Fish sauce in Japan: what it's called and where to buy it

Fish sauce is ナンプラー (the Thai name) or ニョクマム (the Vietnamese one). Either works in both cuisines.

Look for this on the label

ナンプラー
nanpurā · Thai fish sauce
ニョクマム
nyokumamu · Vietnamese fish sauce

How the world cooks Fish sauce

Bún chảGrilled pork with noodles and dipping sauce
Cá kho tộFish caramelised in fish sauce
Pad thaiStir-fried rice noodles
Som tamGreen papaya salad
LarbMinced meat salad with herbs
TinolaGinger chicken soup
KimchiFish sauce is in the seasoning paste
Shottsuru nabeAkita hot pot seasoned with fish sauce

Where to find it

In the shop

Ethnic food shelf (エスニック).

Which shops

Most large supermarkets, KALDI, Gyomu Super, and Asian grocery shops.

If you can't find it

Light soy sauce (薄口醤油) with a pinch of salt
A little anchovy paste dissolved in water

Let the app do the swaps for you

Lazy Recipe sees that you're in Japan and turns any dish into 3 steps with what Japanese supermarkets sell. Your shopping list shows each item's Japanese label and aisle.

Get it on the App Store Use on the web

Cook with it

Cooking Thai food in Japan with supermarket ingredients
Cooking Vietnamese food in Japan with supermarket ingredients
Cooking Filipino food in Japan with supermarket ingredients