THE ANCHOVY STEAMING PROFESSION IN MỸ TÂN, NINH THUẬN

Mỹ Tân, Mỹ Lù, or Xóm Lù are the familiar names of an old fishing village in Ninh Thuận known to many people. During the anchovy season, the women in the coastal village of Mỹ Tân are busy with the anchovy steaming trade. Just over the hill from Mỹ Hòa village, you’ll arrive at the fishing village of Mỹ Tân, where the fish steaming facilities are located near a bustling fishing port that is always lively each morning.

Various types of anchovies and mackerel are purchased fresh directly from the port and transported to the steaming facilities, where workers process the fish through steps such as salting and steaming to preserve the freshness and prevent spoilage. The fish are then sorted, sun-dried, and packaged according to their intended use. In addition to being a key ingredient for producing fish sauce, steamed anchovies dried under the sun become a delicious dish.

The anchovy steaming profession is a characteristic feature of Mỹ Tân, Thanh Hải, in Ninh Hải District, and has long been a specialty and economic activity of this coastal region.