Dutch herring: The ultimate guide to the traditional snack in the Netherlands

If you’ve been to a local market in the Netherlands, you have probably seen several people happily picking up what looks like a raw fish by its tail, dangling it over their mouths and eating it whole. Herring is one of the most popular traditional foods in the Netherlands, but why do the Dutch eat so much of it? And how do you find the best spot to get a taste for yourself? Let’s dive in to the wonderful world of Dutch herring!

Herring, a popular product of the North Sea

Herring, or haring as it’s known in Dutch, has been popular in the Netherlands since the Middle Ages, having long been an important part of the Dutch economy. Herring move in large shoals in shallow coastlines and the North Sea has perfect conditions for herring populations.

Smoking and salting the fish are ways of preserving them so that they can be transported or stored, and these methods were carried out in the Netherlands for generations.

In the 14th century, however, people began to use vinegar, along with herbs and spices, to preserve the fish. This method of preserving herring gained favour in the Netherlands and it has stood the test of time in terms of its popularity.

Buying Dutch herring all year round

Thinking of trying it for yourself? Here are a few things to know before treating yourself to a portion of herring in the Netherlands:

Do the Dutch actually eat raw herring?

Despite popular belief, the fish is not actually served raw; rather it is cured or brined. It can also be served smoked.

After the herring is caught, it is prepared using a process known as gibbing where it is partially gutted, salted and frozen for a minimum of 24 hours to prevent parasites. 

The pancreas and liver are left intact in the gutting process because they release enzymes that are essential in developing and maturing the flavour. The herring is then further cleaned and put in brine for a number of days - traditionally in oak casks. This process means that herring in the Netherlands is not actually raw. 

Where can you buy herring in the Netherlands?

Dutch herring is sold at fishmongers, street vendors and stalls all year round. The most highly-regarded herring to look out for is Hollandse Nieuwe. 

To find a top herring stall, choose a vendor that is popular with the locals, rather than tourists. A good indicator of a top stall is that they prepare the fish to order right in front of you. While this may take some extra time, as they have to remove the skin, tail and bones, it is well worth the wait!

What does Dutch herring taste like?

The flavour of herring differs depending on the time of year: fish lose some of their fat in winter, which has a massive impact on the flavour.

The best time of year for Dutch herring is arguably in June and July when the Hollandse Nieuwe catch of fish is newly on the market.

The batches of herring caught between mid-May and the end of June are so renowned that there is a festival dedicated to them - Flag Day! This is the time of year when the fat content is optimal and therefore the flavour is at its best.

How to eat herring in the Netherlands

Herring is usually served as a takeaway snack from one of the herring stalls in the many Dutch cities and towns. It can be eaten in a number of ways.

One common way - and arguably the most comical - is eating it whole. You simply hold it by its tail, dangle it in the air and bite into it from below. It can alternatively be eaten with a fork, served in chunks on a cardboard tray, accompanied by diced onions and some slices of gherkins. You can also order a herring sandwich (broodje haring), where the herring and its accompanying garnishes are served in a small white bread roll. 

Fillets of herring are also commonly rolled into a cylindrical shape and held in place with a cocktail stick, with slices of gherkin in the middle - these are called "rolmops".  The word "rolmop" comes from the German language and is sometimes used as a nickname for pickled herring in general in the Netherlands, even if the herring is not rolled up.

Why is it a tradition to eat herring after carnival?

The act of eating herring, also known as haringhappen, can take place throughout the year, but there are also certain dates when it is more common, such as Flag Day. Another time of year when it is popular to eat herring is after carnival. 

Carnival marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day fasting period ahead of Easter. During Lent, Catholics cannot eat meats such as beef and chicken, but are allowed to eat fish and other animal products such as eggs and milk. As herring is a popular fish to eat in the Netherlands, eating herring after carnival became a tradition.

Flag Day: Celebrating the first herring catch

Flag Day (Vlaggetjesdag), which takes place each year in Scheveningen, is one of the biggest annual street festivities around The Hague, and has taken place every year for the last 70 years! 

On Flag Day, named after the Dutch flags that decorate the boats, the first herring catch of the season is brought to shore, and people come from far and wide to the coastline to taste the first Hollandse Nieuwe herring of the season and enjoy a day out.

When is Dutch herring called Hollandse Nieuwe?

In order for the fish to be classed as Hollandse Nieuwe, it must have a fat content of at least 16 per cent and it must be prepared according to traditional methods.

Additionally, the fish is classed as Hollandse Nieuwe only after Flag Day takes place, which is on a different date each year (usually at the beginning of June).

Fishmongers who sell herring claiming to be Hollandse Nieuwe that do not comply with these measures can risk a fine of thousands of euros.

Image credit: Sirozy / Shutterstock.com

Flag Day in the Netherlands

On a typical Flag Day, the first barrel of fish is auctioned off, and profits go to a charity. In 2022, the first vat of herring was sold for a record-breaking 113.500 euros, for instance. On the other hand, there are also exceptions to this rule: on Flag Day 2020, the first catch itself was donated to health workers in the Netherlands and in North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany, to show gratitude for taking care of covid patients.

Music is usually played all around the harbour on Flag Day and you can take part in old Dutch children’s games, admire the boats, watch the marching bands and take a look at traditional old Dutch trades being demonstrated for the occasion.

You may even catch a glimpse of local people dressed up in traditional Dutch clothing. It has the makings of a perfect – and typically Dutch – day out, as long as the Dutch weather stays fine for the event!

Try traditional Dutch herring for yourself

Herring is a Dutch delicacy that people either love or hate. The only way to find out whether you’ll like it is to give it a go for yourself. Head to your local market on the weekend and grab a bite - you might just find your new favourite Dutch snack!