Haring & Zo (Herring & More), Amsterdam

When you're kicking it in Amsterdam, raw herring is a must-have delicacy, and this haringhuis ("herring house", i.e. takeaway fish shop) in the city center probably serves up the finest you can find. They take this fish seriously. Meticulously prepared, it has a great, buttery, rich taste, and really pairs well with the onions and pickles.

If you think this is anything like the average pickled herring sold in jars at grocery stores, you are absolutely wrong. This fish gets the royal treatment. First, they soak it in salty water in big vats, then they freeze it for a solid couple of days before they clean it up and get it ready for you. So, it's super fresh and not all stinky "fishy" like you might expect, and it's got a nice, firm texture.

But wait, there's more! This place isn't just about herring. They also dish out some salmon, eel, and something called "Hollandse garnalen", which are tiny shrimp that are unique to the Dutch. You won't find shrimp like this anywhere else.