Why do Dutch people eat raw herring… and love it?
in Dutch tradition, Dutch food, Dutch way of life on 9 July, 2025
Why do Dutch people eat raw herring… and love it?
If you’ve ever walked through a Dutch market or seaside town and spotted someone holding a fish by the tail, tilting their head back and dropping it straight into their mouth… no, you weren’t dreaming. That’s just the Netherlands doing what it does best: haring happen.
But where did this raw-fish tradition come from, why do we still love it, and what’s the right way to eat it (yes, there are opinions!)? Let’s dive in.
A little fish with a long history
The Dutch love affair with herring goes back centuries, all the way to the 14th century, when a man named Willem Beukelszoon from Biervliet (Zeeland) came up with a way to preserve herring using salt and gutting. This process, called “gibbing“, made it possible to store and export the fish and turned the humble herring into a global trade success.
In fact, herring helped the Dutch economy grow in the Golden Age. Some even say it helped build Amsterdam (thanks, fish!).
So… why do we still eat it?
Because it’s delicious, super fresh and totally Dutch.
Today, herring, especially the famous Hollandse Nieuwe is still a seasonal treat. Each year, the first catch is celebrated with events, media buzz and long lines at herring stalls.
But it’s not just a once-a-year thing. Dutch people eat herring all year round:
- On the market
- At food stalls
- During lunch
- After a night out (really)
- Or just because the sun is shining
It’s comfort food, street food and a cultural ritual all in one.
The right way to eat it (Spoiler: there isn’t just one)
There are a few classic ways to enjoy herring, and each Dutchie has their favorite:
-
The classic “overhead drop”
Grab the tail, tilt your head back, and lower the fish into your mouth in one go. It’s dramatic and tourist-approved. -
Sliced, with onions and pickles
A less intense option, served on a little tray with chopped raw onions and pickles. This is the most popular (and easiest) way. -
On a bun (“broodje haring”)
Herring in a soft white bun with toppings (like pickle or onions) the Dutch answer to sushi-meets-sandwich.
Fun fact: True Hollandse Nieuwe herring must meet strict quality standards, including fat content and preparation. Only herring caught between May and July qualifies.
Herring = culture. And that’s why we capture it.
At SoDutchie.com, we don’t just see a fish. We see a story.
We capture images and videos of the Netherlands in all its quirky, proud, and authentic moments. Like two friends sharing a herring at a harbor. A vendor slicing fish with practiced precision. Or a tourist trying it for the first time (with mixed emotions).
And best of all?
📸 Everything is free for you to download and use. For creatives, brands, students and storytellers.
Whether you’re building a brand, writing a blog, making a video, or just love Dutch culture — we’ve got the visual content to bring your story to life.
Eating Dutch herring
👉 So, what’s your favorite way to eat herring?
Or better yet… show it.
Download your next image or video today at www.sodutchie.com
Read HERE about the first herring auctioned in 2025
Want to know more? Here are some nice to look at links:
- https://visbureau.nl/
Where you can buy herring:
- www.zeevishandelvolendam.nl/product-categorie/haring/
- https://www.kleinvolendam.nl/haring
- https://devolendammer.nl/categorie/haring/
- https://www.schmidtzeevis.nl/webwinkel/artikel/delicatessen/117/haring
- https://visspeciaalzaakdehaan.nl/product/haring/
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