OUR STORY

Some of the most memorable flavours aren’t discovered in fine dining restaurants—they’re found in the kitchens we grew up in.

For many South Africans, fish paste was more than just something to spread on toast. It was a familiar part of home. The unmistakable aroma as the lid came off the jar, the rich savoury flavour on warm buttered toast, and the simple comfort of sharing breakfast around the kitchen table are memories that have stayed with generations.

As time passed, we found ourselves returning to those memories, wondering if that timeless flavour could be reimagined for today.

That idea became Ancho V.

Our goal wasn’t simply to recreate a nostalgic favourite. We wanted to honour it by creating something exceptional—crafted using premium fish, carefully selected ingredients and a recipe that celebrates natural flavour without compromise. Every jar is made without preservatives, allowing the quality of the ingredients to speak for themselves.

The result is a rich, versatile fish paste that feels just as at home on warm sourdough as it does stirred through fresh pasta, melted into butter for steak, served alongside warm flatbread, or used to elevate everyday cooking.

While Ancho V is inspired by memories cherished by many South Africans, our vision reaches much further. We want to introduce the United Kingdom—and eventually the world—to a product that has quietly delighted families for generations.

Food has a remarkable way of bringing people together. It creates conversation, evokes memories, and becomes part of traditions both old and new.

We hope Ancho V becomes one of those traditions in your home.