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Patis is the Filipino term for fish sauce, a salty, savoury liquid used as both a cooking ingredient and a table condiment across Filipino cuisine. It is closely related to the fish sauces used elsewhere in Southeast Asia, though Filipino cooking uses it slightly differently, often as a finishing seasoning rather than only a cooking ingredient.
The best patis to buy in the UK
Rufina is the patis most widely recognised and stocked through Filipino grocers and online in the UK. Patis is the Filipino term for fish sauce, used both as a cooking ingredient and a table condiment.
What to check on the label
- Clear versus sediment-rich, both are normal, sediment settles naturally and can be shaken through.
- Saltiness, which varies between brands more than you might expect.
- Bottle size, since it keeps for a long time and is used sparingly.
Patis vs standard Southeast Asian fish sauce
| Type | Style | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Patis | Slightly different salt profile | Filipino soups and table seasoning |
| Standard fish sauce | Widely available | General Southeast Asian cooking |
Clear vs sediment-rich bottles
Patis naturally develops sediment at the bottom of the bottle over time, which is normal and not a sign of a problem, simply shake before use. A very cloudy or very clear bottle can both be genuine depending on the brand and how long it has been on the shelf.
Bottle size for occasional use
Patis keeps for a very long time thanks to its salt content, so a larger bottle is sensible even for occasional Filipino cooking, rather than repeatedly buying small ones.
What is patis?
How to use it
- Stirred into soups like sinigang in place of salt.
- Used as a table condiment, often with a squeeze of kalamansi and chilli, for dipping.
- Added to marinades and sautés for a savoury depth.
Patis vs other Southeast Asian fish sauces
Patis is closely related to Thai and Vietnamese fish sauce, all made by fermenting fish with salt, but Filipino cooking tends to use it more as a finishing seasoning at the table as well as a cooking ingredient, rather than purely as a background flavour.
A common table condiment
A small dish of patis with a squeeze of kalamansi and a few slices of chilli is a common accompaniment at the table, for dipping rather than only cooking with, similar to how other cuisines use a simple dipping sauce.
Does it need refrigerating?
No, patis keeps in the cupboard thanks to its high salt content, refrigeration is not necessary though some people do it out of habit for any opened bottle of sauce.
Where to buy patis in the UK
Patis is best found through a Filipino grocer, though standard Southeast Asian fish sauce from a Thai or Vietnamese grocer works as a close substitute.
Which aisle is patis in?
Mainstream UK supermarkets do not stock patis specifically, though general fish sauce is common in the world food aisle. Filipino grocers keep patis near soy sauce and vinegar.
Asian supermarkets
A Filipino grocer is the most reliable source for genuine patis, usually stocking the Rufina or Patis Mang Tomas brands.
Buying it online
Online is a good option if there is no Filipino grocer nearby, and a bottle keeps for a long time.
Rufina vs other brands
Rufina is the patis brand most widely recognised and most likely to be the one a Filipino grocer stocks as their default, worth asking for by name if you want a specific recommendation rather than choosing at random.
How to store patis
Keep it in the cupboard, tightly capped, the same as other fish sauces.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use patis instead of salt?
Yes, it is commonly used exactly that way in Filipino cooking, added a little at a time to taste.
What is patis used for?
Seasoning soups like sinigang, and as a table condiment with kalamansi.
Shop this
- Fish sauce. The savoury base used across Southeast Asian and Filipino cooking.
