Love letter to the herring stalls of Amsterdam

You haven't truly experienced Amsterdam until you've stood in line at a haringhandel (herring stall), the salty scent of the sea dangling from your nose, fishmongers chatting like old friends, and that first pop of brined herring hitting your tongue. These stark wooden counters adorned with catch-of-the-day signs aren’t mere pit stops. They’re ritual spaces where locals gather, stories are shared, and every bite of Hollandse Nieuwe feels like a communion with the city’s heartbeat.

Viskraam Haring & Zo

You might think that locals would have no reason to go to Dam Square, but don’t be fooled. Haring & Zo is one of the most beloved herring spots in the city. Perched strategically behind the Royal Palace, Haring & Zo hums with energy from dawn till dusk. The queue contains visitors and locals, ranging from students to commuters, and they all share the same hope: a perfect fishy bite. You’ll know it when you see someone lift that silvery fillet, slit through by hand, and twist it into a bed of finely chopped onion and sweet pickles. That first taste is always a quiet revelation.

Local and regular Emma beams as she leans on the stall’s edge:

The staffers here have a special way of cutting the herring, and they all cut them manually, one by one. For a full-on experience, order the broodje haring (a soft roll cradling the fillet, onions, and pickles), an unapologetically messy but endlessly satisfying delight.

Viskraam Haring & Zo | Dam Square

Gebr Molenaar

Though technically a fish shop rather than a stall, Gebr Molenaar on Bos en Lommerweg feels every bit as inviting and accessible. Run by two brothers with deep roots in the trade, it has the welcoming, neighbourly feel of a place where regulars are remembered, and newcomers quickly feel at ease. What sets this shop apart is the owner's willingness to help you find the right fish for whatever you're cooking. Are you wondering what works best for a curry, a light summer salad, or something to roast whole with herbs? Ask. They’ll listen, suggest, and inspire.

The selection is vast and carefully chosen – gleaming fillets of redfish, silky gerookt paling (smoked eel), thick slabs of cod, and even more unusual varieties depending on the season. Everything looks vibrant and fresh, and there’s a real generosity in how they talk about food.

Gebr Molenaar | Bos en Lommerweg, Bos en Lommer

Vishandel Stroek

At the heart of Sierplein in Nieuw-West, Vishandel Stroek has been quietly feeding the neighbourhood since the early 1980s. It’s the kind of stall that locals pass by almost instinctively, drawn by the scent of fresh battered fish and the easy energy of a team who genuinely enjoy what they do. The staff are unfailingly kind and attentive, whether you’re a loyal regular or a curious passerby.

Their kibbeling (fried fish bites) is some of the best in the city: perfectly crisp, lightly spiced, and served in generous portions that rarely survive the journey home. But it’s not just about the snack food here. Vishandel Stroek is also one of the few places in Amsterdam where you can find specials like genuine IJsselmeer paling (eel) – a true Dutch delicacy that’s becoming increasingly rare.

For larger gatherings, they also offer excellent visschotels (platters of mixed seafood) ideal for a birthday lunch, Friday drinks, or a spontaneous get-together.

Vishandel Stroek | Sierplein, Nieuw-West

Zeevang

At the vibrant heart of the Haarlemmerplein market, Zeevang is nestled between green grocers and flower stalls. Its stall is modest, but the fish is exceptional. It is pulled directly from Dutch fishing boats, and each batch is approved by the owner, Lucien, and his son Arie before it reaches the counter. Opt for the classic herring, but be sure to also try some of the other soft rolls like the broodje krabsalade (pulled crab sandwich or broodje garnalen (shrimp sandwich).

David, a frequent visitor, confided between bites:

Zeevang | Haarlemmerplein, Centrum

Vishandel De Boer & Klouwer

Tucked away in the quieter residential streets of Molenwijk, De Boer & Klouwer is a well-kept local secret worth seeking out. There’s nothing flashy about this fish stall – no neon signs or loud branding – just reliably excellent fish and a team who take real pride in what they do. The kibbeling here is a standout: golden, crisp on the outside, and steaming soft within. It’s the kind of snack you might come for once and find yourself craving regularly.

But don’t stop there. The real sleeper hit might be the soft white roll filled with creamy makreelsalade (smoky mackerel salad). It’s a comforting, flavourful bite that feels both nostalgic and fresh. And if you’re after something classic, their haring met uitjes is consistently excellent. The herring comes straight from Volendam and shows in the taste: fresh, clean, and full of that briny sweetness Dutch herring lovers chase.

This is not a stall that tries to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it quietly perfects it, offering honest, well-prepared fish with friendly service. The kind of place that becomes part of your weekend rhythm before you even realise it.

Vishandel De Boer & Klouwer | Molenwijk 23, Noord

Other honourable mentions:

For a quick but quality haring fix, a few other stalls deserve a nod:

• Vishuisje Simons (Oyster Brothers) on the Utrechtsestraat serves classic broodjes haring in a sleek, minimal setting – ideal for a pitstop mid-shopping.
• Kras Haring, over by Kattenburgerplein, keeps things spot-on and straightforward, with reliably fresh fish.
• Frens Haringhandel, right in the city centre at Koningsplein, has been serving perfectly chilled haring to locals and tourists alike for decades—reliable, central, and always ready with a smile.

What to order: key dishes

Hollandse Nieuwe - new-season herring (classic, lightly brined). You might see signs all year round, but the new batch usually comes in mid-June.

Broodje haring - brined herring in a soft roll with optional pickles and onions

Kibbeling - battered and fried fish bites (often cod)

Gerookte paling - smoked eel (this delicacy will sometimes be pricy); order it on a soft roll.

Sliptong - locally-caught Dover sole, delicately pan-fried

Viskraam - fish stall or kiosk

Haringhappen - the tradition of eating herring by hand           

Zuur - pickles

Uitjes - small chopped white onion

Visschotel - a platter of multiple types of fish