Raw herring is a favorite dish among the Dutch because it is rich in omega-3, a type of fatty acid that helps fight inflammation and boost the body's natural immune system.
The "proper" way to eat salted herring in the Netherlands is to hold it by the tail, tilt your head back, and bring the plump fish straight to your mouth before biting it in. Because the fish is slippery and small, eating it the usual way makes it easy to drop. This dish is simple to make: fish caught from the ocean are gutted, scaled, and salted. However, it is the most anticipated dish of the year.
The Dutch way of eating herring. Video : DW
According to Tasting Table , a US website providing world culinary information to 18 million customers annually, it is estimated that Dutch people consume 35-45 million herring each year. The most popular type of herring is Hollandse Niewe, caught annually from mid-May to July or August. Hollandse Niewe herring must have a minimum fat content of 16%. After being caught, the herring are processed by removing the scales and immediately salting them on the fishing boats, ensuring freshness when they reach the consumer.
"I look forward to trying Hollandse Niewe every year. It's even more important than Christmas," a local told German media outlet DW. "It tastes of the sea, of fresh air, and of life," he added, describing the flavor of the herring.
Diners hold the tail of the salted herring in their hands, tilt their heads back, and pop it straight into their mouths to eat. Photo: Flickr
"The fish dish was delicious. I really enjoyed it. My mother and I tried it 10 years ago and still love it now," another female tourist shared.
Herring has been caught and processed in this way in the Netherlands since the 17th century. This small, fatty fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids – beneficial for heart health and boosting the immune system – has become a source of pride in Dutch culture and cuisine . It's most talked-about in June – the month of local festivals with numerous events held throughout the country to celebrate the arrival of the new catch. One of the biggest street festivals in the country this month is Flag Day, or Vlaggetjesdag (this year on June 17th, starting at 10 am and ending at 7 pm).
Herring is often eaten with pickles and chopped onions. Photo: Flickr
Vlaggetjesdag is held at the port of Scheveningen, near The Hague, with fishing boats lined up along the harbor, lively local music, and handicrafts on display throughout the streets. Each year, the festival attracts 200,000 visitors. On this day, the first barrel of Hollandse Nieuwe fish is brought ashore and auctioned off. The proceeds from the sale of the barrel are donated to charity and officially mark the start of the herring fishing season.
Hollandse Nieuwe herring stalls begin serving live fish on Vlaggetjesdag. Besides eating the fish directly, visitors can wrap it in a warm, buttered bread roll and enjoy it with pickles and chopped onions.
(By Anh Minh , based on DW, Tasting Table )
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