Deep herring is a type of forage fish, living near the coast and swimming in large schools. Nha Trang deep herring salad can be found anywhere in town.

Deep herrings are tiny, with white meat and notably bloodless, reducing the fishy smell of the dish.

The salad is a harmony of the sweetness from fish, mildly sour taste from lemon and spicy heat from chili.

The sauce, usually made from the fish bones, are also carefully seasoned to enhance the taste of the salad.