Let’s taste some herring

In Amsterdam, fish stands sell raw herring, a soused raw fish with a strong taste. Dutch raw herring is hugely popular in Amsterdam. In Holland, people have been eating raw herring for over 600 years. For you as a foreigner it might seem slightly strange to eat a raw fish that has nothing to do with sushi.
What is herring? Herring is a small fish that is very popular among Dutch people. It is caught in the North Sea and East Sea from mid May to mid July. Then the herring will be stocked in salt and frozen, till it matures. In this way, excellent herring quality can still be eaten in November and December. When you are here in June, you can taste the freshest herring of the season, also called ‘Hollands new herring’.
Now, how do you eat raw herring? In Amsterdam is typical to eat herring with raw onions and pickles. You will have it served on a paper plate, chopped into little pieces or served with bread, in Dutch ‘Broodje haring’. Traditionally however, herring is to be eaten by holding the fish by its tail, dipping it in onions and letting the slippery raw fish then slide into your mouth. Delicious! To show you how raw herring is eaten properly take a look at the video on your screen. Eet smakelijk! Bon appetite!