Tử Đà Catfish – Rich Flavor of the Ancestral Land

Phú Thọ – The Land of Origin of the Vietnamese People, where the essence of cuisine gathers, offers unique specialties that are hard to find anywhere else in the country. This richness is clearly demonstrated in the diversity of dishes, reflecting the regional characteristics. Each region, village, and ethnic group within the province has woven a unique and deeply rooted culinary landscape.

In the region of Phú Thọ, known for its “palm forests and tea hills,” besides enjoying famous specialties such as multi-spurred roosters, sour meat, arrowhead plants, cinnamon, and “cọ ỏm” (a type of wild vegetable), visitors also have the chance to savor a dish with a profound flavor deeply cherished by the locals – Tử Đà Catfish. This dish has become an indispensable taste in the meals of the people of the Ancestral Land.


The Tử Đà Catfish product from Phúc Sen production facility is the oldest, most delicious, and most reputable establishment with many years of experience, trusted by customers near and far. According to Mrs. Trịnh Thị Sen, the owner of the Phúc Sen catfish production facility: “The catfish processing trade was passed down by my mother-in-law. Initially, we only made it for the family and as gifts. Later, people found it delicious and placed orders. Since then, the family has started producing larger quantities for sale, up until now.”

To truly understand the meticulous process of processing Tử Đà catfish, one must visit and witness the intricate stages carried out by the local people. To produce a batch of catfish with the right taste, attention to detail is crucial, and the selection of ingredients is a vital step.


The types of fish commonly used for making catfish include grass carp, silver carp, common carp, and tilapia. These fish are purchased from local farmers who raise them in natural ponds. When slaughtered, the fish must be fresh, with a clean belly, firm flesh, and a pleasant aroma, ensuring the fish does not have an unpleasant odor when consumed. After gutting, the fish is left whole for small fish and cut into chunks for larger fish. The fish is then thoroughly rinsed and drained before being salted. The salt used for salting must be white grain salt, with a general guideline of using 1.2 kg of salt for every 1 kg of fish. However, the salt ratio depends on the weather and is adjusted accordingly to prevent the fish from becoming overly salty.


After salting for 2 to 3 days, the fish is transferred to the “thính” stage. Thính powder, used to coat the fish, is made from local corn, roasted and finely ground to ensure a distinctive aroma. After mixing the thính powder evenly, each layer of fish is placed in a pottery jar, layered with rice straw and “mo cau” (a type of betel leaf). A tray of diluted saltwater is placed on top to prevent the fish and rice straw inside the jar from becoming soaked. Notably, each layer of catfish is accompanied by a layer of fresh guava leaves, not only aiding in the quick fermentation of the fish but also reducing the fishy smell, adding a unique and characteristic aroma to the Tử Đà catfish. After 7 days, a batch of delicious catfish is ready, packed into jars, and brought to the market for distribution to customers.


Tử Đà catfish is often prepared by grilling over charcoal or frying with cooking oil. The taste of this dish is truly special. The fish meat is not dry like sea fish sauce, nor is it chewy like freshly grilled or fried fish. When eaten, the aroma of the fish meat and the fragrance of the thính blend together, creating a unique and indescribable flavor. Enjoying Tử Đà catfish with hot rice, the sour and rich flavor is truly profound, making it clear why this simple dish can captivate the hearts of many travelers, keeping them in the Phú Thọ land with its warm and hospitable people.


Currently, the Tử Đà catfish product is widely distributed within and outside the province, with prices ranging from 120,000 to 200,000 VND per box.

Visitors to the Ancestral Land, make sure to savor the “Tử Đà Catfish” and bring it as a gift for family and friends to enjoy. The land of Phú Thọ is fragrant with hospitality, and the “Tử Đà Catfish” is a simple gift carrying the rustic soul of the people of the Ancestral Land, dedicated to travelers from afar with each visit.