Broodje Haring with onions. ©Priscilla Willis
Famous in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands, I could think of no better place to experience my first Broodje Haring (raw herring in a roll) than in Zierikzee, a fishing village in Schouwen-Duiveland in the southwestern Netherlands. In Amsterdam you can have haring broodje from street carts where its served on a soft roll with onions and pickles and, if you want to experience culinary Amsterdam, should not be missed.
My biking buddies were well aware of my mission and when the bright kitschy signage at the fishmonger Saman Vishander caught my eye their curiosity was kindled, too. What is this broodje haring that she is obsessed with?
I chatted with two gentlemen who were paying for their haring broodjes and quickly made my purchase. We proceeded to a waterfront table to bask in the waning northern sun and rehydrate after a strenuous day’s bike ride over the dikes and dams of the Delta Works project of the Zeeland Province.
More than a mouthful!!
Unlike sashimi, cured haring has a salty, creamy texture that doesn’t taste at all like raw fish. Try it if you’re ever in Amsterdam or the Netherlands.
Providing entertainment for the other restaurant patrons.
As the fishmonger’s sign depicts, eating the tiny herring in the traditional way. Ok, possibly a tad over dramatized 😉
Nowadays, street carts serve herring cut into smaller fillets, topped with onions and pickles with a toothpick to consume it in a more delicate manner.
Updated 6/10/19 with better photos.
My Man's Belly
May 11 at 5:38 pmAll the times I’ve been to Amsterdam I’ve never tried this. I guess I should do that on my next trip.
Pachecopatty
May 11 at 6:48 pmI’ve never tried this either, you’re a brave woman Priscilla, welcome home, can’t wait to see your photos;-)
Angie's Recipes
May 11 at 8:54 pmLooks very fresh and delicious! I think I will have to give it a try when I visit Holland.
5 Star Foodie
May 12 at 5:10 amI would so love to try this, I love herring! Awesome, can’t wait to hear more about your trip.
spcookiequeen
May 12 at 8:39 amI love sushi, so I would have been eager to try this. I love the photos of you eating it. I can’t wait to see what else you found.
-Gina-
Victoria @ Mission: Food
May 12 at 11:31 amPriscilla, you crack me up!! Love those pictures. I’m glad you were able to try this famous herring sandwich. I don’t know a whole lot about the food of Amsterdam, but I would happily try out that sandwich 🙂
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May 12 at 3:26 pmI’d love to try it! What an incredible experience. 🙂
Magic of Spice
May 13 at 8:49 amSounds like you had an amazing time…what fun! You are too funny, I am going to have to use that photo for your caller ID 😉
Lilly
May 13 at 11:35 amWow good job trying it!! It’s one of the things that you either love a lot or hate a lot. My hubby is living in Holland for 4 years now, but didn’t dare to try it yet. Did you try the “kroket” as well? Very jummie also.
Have fund in Holland!
Priscilla
May 13 at 11:45 amThanks everyone! I had an amazing time in Holland and the Netherlands (I learned that they are not the same thing) and always try to experience the local flavors 🙂
Priscilla
May 13 at 11:47 am@Lilly – I did try several “krokets” and “bittenballen”. Most people would find them more to their liking – everything is better fried 🙂 Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment.
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May 13 at 12:33 pmSo that’s where you were all this time! Lucky!
I’ve been to Amsterdam only once…. I wish I had known about this samwich! Looks like you were having a blast. 🙂
torviewtoronto
May 13 at 7:46 pmlooks wonderful haven’t had like this
Vickie
May 15 at 2:03 pmGreat pictures, Priscilla – so glad I could watch you experience this and after reading your comments, I wish I would have been braver and taken a bite when you offered it. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your pictures. Your Netherlands roomie.
Kim
May 17 at 7:43 amNice… just a visitor and you’re already eating like a local!
REALLY looking forward to our next visit so you can tell me more about your biking trip. Welcome home!
[K]