Mắm Ruốc Chà is a fermented small-shrimp paste produced by the Vietnamese company Sông Hương Foods. The product consists primarily of small shrimp which account for 75 percent of its composition and salt. The ingredients are carefully processed and naturally fermented using a traditional method. The product’s name indicates that the fermented mixture is additionally ground and strained to obtain a finer and more uniform texture. The paste has a thick consistency and a brown to dark-purple color characteristic of this type of fermented product. Its aroma is intense and marine while the flavor is distinctly salty and rich in umami. Fermentation creates more complex aromas and softens the straightforward saltiness of the basic ingredients. Mắm Ruốc Chà is primarily used as a seasoning and is therefore added to dishes in small quantities. It can provide the characteristic depth of flavor associated with noodle soups from the Huế region. The paste may also be added to vegetable soups, stir-fried meat, and other cooked dishes. It can be mixed with garlic and chili and served as a dipping sauce for boiled meat.