Fish Allergen Guide

Information about Fish in cuisine around the world.

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About Fish

Fish and fish sauce are fundamental to Vietnamese cuisine.

High Prevalence Warning

Fish is particularly common in the cuisine of: Vietnam, Thailand, Portugal, Sweden, Singapore, Russia

Common Foods Containing Fish

Bacalhau (in many forms)Caramelized fish (cá kho tộ)CaviarCurriesDipping saucesDried and smoked fishFish head curryFish roe spreadFish sauce (nam pla)Fish sauce (nước mắm)Fish soupsFish stewsFried fishGravlax (cured salmon)Grilled sardinesHerringKibbeling (battered fish pieces)Lutfisk (dried whitefish)Many soupsMany soups and brothsMost soups and dipping saucesNasi lemak (with ikan bilis)Nile perchSambal saucesSambaza (small sardines)Seafood riceSelyodka pod shuboy (herring salad)Sill (pickled herring)Smoked eelStir-fried vegetablesTilapiaTilapia dishes

Foods That Contain Fish

Pad Thai

Pad Thai

TH
Thailand

Iconic stir-fried rice noodle dish with eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, and typically shrimp, flavored with tamarind paste, fish sauce, and chili.

Contains:

PeanutsEggsShellfishFishSoy
Tom Yum Goong

Tom Yum Goong

TH
Thailand

Hot and sour soup with fragrant herbs like lemongrass and galangal, typically made with shrimp and mushrooms.

Contains:

ShellfishFish
Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan)

Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan)

TH
Thailand

Aromatic curry made with green curry paste, coconut milk, and typically chicken or beef, with Thai eggplant and fresh herbs.

Contains:

Fish
Som Tam (Papaya Salad)

Som Tam (Papaya Salad)

TH
Thailand

Spicy salad made from shredded unripe papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and dried shrimp, dressed with lime, fish sauce, and chilies.

Contains:

PeanutsFishShellfish
Massaman Curry

Massaman Curry

TH
Thailand

Rich, relatively mild curry with Muslim influences, typically made with beef or chicken, potatoes, peanuts, and a blend of spices including cinnamon and star anise.

Contains:

PeanutsFish
Pad Krapow (Holy Basil Stir-fry)

Pad Krapow (Holy Basil Stir-fry)

TH
Thailand

Spicy stir-fried dish with minced meat (usually pork or chicken), holy basil, and chili, often topped with a fried egg and served with rice.

Contains:

FishEggs

Tips for Avoiding Fish

Learn Local Terms

Before traveling, learn how to say "Fish allergy" in the local language.

Carry Allergy Card

Carry a card in the local language explaining your allergy to show at restaurants.

Research Typical Dishes

Research common dishes in your destination to identify those that typically contain Fish.

Pack Emergency Medication

Always carry any necessary allergy medication, including antihistamines or an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed.