Photo by Tavallai
Another Dutch snack I love is raw herring, or as they call it here — maatjes. You’ll find these red, white and blue stalls mostly in the center of cities and towns in the Netherlands. These stalls normally have all the food on display, so be on the lookout for the raw herring.
Signs like this one on the left makes it easy for you to find this delicious herring treat.
Most Dutch speak English so go ahead and ask. This shot was taken just recently, you can see how much the raw herring costs. Well, Volendam is expensive so expect it to be slightly cheaper elsewhere.
The herring will be given to you on a cardboard plate (the Dutch are big on recycling), and if you want, a generous amount of chopped onions rest on top of the herring.
It’s time to eat it… the Dutch way. This may get a bit messy because of the onions. At one go, arch your head and carefully lift the raw herring above your head, making sure the onions don’t fall on your eyes or cleavage. I don’t have to worry about that since I don’t have one.
Lower the herring into your mouth (wherelse) and take a big bite… mmmm savor the taste of freshly prepared herring and onions! Two more bites and you’re done. That’s it!
Want to see how raw herring is prepared?
Amsterdam city break: A Girl’s Best Friend
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I love ‘raw herring’. My dad moved to the US when he was little, but never forgot the taste of the Dutch herring! When we go to our grandparents in Holland we always get some raw herring with sliced onion for lunch! Healthy AND tasty!!
Glad to receive a comment from someone who enjoys raw herring! Sometimes, I even have it for breakfast – with rice!
I’ve been back to Holland several times in the last 5 years and my fave lunch is sliced herring with onion. I can pronounce it but I never learned to write in Dutch. Best I can do is “gescneede”. Vendors always know what I mean. I’m certain I could ask for it in English, but my pride insists that I speak to the Dutch in the language of my parents, and of course, they immediately switch to English, not because of my linguistic shortcomings, but because they want to practise their English.