Herring in Amsterdam: A Raw Fish Snack Locals Swear By

In Amsterdam, few street foods are as iconic, or as divisive, as raw herring. Typically served with pickles and onions, this briny snack has been a Dutch tradition for centuries. Sampling it from a haringhandel (herring cart) will give you a truly authentic taste of the Netherlands on your Amsterdam food tour.

What Is Herring, Exactly?

Photo credit: Jeremy Keith licensed under Attribution 2.0 Generic (no changes)

Dutch herring, or haring, is a lightly cured fish that falls somewhere between raw sashimi and extra-large kippers. The salt curing process preserves the delicate texture of the fish while keeping it mild and buttery.

Traditionally served boneless, skinless, and chilled, you’ll often find it in Amsterdam topped with diced raw onions and pickles. This simple accompaniment gives the herring a fresh, tangy contrast.

Herring is available all year, but locals know it’s at its best during the Hollandse Nieuwe season, from mid-May to July. This is when the catch is especially rich, flavorful, and the texture of the fish is firm yet tender. 

How to Eat It (Like a Local)

The traditional way to enjoy herring in Amsterdam is to grab it by the tail and tilt your head back. Then lower the whole fillet into your mouth to take one big satisfying bite. Of course, with some larger fish, it’s multiple bites, which is perfectly acceptable.

If the idea of lowering a salt-cured whole fish into your mouth feels a little too adventurous, many stalls will slice it into bite-sized pieces. Then serve it in a small cardboard tray topped with onions and pickles. Honestly, this is my preferred method for eating it.

Another popular option in Amsterdam is the broodje haring, where the fish is tucked into a soft white roll to create a portable snack. Locals often pair their herring with extra pickles—or even a cold beer.

Where to Eat the Best Herring in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has the best haringhandels, taverns, and restaurants for herring in all the Netherlands. I recommend trying this iconic Dutch food at one of the following. 

Stubbe’s Haring

Located on the Singel canal just near Central Station, Stubbe’s has been serving fresh, sliced herring with pickles and onions for over a century. I appreciate that the fish is prepped fresh to order and served traditionally.

They get a bustling mix of locals and tourists who stop by for a quick bite. Portions run around €3–4. I recommend visiting in the early afternoon for shorter lines and perfect photo light by the canal.

Stubbe’s Haring (€) – Singel 8n, 1013 GA Amsterdam, Netherlands. 

Frens Haringhandel

Photo credit: Frens Haringhandel

Nestled at Singel 468 near the Flower Market, Frens draws both locals and tourists with its classic wooden stall appearance and freshly sliced herring topped with onions and pickles. It’s ideal for a walk-up snack and usually €3.50 per portion. Try it at midday before the crowd descends.

Frens Haringhandel (€) – Singel 470, 1017 BB Amsterdam, Netherlands. 

Kras Haring

Kras Haring is a no-frills herring stall known amongst locals for consistently excellent cleaning and preparation methods. This is a place you hit up on a walking tour when you want an authentic taste of Amsterdam herring, but still need to be on the move. I love their purist approach to fresh-cut herring served simply with onion and pickles.

Kras Haring (€) – Kattenburgerplein 89, 1018 KM Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Haringstal de Zeevang

You’ll find Haringstal de Zeevang in In Haarlemmerplein market. It’s a modest stall that I honestly walked past the first time. They source herring directly from the North Sea, and like to put some creative twists on what herring can be. On my last visit, I tried a version that was seasoned with black pepper that gave the herring a little bite, and a surprisingly pleasant warmth in the back of my throat.

Haringstal de Zeevang (€) – Haarlemmermeerstraat, 1058 JS Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Why Locals Love It — and You Might Too

For Amsterdammers, herring isn’t just a snack, it’s a symbol of Dutch heritage, tied to centuries of maritime tradition and national pride. It’s also very rich in Omega-3s and high in protein, making this briny bite as nutritious as it is iconic.

Locals enjoy it year-round, often with onions and pickles. Herring is especially popular during the Hollandse Nieuwe season when the fish is at its freshest. If you want to sample the best Dutch foods, herring isn’t just about the flavor. It’s a delicious rite of passage into everyday Dutch life.

Eating a herring the traditional way, by holding the tail and lowering it into your mouth, is also a pic-worthy moment! It’s certainly shown up on my socials once or twice. 

Final Thoughts: Give Herring a Try — Even If You’re Unsure

It’s completely natural to feel a little hesitant about trying herring for the first time. Yet, you shouldn’t let that stop you. Like me, you’ll probably be surprised by how mild, tender, and even slightly sweet it tastes.

Whether you’re an adventurous eater or a dedicated foodie curious about Dutch culinary traditions, trying herring will add richness to your next Amsterdam food tour.  

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Amsterdam food tours. Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/amsterdam/

Eating Europe. (2023, April 25). Traditional Dutch food: 10 must-try dishes in the Netherlands. Eating Europe Blog. https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/traditional-dutch-food/

De Zeevang. (n.d.). De Zeevang. http://www.dezeevang.nl/

Frens Haringhandel. (n.d.). Frens haringhandel. https://www.frens-haring.nl/

Kras Haring. (n.d.). Kras haring. https://krasharing.nl/

Stubbes Haring. (n.d.). Stubbes haring. Facebook. https://m.facebook.com/pages/Stubbes-Haring/480492398652703