Garlic chili fish sauce is listed among the world’s 100 best sauces.

Vietnamese garlic chili fish sauce and mam nem rank 16th and 79th respectively on the 2026 list. The ranking comes from Taste Atlas’s “Top 100 Best Sauces in the World.” The guide was updated on January 22. Vietnam’s garlic chili fish sauce and traditional mam nem are featured. Results are based on 15,925 reviews from readers and culinary experts. More than 9,700 of these reviews were considered valid.

Garlic chili fish sauce is widely used and loved throughout Vietnam, from north to south.

Garlic chili fish sauce.

Garlic chili dipping sauce ranks 16th with a score of 4.3 out of 5. Taste Atlas describes it as a staple seasoning in Vietnamese cuisine. It is made from lime juice or vinegar, sugar, water, and fish sauce. The sauce offers a balanced sweet, sour, and salty flavor. Additional ingredients may include garlic, chili, shallots, ginger, or fresh herbs.

Garlic chili fish sauce.

The sauce has many regional variations across Vietnam. Its recipe depends on the dishes it is served with. It is commonly paired with spring rolls, banh xeo, meat, and seafood. It is also enjoyed with noodles, vermicelli, and soups.

Mam nem (fermented anchovy sauce)

Mam nem (fermented anchovy sauce).

Mam nem ranks 79th with a score of 3.9. It is made from fermented anchovies. Compared to other sauces, mam nem has a stronger and more pungent flavor. It is often mixed with sugar, chili, garlic, and lime juice. Chopped pineapple is an essential ingredient. These additions soften the aroma and enhance the taste. Taste Atlas suggests it pairs especially well with beef dishes.

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on reviews from users and culinary experts worldwide. They use systems to verify real users and filter out overly local ratings. Reviews from knowledgeable experts are given greater weight. The rankings aim to honor outstanding local dishes. They promote pride in traditional foods. They spark curiosity about dishes diners may not have tried. However, they are not definitive global judgments of cuisine.

How to Make Authentic Garlic Chili Fish Sauce

To make a perfect bowl of garlic chili fish sauce, prepare the ingredients and follow these steps.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons premium fish sauce
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons water or coconut water
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1–2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 bird’s eye chili, finely minced

Instructions

Add sugar and warm water to a bowl.
Stir until the sugar fully dissolves.
Add fish sauce and lime juice.
Stir gently until well combined.
Finally, add minced garlic and chili.
Stir well until evenly mixed.
Garlic and chili will float beautifully on the surface.

Tips

Soak garlic and chili in lime juice before mixing for a better visual effect. Using warm water helps dissolve sugar faster and saves time.

Conclusion

The inclusion of garlic chili fish sauce and mam nem highlights Vietnam’s growing global culinary appeal. From pure fish sauce to shrimp paste and fermented fish, each region has its own identity. These sauces are closely tied to local soil, climate, and everyday traditions. Vietnamese fermented sauces win diners with honesty and bold, authentic flavors. They tell rich stories of local culture through taste. On the global stage, these humble sauces act as quiet culinary ambassadors. They help the world better understand Vietnamese tastes, lifestyle, and spirit.