Amsterdam is famous for a raw herring dish served with onions and pickles called Hollandse Nieuwe. The best ones are usually found in stalls scattered around the canals. The traditional way of eating herring (as related to me by a Dutch citizen who saw me eating it and asked me what I thought of it) is by taking the tail of the raw herring, slathering it with onions and eating it whole.
However, the way herring is served in Amsterdam is sans tail. The herring’s tail has been amputated somewhere during its voyage from the North Sea. Instead, it’s sliced into manageable pieces and sprinkled with raw onions and some pickles. You’re supposed to eat it with a toothpick – mine comes with a nice Dutch flag on it – this is the famous stall in Koningsplein where you can get herring and broodje haring.
The herring (spelled haring in Dutch) is fresh and this place has a very healthy turnover of customers craving for some raw sea produce. It costs Euro 2.70 (about RM 12) for a whole herring and you can add Euro 0.50 for a broodje haring.
Broodje haring is basically an entire herring sandwiched between a bun. There are two types of buns in Frens Haringhandel – the traditional one is the soft bun. I would recommend eating just the herring but if you need a bit of carbohydrates to fill yourself up, the boodje hearing is a great option.
Fresh raw herring in Amsterdam is divine – it’s surprisingly creamy, a word I wouldn’t expect to describe fish. The haring has been deboned and practically melts in your mouth. It’s also slightly salty and totally unlike sashimi – definitely a must try if you happen to go to Amsterdam.
Just look for the Frens Haringhandel stall near the flower market in Amsterdam!
HB, does it taste like sashima or like sardine? I seen something like that in deli in San Francisco but it under Jewish food. I will give it a try still find it interesting. Amsterdam is known for great cheese also did you try some along with their fine pastries?
Nope, it’s totally unlike sashimi at all! It doesn’t taste like sardines either, I don’t like sardines. 🙂
Yup, had some great cheese in Amsterdam and great wine in Georgia (cradle of wine making!).
Are you stopping by the UK again? Come to Nottingham..
I spent a lot of money on this 20 odd days trip. :S
I’ll need to save up again before I can go. I hope to see the midnight sun and hit Iceland for all the unusual cuisine. 🙂
I wish I can go to Amsterdam someday!!
Yeah you should, Amsterdam is awesome! 🙂
I’ve been there twice in less than half a year and I still want to go again. Heh!
I do not know if anyone told you about this..it came out in the local daily here in KK that Jothy’s Restaurant are suing you and Google for defamatory reviews of their restaurant.
Yeah, I was sleeping the entire day yesterday and only knew when a friend called me. :S
still blogging bout food? i think u shud change interests. serves u right getting sued for RM6 mil.. oh ya and that COMEEZ aka PW shud be sued over SEDITION too.
Oh, you didn’t get the memo? I don’t capitulate easy. :p
Hey ZZZZ – why dont you get a life? If you dont like the guy, go away. Noone wants to hear your bullshit.
Yup, lots of trolls around here Adam – they’re seasonal. 😉
Im guessing you must be the owner. Everyone has their personal view and suing them over food review is down right cheap shot. If the food is as good as what it’s claimed, then there is no reason you need to sue.
Totally agree Kelvin, opinions should be covered under freedom of speach. Cheers!
This is the exact shop that I went to for my haring!
Yup! It’s the most famous one in Amsterdam! It’s just beside the flower market and everyone goes there coz they have a quick turnover in customers so the herring is always fresh! 🙂
Now this is fun, ii went looking for your post after you mentioned it on Thursday, I didn’t click at first which stall you meant, but now i know its quite funny, as I cant believe you and Eiling both have gone to the same stall i used to go to to when i would visit our capitol…..
do you create your own accounts, make your own comments and then reply to them?!
Haha! No, that would be schizophrenic behavior. 🙂
Most of them have their own blogs or websites and you can click through to see it.
I always comment as admin.
Thanks for your visit in Amsterdam!
Frens Harring
Hello! Thanks for the link on your website. 🙂
It thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Amsterdam and I love the herring from your place. 🙂