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Review Author: Sophia
Review Date: 30 Jun 2025
Review Body: The experience was fantastic! It started with a brief intro about the origins and production of fish sauce (we learned some fun facts about anchovies!). Then came a blind taste test between mass-produced and premium fish sauces — a great way to notice the difference in taste and aroma. We also tried creative pairings with veggies, spring rolls, ice cream, and even cheese. Jovel shared an interesting perspective: mass-produced fish sauce isn't necessarily bad — its lighter flavor actually pairs well with salads and leaves you feeling less heavy after a meal. We all walked away with new knowledge and a fresh appreciation for just how versatile fish sauce can be.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Dave in YYC
Review Date: 04 Aug 2026
Review Body: I stumbled upon SeekSophie during an online search. It was a nice change from the usual sponsored search results as it offered genuine and interesting options for discovering Ho Chi Minh City. I love SE Asian food so I signed up for the fish sauce tasting event but sadly not enough people signed up. They offered a coffee omakase program that I did instead. The venue space was conveniently located in District 1 and was bright and quiet. We tried several local coffees and made our own egg or salted coffee. Everything was great. Thanks muchly!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Rachel
Review Date: 18 Aug 2026
Review Body: The highlight of our trip! My friends and I so enjoyed learning about fish sauce- it was a really fun hour as we got to sample the different types of fish sauce and also learn more about the regional nuances to it and identify the differences between commercial and artisan brewed fish sauce. We loved our facilitator, she was hilarious, knowledgeable and just plain delightful!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Aldrich
Review Date: 08 Feb 2026
Review Body: The Fish Sauce Tasting workshop was a really fun and educational experience! Tracy was an excellent facilitator and guide, and the whole workshop was very memorable and tasty. We walked out with a deeper appreciation for fish sauce, as it's such a big part of Vietnamese culture. Would definitely recommend!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Peter
Review Date: 13 Mar 2026
Review Body: The 1 hour coffee making class is one of the best experiences you can do in HCMC. Not only do you learn to make several great Vietnamese coffees, the hosts give you meaningful insights into the uniquely Vietnamese coffee culture that has developed over the past 150 years. Highly recommended!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Charlie L
Review Date: 29 Jan 2026
Review Body: Fish Saice tasting? Whaaa? Yeah, this was good. You gotta love fish sauce but Tracy talked us through it all and we did some blind tasting and not so blind tasting of artisan and commercial fish sauces and pairing them. It sounds goofy, but it was the real deal. Highly recommend.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Nick
Review Date: 26 Sep 2026
Review Body: We had a great time learning about the different fish sauce and tastings. The hosts Victor and the young girl were so friendly, accommodating and made us feel so welcome. Will definitely go back for one of the other experiences they offer.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Felicia
Review Date: 25 Jun 2026
Review Body: The host was very engaging and informative about how fish sauces were made. It was really fun trying different kinds of food with a variety of fish sauces. The team made the experience very fun and experimental.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Alex
Review Date: 28 May 2026
Review Body: Alvin is not only very knowledgeable but also a gifted and talented speaker who keeps his customers engaged. We have learned a lot about fish sauce and spent a very pleasant hour. Highly recommended!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Celine
Review Date: 03 Sep 2026
Review Body: Really fun and unique class! If you like fish sauce, this really is the workshop for you. The instructor was kind and thoughtful, and I really appreciated the pace of the tastings.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Lenis
Review Date: 04 Jan 2026
Review Body: Fun experience! Learn to understand the origins and manufacturing processes of fish sauce better, can't wait to go on more foodie adventures with this newfound knowledge!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Oscar
Review Date: 12 Jan 2026
Review Body: This was an incredible experience made even better by your host Emma and Bang. The atmosphere and cafe was absolutely beautiful and food was even better. Emma was extremely insightful, friendly and made us feel at home. I would highly recommend this experience to any pho loversThis was an incredible experience made even better by your host, Emma, and Bang. The atmosphere and café were absolutely beautiful, and the food was even better. Emma was extremely insightful, friendly, and made us feel at home. I would highly recommend this experience to any pho lovers.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Yi Hui
Review Date: 24 Mar 2026
Review Body: It was surprisingly educational! We learned quite a bit about the origins of pho and even some Vietnamese history and culture along the way. Some of the tastings were quite creative too (like the deep-fried pho), which made it more fun and memorable. Jovel was a lovely host, warm, welcoming, knowledgable, and the pho is really yummy as well! It felt like a pretty unique experience that you probably wouldn’t find elsewhere!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Fish & Haziq
Review Date: 23 Aug 2026
Review Body: Love how bang shared his knowledge with passionate and enthusiasm in introducing local liquor. It’s relli eye widening and would definitely recommend other friends to join the session whenever they visit Saigon + and we enjoyed the drinks so much and looking forward to learn more about Vietnam liquor brands.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Dan
Review Date: 22 Mar 2026
Review Body: Emma was an excellent host! My friends and I loved this short, but delicious and informative walk through the origin and nuance of pho, which we’ll take home with us! Highly recommended for anyone staying in district 1 or even on a short stay.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Stephanie
Review Date: 16 Mar 2026
Review Body: A fun experience for food-driven travellers in the heart of Saigon - the tasting was well structured and varied and most importantly... delicious! Our host Joven was passionate and knowledgeable and I highly recommend this experience.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Melody
Review Date: 24 Feb 2025
Review Body: jovel was the sweetest and we chatted as if we’ve been friends for a while now. the coffee was amazing too! such a great experience if you’re around the area and you’ve like an hour to spare
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Rici
Review Date: 25 Feb 2026
Review Body: Very lovely pho tasting, which was so tasty and interesting! Very relaxing experience, great for slowing down in busy hcmc :)
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Tom
Review Date: 11 Jan 2025
Review Body: I really enjoyed learning how to make salt coffee with Ryan, as well as the history and culture of Saigon’s food scene.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Cameron & Melanie
Review Date: 28 Jan 2025
Review Body: Really fun, laid-back intro to Vietnamese salted coffee! Would definitely recommend this one.
Review rating: 5

Itinerary

Itinerary Day 1
Itinerary Summary: Craft fish sauce tasting with snacks and cultural insights in District 1
Itinerary Description: Attend a craft fish sauce tasting experience in the heart of District 1, opposite to the Bitexco Tower. Discover the origins, cultural significance, and fun facts behind Vietnamese fish sauce, a staple in every Vietnamese kitchen. Learn how fish sauce is traditionally made and understand the key differences between mass-produced and artisanal versions Taste 4 varieties of fish sauce, including premium infused-fish sauces from Chu Ben Enjoy guided tasting led by a passionate local host, focused on flavour, aroma, and depth Sample each fish sauce paired with snacks from more common types like spring rolls to unique variations like cheese and ice-cream!
Two people behind a bar counter lined with Vietnamese bottles, smiling during a Saigon Social fish sauce tasting in Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon Social host presenting a tasting sheet in Ho Chi Minh City, holding notes while diners listen during a fish sauce session
Ho Chi Minh City fish sauce tasting in a small studio: audience seated at a shared table as the Saigon Social host gestures
Local host in a white apron guides guests at a Ho Chi Minh City tasting table with tasting notes and bottles
Bottles of Vietnamese fish sauce and dipping ingredients arranged on a wooden table for a Saigon Social tasting in Ho Chi Minh City
Fish sauce tasting chart with labelled bowls, spoons and water glass on the table during a Saigon Social experience in Ho Chi Minh City
Jovel, Saigon Social guide, tasting and explaining bottles and ingredients at a table during a Ho Chi Minh City fish sauce workshop
Two people behind a bar counter lined with Vietnamese bottles, smiling during a Saigon Social fish sauce tasting in Ho Chi Minh City
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Two people behind a bar counter lined with Vietnamese bottles, smiling during a Saigon Social fish sauce tasting in Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon Social host presenting a tasting sheet in Ho Chi Minh City, holding notes while diners listen during a fish sauce session
Ho Chi Minh City fish sauce tasting in a small studio: audience seated at a shared table as the Saigon Social host gestures
Local host in a white apron guides guests at a Ho Chi Minh City tasting table with tasting notes and bottles
Two people behind a bar counter lined with Vietnamese bottles, smiling during a Saigon Social fish sauce tasting in Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon Social host presenting a tasting sheet in Ho Chi Minh City, holding notes while diners listen during a fish sauce session
Ho Chi Minh City fish sauce tasting in a small studio: audience seated at a shared table as the Saigon Social host gestures
Local host in a white apron guides guests at a Ho Chi Minh City tasting table with tasting notes and bottles
Bottles of Vietnamese fish sauce and dipping ingredients arranged on a wooden table for a Saigon Social tasting in Ho Chi Minh City
Fish sauce tasting chart with labelled bowls, spoons and water glass on the table during a Saigon Social experience in Ho Chi Minh City
Jovel, Saigon Social guide, tasting and explaining bottles and ingredients at a table during a Ho Chi Minh City fish sauce workshop
Fish sauce tasting spread of Vietnamese bottles and jars on a wooden table during a Saigon Social experience in Ho Chi Minh City
Tasting chart on paper with glasses of amber fish sauce and cucumber slices on a Ho Chi Minh City table
Fish sauce tasting spread with labelled bottles on a wooden stand at Saigon Social in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City fish sauce tasting certificate on a wooden table beside empty sampling cups and tasting cards
Fish sauce tasting bites with spring-roll pieces and herbs served on a wooden table in Ho Chi Minh City
Fish sauce tasting: hands pour from bottles into small cups at a Saigon Social table in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City fish sauce tasting with Saigon Social host seated at a table, guiding diners through small jars and tasting bowls
Spread of Vietnamese fish sauce bottles, small bowls and tasting glasses on a table during a Saigon Social session in Ho Chi Minh City
Dinner table tasting session in a Ho Chi Minh City eatery as guests try Vietnamese fish sauce with Saigon Social
Wall sign reading 'artisanal fish sauce tasting' beside a windowed room for Saigon Social in Ho Chi Minh City
Guests at a Ho Chi Minh City fish sauce tasting hold crackers and sauce cups over a table with tasting notes
Ho Chi Minh City fish sauce tasting session in a bright room, a host explains from a board while guests sit at the table
Fish sauce tasting in Ho Chi Minh City with ingredients laid out: lime wedges, dipping cups and herbs on wooden boards
Ho Chi Minh City fish-sauce tasting with lime wedges, cucumber and multiple sauce jars set on a wood table and worksheets
Ho Chi Minh City tasting table with a small plate of savoury bites, a fish sauce bottle, and glasses for sampling
Group of guests tasting fish sauce from spoons around a long table at Saigon Social in Ho Chi Minh City
Guest tastes fish sauce using a dropper while seated at a Saigon Social table in Ho Chi Minh City
Blind fish sauce tasting in Ho Chi Minh City: worksheet with sample labels, spoons and dipping bowls beside cucumbers and bananas
Spoon scooping a pale yellow Vietnamese fish sauce in a small bowl on a wooden table during a Saigon Social tasting
Guests at a table sampling Vietnamese fish sauce and condiments during a Saigon Social tasting in Ho Chi Minh City
Group gathered around a wooden table with bottles and herbs for a Vietnamese fish sauce tasting hosted by Saigon Social in Ho Chi Minh City
Guests around a table with fish sauce bottles and tasting bowls during a Saigon Social experience in Ho Chi Minh City
Fish sauce tasting in Ho Chi Minh City at a cosy kitchen table, diners watching the Saigon Social host arrange bottles and samples
Close-up of fish sauce tasting score sheets, small bowls of sauce and sliced cucumber at a Saigon Social session in Ho Chi Minh City
Assorted Vietnamese seasoning jars and spice bowls on a wooden table for Saigon Social’s fish sauce tasting in Ho Chi Minh City
Belami fish sauce bottle and jars with dried seafood, lime slices and herbs on a table for Saigon Social’s Ho Chi Minh City tasting

The Fish Sauce Tasting You Didn’t Expect

Taste fish sauce like wine—with surprising pairings.
5.0
|21 Reviews
Group size
Up to 20 guests
DURATION
45 mins
Booking type
Join-in trip
MEET UP
At location
Group size
Up to 20 guests
  • Experience highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Availability
  • More Info
  • Host
  • Reviews
A tasting that will completely change how you see fish sauce.
This might be the strangest tasting you’ll do in Vietnam: a craft fish sauce tasting with cheese and ice cream.Most people think fish sauce is just a salty condiment. But the best ones are as complex as wine or cheese. In this guided tasting, you’ll try four artisanal fish sauces made from wild-caught anchovies and fermented the traditional slow way.Each sauce is paired with unexpected snacks — from mango and spring rolls to cheese and even ice cream — showing how different and nuanced fish sauce can be.Led by a passionate local host, you’ll also taste the difference between mass-produced and small-batch fish sauce, and try experimental versions like smoked or pepper-infused sauces.Perfect for curious food lovers who enjoy discovering bold, unusual flavours and learning the stories behind iconic ingredients.What to ExpectGuided tasting of 4 artisanal fish saucesBlind tasting: premium vs mass-produced saucesSurprising pairings like mango, cheese and ice creamLearn how traditional fish sauce is fermentedHosted by a passionate local food expert

Experience highlights

Tasting chart on paper with glasses of amber fish sauce and cucumber slices on a Ho Chi Minh City table
Taste 4 small-batch fish sauces
Ho Chi Minh City fish sauce tasting at a wooden table, guests sampling small bowls while someone serves plates of bites
Pairings like mango, cheese & ice cream
Guest tastes fish sauce using a dropper while seated at a Saigon Social table in Ho Chi Minh City
Blind tasting of craft vs commercial
Belami fish sauce bottle and jars with dried seafood, lime slices and herbs on a table for Saigon Social’s Ho Chi Minh City tasting
Learn traditional fermentation
Saigon Social host presenting a tasting sheet in Ho Chi Minh City, holding notes while diners listen during a fish sauce session
Hosted by a passionate local foodie

What You’ll be Doing

Craft fish sauce tasting with snacks and cultural insights in District 1
Show Details

What’s Included

English-speaking guide / host
Fish sauces
Snacks for pairing
Water
Certificate of completion

Not included

Transport fees to the location

Available Add-ons:

Show Details

Who you’re supporting

women_owned

Women-led Wonder

Show Details

Next Available Dates

Prices shown in USD
Select Time for 01 Oct 2026
Additional Information

Where we'll meet

Start Point

Meet-up at Saigon Social(70 Ngô Đức Kế, Ngô Đức Kế, Vietnam)
  • 15 mins before selected timeslot
  • Notes: We're located on the 1st floor, right above MamaPho restaurant

End Point

  • End at Start Point(s)

Start & Ends

Daily
10:30AM - 11:15AM
01:30PM - 02:15PM
03:30PM - 04:15PM

Suitability / Accessibility

  • Vegetarian food available
  • Halal food available
  • Child Friendly (Recommended Age: 8+)

Cancellation & other policies

  • Cancellation

    Cancel 24 hours before activity for a full refund

  • Minimum Participants

    If there are fewer than 2 participants, the host may reschedule or refund your booking.
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5.0(21)
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Meet your host

Jovel is a respected food blogger and has a keen eye for uncovering the best hidden spots—whether it’s a tucked-away speakeasy or a restaurant redefining Vietnamese cuisine. Since 2023, she and her team of local food enthusiasts have been crafting experiences that go beyond the usual, introducing guests to everything from award-winning craft spirits to unique urban eateries. Her love for Vietnam’s flavours and culture shines through in every experience, making each tour feel like exploring the city with a friend who knows all the best places.
Speaks: Fluent English
Acceptance rate: 97%
Keep your payments secure by using the Seek Sophie website for all transactions and communications.

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