Bagoong is the undigested residue of partially hydrolyzed fish or shrimp. It has a salty and slightly cheese-like odor (Figure 1). The characteristics of this product vary depending on the region where it is made and consumed.

Is bagoong pungent?

In addition to dried fish, it may also be made with salted and fermented shrimp, in which case it is called bagoong alamang. The smell is extremely pungent and some consider it offensive, on par with that of rotten fish.

Is bagoong a condiment?

Bagoóng (Tagalog pronunciation: [bɐɡuˈoŋ]; Ilocano: bugguong) is a Philippine condiment partially or completely made of either fermented fish (bagoóng) or krill or shrimp paste (alamáng) with salt. The fermentation process also produces fish sauce known as patís.