk sizes for serious cooks. These shops are great for discovering brands you won’t see in mainstream aisles.

How to choose the right fish sauce for your cooking

Choosing fish sauce is about matching flavor to use. Want a bright finish in a dressing? Go for a cleaner Vietnamese style. Need punch in a curry? Pick a robust Thai sauce. Here are a few practical tips to guide your choice.

Look at the ingredient list

Pure fish sauce usually lists fish (anchovies) and salt—sometimes water. Avoid bottles with long lists of additives if you want an authentic flavor. A short ingredient list generally means a more traditional fermentation process and purer umami.

Consider anchovy content and fermentation claims

Labels that mention long fermentation times or high anchovy content often indicate depth of flavor. Brands that proudly display these facts usually command a higher price, but they also offer richer, more nuanced results in delicate applications.

Pick bottle size according to how often you cook with it

If you’re experimenting, start with a smaller 8–9 fl oz bottle. If you use fish sauce regularly (stir-fries, dressings, marinades), consider a larger 16.9–33.8 fl oz bottle from an Asian grocer to get better value per ounce.

How to use fish sauce in everyday British dishes

Fish sauce fits into much more than Southeast Asian cooking. Here are easy ways to make it a regular player in your kitchen.

Boost dressings and vinaigrettes

Add a teaspoon of fish sauce to vinaigrette for a velvet umami backdrop that makes greens sing. It’s a clever swap for part of the salt, giving depth without overt fishiness. Try it in lemon-based dressings or mix with olive oil and a bit of honey for balance.

Elevate roasted vegetables and proteins

Mix a splash of fish sauce into marinades for chicken, pork, or tofu—its savory kick helps caramelization and amplifies roasted flavors. A little brushed on before roasting gives a glossy, flavorful crust that’s hard to beat.

Finish soups and stews

Add fish sauce late in the cooking process to deepen broths, stocks, and stews. It enhances savory notes without adding oil or heaviness. Think of it as a seasoning shortcut to make a stock taste older and richer.

Simple recipes to showcase fish sauce

If you want to experiment, start with these three fail-proof uses that highlight fish sauce’s strengths without overwhelming the dish.

Savory salad dressing

Whisk together 1 tsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, and a pinch of black pepper. Toss with mixed leaves, cucumber, and toasted seeds for an instant flavor upgrade. The fish sauce plays second fiddle to the acid and oil but leaves a memorable aftertaste.

Quick umami marinade

Combine 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp grated ginger. Marinate chicken thighs for 30 minutes to 2 hours before grilling or roasting. The sugars caramelize while the fish sauce infuses savory depth—perfect for midweek dinners.

Simple noodle topping

Stir 1 tsp fish sauce into a bowl of hot noodles with a splash of sesame oil, sliced spring onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. This quick finish transforms plain noodles into a restaurant-style bowl in minutes.

Storage, shelf life, and best-before tips

Fish sauce is forgiving. Because it’s high in salt and a fermented product, it’s stable for a long time, even after opening. Here’s how to keep your bottle in top shape.

Store in a cool, dark cupboard

Keep fish sauce in a cupboard away from direct heat or sunlight. No fridge needed for most types, though refrigeration can help preserve flavor longer once opened, especially for premium bottles with less salt.

Use-by guidance

Unopened bottles can last for a year or more. After opening, use within 12 months for best flavor; you’ll still be safe beyond that, but the bright top notes may fade. If the aroma becomes overwhelmingly fishy in an off way or the color changes dramatically, trust your nose and replace it.

Price expectations and value buying in the UK

How much should you pay for fish sauce in the UK? Prices vary widely by brand, bottle size, and retailer. Budget labels and supermarket brands are great for casual use, while premium bottles cost more but reward in subtle dishes.

Typical price ranges

Expect supermarket own-brands and mainstream bottles in small to medium sizes (8–17 fl oz) to be the most wallet-friendly. Premium imports and specialty brands sold in smaller, high-quality bottles are pricier but offer a flavor complexity worth the splurge for serious cooks.

Common substitutes and how to use them

Can’t use fish sauce? There are alternatives that capture some of its essence, though none are perfect replacements. Here are a few options to consider.

Soy sauce or tamari

Soy sauce provides saltiness and some umami but lacks the deep, marine fermentation notes. Use it in equal measure if you need savory saltiness without fish. Tamari is a gluten-free option with a rounder taste.

Marmite or yeast extracts

Marmite adds intense umami and is handy in vegetarian cooking. Dilute a small amount in water before adding to avoid overpowering your dish. It’s a good trick when you want depth without fish ingredients.

Miso paste

Miso brings fermented complexity and can mimic some of fish sauce’s depth, especially in broths and dressings. Use a small spoonful mixed with water to achieve a similar seasoning effect.

Final thoughts before you buy

Fish sauce is one of those pantry items that quietly transforms food. Whether you pick up a budget bottle for everyday use or invest in a premium import for delicate dishes, you’ll be surprised how often a dash improves a meal. Start small, taste as you go, and keep experimenting—culinary gold often begins with an open bottle and a curious mind.

Remember: look for short ingredient lists, consider bottle size based on frequency of use, and try different regional styles to find what matches your cooking. Once you learn to love fish sauce, your kitchen will have a new secret weapon that’s versatile, powerful, and compact.

Conclusion

Fish sauce is an essential, versatile ingredient that can lift dishes across many cuisines. In the UK you have access to a broad range of options—from mainstream supermarket bottles to premium imports and specialist Asian brands. Shop based on flavor profile and use-case: clean and bright for dressings, robust and salty for stir-fries and curries. With a little experimentation, you’ll quickly learn which bottles become staples in your kitchen. So grab a small bottle, start with a teaspoon, and watch ordinary meals develop extraordinary depth.