What smells worse than vinegar?

I lived in a dorm once years ago with Indian nurses.  They made this STINKY FISH WITH CURRY.  The fish smelled like it was old.  I remember them telling me they could not stand American fast food it made them ill.  And then they eat this stale fish with curry.  

I still remember that odor.  AWFUL.  I think vinegar was also an ingredient.

The smell never leaves either.